Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

 
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
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0439139597
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One of the most anticipated books, ever
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It was with great trepidation that I cracked open the cover of J. K. Rowling's latest book, Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire. As I've mentioned in previous articles, the hype surrounding the book was unheard of in publishing history. All that hype was great for sales and for encouraging kids to read...but would the book live up to it?


The hype wasn't all that worried me. I had purposely put aside my hard-won copy of the book for a few days after the book's release to see what kind of reaction other critics were having. Some were encouraging, but others blasted the quality of the book. One reviewer stated that Ms. Rowling had turned to trite formulas and that the "magic" was gone.


I shouldn't have worried about it. J. K. Rowling has more than done it again--in fact, I found the latest book to be even better than the previous three. Maybe I'm more susceptible to Ms. Rowling's brand of "magic," or the reviewers who panned the book have what I refer to as "critic's disease" (the inability to see anything good in anything just because normal people like it).


WARNING: This review will contain some small spoilers and excerpts from the text. I will, however, try not to give anything major away.


One of the biggest hype factors was that book four would feature more violence, danger, death and darkness. Fans, in fact, have been discussing for the last six months who would be the character to die (it was rumored to be a main character and is such a big plot issue that I will not reveal who does die in the book).


The book does feature more death and the scenes that include violence somehow seem to describe the terror more fully than in the previous books. The opening chapter, for instance, describes the past death of an entire family and the present day death of a Muggle gardener.


However, I truly believe that everything in the book is how it needed to be. The violence is not gratuitous and the horror of Harry's battles with evil wizards and monsters fit well into the plot. Also, Harry is a year older in this book and his adventures suit his age. I don't think that readers would be satisfied if Harry continued to battle the same horrors, in the same way.


That said, many young readers (younger than ten) will read this book. Some of the scenes may frighten them and the best defense is a good offense (as the new teacher of Defense Against the Dark Arts would agree). If you are a parent or teacher of a young reader, be sure to discuss the darker scenes with them.


Quite a few characters are introduced in this book and our knowledge of some secondary characters is improved. Neville Longbottom's character and situation is explored quite a bit. Harry (and the reader) learn to understand why Neville is the way he is and appreciate him even more. This was especially nice to see, as Neville's character hasn't really been dealt with since book one.


The most intriguing of the new characters is Mad Eye Moody, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. The reader is first introduced to him when Ron's father, Mr. Weasley, must rush off to defend Moody from possible incarceration. Mad Eye, you see, was a Dark wizard catcher who has become a bit paranoid in his old age.


Moody, like Professor Lupin (the last Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher), helps Harry through some of his adventures. The descriptions of his magicical rolling eye will fascinate readers of all ages.


Other new characters include visiting students and headmasters from Beauxbaton and Durmstrang, other European schools of magic. The most famous of them is Viktor Krum, a player on the Bulgarian Quidditch team, who played in the International Quidditch match. I expect that many of the new characters introduced may feature prominently in the next books, especially Madame Maxime, the headmaster of Beauxbaton.


Fans will be excited to see the return of Sirius Black. Harry writes to Sirius about the dream he has about Voldemart, which prompts Sirius to travel to Harry's side. This is one of the most heartwarming aspects in the story.


Even though Sirius knows that he is in terrible danger, he has no hestitation in traveling to Hogwarts to help Harry in any way he can. This is in direct contrast to the Dursley's, who are never so happy as when Harry is gone.


Hagrid is in his usual form and brings in another atrocious beast to terrorize the students with. Fans will be happy to learn more about Hagrid's past in this book. Professor Snape's past is also revealed, though Harry and readers will remain in the dark on just why Dumbledore chooses to trust him. I get the feeling that all will be revealed in later books.


We also learn more about Ron Weasley, Harry's best friend, and Ron's family. As Ms. Rowling becomes more comfortable in her role as authoress and the characters get older, readers find themselves treated to some of the pain behind the smiling faces of the Weasley's.


