Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling (2003, Unabridged, Audio Cassette)

This was the only book in the Harry Potter Series that I would not rate Excellent. I feel that she finally fell into the "middle book funk" that plagues so many other book writers and movie producers.

My theory on avoiding the "funk" is to provide the characters a few clues they can work for and give them some small victories to show they are at least making progress for their pain. It worked in JK's other books, so why she chose to change her formula here is beyond me. The only "victory" won here is that the wizarding community finally knows Voldermort is back. Small consolation, since those that can do anything about it (the Order of the Pheonix) already believed Harry.

The Mininstry of Magic, in an attempt to keep Harry Potter quiet, assign Delores Umbridge to the school. I would call Umbridge worse than Voldermort in many respects. Voldermort kills for the pleasure of killing, but is generally quick and painless about it. Once he sees the fear in his victim's eyes, he is satisfied and finishes them off. Torture is used to either get information from his victim or to make a point to his underlings. Inflicting pain for sport was something his underlings did.

Although Umbridge is never specifically mentioned as being a Death Eater, loves to leave people in perpetual misery. In particular, she bans Harry Potter (and the Weasley twins) from Quiddich and locks their brooms up. She also has a magic pen that, when used, prints the words in blood on the paper and etches the words on the writer's hand. These scars remain on Harry at least to the end of the 7th book. Just to keep people on edge between these major attacks, she produces an endless array of Ministry approved prohibitions and takes it upon herself to micromanage every teacher in Hogwarts. She threatened firing just about every staff member at Hogwarts at one time or another, except for Filtch (who loves her changes).

What Voldermort and Umbridge do have in common is a desire to impress their idea of a perfect society on others. The fact that their ideals are based on the genetic makeup of people, and therefore impossible to change, does not phase them at all. The obvious solution is to banish or kill those who don't measure up.

But this evil is not why I gave this book a low rating. The heroes, Harry in particular, never fully grasp what what is happening and are completely unable to stop it. Figuratively speaking, they are little more than test dummies and take whatever is given to them.

There were only two times that Harry and Co took a stand and the both backfired disasterously (three if you count the Weasley twins revenge, but that was short lived and had no lasting affect). The first was when Harry formed Dumbledore's Army, which resulted in Dumbledore being fired. The second was when Harry rushed to save Sirious Black from Voldermort. I won't say how that one ended for the sake of those that haven't read it yet, but suffice to say it caused the only regret Harry had in any of the seven books.

There is a difference between suffering and sacrafice, and this book was all suffering. No good came out of what Harry went through, either in this book or the sequels. However, in order to get the full effect of her last two Harry Potter books (which I think are the best in the series), reading this book is a must.

John Holland-author of The Necklace of Terrersylvanous

Goblet of Fire brought a surprise dark ending - this takes it a bit further.

This book goes through the whole gamut of emotions for Harry and his friends - Harry is shown to be vulnerable to emotions that he cannot control (not entirely his own fault but you will see) and this book portrays him quite a bit as trying to get things done on his own (a preview of things to come or things to change - who knows). This book goes into the emotional side of Harry and the roller coaster ride it can be for a teen and also reasons highlighted at the end of the book.

New characters are introduced and you get a clearer picture of alliances and where people stand in the war against Voldemort.

He also finds out how costly it is to not listen to Dumbledore as another person close to him is lost. He blames himself and Dumbledore reveals a lot more answers (and raises a few more questions) at the end of this book.

This book clearly answers questions and definitely sets up for the next book.
You will get exposed to more dark magic in this book - a nice addition to see the both sides of the coin.

The books in this series are getting longer but as you will justly so. This book is definitely more exciting and darker than the others but it is a very good read and my wife and I had to fight for who gets to read it - the next book is being bought with an extra copy for her :-)

Disclaimer: I am an eBay employee and this review is my own opinion and is not written on behalf of eBay. This review does not reflect the views of my employer nor is it endorsed by them.

I've purchased the last three novels in thr "Harry Potter" series on line through E-BAY. Two were used and the other still sealed. They all were in good condition and made my rides to and from work a pleasure. I recommend audio books for anyone who finds radio lame, too commercial, and repetitive.

I have a large library of audio books, many of which I've read first, seen the film version, and now reenjoy as an audio experience. "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" was captivating. I suggest you start from book one and move through the series. It took me several months. It made the trip to and from work a pleasant experience. I didn't mind trains, traffic lights and other obstacles that slowed my journey to work. In fact I've got to like the extra moments I was able to spend with my listening adventures.

Year five at Hogwarts brings more answers to the puzzle between Voldemort and Harry. With the whole magical world doubting the character and truthfulness of Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore, Voldemort and his Death Eaters move in secret for something they didn't have in the last war. This book has tons of twists and turns including an evil D.A.D.A. teacher, Ron earning a spot on the house quittich team, and the flight of Fred and George. The Audio book is again read by Jim Dale who does a super job giving each character a distinctly different and believable voice. You forget it's just one person reading the whole time, an amazing effort. The story is emotional charged and will have you on the edge of your seat through out. Book 5 is from start to finish arguably the best in the series.

This book is my favorite out of the whole series. Harry Potter goes through a lot more adulty problems, faces physical dangers and emotional trials and tribulations. All this is justaposed against the very uniquely teenage dramallamaness of girl issues and teen angst and such.
The performance is really good as well. The reader/actor does all the voices just like how I imagine they'd talk. very impressive, especially when he does the uptight little old lady impressions!
Very Recommended.