Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling, Jim Kay (ill.)

I've really been enjoying these illustrated editions by Jim Kay. They capture the magic of the books I remember from childhood, without a lot of the baggage that comes with the movies. Seriously though, this is my favorite Harry Potter book, but my least favorite movie adaptation. This edition reminded me of all the reasons I loved it in the first place! And the Voldemort artwork was perfectly creepy!

If you enjoyed the Harry Potter series before, try out these new editions. At the very least, flip through the artwork-it's gorgeous!

451 pages

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
by J.K. Rowling

6/5

784 pages

Harry Potter is leaving Privet Drive for the last time. But as he climbs into the sidecar of Hagrid’s motorbike and they take to the skies, he knows Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters will not be far behind.

The protective charm that has kept him safe until now is broken. But the Dark Lord is breathing fear into everything he loves. And he knows he can’t keep hiding.

To stop Voldemort, Harry knows he must find the remaining Horcruxes and destroy them.

He will have to face his enemy in one final battle.

I feel these books in my soul and every reading is quality time with a best friend.  I'm sad it's over, but I am looking forward to the next visit. :)

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

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

5/5

652 pages

The war against Voldemort is not going well; even the Muggles have been affected. Dumbledore is absent from Hogwarts for long stretches of time, and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses. 

And yet . . . as with all wars, life goes on. Sixth-year students learn to Apparate. Teenagers flirt and fight and fall in love. Harry receives some extraordinary help in Potions from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince. And with Dumbledore's guidance, he seeks out the full, complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort -- and thus finds what may be his only vulnerability.

This one is my favorite of the lot.  I love Voldemort's backstory, and Professor Slughorn is one of the best characters of the series.  And while I did not like the movie adaptation of this book (it's the worst one), I still laugh out loud at the entire Felix Felicis scene (enjoy gif below).  Haha!

Onward to Deathly Hollows!

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

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

5/5

896 pages

In his fifth year at Hogwart's, Harry faces challenges at every turn, from the dark threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and the unreliability of the government of the magical world to the rise of Ron Weasley as the keeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. Along the way he learns about the strength of his friends, the fierceness of his enemies, and the meaning of sacrifice.

Luna steals the show.  :)

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

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

5/5

752 pages

Harry Potter is midway through his training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quidditch Cup. He wants to find out about the mysterious event that's supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition that hasn't happened for a hundred years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. But unfortunately for Harry Potter, he's not normal - even by wizarding standards. And in his case, different can be deadly.

I like this one a lot.  It marks a dark turning point in the series, for sure.  Onward to Order!

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

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

448 pages

5/5

For twelve long years, the dread fortress of Azkaban held an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black. Convicted of killing thirteen people with a single curse, he was said to be the heir apparent to the Dark Lord, Voldemort.

Now he has escaped, leaving only two clues as to where he might be headed: Harry Potter's defeat of You-Know-Who was Black's downfall as well. And the Azkban guards heard Black muttering in his sleep, "He's at Hogwarts...he's at Hogwarts."

Harry Potter isn't safe, not even within the walls of his magical school, surrounded by his friends. Because on top of it all, there may well be a traitor in their midst.

Yes, yes, y'all!  Whew, this book!

While it's not my favorite of the series (don't worry - it's high!), it is my favorite of the movies.  I just love how Hermione comes into her own here.  I'm mean, she's always been awesome, but she OWNS it from here on.  Awesome.

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

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

4.5/5

341 pages

Harry Potter's summer has included the worst birthday ever, doomy warnings from a house-elf called Dobby, and rescue from the Dursleys by his friend Ron Weasley in a magical flying car! Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year, Harry hears strange whispers echo through empty corridors - and then the attacks start. Students are found as though turned to stone... Dobby's sinister predictions seem to be coming true.

This is my least favorite of the series.  It drags for me just a bit.  I still love it dearly (it is Harry Potter after all), but I always feel like I am just pushing through this one.

Onward to the amazeballs that is Prisoner of Azkaban!

Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling

Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is fun for true addicts. We listened on a car trip, which was handy, because it didn't matter if I missed a sentence or two here or there when someone spoke over the book. It was easy to follow and amusing.

Book 226 read in 2018

Pages: 64

Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp/J.K. Rowling

Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp/J.K. Rowling

A must read for Muggles and wizards alike, Quidditch Through the Ages has the answer to every question about Quidditch you've ever wanted to know.

64 pages.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling

Hogwarts has been a home to Harry Potter for so long, but he is no longer safe there. With the protective charm his mother cast over him upon her death breaking on his 17th birthday, the time has come for Harry to finish Lord Voldemort once and for all. Harry treks across the country with Ron and Hermione in tow, following the dangerous path set for them by Albus Dumbledore. In the conclusion of the seven part series from J.K. Rowling, the trio find their friendship, resilience, and sense of right and wrong tested at every turn. 

Book 7 in the Harry Potter series. 759 pages.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts 1 and 2 by J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter #8)

 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
by J. K. Rowling
Pages: 343
Ratings: 4 out of 5

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play received its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

Harry's youngest son, Albus, tries to find his place in his family, at Hogwarts, and in life in general. I don't want to give any of the story away so that's all I'm going to say.

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

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

The war against Lord Voldemort has begun, but as in all wars, life must go on. Harry, Ron, and Hermione have returned to Hogwarts for their sixth year to find their coursework is more rigorous than ever, as are their hormones and those of their classmates. Between their classes, love lives, and Harry's lessons with Albus Dumbledore, the trio have never been so busy. But arguably, it is his lessons with Dumbledore that are the most important of Harry's life because it is Dumbledore's hope that in learning about Lord Voldemort's background and his weaknesses, Harry will have the tools necessary to defeat the Darkest wizard in history once and for all.

