Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) by J.K. Rowling
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Book Reviews of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4)
Book Review: Potty about Harry, Hogwarts n'all
Summary: 5 Stars
'The Goblet of Fire': such a name conjures up images of a Grail quest. Rowling's prose has dealt with such dark issues before, and she herself announced that a character is set to die in this novel... And also that Harry has a growing interest in girls. You can't help but try to speculate what's going to happen in this book, the clues are so tantalizing. I sort of guessed correctly who Harry's squeeze was going to be, but Rowling completely surprised me with the identity of the deceased. The secrecy surrounding Harry Potter 4 was done very well, and the book more than lives up to your expectations.There was the increased security for all bookshops, although one resourceful girl sneaked a copy out and read it (she must have done a gone back in time charm). Gringotts are most displeased that she managed to steal a copy past the massive three-headed dog that was guarding it. However, it may have been unwise for them to choose Fluffy... The girl was seen carrying a gramophone player at the time.
Never mind. Harry Potter himself has placed a silencing charm upon her, for she has not yet revealed the plot (although this may also be due to the sheer vastness of the book, which seems to be double or even triple the usual Potter). Secret preparations were in place for the dispatch of the book. The Hogwarts Express was pressed into service, and every owl practiced with weights for a fortnight. Even Buckbeak was allowed back from exile in order to do his bit. The password had to be changed from 'Pig Snout', since muggle security guards seemed to find this offensive. Everything had to be right for the biggest spell of magic ever. The muggles think it's fiction, but we know better...
I think the main appeal of Rowling's books is not the character of Potter himself (most often the visiting protagonists are much better sketched than the boy himself). Since all the novels revolve about Potter, I sometimes think that it would be better to see Hogwarts through his eyes, in the first person. However, Rowling bewitches you with her plots, which are superb. I hear it's a seven book series, and I believe that Rowling knows exactly what's going to happen in the end. Each volume seems to have clues for future books, and now appear to be much more open ended, and thus more compulsive. Certainly, pre-orders for Harry Potter 5 are going to break even more records in bookshops.
Hogwarts itself seems to have come from Walpole's 'Castle of Otranto', with its ghosts and lively paintings. However, Hogwarts is both far more benign and malign than Otranto, if that makes any sense. Certainly Rowling's prose is more polished than Walpole's. Although the narrative is very modern, there are quite a few healthy references to the past. I love Rowling's use of Latin, her playing with words. If anything though, I would probably want to branch Rowling off into the more adult writing of Christopher Fowler and Joanne Harris. Harris certainly has the same love of the Gothic, the Pre-Raphaelite paintings, and last, but not least, chocolate. In 'Blackberry Wine', Harris' latest novel, there is just about the same high regard for the media as Rowling produces here in 'The Goblet of Fire'. I think that most authors cannot but help put what they know into their writing, and I think Rowling's sudden celebrity has added a powerful ingredient to these novels, especially this one.
What's most attractive about this series of novels is the narrative progression. Rowling lets Harry Potter grow up before our eyes, so the books should become more mature as they go on. Harry Potter's certainly no Bart Simpson or Peter Pan, forever trapped in childhood - but there's no doubt that he's every bit as immortal as they are. I think his appeal lies not in his being a fabulous wizard, but in the fact that he is so human. He's not a totally virtuous hero, he's not whiter than white, and is more than capable of spite and mischief. This makes him a far more interesting protagonist in his fight against evil, a battle he only conducts due to the dire circumstances of his parents' murder.
But Rowling's proved before that she can make you twist and turn with her fiction. There are plenty of surprises in this new book, which I'll not reveal. Let's just say that you hope that Harry Potter has much better form than most English sportsmen seem to have at the moment... Of course, you have to read all the books, and in sequence, to get proper enjoyment out of them. The Goblet of Fire is a very long book, but like Harry himself, you'll be racing towards the end. This is the best book in the Harry Potter series - so far. Rowling is the consummate entertainer: she always leaves you wanting for more.
Now, how about extending it to an eight or nine book series?
Book Review: "Laying hands on Harry Potter would be so difficult..."
