Review ~ Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

It’s Harry Potter errr week here at Sara Is Reading What and since we’ve reviewed Deathly Hallows Part 1 I thought I would catch you up on my review of book 4 and 5


TITLE: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
AUTHOR: J. K. Rowlings
COPYRIGHT: September 1, 2002
TYPE: YA Fantasy
PAGES: 734
SERIES: yes
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
6. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

REASON FOR READ: I wanted to re-read the books before movie 7 and then I got sucked in.

SUMMARY (from Goodreads):
First, imagine if you will, the sleepy but mysterious village of Little Hangleton, and what happened at the Riddle House. No, the Riddle House is not a place for riddles, but a home where the family died of fright. The man accused of murdering them was eventually released, but when he returns to the Riddle House, he overhears a curious conversation between someone named Wormtail and a terrible, dark presence by the name of Lord Voldemort -- oh, so sorry He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Volde... (oops, almost said it again) He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is one of the most powerful Dark wizards -- and he wants Harry Potter.

When Harry wakes from a particularly vivid dream, the scar on his forehead throbs, and he knows something is up. Harry's been living in a dreadful house on Privet Drive with his Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and greedy cousin, Dudley. They won't even let him do any wizardry -- you know Muggles, how they can't really handle that kind of stuff.

Harry's uncle and aunt like to let the neighbors think that Harry goes to St. Brutus's Secure Center for Incurably Criminal Boys rather than to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He has to hide his magic -- and even broomsticks aren't a suitable topic of conversation in the Dursley household. But everything is about to change for Harry, beginning with this particular summer vacation.

It starts with a letter from Mrs. Weasley, Harry's friend Ron's mother. She invites him to come spend the rest of the summer with the Weasleys and to go see the Quidditch World Cup. Quidditch is Harry's favorite sport in the world, and it isn't often that the Quidditch World Cup is in Britain. Faster than you can say "Hogwarts," Harry travels by fire to the Burrow, and the dark and threatening adventure begins.

On the way, Harry discovers that his interest in girls is becoming more nerve-wracking -- how is a young wizard to ask a girl to the Yule Ball? And what of the Goblet of Fire itself? And the Triwizard Tournament? And then, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named might be seeking Harry out even now!

THOUGHTS/OPINION:
The first time I read through this series this book was my favorite. I loved it so much that I was in pins and needles wondering how bad the movie would be. The movie didn’t turn out so bad I was pleasantly surprised by it. Anyway as far as the book is concerned I liked being introduced to Mad Eye Moody and learning more about the Tri-Wizard Tournament what it is and how it works. I loved the scene where we are introduced to the other magical schools. This author has a fantastic imagination to think of all the different schools and the way they learn and teach magic.

THINGS I LIKED:
I absolutely loved learning about the different schools out there that were just like Hogwarts. I enjoyed learning the culture and methods of teaching. The new personalities were very strong and made a lasting impression.

The Tournament itself was quite interesting how she came up with the 3 separate games and rules for them are fascinating. I loved watching Harry try to figure out how to win them without the help of Ron in the first match. However, Hermione stuck by Harry’s side throughout the whole Tournament. I loved that she never once questioned if Harry did and stood by his side throughout the whole Tournament. She even was the first to believe that Voldemort was back besides Dumbledore.

The twist at the end involving Mad Eye was very Oh Crap didn’t see that coming the first time however, this time it was just a nice ending and I could see how she brought it together throughout the book.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE:
I hated that Ron acted the way he did when it came the tournament. I mean I get the whole I’m jealous thing but really? He’s your best friend why wouldn’t you believe him when he told you that he didn’t put his name in it.

Are you keeping it or passing it on? This is a keeper for me
Would you recommend this book? Yes I would recommend the whole series.

Challenges:
100+ book challenge
Re-Read Challenge

Reviewing Next:
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix