Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

This book is my all-time favorite of the series, which is saying something because I've read the series over 14 times! It's my favorite because it's Harry and his friends against the world; and if that's not enough, you throw in a creepy, bigoted, obsessive little woman who looks like a toad and talks with the voice of a 7th grade school girl. That right there makes for an excellent story!

My first review.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the thickest, heaviest book of them all, and what like what most people say "The start of the end". This is the book where the hidden plot hidden beneath books 1, 2, 3 and 4 comes out. Lord Voldemort's back, and he is out to get Harry.

In his fifth year at Hogwart's, Harry faces challenges at every turn, from the dark threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and the unreliability of the government of the magical world, the employment of Umbridge to the rise of Ron Weasley as the keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. Harry and his friends must tell a world that believes the opposite the truth, and they and the Order, must find away to get them on their side.

I think that the Order of the Phoenix is that book that is the least exciting action-wise, but is that must-have to tie the entire story together perfectly. I'm not saying that this book is bad, its perfect, but it is a heavy read, especially as Harry is older, and I don't think that this one is suited for really young readers unless accompanied by someone who will explain what happens.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the fifth book in this amazing series, for adults and children. There is action, magic and a hint of romance edging its way on the side. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has no faults and is just another perfect book by J. K. Rowling.

A thrill ride that is better than a rollercoaster

The Order of the Phoenix is a dark, intricately woven story. Voldemort is back, Harry has been labelled a liar by the Daily Prophet (and by the Ministry), Harry nearly gets kicked out of Hogwarts because the Ministry is determined to shut him up, and Dumbledore is staying away from Harry for reasons that aren't clear until the end of the book. I love the way the Ministry interferes at Hogwarts (better to keep an eye on the truth tellers than to deal with the truth itself!) because it gives our favorite characters a chance to rise to the occasion. From the creation of Dumbledore's Army, which gives Harry a chance to test his budding leadership skills, to the ousting of the odious Delores Umbridge (helped along by the Weasley brothers, Hermoine's cleverness, and some angry centaurs), this story is a tightly woven adventure sure to make reader's reach for book #6.

Considering I've loved Harry Potter for ten years, I've had a lot of time to think through which book was my favorite. Without a doubt, 'Phoenix' is it. The story incorporates the most realistic Harry that we've seen in any of the books prior, and even in 'Prince' and 'Hallows'. Harry's character traits are pivotal ones in this novel: his anger, angst, but also his love and passion, and his discovery of both danger and love. One plot point in the book is Harry's heavy crush on Cho Chang, a popular Ravenclaw student. Harry has had a crush on Cho since the beginning of his fourth year at Hogwarts, and they date in this book, and Harry has his first kiss with Cho. Another romance in this book is one much less important, but is one recognized by Harry: Ginny's relationship with Michael Corner, one that confuses Harry and that Ginny takes because, as revealed in 'Prince', Hermione told her to move past Harry. Harry's relationship with Cho goes downhill, and the two breakup, partly due to Cho's feeling that Harry doesn't like her, and partly because Harry loses interest, and worries that Cho was using Harry as bait to receive information about Cedric Diggory, an aspect played up in the film adaption.
The main conflict in the story is that Lord Voldemort is on the rise, and Harry thinks he has kidnapped his godfather Sirius Black, while word of a prophecy looms. Harry's choices are very realistic, and he uses the help of Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and his new friend (and my favorite character) Luna Lovegood, to break into the Ministry of Magic.
The darkness is incredibly present in this novel, especially thanks to the characters Dolores Umbridge and the newly-prison-escapee Bellatrix Lestrange. Harry is practically tortured by Umbridge, whose idea of detention is having her students be put into excruciating pain.
I read this book a long time ago, but felt writing a review would be nice, considering the final film is coming out in 2 weeks exactly.

Reader reviewed by nikki

This book made me want to cry! i loved hoe Harry Potter feels closeness to his godfather Sirius and his willingness to save him. I really think that the book made me realize that everything that i have should be cherished. Harry has no father, no mother, and now no godfather. It just makes me wonder. I think that this book should be recommended for anyone 11 and older. This book shold not be rated because it is not that bad. I loved the book and i hope that they keep up the good work!!!!

Reader reviewed by Sarima89

Reader reviewed by Sarima89

Reader reviewed by GRgenius

Darker than the previous novels in the Harry Potter series, 'Order of the Phoenix' presents us with sides not often seen in many of the characters.  Everyone is on edge with the news of Voldemort's return and the Ministry of Magic is doing everything they can to discredit those that wish this truth to be known.  Seeing that squelching this supposed rumor is not able to be done prior to the new school year, they send one of their own behind the lines, one Professor Umbridge.  With a disturbing affection for pink as well as a way to much imagination in the rule and punishment departments, its hard to see her as a friend when she's working as a foe!  Unable to get the training needing from this new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Harry, his pals, and a few unlikely allies, team up to learn what they can from their own experience.  The Room of Requirement aids them in providing a place for honing their skills, and the creation of the DA (Dumbledore's Army) is complete.  Little do they know just how soon those new skills will be put to the test.....  Voldemort will do anything to gain back his former glory and news of a previously hidden prophecy comes to light.  Apparantly, it contains the key to his undoing and who can truly conquer his evil!  Will Harry and his friends prevail?   What of the prophecy?  Is there really someone else that was meant to be the 'chosen one'?

Another thrilling addition for anyone's literary collection...filled with favorite characters and storytelling you've come to love.  Happy reading!