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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5) by J. K. Rowling
Book Summary InformationAuthor: J. K. Rowling Brand: Arthur A. Levine Books Illustrator: Mary GrandPré Edition: Hardcover Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2003-07-01 ISBN: 043935806X Number of pages: 896 Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books Product features: - About the author
- Page on art direction and use of materials to create book.
Book Reviews of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)Book Review: Potter Rocks! ... PISSED. (well, not that much really, just a little exaggeration I guess) Summary: 5 Stars
Back in the office at work, I heard a wench yakking to another colleague spilling out who'd died in the book, as there's a lot of talk about a body count or so, but to my infuriation she went on naming those that are said to have died in the book, that the least I could do is cover my ears and hum - for it's really damaging to be given spoilers prior to your indulging on a particular work; and though some of the names (mainly major characters in the book) have already spilled to enter my ear from her mouth - I only take it then that perhaps these wannabe's (being that they're only being stupid that's why they are such) have just misread what's in the book; and to my relief HAH! I'm right. My, ain't that grand ;-). I'm livin' in the philipaens that's why there are such...
However, there is indeed a character (or so) who've died amidst certain turning points in this book, along with a situation that sentenced Harry in being expelled from Hogwarts, wherein Potter's reputation is tarnished more than ever before - and it doesn't help when The Daily Prophet contributes to that stating that he's nothing but a conceited attention-getter; and above all these, his best buddy Ron's brother Percy believe it so, along with the majority of the people in Hogwarts.
To add spice into it, enter the school's new administration in-charge Dolores Umbridge, who is one among the new characters presented in the book. I found a number of situations' relevance to Potter that are akin to mine going through some phase in the same age of rebellious streak when I was fifteen.
There are also some major changes along the storyline, including something which involve Harry's closest circle of friends - Hermoine and Ron. And in this one, there is something about Dumbledore that is rather best read than described, which is nothing that we've ever seen (or read rather (heard for those on the audio books)) about the Wizard before. Also, there is a revelation encountered by Potter regarding his father, and it would totally change his perspective in the way he views his dad from this point on.
Plus, there's a lot of great deal of Kharma that it seemed to indicate here for what is being dealth around on Potter regarding what he is being subjected to right now in this point of his life.
J.K. Rowling had done a splendid job not only in this particular installment, but in the entire series in general - wherein Rowling had the ingenuity of spinning tales amidst the storylines which subject its readers to find it hard in putting down the book, although its not an unfamiliar thing that she uses certain elements (mainly like the names within certain places and characters) that are either obviously taken blatantly or subtly from works of other authors such as within the likes of Roald Dahl, Fantasy flicks (like LABYRINTH) or C. S. Lewis - Rowling had the ability to turn great spins within the storylines and its characters, which are nothing short of being magical.
An example to this would be The Ministry of Magic, which is in the vein of The ministry of Truth of sorts (although not exactly) from George Orwell's non-sci-fi (sic) fiction called 1984, (wherein the civilization have been taken over by a very dominant ruling party that's as sinister as any dictatorial government could ever be, and monotonously instating certain departments completely to certain sectors of the government like the said Ministry wherein all media operations are handled over in that fiction by Orwell).
If one would study the Occult, it could be found that Rowling had certain referential bits of hidden-anecdotes regarding occultism, such as the term `ehwaz' for which Hermoine complained about having misinterpreted the term for `eiwaz' which means `defense' rather than `partnership' on their studies, that made her lost a point in their exams - which is actually similar to the sound of famed british occultist Alister Crowley's own allegedly declared higher being/guardian angel - the entity, AIWAS.
What's peculiar, looking at it if one would consider, Rowling've seemed to have taken a well handled scope as far as executing the aspect regarding the way she depicted the Magick arts, although far be it if ever the skills of Hogwarts' wizards and students could manifest in reality similar to these characters as depicted for those who are involved in the occult - but it is apparently good of Rowling to depict Magick balanced with actual occult concepts - if one would observe, Voldermont being of the Dark side is strong and aggressive, whilst his arch nemesis counterpart Albus Dumbledore being of the good side - that although strong, only used defensive counter-attacks on Voldermont, which is inherently characteristic of `White Magic'. I love this work of fiction by Rowling. Much of these are seen in the explosive action packed climax in the book, particularly on chapter 35, which I can't hardly continue to read at the time due to great excitement.