Summary: 5 Stars
In 2000, the fourth of J. K. Rowling's exciting books featuring her beloved character of Harry Potter was released. Entitled "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire", we find Harry once again facing his arch enemy, the very dark wizard whose very name creates great fear within the wizarding world: Lord Voldemort. Towards the end of Harry's summer vacation that he spends with the ever-unpleasant Dursleys (Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia and Cousin Dudley), Harry received an unexpected invitation to attend the Quidditch World Cup match with the Weasley family (the family of one of Harry's dearest friends, Ron Weasley). After some obvious objections, Uncle Vernon agrees, but is concerned about how the Weasley's will arrive to pick up Harry. Instead of arriving in a car as any muggle family would, the Weasleys arrive via their preferred method of transportation: flew powder. Unfortunately, the Dursley's had converted the fireplace into an electric one; but Arthur Weasley clears the way for the rest of the Weasley clan to arrive by blowing a hole through the chimney wall, which he promises to repair to the fear of the Dursleys. Being his first time to watch a professional quidditch match, Harry is extremely excited, especially since Arthur obtained the best tickets possible; however a very unusual event occurs following the game: a group of "death eaters" (supporters of Lord Voldemort) begin to harass a family of muggles at the campsite where so many wizards & witches are staying for the game. Then, the highly feared symbol of Lord Voldemort appears in the sky causing ever more panic among the guests and disruption for the Ministry of Magic. A lowly house-elf named Winky takes the blame and is subsequently fired from service to Percy Weasley's boss at the Ministry of Magic, Barty Crouch; but everyone returns to their homes and Harry, Ron and Hermione Granger return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their fourth year. However, this is going to be a very different year at Hogwarts as there won't be any inter-house quidditch matches. Instead, a revived Triwizard Tournament will be held between a champion to represent Hogwarts and two other champions each representing other wizarding schools. Albus Dumbledore sets an age-limit of 17, meaning that no one under that age may participate and as tradition dictates, the impartial Goblet of Fire selects each school's champion. However, the Goblet of Fire picks not the expected three names of champions, but four, with Harry being the fourth. Claiming that he did not sneak his name into the goblet, Professor Dumbledore is inclined to believe Harry, but not everyone does. However, it is clear that someone does want Harry to participate in the dangerous tournament. The only questions are who, and for what reason? You'll just have to read this very exciting and compelling book to find out!
Each of J.K. Rowling's books about Harry Potter keep getting better and better. I was very impressed with the first three, but the fourth, at a staggering 734 pages, maintains a high a level of interest throughout with its many unexpected plot twists and turns, and I was impressed with some of the words that J.K. Rowling used that would clearly require a child to inquire within a dictionary to understand the meaning. Like the previous books, the fourth has several subplots, such as Hermione's determination to free the house-elves, Hagrid's interest in Madame Maxime (the head of one of the French wizarding school known as Beauxbatons), Hermione's apparent interest in Viktor Krum (who not only attends the Durmstrang wizarding school, but is also the very famous Bulgarian quidditch player whose feats during the Quidditch World Cup amazed everyone) and the ongoing mischief from the ghost named Peeves. A vast assortment of new characters are introduced in the fourth book, including several people from the Ministry of Magic, the new professor against the dark arts ('Mad-Eye' Moody) and the various people from the other wizarding schools. The book also has several returning characters from the second book ("Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets") including Dobby and Moaning Myrtle.
Without a doubt, J.K. Rowling's fourth book entitled "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" resoundingly earns 5 out of 5 stars. The twists and turns that this story takes make predicting its outcome impossible. I very much look forward to reading the fifth book, as well as the sixth book that will be published in a few months. I also look forward to the film version of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" that will be released in theaters later this year. After reading "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire", it was very easy to understand why the excitement level for the fifth book (which was published in 2003) was so high.
