Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Title: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Author: J. K. Rowling

Pages: 23 discs

Genre: Fantasy

Grade: A-

Synopsis: Harry Potter had a horrible summer after watching Cedric Diggory die at the end of last year and seeing Voldemort's return. He soon realizes that nobody believes him or Dumbledore that Voldemort has returned, and that The Daily Prophet has been slandering his name and making him look like an attention-starved crazy person. Once Harry gets to Hogwarts, things don't get any better as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is Delores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Ministry of Magic and she takes a particular dislike to Harry, banning him from quidditch and forcing him to suffer through painful detention sessions. Harry must find out a way to prove to people that Voldemort has indeed returned.

My Review: I really do enjoy listening to these books as I drive to and from work each day. The reader (Jim Dale) does a fantastic job and although this book was quite long, it was still very enjoyable. My biggest complaint though is that the climax of the book happens long before the book has ended as there are numerous loose ends to tie up before the book is complete. This is the darkest of the Harry Potter books to this point and Harry shows flashes of intense anger that are almost frightening.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Author: J. K. Rowling

Pages: 17 discs

Genre: Fantasy

Grade: A

Synopsis: Harry Potter is back at Hogwarts where the Triwizard Tournament is taking place for the first time in over 100 years. Oddly, the Goblet of Fire spits out Harry Potter's name as a fourth champion from the three wizarding schools competing in the tournament. The champions have to compete in three tasks over the course of the school-year in order to be crowned champion. All the while, Harry Potter's scar continues to hurt as Voldemort continues to gain power.

My Review: My only beef with this book is its length. I appreciate J.K. wrapping up all the loose ends before the close of the book, but it often means that after the story's climax there are still two or three discs to listen to. I always love losing myself in Britain's wizarding world as I drive to and from work.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Author: J. K. Rowling

Pages: 10 discs

Genre: Fantasy

Grade: A-

Synopsis: Harry Potter is about to enter his third year at Hogwarts, if he isn't expelled for using magic on his aunt, that is. As it turns out, everybody is ready to forgive Harry because an escaped prisoner from Azkaban is out there looking for him. Couple that with Harry seeing the grim (the worst death omen) at every turn and he's setting himself for another exciting year.

My Review: Of course I liked this book, but my one complaint was that it took forever to end. It's impressive how everything is always tied together between this book, the earlier books and even the later books. I give major props to Jim Dale, the reader of the audiobooks, because he does an amazing job. It took listening to a couple of books before I really started liking him, but he certainly does a great job.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Author: J. K. Rowling

Pages: 8 discs

Genre: Fantasy

Grade: A

Synopsis: Harry Potter is back for his second year at Hogwarts. Once again, he is glad to be out of the Dursley's house and with his best friends. During the school year, students are mysteriously being petrified and Harry is hearing voices in the wall. Can Harry Potter save Hogwarts and find out what is petrifying the students?

My Review: I'm a sucker for these books. I had a great time listening to the book because there is so much that I have forgotten since I read it last. While it's hardly believable that the young Harry Potter is able to solve the mysteries that are stumping the greatest wizards of his time, it sure makes for a good read. I'm looking forward to listening to the next book.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Author: J. K. Rowling

Pages: 6 discs

Genre: Fantasy

Grade: A-

Synopsis: This is the first book in the Harry Potter series. As far as Harry can remember he has always lived with his aunt and uncle because his parents were killed when he was just an infant. Mysterious letters begin arriving for Harry and his Uncle Vernon does everything he can to keep Harry from reading any of them. Eventually Harry learns from a huge man, Hagrid, that he is a Wizard and will be attending the wizarding school Hogwarts.

My Review: This was the perfect thing to listen to while driving through Utah, Nevada and California late at night to and from Disneyland. The story is great, but the series gets better as it goes along. If you haven't read Harry Potter yet, you'd probably better.

From the Book: “(Dumbledore speaking to Harry) To the organized mind, death is but the next adventure.”

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

(No Spoilers!)

Title: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Author: J. K. Rowling

Pages: 759

Genre: Fantasy

Grade: A

Synopsis: This is the seventh (and final) installment of the Harry Potter series. In this book, Harry, Ron and Hermoine go on a quest to destroy the horcuxes and eventually defeat You-Know-Who.

My Review: First off, let me direct you to Ben and Jenn's review of this book. I really enjoyed this book. I've liked all of the Harry Potter books and this one was no exception. I simply couldn't put it down. In my opinion, it is definitely the climax of the series. Because the story is more of a "quest" than just a year at Hogwarts, I think that I enjoyed reading it more (not that I don't like the other books). The ending is very satisfying with all loose ends tied up. Not enough authors completely finish their stories.