Their poverty continues to bother Ron, especially in the face of Harry's wealth. He cannot help but sometimes feel envious of his friend. He asks "Why is everything I own rubbish?" when comparing his new dress robes to Harry's. He and Harry also have a blow up over Harry's participation in the Triwizard tournament.


These topics are dealt with very honestly and would be very good discussion points for parents or teachers to have with young readers.


Romance is a relatively new element to the series and is featured quite prominently in book four. In the past novels, Ginny Weasley's infatuation with Harry was the only hint of romance.


Harry himself is nursing quite a crush on Cho Chang, a Quidditch player for the Ravenclaw House. Anyone who has ever experienced similar emotions will sympathize with Harry as he works up the nerve to ask her to a dance.


Hermione gets a taste of romance as well, though I won't spoil the surprise by telling you who with. I'll just say that Ron gets a bit of a shock when it happens.


Even Hagrid isn't immune to Cupid's arrow. His very first glimpse of the excessively large Madame Maxine is enough for love at first sight.


I found that this book contains even more moral lessons than the past books and provides more fodder for discussions of a philosophical nature. Ms. Rowling hits on some heavy topics, but without sounding preachy.


Readers find out that Hagrid is half giant. While this doesn't sound like anything bad to Muggle readers, giants have quite a history with magic users. They are looked down upon as violent and aggressive and sub-human. When a pesky reporter finds out Hagrid's secret, she spreads the news. Hagrid nearly quits Hogwarts in despair.


Hagrid's situation is not the only exploration of prejudice in the book. Hermione takes up a crusade to free the house elves (remember Dobby?) and improve their working conditions. As unpaid workers whose happiness depends on their masters, Hermione feels that the house elves are little more than glorified slaves.


She is appalled at the apathy that everyone exhibits when she tries to bring attention to their plight. Even Ron can't understand why she feels so strongly. Of course, the house elves don't understand either. When you meet Winky, you'll find that nothing is sadder than a house elf without a master.


I have to admit that I have truly caught the fever. I can hardly wait until the next book is released. The Harry Potter series is one of the most 'readable' to ever come out. I, like many readers, absolutely devour these books as they are released.

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I actually liked the movie better.
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I admit, I read the books after the movies were released.

This was my absolute favorite movie so I was really excited to read it.

And then I was disappointed when it was different.

And maybe that's why I dislike the book. I had this ideal in mind from the movie and so many things from the book were left out!

The book was extremely tedious to get through.I can see that this is where the series began to darked a bit.

The book was good in the sense that I got an inside look into the details, but disappointing because it wasn't as entertaining as the movie.
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The Fourth Champion
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the fourth book in the much loved Harry Potter Series. This book starts with Harry going to the Quidditch World Cup with his best friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley (as well as Ron's family). But after the match is over, and Harry is preparing for bed, Death Eaters launch an attack on the sleeping magic folk, and the Dark Mark is launched into the sky.

In the days leading up to school, Harry 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. The Triwizard Tournament, but this year, it won't be just three wizards competing, but four.

I've always loved Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire the most. It is my favourite one of the books as well as the movies (except for Harry's haircut). I love the dragons and monsters in this book, the merfolk and the creatures in the maze. It is fun seeing the characters becoming attracted to the opposite gender and growing up book by book. I just love this one as much as the last, if not more!
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An Action-packed Adventure
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Book 4 in the Harry Potter series is the lynch pin on which the series turns. Harry and his friends are growing up, noticing the opposite sex, and struggling to learn the ropes as they transition from children to young adults. The Goblet of Fire competition is another fabulously rendered piece of the wizarding world, chock full of adventure, danger, and love. But through it all, darker threads are rising to the surface, betrayal is a mere breath away, and the stunning conclusion launches the entire wizarding world into a battle for survival.
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He's Back!
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5.0
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Rowling continues the saga of Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts in the 4th installment of her 7 book series. I love that as the series grows, the kids age appropriately, and so does the relational and external conflict. The Tri-Wizard Cup competition provides an intense and interesting vehicle for this story. Harry's forced participation leads to tension between him and his friends and isolates him. The tasks are difficult, girls are becoming confusing creatures, and the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher has taken a special interest in Harry. And behind it all, Voldemort's cunning and sinister plan is coming to fruition.

