Sunday, January 1, 2012

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the second to last book in the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. In this book, a few loose ends are tied up and bigger secrets and mysteries are revealed. Voldemort is now back and everybody knows it, so there is fear in a majority of the magic community. Harry is told by Professor Dumbledore that they will have regular meetings in which Harry will be learning more about Voldemort. Together, both of them learn about Voldemorts past, present, and possible future. Also there are several incidents where students get hurt at the school.

This book is one of the better ones of the series. As the characters get older and more mature, you are able to learn more about what is happening and get the more complete story. I like the way that the author incorporates the feelings of confusion and chaos in this book. I love the way you get to learn more about Voldemort and discover secrets, and how everything gets connected in this book. The way J. K. Rowling manages to be so creative and descriptive is amazing. Also, if you're into love, jealousy, and mystery than you'd really like this book.

-Reviewed by Nayri T., grade 9.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the fifth book in the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. The book starts off with an unexpected Dementor attack on Privet Drive in which Harry protects himself and his cousin Dudley by using magic, which is against the law. Harry is then rescued by members of the Order of the Phoenix (a group dedicated to stopping Voldemort) and they take him to headquarters of the Order. Harry has to attend a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry of Magic, where they will determine if Harry gets expelled from Hogwarts or not. Besides that, there is much more "adventures" that await for Harry.

This book is my second favorite book in the whole series because this is the one where everything starts happening. This is the one where the corruption is discovered, allegiances are placed, and the movement occurs. The authors writing in this is amazing. J. K. Rowlings creativity never ceases to amaze me. The way everything is placed, written, and thought of is absolutely perfect. I would recommend this book to anyone who believes in rebellions and standing up for what you believe in. There is also a refreshing sense of romance in this book. So if you like romance and adventure, you'd like this book.

-Reviewed by Nayri T., grade 9.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the fourth book in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. Harry, the Weasley's, and Hermione get to go to the Quidditch World Cup. While they are at the World Cup, Death Eaters (supporters of Voldemort) come and cast the Dark Mark in the sky. When they are at Hogwarts, they are told that the surprise is the Triwizard Tournament, which hasn't occurred in years. Once again, Harry has trouble awaiting for him because his name gets pulled out of the cup, meaning he has to compete in the Tournament even though he's underage. When he tells people that he didn't put his name in the cup, they don't believe him, and he is left alone to face the dangers of the Tournament.

I liked and disliked this book for several reasons. I didn't like it because there are parts where it is very stretched out. And when Harry and Ron get into an argument, it is very annoying because they are both being stubborn and don't talk for a very long time, and the book feels very empty without Ron by Harry's side. I liked it because you see how Harry decides to handle situations and you see his weaker side a bit because of the stress of the Tournament. I would recommend this book to people who like action, tension, and mystery.

- Reviewed by Nayri T., grade 9.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. While living at the Dursleys, Uncle Vernon's, Aunt Marge, comes to visit. When Aunt Marge and Harry get into a fight, he accidentally makes her inflate and leaves the house. He spends the rest of his summer in Diagon Alley where he learns about the mass-murderer Sirius Black and how he has escaped Azkaban, which is known to be an impossible task. What Harry finds out is that Sirius Black has escaped to find Harry and kill him. In this book, Harry matures a bit more and you see how he faces with the problems that come.

The Prisoner of Azkaban is probably one of my top favorite books in the whole Harry Potter series. I love how this is the book where they start to mature a bit more. Harry learns how to deal with problems that come along and you see his talent in school. I love the descriptions that take place in the book, especially during the scenes where they are in class. And of course, my favorite thing about the whole series, is the insane plot twists that come along in every book. I would recommend this book to people who like suspense and magic.

- Reviewed by Nayri T., grade 9.


Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, by J.K. Rowling

The book, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second book of the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. In this book, it is Harry's second year at Hogwarts. While at the Dursleys, he gets a surprise visit from a house elf named Dobby. Harry is told by Dobby that dangerous things are happening at Hogwarts and that he shouldn't go back. Harry, of course, ignores the warning and goes to school. While there, strange things do begin to occur. Harry starts hearing voices and students get attacked by an unknown creature. Harry, Ron, and Hermione take it upon themselves to find out what is going on.

In comparison to the other Harry Potter books in the series, I did not like this one too much. There were points where it was too long and stretched out, so it became boring for me. The climax came too late in the story, so it was very slow. But overall, when everything did start happening and things started to get going, I liked the book very much. Just like the Sorcerer's Stone, it had unimaginable twists in the plot, which is my favorite part of any book. Also, the descriptions again were very good. I would recommend this book to people who like action, but I wouldn't recommend the book to people who are impatient.

-Reviewed by Nayri T., grade 9.