Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
~CAUTION SPOILERS~
This book made me sad and that was before I found out who died. It is much darker than the first four. I knew it would be, but that doesn't stop me from missing the humor I loved about the first books. Not that I didn't enjoy Order of the Phoenix, because I did, but in a differnet way from the first four. They made me remember what it was like to be a kid. Phoenix reminded me of how painful it can be growing up. Here are some of the highlights of the book, or what I loved and didn't love about it.
What I loved
1.Fred and George!
What's not to love about Fred and George, right? Their pranks on Umbridge when she becomes headmistress are some of the best parts of the book. I loved seeing Umbridge get her comeuppance. (?SP) And who better to give it to her than the Weasley Twins.
2. Weasley is our king!
Typical Draco! And I loved that Gryfinndor got to turn it on him, when Ron came thorugh in the Ravenclaw match.
3. Getting to know Ginny and Cho
Finally some character development with these two! I wasn't very surprised about Cho, but I was surprised to find that I like Ginny so much. She is a lot more interesting now that she is over her crush on Harry and has started talking. Hope Harry sits up and takes notice, but I don't see much chance for romance in the future books. :(
4. Snapes Worst Memory
This is probably my favorite chapter in the book. Even though James and Sirius weren't very likeable, I loved getting to see what the Marauders were like at 15. And we finally get to learn some about Lily. Interesting that she didn't always like James. By the way, I consider this chapter proof that Harry will end up with Ginny. Notice his father liked red-heads too!
5. Neville
I love Neville! He is one of my favorite characters and I'm glad to see that he is finally coming in to his own. Neville is so brave and loyal and tragic; he just breaks my heart.
6. Tonks
I think she is hilarious and hope to see more of her in the next books.
7. Umbridge
Well, okay I didn't love her, loathed her in fact. But I think she is the best "Big Bad" JKR has created, with the exception of Voldermont. The woman is pure evil! And she isn't even a Death Eater!
8. The Lost Prophecy
This was a little disappointing. I mean it is pretty obvious to the reader that in the end it will be Harry v. Voldermont. But Harry didn't know it, so he had to be told. What was interesting was that it could have been Neville! Looking forward to finding out why Voldermont picked Harry over Neville, as I'm sure that there is more to it than what was told.
Disappointments
1. Harry's Attitude
Yeah, Yeah, I know he is a teenager and they are supposed to be angry, but really it gets tiresome after a while. Especially when he is taking it out on Ron and Hermione. But Harry has to have a flaw, right? Even though I didn't like it in him, it was understandable at times. Like after disappointment number two.
2. Sirius' Death
I was so shocked! I didn't even know someone was going to die, though I guess I should have. Sirius was one of my favorite characters. I was looking forward to when he would be proven innocent and Harry would finally be able to leave Privett Drive and go live with him. Sirius was also pretty moody in this book, which was annoying. But like Hermione said, he had been "lonely for a long time", so I guess I can excuse it. Wonder if JKR tried to make Sirius less likeable, so his death would be easier to accecpt?
3.Ron and Hermione
Nothing Happened! Their relationship is one of the most fun aspects of the books. I would like to see some more developement, but all I got was a peck on the cheek!
All in all, I did enjoy OOTP, but Prisoner of Azkaban is still my favorite. OOTP has made me hungry for the next book, but I know it is going to be a long wait.
Any Comments? Feel free to e-mail me.
