Order of the Phoenix

book cover

Order of the Phoenix is a different feel right from the start. Our hero is almost a different character, so vast was the change in him. However, it is almost a relief to see him getting angry, fighting back, and yet maintaining his integrity. As is expected, this book is longer than any of the prequels, and engages the reader up to the very last page. We get introduced to many new characters, and we get to see more characters die. All in all, Rowling delivers another enjoyable and captivating novel that sends her readers along on all sorts of adventures, from the romantic to the dangerous.

Synopsis

UK book cover Harry starts out at Privet Drive as expected, but once more in an exile much like in the second book. He is free and even encouraged to wander about the neighborhood by his Aunt and Uncle, and he enjoys a lot more freedom than ever before in the Muggle World. However, since all his friends are locked away in the Wizarding World, helping with the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society that is working against Voldemort, he has only minor contact with them. When he is finally re-united with his Wizarding heritage, we are treated to a new place, and new faces. This year, he must battle the popular opinion that he's crazy, and Dumbledore is losing his wits, along with the venemous new teacher at Hogwarts who is determined to break his spirit, and his future. Harry doesn't find out a whole lot more about his destiny, or his past, until the end of the novel, when a few more tidbits are doled out in the pages.

If you don't wish to run into spoilers, then, I suggest you stop here and go on to a different page.

My ranking and favorites

OK, this one is my favorite of them all thus far. Why? Because of the emotional depth that it goes into. Reading it the first, second, and even the third time really wore me out. It takes you through almost every emotion there is to feel, and occasionally the extreme. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry. It is truly an emotional journey. Also, the characters are even more deeply etched and developed. Hermione and Harry grow so close in this year, that Ron seems to fade into the background through most of the book. In fact, when he was included in a scene, it seemed to be more of an afterthought than a natural thing, and surprised me most of the time. Harry goes through deep trials that force him to question his beliefs, and his own integrity. We get to see the characters act and react to extreme situations, and show what they are made of. We also get to make new friends and meet new creatures that intrigue, and please. Just plain good storytelling all around.



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