Author: J.K. Rowling
Genre: Fantasy; Young Adult
Rating: 9.5/10
Disclaimer: I am aware of the situation with J.K. Rowling, but I believe in separating the art from the artist. Please respect that this is a review solely on the book.
There is a mysterious event taking place at Hogwarts this year–a hundred year old competition involving rivalling schools of magic. And Harry, of course, is pulled right into the thick of it.
When I read the synopsis of this book, I immediately opened it, and I was not disappointed.
I think the most prominent thing about this book is that it really worked to expand what we know thus far about the world. We can see how it is parallel to ours, with the international sports competition and the different Ministers representing different countries etc. yet the incorporation of magic sets its own rules and norms.
I really have to commend and applaud the author for her plotting. The competition as the main body was so exciting to read about. It kept you on the edge of your seat, and you were never disappointed by where the author decides to take the story. Another thing I would like to point out about these books is that it normally brings up a lot of subplots in the beginning, and these almost always come into play later in the story, or they are addressed at the end of the book. I find the way she ties them together very satisfying. The gist of what I’m trying to say is, I find the book and the series as a whole (so far) very well-planned.
This book is definitely young adult, because it has become more gruesome and grim, and the plot has lost its predictability and become much more complicated. Moreover, it is not only addressing the ethical issues present in the world, but also displays realistic emotional turmoil.
I sometimes forget that the characters are only 14, and are thus “angsty teens”. In this book our characters come into contact with a lot of complex feelings and thoughts and thus, have started to step out of the bubble of childhood where things were much simpler. Due to their age and different backgrounds, the way they interact and try to figure out these feelings have been very entertaining, if not a bit frustrating at times. Moreover, young teens can be selfish and petty and I found it very refreshing to see it represented in this book.
I also loved the book's many inspirational lines and heartwarming or heartbreaking moments.
“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.”
I feel that no matter how dark and complex the books get, there is always a certain childish feel to them. I believe this is due to the simplistic and humorous writing style, the characters’ age, how the series started as a middle grade and the magical elements. This is why the book does not feel fully YA to me. I don’t believe this is a bad thing. Instead, I feel that it keeps the books fast-paced, light and fun. It is also what sets this series apart from many others.
As always, I look forward to continuing the next book and dread to reach for the last.
Reviewed by: N.G.Rainwater (1st Reading)
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