Book 6 in the Harry Potter series. 652 pages.

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

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

After being attacked by dementors over the summer holidays, Harry Potter has had it. The Daily Prophet has been using every opportunity to slander and ridicule Harry after his latest encounter with Lord Voldemort. Even Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts, has endured his fair share of scrutiny for trying to alert the Wizarding world of Lord Voldemort's return to power. Harry can hardly wait to return for this fifth year at Hogwarts, but things are hardly better there. The Defense Against the Arts post has been filled by the most loathsome teacher Harry, Ron, and Hermione have ever had the misfortune to meet. All the while, Harry's dreams are haunted by a long, dark corridor, whose meaning Harry can't even begin to fathom. With the pressures of Ordinary Wizarding Levels (O.W.L.s) and a devastating change to the Gryffindor Quidditch lineup, Harry finds his resilience tested more than ever before.
   
Book 5 in the Harry Potter series. 896 pages.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Wow. Talk about an intense conclusion to a 7 book journey. I still enjoy how the students come into their own in this story. I miss the time spent at Hogwarts, but it is nice to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione strike out on their own and try to figure things out without a safety net.

Despite the length, I read this straight through (again), because it's a hard story to stop mid-stream. There's just so much tension and uncertainty that I fret endlessly, despite already knowing how it ends.

I love this series. I don't think I will ever have read it enough times to satisfy myself. I don't even care that every time I reread it means I'm not reading 7 new books, because I don't miss the worlds I don't know. But I do miss this world, especially when I let too many years pass before rereading it again.

Book 17 read in 2018

Pages: 759

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

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

I forgot how clever and amusing this book is, despite some of the heaviness that accompanies it. Well, forgot may be the wrong word. This book just happens to be squashed between my favorite book and the last book, so I think I may have somewhat overlooked how many interesting and important events occur in this story.

It was a pleasure to reread this, and I think of all the 7 books, this is the book I've read the least number of times, which is kind of a shame, since I really do enjoy it.

Book 16 read in 2018

Pages: 651

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter, #5)

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

This is still, and will forever be, my favorite Harry Potter book. It contains the most terrible villain I have ever encountered in literature, disguised in a seemingly harmless pink cardigan. And I love it. Always.

Book 9 read in 2018

Pages: 870

Harry Potter Series

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

Poor, poor Myrtle. She's so aggravating, and I love her. I also love Gilderoy Lockheart, who is a total doofus, whom I enjoy disliking. This series has some of the most unique characters. They all have their own strange personalities and quirks that add a lot to the overall story.

I especially appreciate the clever ending of this book.

Book 3 read in 2018

Pages: 341

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

I love this one. I mean, I love all of them, and this isn't my favorite overall (book 5 is). However, I still love this one. I love Buckbeak. I love Sirius. I love the intro of the Marauder's Map. I love the quidditch angst and drama. I enjoy the darkness of the dementors and the snark of Snape.

This one is fantastic. Each book grows the world in a way that is so fascinating and enjoyable, without ever being overwhelming.

I'm so happy that I reread this, even though I've read it about 5 times before.

Book 4 read in 2018

Pages: 435

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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

I love how the angst and darkness grows as the kids grow. It has been so much fun revisiting these novels. The dance drama cracks me up, and I adore Hagrid.

I'm also excited, because next up is book 5, which is my favorite book. Yay!

Book 7 read in 2018

Pages: 752

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

#BecRereads2018

This must be at least the fifth or sixth time that I’ve read this book. I stood in line at midnight for the last 3 books, and I reread the entire series up to that point each time. I’ve also listened to the audiobook by Jim Dale before, which I did again this time. I just love the way he reads these stories.

I hear Stephen Fry (British versions) is good also, but I’ve never tried him. Some part of me wants to, because at a certain point, there are no new ways to experience these books. However, I don’t want to be a traitor to Jim Dale, whom I adore.

I absolutely love these books, and I’m happy to be revisiting old friends. No matter how many times I read them, there are always small details that I forgot that delight me all over again. I suspect I will never tire of rereading these books. They’re so delightful that I can’t help getting lost inside this magical world.

My niece started reading the HP books the past couple of the years, and she has become a complete addict, even redoing her room in all HP. I love the way these books capture readers, and watching my niece fall in love with this story was about as enjoyable as falling in love with it myself.

Book 2 read in 2018

Pages: 320

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

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

Harry Potter is delighted when he is whisked away from the Dursleys to attend the Quidditch World Cup with his best friend, Ron Weasley, and Ron's family. But when the Dark Mark, the sign of Lord Voldemort and his supporters, is seen in the sky after the match, chaos ensues. When Harry arrives at Hogwarts for his fourth year, things are hardly less complicated. The Triwizard Tournament is set to take place, and three renowned Wizarding schools will battle for first place. It should be fun for Harry---until his name is spewed out of the Goblet of Fire, and he is forced to compete in a tournament he didn't enter. As Harry grapples with the question of who put his name in the Goblet of Fire and why, he finds he must practice, as Professor Moody proclaims, "Constant vigilance!"

Book 4 in the Harry Potter series. 752 pages.

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

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

The escape of Sirius Black, an infamous mass murderer imprisoned in the fortress of Azkaban, has put a damper on Harry Potter's third year at Hogwarts. Black is supposedly after Harry, and now the grounds of Hogwarts are patrolled by dementors, vile creatures who fill those nearby with feelings of hopelessness and despair. But still, life goes on. Harry continues to dominate on the Quidditch field and a cute fourth year has caught his eye. All the while, he never doubts Ron and Hermione, his best friends, have his back. Despite all this, Black's threatening presence continues to loom over Hogwarts and Harry. But if Hogwarts has taught Harry anything, it's that things are not always as they seem.

Book 3 in the Harry Potter series. 435 pages.