Also there's great action sequence with Potter's part of duel against the sadistic Belatrix Lastrange, notorious for having slain several wizards in the history of Hogwarts, and from using the Cruciatus curse on Nevile Longbottom's parents that got `em totally insane.
Man, I can't wait for the movie adaptation.
And amidst all of the rubble that we'd find Harry Potter subjected into in this 5th part of the series - of course there's also the matter about his love interest for Cho Chang. Much likely on the upcoming movie adaptation for this here, the book 5 of the series - there'd be a lot of screaming and temper tantrums required for Daniel Radcliff in playing the part for his portrayal of Harry Potter this time around, and a lot of crying for the girl who portrays Cho Chang - Katie Leung, who's not that bad really, but it's only that she looked like more of an Hawiian girl than an oriental.
As for Potter's feel of affection for Chang -- There are times when I wish if only I could shout at Harry on the book and tell him, "Bah! Forget about that Cho chick! She's bad news. Why don't you go for Hermoine instead?!" But I found to take it as something personal though regarding Hermoine's comments about `four legs'.
However, for me - Book 5 ranks as one of the best in the series. Rumour has it that:
In this 5th installment - there's something in it that J.K. Rowling seemed to've laced it hexed with a curse that says: "Do it today or later you'll pay!" within every turn per chapter. In toto - The book wrapped itself so neatly at the finish.
Some quotes:
"Wit beyond measure is mans greatest treasure." ~ Luna Lovegood (p186)
Peeves the Poltergeist: "Oh most think he's barking,
the Potty wee lad,
But some are more kindly and think he's just sad,
But Peevesy knows better and says that he's mad ---"
Harry Crackpot: SHUT UP!
(p. 247)
"Fools who wear their hearts proudly on their sleeves, who cannot control their emotions, who wallow in sad memories and allow themselves to be provoked easily - weak people in other words -- ... Then you will find yourself easy prey for the Dark Lord!"
~ Severus Snape (p. 536)
Overall...okay I cant help it, I guess its excusable enough that I'd do at least a one single Spiller here, alright. Ok, here it is : Harry Potter lost his virginity on p.457, I think...
`Nuf said.
Summary of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)The next volume in the thrilling, moving, bestselling Harry Potter series will reach readers June 21, 2003 -- and it's been worth the wait!
We could tell you, but then we'd have to Obliviate your memory. As his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry approaches, 15-year-old Harry Potter is in full-blown adolescence, complete with regular outbursts of rage, a nearly debilitating crush, and the blooming of a powerful sense of rebellion. It's been yet another infuriating and boring summer with the despicable Dursleys, this time with minimal contact from our hero's non-Muggle friends from school. Harry is feeling especially edgy at the lack of news from the magic world, wondering when the freshly revived evil Lord Voldemort will strike. Returning to Hogwarts will be a relief... or will it? The fifth book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series follows the darkest year yet for our young wizard, who finds himself knocked down a peg or three after the events of last year. Somehow, over the summer, gossip (usually traced back to the magic world's newspaper, the Daily Prophet) has turned Harry's tragic and heroic encounter with Voldemort at the Triwizard Tournament into an excuse to ridicule and discount the teen. Even Professor Dumbledore, headmaster of the school, has come under scrutiny by the Ministry of Magic, which refuses to officially acknowledge the terrifying truth that Voldemort is back. Enter a particularly loathsome new character: the toadlike and simpering ("hem, hem") Dolores Umbridge, senior undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, who takes over the vacant position of Defense Against Dark Arts teacher--and in no time manages to become the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts, as well. Life isn't getting any easier for Harry Potter. With an overwhelming course load as the fifth years prepare for their Ordinary Wizarding Levels examinations (O.W.Ls), devastating changes in the Gryffindor Quidditch team lineup, vivid dreams about long hallways and closed doors, and increasing pain in his lightning-shaped scar, Harry's resilience is sorely tested. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, more than any of the four previous novels in the series, is a coming-of-age story. Harry faces the thorny transition into adulthood, when adult heroes are revealed to be fallible, and matters that seemed black-and-white suddenly come out in shades of gray. Gone is the wide-eyed innocent, the whiz kid of Sorcerer's Stone. Here we have an adolescent who's sometimes sullen, often confused (especially about girls), and always self-questioning. Confronting death again, as well as a startling prophecy, Harry ends his year at Hogwarts exhausted and pensive. Readers, on the other hand, will be energized as they enter yet again the long waiting period for the next title in the marvelous, magical series. (Ages 9 and older) --Emilie Coulter
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