Thank you JK Rowling for continuing to write
587576
This was a wonderful book, with a great character, and a driving and intriguing plot. It was a world I truly enjoyed and I hope it won't be long before there is another book.
3978560
Because I can't wait for it!  Harry is really starting to grow up here in the 5th installment of this much beloved series, and you can see he is firmly entrenched in the "terrible teens" What makes JK Rowlings writing so excellent is the way she lets you see the characters change and grow as time progresses.  In this book Harry has become slightly less likeable character with constant tantrums and unexplicable bouts of anger but he is certainly more realistic.  The focus is really on his own inner turmoil and his fight against authority figures to do what he sees as right, even though it leads to greater danger.  Not dissimilar to the feelings most teenagers go through.  Again a very realistic view point from JK. The pace is very snappy, and you always have the feeling as you read that something is about to happen...and true to form usually does.  This book is certainly darker than the other four, but I enjoyed it just as much, and would of course highly recommend it to anyone who has read the other Harry Potter Books.  There are still many humerous moments dotted through out the book, Fred and George are priceless and I just loved Harry's confusion about Cho and why she says the things she does. My only criticism...not as much focus on Hermione and Ron as I would have liked as they really seemed to be developing something back in book 4, but that is a very minor quibble, and does not in any way detract from the enjoyment I got from reading this book.
3711253
Even though I have not completely finished Ms. Rowling's latest addition to her wonderful Harry  Potter series, I must say that from what I have read thus far, this book is absolutely marvelous. It's definitely another  page turner. Writing this review has been one of the few times I have put  this book down. Rowling definitely does have the touch of a great wizard.  It's almost as if she's created a spell to entrance her readers into  expanding their imaginations with her purely ingenious books. I don't want  to give anything away, but I can assure you that if your hoping that this  book is just as exciting as all three of the previous additions to the  Harry Potter series, you will not be disappointed. Harry Potter rules!
3730442
As a devotee of JK Rowling and the entire Harry Potter series,  I am delighted she is now writing for the adult world as Robert Galbraith.  The Cuckoo Calling was a pleasant surprise and The Silkworm picks up with a new whodunit involving PD Strike and his assistant Robin. Keep writing JKR!
1547164
As with everything from J. K. Rowling, this was amazing.  I only wish there was more to it.  NOTE:  It is written in a "play" type format, which may make it more difficult for a young reader to follow.
69344
As always I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it!!! Jk Rowling is a masterful story teller. I did not see the final twist coming!
3422031
This is simply an amazing book. The darkness is being held at bay by a thread and no one is safe. Despite the war that is unleased in both the Muggle and Wizarding world there is still hope. You will journey further into the pasts and futures of some of your favorite/least favorite characters. The mystery of the Half-Blood Prince is intriguing and there are numerous plots that J.k Rowling weaves together to form yet another masterpiece. I'm not going to reveal any spoilers, just let me say, that I tip my hat off to Rowling. Great job.
1469170
Well, I tore through this book in two days and found it to be another excellent example of the storytelling talents of J.K. Rowling.  The only criticism I had of the first three books was that the dark characters that  provide Harry with his challenges were undeveloped caricatures, notably  Draco Malfoy and Lord Voldemort.  This volume takes great strides in  developing the villains. The series also continues to develop as great  mysteries.  The clues are fairly planted throughout the book and kids will  love the continued attention to detail.  I am an English teacher and aware  of the challenges against this series...and while this installment is  certainly darker, and will be sure to provide ammunition for those who  search desperatly for it, I still think it is a magical series that opens  the eyes of children to the joys of reading and the fun of fantasy  literature.
4847492
I've read many books and I must say that the first two books by JK Rowling have kept me enthralled as no book ever has.  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets I must recommend to everyone older than probably nine years of age.  The characters have matured and so has Rowling's imagination.
124318
This is my second read and I picked up additional details!  Love JK Rowling and Harry Potter!
