Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Adult Cover: 5/7 (Harry Potter, 5) Paperback – 15 Aug. 2013

Well, I think any reviewer daring to criticise a Harry Potter story is on a hiding to nothing, but honestly this one was a bit of a struggle. The first three books are relatively fast moving and suit a young audience, and obviously much shorter. Number 4, The Goblet of Fire, is over 600 pages, and was too much of a challenge for my 9 year old boy who lost interest halfway through. I am determined to finish the series, having come this far, and managed to plow through all 800 pages here.The story in this episode is rather slow developing, and frankly the editor must have been asleep on the job. There are numerous scenes that could have been removed and offer little to advance the story. It was really quite repetitive in places, and there are some many scenes that I felt I'd read before in other episodes. In this book Harry becomes an angst-ridden and often angry teenager whilst Hermione and Ron offer some stability, and Snape shows his usual over the top nastiness.Although the plotting of the Prisoner of Azkhaban (Vol. 3) was well done and quite clever, I thought the Goblet of Fire was a little creaky in this regard, but here it becomes almost silly. There is no credible explanation why The Ministry turn against Dumbledore so spectacularly and the actions of Dolores Umbridge seem unbelievable. Also the sinister Death Eaters seem comically inept in the climatic scenes. The later books seem to me that the series isn't well mapped out and we are introduced to some characters and details that had no mention in previous books.However, I guess I shouldn't lose sight of the fact that this is basically a series for children who won't over analyse the plotting. But then at 800 pages of text that is sometimes slow moving and repetitive, maybe JKR shouldn't either!This is my least favourite in the series so far; Prisoner of Azkhaban is the one I most enjoyed.

I am 78 but I read all the Potter books and love the characters. I had to keep up with the grandchildren, so thank you JK Rowling for writing such an interesting series. I love the imagination and inventiveness involved in these stories. They are all page-turners, and I couldn't wait to read the next story in the series.... This one is a little bit sad, but so much happens that I cant wait to see what happens in the next book...JK Rowling must go down as one of our best story writers for children. The books are a large chunk of a young boys life, peppered with witchcraft, and the skills necessary to fight the dark side. Hermione and Ron, Harry's friends are an essential part of the stories. The relationship between the 3 is absorbing and intriguing. Its as much about relationships as it is about witchcraft!

I searched for audio version narrated by Stephen Fry and it took me to audible edition. I changed it to audio CD and placed order. When it came it is the US version narrated by Jim Dale. If you zoom in on pic it does say this in blurry writing at bottom of cover but nowhere in the written description did it tell me by changing format the narrator had changed. Jim Dale may be fine but we've been listening to Fry so have ordered his version from elsewhere as no idea which you get through third parties on Amazon. In fairness returns are easy with Amazon.

This episode deals with Harry’s fifth year at Hogwarts. Harry is traumatised and at a rock-bottom situation being isolated all summer from every person that is close to him. Through this he discovers the strength of his friendships and their loyalty as the Ordinary Wizarding Level exams are looming for Harry and his friends.However it’s He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named that poses the main threat and a growing presence of darkness - a threat that neither the Hogwarts school authorities nor the magical government can arrest.Many characters are cast in a new light as they grow up, not least Neville Longbottom. There are interesting new characters, like the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Umbridge is an annoying new head teacher who ignites the rise of an wizard resistance movement. And there is a surprise entry on the Gryffindor Quidditch teamThe last few chapters tie many loose ends from previous books, making it a very worthwhile read. Though the bad-ass duel already glues you to the pages.It’s brilliant book. My daughter explained to me this is so because in the previous books all characters we’re either good or bad, now even the good ones have flaws like James Potter and Dumbledore. Quite a thing to notice for a 9 year old. It’s 870 pages but our Potter-obsessed daughter wouldn’t have minded if it was longer.

As a Harry Potter fan and having read all the books I was dubious about listening to a story rather than reading it.But having Stephen Fry's voice gives the stories a whole new dimension and makes it really easy to absorbed into the Harry Potter world.Would definately recommend for anyone who has or hasn't rea the books.

I started reading the Harry Potter series last summer. I read the the first few pages of Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone it did not disappoint. When I got up to the Order of the Phoenix I was upset because I realized I was on the fifth book! The book was such a page turner, and I recommend this book for 7+. If you are looking for a magical series I suggest you should read the Harry Potter books. It feels that when you read these books, your fighting with Harry.Evie K. 9

This book is quite hefty but I got through it in about 4 days. Very much enjoyed it and makes you care about the characters. As my 16 year old daughter said to me "don't get too attached to the characters because nobody is safe" as I found out later on. Would recommend to anyone. I had not read Harry Potter before but once I started had to finish the series to see how it ended!