Average Rating: 
Rating: - J.K. gets it perfect for the 4th time.
Reluctant as I was to reading the 4th book in the Harry Potter series - also because I knew there wouldn't be another one to follow it immediately, but mostly because of its size - the effort to read through the somewhat slow beginning and to allow myself to be engulfed by the story completely paid off. I was avidly against Harry Potter before I gave in to curiosity and picked up the first book, (maybe because of all the hype that lays around it) but rarely have my instincts had such a pleasant turnout. I immediately became involved with the stories and could not get a rest until I finished the last book. J.K.Rowling deserves every bit of praise she gets for her creation, simply because of the fact that she has the gift to surround you with the story and make you feel like you're one of the characters, while allowing the reader to grow with the story. "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" contains all the emotion and adventure that graces the other books but reaches a new level of "maturity", now dealing with more serious subjects such as death and blossoming love (this particular storyline, however brief, is absolutely endearing). 4 thumbs up (hands and feet) for J.K.Rowling, the book and Harry Potter in his 4th year in Hogwarts.
Rating: - **smile**
I've always adored reading, but, anymore, I have trouble finding the time to read for my classes. All the Harry Potter books are enchanting, but this fourth book has completely drawn me in. I bought it the day it was first released and finished it in 8 1/2 hours (not consecutive). I couldn't stand that I had to go to work--I just wanted to keep reading. It is much darker than I would have expected. I knew someone was going to die, and I knew that a main character couldn't be killed, but I wasn't expecting Cedric to fall out of the storyline so quickly. I'm almost 18 years old, but I love these stories. They're easy to read, enjoyable, and I have a few friends who think they should be banned. I love to argue this point with them. These stories contain some excellent lessons, and, as for the non-Christian arguements, the characters observe Christmas and Easter. Religion is NOT being depreciated; it may not be the focus, but it slides in with ideas of patience, trust, and goodwill. As for the topic of "witchcraft," if children don't know the difference between fantasy and reality, they need to be taught--NOW. Perhaps younger children should only read these books with the participation of their parents. Parents, have some fun with this opportunity to be with your children. Talk to them. They can understand the concept of pretend if you introduce it to them. I adore these books and loan them to my siblings and friends. They can be interesting conversation-starters. I give a high recommendation.
Rating: - Longer, but stronger!
(Actual rating: 4.5 stars...see below) The sheer size of the book may be daunting at first look (600+ for the British and Canadian versions, 700+ for the US versions). But that shouldn't stop most Potter fans from trying to read it in one sitting! If you're new to the series, this is not a good book to begin with, as explanations for characters, motivations and events that are key to the series are scattered throughout the text, and the book will be much more appreciated (and understood!) if you are already familiar with the series.Rowling's writing has, I feel, improved as the series has continued. Her handling of the trials and problems of the teenaged Harry and his friends is excellent, adding weight and meaning to the action and the whimsy. Her writing style is just right for her audience, but even adults will find places where her writing is quite funny. Rowling's works have moved away from being just fantasy for the sake of fantasy: the characters (main and supporting both) feel, grow and change, existing in more than just a cardboard fantasy set. Her characters are well fleshed out, realistically motivated, and are firmly placed in a solidly-plotted and complicated world. There is real-world relevance here for the reader, an examination and confrontation of philosophical issues such as good and evil, maturity, jealously, and friendship, and other(dare we say it?) adult themes. The fact that these are essential problems in the story set it apart from much lighter, escape-oriented fiction. There are some minor problems with the work, but nothing that will distract most readers who get caught up in the action, the danger, and the sheer pleasure of watching these characters interact in their imaginative world. This book is not exactly slow in starting, but it is long in starting (due to the episode of the Quidditch World Cup, which is nearly a book in itself). But the opening still leads well into the rest of the book, and becomes an essential part of the narrative. I rate this book 4.5 stars simply because of the problem of the length of the pre-Hogwarts section of the book--it's almost like reading a short story or novella inserted before the novel. Readers who are used to the opening to the books so far(i.e. escape from the Dursleys leading quickly to the train to Hogwarts) may find this a difficult lump of text to get over. Quidditch fans, of course, will love it! Having read Canadian versions of all the books, I am displeased by the decision of the USA publishers to "Americanize" certain terms--I believe that they are not giving children credit for their intelligence in dealing with new terma and vocabulary. This book contains more of the same things that Harry Potter fans are looking for, along with a slightly greater depth and sophistication that are a welcome addition to the series. I look forward to reading these with my future children.
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