These are very dark times for Harry Potter in the fifth book of the series and his fifth year at Hogwarts. By now the books are definitely for young adults as opposed to children, with themes such as loss, injustice and anger dominating throughout. Even romantic relationships are more complex and Harry discovers some unpleasant truths about people he cares about. He really grows up in this book.
While he is disappointed to lose the connection to the two father figures he craves, he realises that he must face things on his own and make decisions about what and to whom he can confide. Accused of lying by the new teacher of the Dark Arts and also the press, Harry becomes very isolated. Plus the lies of someone else lead to another loss that he has to come to terms with. Oh yes, not forgetting the eternal battle with the enemy, He Who Must Not Be Named. Despite the darkness and anger, the book is not without humour and fun. His friend's twin brothers are up to all kinds of practical jokes and schemes although they decide to leave school to set up their own joke shop. They will be sadly missed at Hogwarts. Like many of the characters in the Harry Potter series, they are distinctive and popular. This is a huge book (just under 800 pages) and the pacing is very good. Rowling has developed a magical world that is exquisitely detailed, sometimes using ancient folklore and mythology but also bringing in her own imagination with incredible creations. Her writing is evolving: always clear and strong and now (if I can be brave enough to say her only flaw so far) there are fewer adverbs in the dialogue, making the reading even more streamline. What talent. Wonderful characters, wonderful world, wonderful story and a series that gets better and better. Love Harry Potter.
Published by Bloomsbury on 21 June 2003.
Winner of the Bram Stoker Award for Best Work for Young Readers
Winner of the American Library Association Notable Children's Book Anthony Award for Best Young Adult Novel
Collect the series
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