Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter, 6/7
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, MG, YA
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Release Date: July 16th, 2005

Note: This post reviews the sixth book of the Harry Potter series. You may like to read the first five books in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix before reading this review.

After the events in the previous book, the wizarding world is torn in two: those who support Voldemort’s return, and those who will do whatever it takes to see him destroyed. In the midst of another year at Hogwarts, Harry stumbles across a potions book that belonged to the mysterious half-blood prince. This book helps Harry pass his class, and also beckons him to learn more… Who is the half-blood prince?

Dumbledore brings an odd choice of a teacher back to Hogwarts. Harry later learns why Professor Slughorn has returned – to provide insight on the boy Tom Riddle, before he became Lord Voldemort. Dumbledore and Harry uncover the truth together, and begin the hunt for the Horcruxes, objects that contain part of wizard’s soul after being split through murder. As they are forced to face the evil of Voldemort firsthand, sacrifices must be made – but once again, not everything is as it seems.

I really enjoyed this book. It feels like the beginning of the end, as much of this book sets the stage for the next (and final) book of the series.

Title: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter, 5/7
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, MG, YA
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Release Date: June 21st, 2003

Note: This post reviews the fifth book of the Harry Potter series. You may like to read the first four books in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, before reading this review.

This fifth book of the series feels darker, graver than the previous ones. After the tragic events and the end of the fourth book, we are forced to accept that He Who Must Not be Named has come back, though most in the wizarding world blindly refuse to acknowledge his return. Since their Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher does nothing whatsoever to help them learn spells to protect themselves, Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione, decide to take matters into their own hands. Together, they form a secret training group known as Dumbledore’s Army.

He Who Must Not be Named has returned, with the help and full support of his Death Eaters. The Order of the Phoenix – a group of good wizards who are aware of the enemy – does everything they can to fight Voldemort. But will it be enough to stop him, even with some help from Dumbledore’s Army?

The reason I gave this book a 4 out of 5 is because it’s a little tough to get through, at least compared to the rest of the series. The characters are whiny and overly-dramatic, which makes it a bit less enjoyable of a read than the other books.

Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter, 4/7
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, MG, YA
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Release Date: July 8th, 2000

Note: This post reviews the fourth book of the Harry Potter series. You may like to read the first three books in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, before reading this review.

During Harry’s fourth year, Hogwarts is hosting a mysterious and exciting event – the Triwizard Tournament. The schools competing in this prestigious competition are Durmstrang Institute, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, and (of course) Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Each school is represented by one student, whose name is chosen from the Goblet of Fire.

But instead of three champions, four are selected, and Harry, underage though he be, participates in the Triwizard Tournament. The Triwizard Tournament commences, and the four champions face many dangers. As the tournament progresses, Harry begins to suspect that there is more going on than just fun and games. There is a darkness present, a darkness that waits to reveal itself until the grand finalé. It is Harry who must face this evil, as he is the only one who truly can.

This is such a fun book of the series! Placed right in the middle, it has elements of lighthearted fun, even as the stakes are raised between Harry and Voldemort.