Book Review: Rowling's Best...So Far
Summary: 5 Stars
Many readers complained that the beginnings of the book were worthless and that they could've done without them, but I disagree. What Rowling does in the beginning is set up the entire story and certain deliciously exciting parts such as the Quidditch World Cup scenes, which are definately suprising and un-put-a-downable. She also sets up the big picture in the book as in previous books, which features a climatic battle with Lord Voldemort, or as in book 3, an unexpected conclusion involving Harry's new godfather, Sirius Black, and the strange character Peter Petigrew. Other reviewers have also stated that the book is too dark and violent. It's dark, but only because Harry is maturing and things getting darker is sometimes what happens, especially in Harry's world, which is one filled with magic, danger, and wonder everywhere you turn. As for the violence, that comes with the darkness and sometimes you just have to deal with it. What else would you do in Harry's place with a menace like Lord Voldemort hanging around scheming and plotting new ways to kill him or use him as he attempted to do in this book? I for one would definately be petrified from fear, but Harry was courageous enough to stand up to the He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and even escapes (several times now), however narrowly, from the evil clutches of Voldemort. So violence is necessary here. Harry can't just let himself be killed. You can wish that Lord Voldemort didn't even tried to do something horrible to Harry, but if he didn't, he wouldn't be the evil archnemesis we know, would he? Besides, it's Rowling's story and so far I think she's doing an excellent job with it. As for the readers complaining that the Harry Potter books are not great in the literate world, I suggest you get checked back into realtiy. Not only are they immensely popular (as were literate greats Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, and Mark Twain, which I'm sure you all know), but are classic in their views of courage, coming-of-age, and when facing darkness. The style Rowling writes in is flowing and easy to follow. She isn't too heavy on description, though still pays close attention to detail where it really is needed. Instead of lavishly decribing Hogwarts or Diagon Alley over and over again as she had before, she elaborates on the character's feelings, which are by far more important. Although this is true, you aren't at all blind in Rowling's imaginative world. All you need is a creative mind, a handful of Rowling's descriptive sentences and you're there, watching the greatest Quidditch match take place, or crossing your fingers for Harry while he makes his way dangerously through the Triwizard tournament, or at the dreadful climatic battle, clasping the book hard as you become afraid to read on yet still wanting to know what happens next. Another complaint of readers was the useless dialouges between characters. They may be lengthy but if you really listen to the characters, you can see them mature right before you. Harry becoming more daring and brave with the Dursleys. Hermoine lightening up or stiffening at the subject of House-Elves. Ron still scared of spiders and considering himself poor, his relationship with Harry becoming shaky and then wonderful again. Their dialouge is not something skip over-most of the story's humor in them! With all these complaints, it looks like readers are trying to "grow up" and are forgetting the captivating magic of the actual story. Who really cares about the technical things or happenings in the book? I certainly don't. I just want a story. A story that will give me characters to love, hate, cherish, care, and want to know better. A story that will give the good characters an adventerous plot they deserve. A story with a delicious style. Rowling has served me that story. I should think that she has done the same for you. Stop complaining. Stop trying to pick at the book and critisize it. Instead, enjoy it like a book should be. If you didn't like it, don't ever read it again. If you miss it, then perhaps you like it after all. If not, fine, but I definately don't want to hear it. I'm sure other loyal Harry Potter fans won't either. I hope this has helped you. I also reccomend the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman. They are a wonderful group of books and like Harry Potter, are sometimes misunderstood for their beauty and complexity. Happy reading.Book Review: EXQUISITE a MUST read
Summary: 5 Stars
I love these books, and can read them over and over, especially this one, which is very true to the style formed in the first book, but also different in that the plot writing is not stuck in a formulaic system like some book series can get into, especially many children's books series. I am so happy that for once a super popular book is actually something that is well written and not an insult to the intelligence and one's aesthetic sensability. Thank God something clicked in people's heads that they are willing to explore and challenge themselves a little bit more beyond stupid love stories and pointless and poorly written action/adventure books. This 4th book has definitely many things that deserve the greatest compliments as you can surely see in probably all reviews. The most intelligent scenario Rowling has conceived so far in these 4 books in my opinion is when Harry is under his invisibility cloak trapped in the stairs in front of Snape and Filch and Moody helps him and finds out about the marauders map. Only close to the end of the book you realize why this moment when Moody is looking at the map in front of Harry was such a critical one, what was at stake, what was really going on there. No doubt fascinating imagination and lessons Rowling has displayed and shared in these Harry Potter books. Thanks for that.I spent a waste of time reading one, two, or occacationally three star reviews. Not one of them said something that is realistic or supportive of what they try to say. Those are some most common one star reviewers reason(s):
1. Harry has no depth (as well as other charaters).
- They are very rich in personality. Snape flexing his hands every time he looks at Harry as if wanting to strangle him is an example.
2. It is predictable.
- WARNING DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK Can these people honestly say they knew or suspected Crouch's son was alive??? Of course not! He died after being in prison for a year. Can people say they knew Snape and Karkaroff are death eaters??? Of course not! By the way I don't think Karkaroff is going to live to see 2 more Christmas.
3. It is boring
- I still can't understand how it is boring. After the end each chapter, I my first instinct is to continue to the next chapter. (I've read a lot of books to know what IS boring)
4. Too long (724 pages hardcover)
- I agree that some of the plot is unnecessary, but almost every events (about 85%) of the story is important to later conclusion or may cause laugher. Some reviewers' state that (SPOILER AHEAD) cedrics death is unnecessary, but he might just be important in book 5(as a ghost?).
