Rating: 
Summary: The best one yet
Review: One of the great strengths of the Harry Potter series, outside of the fact that it got millions of kids to turn away from the TV long enough to pick up a book, is the realism with which it portrays its characters. This book is no exception.Realism? In a book about magic? Well, certainly not in that aspect, no. But this book rings absolutely true in its portrayal of a Harry who is finally coming of age; a Ron and a Hermione who bicker like a married couple, foreshadowing further developments between the two that were hinted at in the fourth book; even in its portrayal of a regretful, world-weary, Dumbledore who is more than just a wise-old wizard. These characters are not simple sterotypes, and this book proves it. Backing up a bit, the story in this book is top-notch, with a rather dark and scary, action-filled plot that begins almost straight away and doesn't really ever let you go until the end. More than any of the other books this one has a real forward drive to it, but still with excellent pacing and development. All the major characters and locations are back from the previous book, some greatly changed or expanded in role, some less so. I am purposefully avoiding giving too much plot information in this review so as not to spoil it for those who have not read this or other books in the series. Suffice it to say, newcomers and old fans will not be disappointed with the construction of this novel. Returning to the issue of characterization, I felt, reading this book, like the words, the actions, the emotional responses of the children in the pages were perfectly real, akin to the way I or my friends might have acted at the tender age of 15. Romance plays a larger role for the now adolescent protagonists; childish teasing has given way to more threatening confrontations; and it becomes clear that the teachers and students are on ever so slightly more equal footing, as the students grow older and more skilled. This sort of portrayal is rare in a book, especially a work of fantasy such as this one--the fact that it is done so well here is all the more surprising. I do not claim that J.K. Rowling has created a work of fine literature on a par with Jane Austen or Charles Dickens. But she has bult a world that stands on its own but feels real and substantial. This book adds to that world completely successfully and also maintains itself as an excellent and fun read that is also interesting and thought-provoking. Children and adults alike, pick this book up, tear through it as I did, and the only disappointment you will feel is that the next one is years away.
Rating:
Summary: Unbelievable and totally worth the wait!!
Review: First off, let me say WOWOWOWOWOW!! I could hardly wait for this book, and boy oh boy, it did not disappoint! Harry is so different this time around, and I am loving it. He is so angry/easily tempermental and I find that totally believable. If it were me having all that mess in my life, I'd have gone berserk a long time ago. Aside from Harry, the characters are all so developed and the new ones (especially Luna. She rocks!) are so cool. Dumbledore.. whoaa! Talk about kick-[butt].. perish any notions of him being a frail old man! Professor Umbridge, everybody's real-life nightmare of a teacher. Professor McGonagall, way cool woman. And don't get me started on Fred and George!! I've always liked the twins, but they really surpass themselves in this one; absolutely awesome. The tone of the book is very much darker than any of the other 4 - heck, than all of the 4 combined. But I couldn't read it fast enough. 870 pages, pssh! I hope the next one is 1,000! J.K. Rowling hasn't lost her touch; this book was so much worth the wait and all the hints and tips and red herrings certainly didn't prepare me for the death of the person who died. I literally bawled my eyes out; it completely blind-sided me! Poor Harry. The plot twists and turns will leave you reeling and only after a second or third or fourth read will you really have gotten everything. I can't wait for the next book. I just hope it's not another 3 years. But in the meantime, I'm gonna go curl up with "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" again and marvel anew at the genius of J.K. Rowling. Happy reading!
Rating:
Summary: And you thought Harry Potter couldn't get any better?
Review: I have been reading the Harry Potter books since the first one came out, and each time another is released, I think to myself that the next definitely won't be as good as the previously. Each book I have been wrong, and this year it was the same. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is so awesome. It is definitely good for all ages, and although young kids mainly like it for the magic etc., an older audience find a deeper meaning. This book makes you feel like you will never read another piece of literature like it ever again, (Until he 6th book of course). This book is definitely a must read!
Rating: 
Summary: for all the hype a little disappointed
Review: I haven't finished reading the book yet, but so far, I'm a little dissappointed. This book is read by millions of children. Yet, there are words i really would not approve of my children saying in this book. Also, Around page 160 or so, Mrs. Weasly says "Shut Up" to her own children!!!!!! What mother, no matter what kind of mood she's in would ever say that to a child!?? She constantly referring to people cursing to themselves. Why does htis have to be included in a book that is read by 7 years old??
Rating:
Summary: A different Potter than you may remember
Review: No spoilers - I just have to give J.K. Rowling full credit for creating the first series of books I remember where the characters truly do grow with the series. The wide eyed kid of year 1 has become a very angry young man - and who could blame him - after having saved numerous people and being almost killed 4 years in a row - who could blame a 15 year old for being rather upset that he is being painted as a boy who called "wolf" or demeantor or Voldemort or... you get the idea. These characters are some of the most realistic and dynamic characters ever to breath life from the page. And they do breathe and grow and stretch everything you thought you knew about them. As with most other readers I was very curious as to who the infamous death would be and I have to say that it hit me like a sucker punch in a way I would never have expected and it made perfect sense. Since I picked this up for my daughter we have been fighting for reading time and I am ready to read it again. I am so happy to see a series of books make my daughter excited to read the way Tolkien and King made me feel when I was her age (and I still love those books as well). I can truly say these are books that you do not just read - you have to EXPERIENCE them - and when you do - you will be happy you stopped by for a visit or feel free to send me a HOWLER.
