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

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Book Reviews of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5)

Book Review: Order of the Phoenix showcases a darker, more mature story
Summary: 4 Stars

Harry's fifth year is his most challenging so far: the O.W.L (Ordinary Wizarding Level) exams at the end of the year will help determine his future course of studies and profession. Bogged down with an impossible courseload and still emotionally fragile from the events in "Goblet of Fire" (including the death of a fellow Hogwarts student and nearly being killed himself at the hands of Lord Voldemort), Harry is once again involved in a sinister plot against him masterminded by Voldemort. His circle of friends again includes Hermione, Ron, and Neville, and this time around we see the beginnings of a hesitant romance with Cho Chang. Harry is utterly confused and embarrassed at his behaviour towards Cho, including a stolen kiss under mistletoe and a fight at a tearoom on Valentine's Day, and he and Ron lament the confusing nature of females in general.

Old friends from previous books make appearances here, including Mad Eye Moody and Professor Lupin, both former Defence against the Dark Arts professors, and Sirius, Harry's godfather. The Weasly twins Fred and George are back and up to no good as they plan to open their own magic shop in Diagon Alley with the winnings from Harry's Triwizard Tournament. Ron is made prefect of Gryffindor, much to the consternation of Harry, who has also been banned from playing Quidditch by the new villain, Dolores Umbridge, a toadlike woman with a particularly sadistic bent where Harry and friends are concerned. A conspiracy is afoot, and it will take the combined skills of Harry's friends, professors and acquaintances to solve it.

Much of the book is formulaic, resembling the other four in the series. Rowling has, much like Tolkien, created a self-sufficient, utterly believable alternate universe for her characters, filled with exotic foods, sports and classes. But "Order of the Phoenix," like "Goblet of Fire," sustains a much darker tone overshadowed by tragedy, death, evil and revenge. Harry's anger is all consuming, and when a very close friend dies, it is implied that Harry's rashness and sullen obstinacy could have been the cause for the death. "Order of the Phoenix is sure to be a hit with Harry Potter fans, but perhaps not the best book to attract new readers as it relies heavily on past novels in the narrative. No real revelations here not present in the other four novels, but an entertaining read nonetheless.

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