Sunday, November 22, 2009
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Fantasy Book Reviews

J.K.Rowling: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)

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The fifth book in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, caused quite a stir before it had even hit the shelves. Bookies in the UK were taking bets on what was going to happen, large quantities of the books were being stolen shortly after landing and much more. I must admit I have never known so much excitement over a book release before.

So what exactly is/was all the excitement about? Well Lord Voldemort has returned, has killed someone and Harry Potter was the only witness. Unfortunately Harry is locked up at his Aunt and Uncle's house once again and is having a thoroughly miserable time. What's making it worse is that no one will tell him anything about what is going on in the wizarding world. So as you can imagine he really is looking forward to going back to school and getting some relief, but poor Harry is in for a miserable surprise.

While Dumbledore, the Headmaster at Hogwarts, believes Harry (and a few others) the local papers are trying to discredit him, making out he's a spoilt little brat who is constantly seeking attention. Unfortunately doubts are also now being placed on Dumbledore and he ends up under investigation from the Ministry of Magic, with disastrous effects on Harry Potter and his friends as well.

A particularly nasty new character called Dolores Umbridge is sent to keep an eye on Dumbledore at Hogwarts, and as time goes by she gains new powers (not magical) at the school and eventually becomes Headmistress. Umbridge also really has it in for Harry as she has bought into the idea of poor Potter being nothing more than a miscreant.

The stakes are high when you cannot even trust the Ministry of Magic, yet there is a mad-wizard on the loose trying to destroy the world. But what is this talk of a secret weapon? Can it really give Voldemort the power to exact his evil revenge?

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a tale of adventure, responsibility and the effects of ones actions. Harry has well and truly started to become a young adult, and one with a lot of power and history. The transition from child to adult is never easy, but when your decisions can mean the difference between life or death then that is another matter altogether.

Rowling has managed to create something, that for no easy reason to pinpoint, has fired the imagination of children and adults alike, across the world. However, although the Order of the Phoenix is a great addition to the series (probably the best to date), I very much doubt that it will convert those that have tried the others and were disappointed. But for fans of the series, what are you waiting for? Go grab a copy now while you can!

One fact that is a bit odd though, there is an "Adult" version of the book, but the only difference is the cover artwork, the text is exactly the same. What was the point in that?

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