Rating:
Summary: Another genius book
Review: What can I saw, Rawlings has done it again! Amazing -- keeps you reading until the last page!
Rating:
Summary: All out Wonder
Review: As we all finished the fourth installment of the Harry Potter series we had to wonder what lay ahead for the young Harry Potter and his fellow wizards. And then finally after three long but well worth years the answers to the questions were finally revealed. The book itself followed and read like the rest of the series but added a new twist of the plot and we found Harry going through the akward phase as we all go through in our lives which tied in well to the on going plot. As we all guessed the book itself revolved around Harry and his own going epic battle against his arch rival Lord Voldermort. The book it self is quite like the Lord of the Rings:The Twin Towers in which the books main objective was to show the preparation into battle and ended only when the battle just began. As well wait in suspense of what lays ahead in the Harry Potter series we all must ask the question when is the epic battle between Harry and Voldermort going to occur?but I guess we are going to have to read the next book to answer that question.
Rating: 
Summary: Good but 200 Pages too long
Review: As always, Rowling generates an enjoyable, creative and asorbing book. The descriptions of the secret societies, political machinations of the magical world, and the misdirection about character's motives are well done. Some characters like Snape, Neville and Hermione really seem to mature and acquire depth which is rewarding to previous readers. Unfortunately, Rowling falls back on several common themes that seem to disappointingly familiar. At nearly 900 pages, you often wish Rowling spent less space describing Harry's inner monologue and self-doubt and pared back some of the less important storylines.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Harry
Review: With sensitivity and depth, Harry Potter finally begins in this fifth book of the series to emerge from his childhood into a multifaceted and dynamic character in his own right. The continuous fight between Lord Voldemort and The Boy Who Lived reaches greater heights of mystery, action, and desperation in this long-awaited chronicle, just as Harry himself leaves behind the wide-eyed innocent days of his childhood, instead reaching for his emerging young-manhood; this book was definitely worth the wait. However, the story begins with more immediate problems. Harry, having been cited yet again for using unauthorized magic during his summer holiday, meets at his hearing the most distasteful person of Delores Umbridge, soon to be Hogwarts' new professor for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Umbridge, who at Hogwarts teaches very little and serves mostly as a Ministry spy, represents for readers the personification of every awful teacher; she is readily familiar and immediately dislikable. Not only that, she persistently and doggedly refuses to acknowledge Voldemort's return to power, spouting only the Ministry's official position that Voldemort remains innocuous, and runs to the Minister of Magic with every little conflict at the school. Slowly, her power at Hogwarts begins to grow, and correspondingly and most mysteriously, Dumbledore seems to fade into the background. Harry, with his scar "pricking" and "hurting" almost continuously, seems to have no one with whom to discuss his fears and what might happen unless all good wizards might themselves to fight Voldemort when he makes his move. He knows that he can trust members of The Order of the Phoenix, an organization of wizards pledged to defend the wizarding world against evil. Members include, not surprisingly, Albus Dumbledore himself; Professor McGonagall; Harry's godfather Sirius Black; Mr. and Mrs. Weasley; and the former Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Remus Lupin. More surprisingly, Harry's chief academic nemesis, Severus Snape, is a member, as are some new and refreshing characters. However, as Professor Umbridge slowly and systematically begins to cut off Hogwarts from the rest of the wizarding world, Harry's chances of getting support and guidance from these reliable adults begins to recede, and he and his friends are left with their own initiative and ingenuity to confront the forces of darkness which rise inevitably against them. The chiefly satisfying elements of this book are, first, its lack of circuitousness. This book actually uses the "wizarding language" that most readers learned in the first four books, so the author can throw around references like "muggle," "squib," "Patronus," and "alohamora" without having to slow down the story. Second, the story follows an clear plot arc, one in which the careful reader can connect parts right alongside its hero. Mostly, the story is satisfying because of its answers. Harry has been waiting for explanations to some fundamental questions about his own life, and in this book, with skill and sensitivity, Harry learns more about the odd connection between Voldemort and himself, and he learns a little more about the destiny into which he was born. This is obviously a book that no Harry Potter fan can miss. If you are a newcomer to the series, please take the time to read the books in order. You'll be glad that you did!
Rating:
Summary: Darkly Brilliant
Review: Couldn't put it down (obviously, as I received it the day before yesterday). I feel that each successive book has been darker and more thrilling than the one before, and Order of the Phoenix is the darkest yet. Ms. Rowling has the remarkable talent not just for creating a large cast of fascinating characters but for endowing them with astonishing depth and emotion... and the surprises never stop! Several passages brought tears, several hoots, and I lost most of one finger to gnawing through the exciting parts. As an adult fan and a mother, I would recommend parents read these novels prior to or together with your children, particularly the later installments. It's a fantistic world to share. Thank you, Ms. Rowling, for yet another classic.
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