5. Violent
-There are some violent in this book, but most of them is to show how evil is Voldemort. The age range 9-12 is too low however, I'd rate it 12-120.
6.Harry lies
-Yes, Harry does lies, but only if the truth would slow down their investigation, or hurt, disappoint, and terrified the person been lied to. Like Professor Dumbledore's statement:
"The truth" he sighed. "It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and therefore be treated with great caution..."(from Book one)
7. Some so-called Christian stated that it promote Occult, Wicca (modern witchcraft), and Pagan.
-As endless 5 stars reviewer repeat again, again, again, and again that Harry Potter book does not promote Occult, Wicca, and Pagan. These books are not evil, they do not promote evil, and they do not glorify evil. On the contrary, they glorify self-sacrifice, dedication and honesty to friends, honesty in the face of evil, courage in the face of evil, and most importantly, these books show children (and adults) how to face our fears with bravery. We can learn a lot from little Harry Potter, and I find it a shame that so-called Christians have decided to wage some kind of bizarre illiterate crusade against these books. Almost All incantations in made out of Latin like lumos (light Charm)=light.
I enjoyed this book and hope I can meet someone who does not like this book so I can see if they can support themselves. Pardon if I have any spelling or grammar errors. (I am unusually sleepy these days)
Book Review: 10th Grade Book Report, I got an A
Summary: 5 Stars
Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire
For my book report, I chose a magnificent novel titled "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." J. K. Rowling is the author of this unforgettable fiction masterpiece.
"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" takes place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadry. Hogwarts is located at a hard to find location in the United Kingdom. This mysterious, exciting, and fun story takes place in 1994.
"The Goblet of Fire" centers around a Person vs. Person / Good vs. Evil conflict. Harry is constantly having to defend himself against the antics of the Dark Lord Voldemort and his group of followers called the Death Eaters. When Harry was a boy Voldemort killed his parents, but he was not able to kill Harry. He became week and is trying to become more powerful so he can ultimately finish his mission and destroy Harry Potter.
Harry Potter is the 14 year old Protagonist in "The Goblet of Fire." Voldemort is the Antagonist in the book. Ron Weasly and Hermione Granger, Harry's best friends, are Static Characters, they stick with Harry through the worst of times. Doby the House Elf is a Round Character and the majority of Hogwarts students are Stock Characters.
The theme of "The Goblet of Fire" is the events that take place during the Triwizard Tournament. The Triwizard Tournament is a three school competition between the Hogwarts, Beauxbaton and Durmstrang schools. It consists of one champion from each school competing against the other champions in a three event Tournament. The three school champions for the Triwizard Tournament, which takes place at Hogwarts, are chosen by an impartial judge, an old cup, given the title The Goblet of Fire. The winner gets one thousand Galleons, the highest form of wizard coinage, and prestige for themselves and their school. Harry's name, however, is unexpectedly chosen by the Goblet and he is bound to compete, according to the rules. The problem is that nobody knows who put Harry's name in the Goblet, because only students seventeen and older were allowed to enter the competition. Harry believes that whoever put his name in the Goblet has it in for him and wants him to die while competing in one of the Triwizard Tournament tasks. Harry, Ron and Hermione decide to take every task one at a time and concentrate on making it through all the tasks alive.
J. K. Rowling was very successful in presenting her central idea throughout "The Goblet of Fire." When Professor Dumbledore, the head of Hogwarts, spoke to the students at the opening banquet he clearly stated that the Goblet of Fire would select the most worthy students to compete for "The Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school, and a thousand Galleons prize money" (Rowling J.K.). I thought the theme was outstanding and perfectly written. The book was so exciting I was up till Four A.M. Reading. All aspects of life are neatly folded into the Harry Potter books in a splendid sort of way. The recognizable characters and the way the story flows makes for great reading. The characters are perfect, with ones you love and others you love to hate. This is a very memorable book and there is one line that I really like in this book, it takes place when Sirius, Harry's Godfather, is talking to Harry, Ron and Hermione. He says "If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals"(Rowling J.K.). This is a great statement that is very true.
So far "Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire" is my favorite book in the Harry Potter series. It is my favorite book of all time and has influenced many peoples lives, young and old. One of the reasons it is so popular is that everybody can feel as if they are inside the book, going through all of Harry's successes and failures with him. All the characters come to life and you do not wish that there were such things as witches, wizards and magic, you know that they are real. Harry Potter is an amazing story about growing up, making the right choices and learning from your mistakes.