Highly recommend the entire series.
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this was a great book.
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Reader reviewed by dalton mills

This is one of the best Harry Potter books i have ever read and i have read almost all of them. it had action the whole time i could not even put it down. i have to say this is the best book ive ever read and i who ever was thinking about reading this book should.
G
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Harry potter and the goblet of fire
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Reader reviewed by Brianna

In the fourth book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry wants to get away from the Dursleys to go to the Quidittch world cup. He also finds out about an event at Hogwarts that hasnt happened for over a hundred years. The event includes to other schools. In the fantasy fictional Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire you will find yourself feeling like you are in the book and you wont want to put the book down!


             The Goblet of Fire book has two awards, The National Book Award, and Gold Medal Smarties prize 3 years running. I recommend reading the series for ages 10 and up. This book is by J.K Rowling, it was published in Britain. It hit a record first print run of one million copies in the U.K, and 3.8 million in the U.S. It quickly broke all records for the greatest number of books sold on the first weekend of publication.


            Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a series of seven books. The main characters are Harry, Ron, and Hermione, great friends of Harry, learning to be wizards.


I think the book is great! On yabookscentral.com people reviewed the book and said, Awesome book, Best book and series ever, and cant put the book down!


               Did you know that the first Harry Potter book was written on napkins while she was traveling on a train?  She completed her first book length manuscript on an old manual type writer while she was unemployed and living on state benefits.

G
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Harry Potter book review
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4.0
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Reader reviewed by Jacob and Jeffrey

SPOILER WARNING!!!!


Book title and author: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling


Title of review: Harry Potter Review


Number of stars (1 to 5): 4



Introduction


The book Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is one of the most exciting books of the series.



Description and summary of main points


It is Harrys 4th year in Hogwarts. He is in the most difficult competitions in the magical world for a student, the triwizard tournament, but it ends up being a trick to send Harry to the Dark Lord, Lord Voldemort.

G
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One of my favorites
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Reader reviewed by Sarima89

This is definetely one of my favorites in the HP series. I just couldnt stop reading, because I couldnt believe what was happenning.
Every little detail is important at the end and that makes it just wonderful.
I really enjoyed the book, but at the end I must admit that I didnt want to finish it, because I wanted to know what was going to happen and I didnt wanted to wait that much for the fifht book.
It was totally amazing, specially the labyrinth part, OMG!!!
Loved it!!


G
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R.I.P.
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3.0
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Reader reviewed by Cintia

rest in peace cedric!!!!!! i feel sooo sorry 4 him. why couldnt harry just be selfish for once and leave cedric behind?? noooo he had to be the hero and decide they both could b winners!! hermione gets with victor and ron is sooo jealous which is really funny. i think rn should just tell her he likes her and get it over with. overall i really liked it.
G
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A Magical Competition Gone Awry!
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Reader reviewed by GRgenius

Book four of the beloved Harry Potter series, finds young Potter and his friends back at Hogwart's ready to face another school year.  Not everything is what it seems, as so often occurs in the magical realm (and reality for that matter), for much excitement lies ahead!  The Tri-Wizard Tournament is going to be held at Hogwart's and for the competition, champions must be found.  Two additional schools of magic have arrived to participate in this event, thus 3 is the magic number needed.  Each individual wizard or witch must enter their name of their own accord into the flame of the goblet of fire, for many perils can befall those involved.  Fortunately for Harry, he does not meet the age requirements to enter and so settles in to be a spectator of the activites.  But wait!  What's this?  A fourth name has been chosen by the goblet...Harry Potter!  Impossible and yet it happened.....and as the rules are binding, he must also participate!  

Will young Harry be up to the tasks chosen for older more wizened wizardry students?  How did his name end up in the goblet in the first place?  All this and more is revealed as the story progresses along with a surprise ending you won't see coming....happy reading!
G
#1 Reviewer
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