4375926
Well, I really must say that JK Rowling nailed it with this one. The mystery and characters are so much more involving than they were in the second in this time there is yet another Defense Against the Black Arts teacher; Prof. Lupin. Who has been my fave teacher so far. Plus the Quidditch matches are more entertaining thanks to Harry's new broom.
Tho I did kind of figure out Hermione's secret and Lupin's illness right away. But the way they are woven into the climax is pretty clever. And this time there actually IS a climax. Last time I felt like it was more of a poor excuse to tie up loose-ends and full of unconvincing exposition. Not so here I'm pleased to say, this is a better mystery with a better ending.
Tho longer than Chamber of Secrets I find that this installment is quicker with more humor and sarcastic wit. I hope that JK Rowling keeps this up with the rest of the series as it is needed to balance out all the dark elements. I haven't read Goblet of Fire yet but I hope it's just as cool. But for now, Prisoner of Azkaban gets a definite 5/5
911182
J.K. Rowling writes beautifully. She has a way of entrancing her readers and submerging them into the wizarding world. I love Harry Potter and recently started reading this book with the 5 yr old I nanny!
4408104
Any book that can capture the attention of millions of children (not to mention adults) for 700+ pages has to be remarkable. Given how good the first three Harry Potter novels were, it's amazing that this one is even better. All of you're favorite things from the earlier novels are here - wonderful magical creatures, a suspenseful and compelling plot, exciting Quidtditch games, ominous threats and heroic bravery. Nevertheless, Rowling's writing skills have clearly matured. Her unparalleled imagination is still at work, but she has added subtle nuances that make her characters even more interesting. I am most impressed by how she has Harry and his friends aging appropriately without losing their appeal to a younger audience. All the literary praise aside, this is a great read. Hurry up with Book 5!
785090
I was afraid that my hopes were too high when I finally received my copy of the Order of the Phoenix.  I was quite mistaken.
Rowling has managed to create, yet again, a mysteriously wonderful story all the while allowing her readers to acquaint themselves more dearly to her colorful characters.  With an honest look at adolescence and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it, Rowling's character development in this book is astonishing.
The only thing about this book that left me disappointed is the fact that I will probably have to wait two more years to find out what happens next.
2424349
Although I probably found Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Akzaban to be a little bit more enjoyable than this 4th book....I still loved it and stayed up until 3am to finish it. This volume is somewhat "darker" than the previous books and as an adult (but kid at heart) I liked the plot including Harry's relationship with his Godfather, Sirius Black to the new instructor of "Dark Magic", Professor Moody and his magical eye. The book begins with the Quidditch  World Cup- which is the slowest part of the book but as you read on you understand the importance- I don't want to give away the story but you have all your casts of regulars, and of course Snape and his hatred towards Harry ever deepening. Romance plays a part from Harry to Hermoine and instead of Harry being involved in a Quidditch match there is a wizard competition amongst other schools (Triwizard Cup) that involves dangerous tasks and Lord Voldermort on the rise. By midway you really can not put the book down, I became so concerned for Harry, and Hogswarts that I was relieved there is a 5th book and know they must all be back. Again Rowling's creative mind is hard at work- you will love the book and is a must for any Harry Potter fan- even us grown ups.
2824524
J.K. Rowling has once again proven her great talents with this companion piece to the Harry Potter series, mostly to the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The tales presented in this short book are original, entertaining and very complete, with unexpectedly complex morals, and the style in which they are written gives the feel that they truly are very old stories, passed on for many generations, and use wizarding rules and terms giving the illusion that they are intended for young wizards and witches.
The "commentary" by Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore (!) is invaluable. Wise, insightful and funny as always, it feels like a visit from an old friend and is a very welcome gift to all of us who greatly miss the Professor, and most importantly, reveals some snippets of information that enrich what we know from the previous volumes.
To all the fans, do not miss this book, it is not as loosely related to the Potter series as you might think, and sparkles with the genius of J.K. Rowling.
2679400
I must admit I was not sure if I'd like the outcome of this Harry Potter Book - but JK Rowling did Harry Potter justice.  This was a very addictive series of books.  I found myself not able to put this one down until I was finished.  Great Read!