HERO Magazine says Harry Wins Again!
594997
Anyone who's waited for months for the new Harry was finally given reprieve this weekend as Harry Potter #4 hit the shelves.  After devouring the book over the weekend, it's apparent that Ms. Rowling did it again.  It's just as magical and wonderful as the first books, and especially  brilliant and beguiling towards the end.  You won't read a better kids'  book for years!
2061148
Another awesome entry in the Dresden Files!  Butcher has become one of my all-time favorite authors and Harry Dresden one of my all-time favorite protagonists.  This one gets right back into the swing of things and Harry and his friends are stuck in the middle of another chaotic crisis to 'save the world' once more.  Go Harry!
1329724
OK, fine. Maybe because I'm 14 means that reading children's books isn't socially acceptable. Well, tough. As a loyal Harry reader, I was a tad worried that maybe this bookwouldn't live up to the standards of the past  3.
WRONG! In Book 4, the excitement never stops as JK Rowling goes for an  even twistier plot than "Prisoner of Azkaban". Harry is chosen to  participate in a Triwizard Tournament with young socerers from Durmtrang  and Beauxbatons, other magical schools. The tasks can be deadly, the  competition fierce, and of course, being Harry Potter means that simply  living is reason to be nervous...Nothing is quite what is seems when you  reach the action packed conclusion, which, unlike past Harry books, leaves  ends hanging for the next book in the series.
Naturally, all your  favorite characters are back:Ron, Hermione, the Weasely twins, Hagrid,  Dumbledore(obviously), Snape, and, happily, Sirius Black...But there are  plenty of new faces, like "Mad-Eye" Moody, the new Dark Arts  teacher who gives new definition to the word paranoid. You won't believe  how things turn out, so get reading!
1271100
I looked forward as much as anyone else in the world (approx. 1.5 million people) to the latest installment in Harry Potter's adventures--prepared, as an adult and a connoiseur of children's books, to find that the 4th book  wouldn't be as exciting or breath-taking as the first three, and especially  the 3rd.  Was I wrong!  From the first chapter of Harry Potter and the  Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling proves  that she is nothing short of excellent.  The book is full of great humor, the complexities of friendship, amazing  magic, and keep-you-up-at-night action and suspense. The Quidditch World  Cup is only the beginning.  Who could have thought that anything could be  more exciting than Quidditch?  But there is--and the goblet of fire is just  the starting point.  JK Rowling also pulls no punches.  She has previously  said that she wanted to prove once and for all the evil that Voldemort is  with this book, and she does so with events so horrific that parents of  younger fans may need to guide their kids through the book.  But I am  grateful that she doesn't pull punches. Details and events from the first  three books are woven brilliantly together.  Harry's world definitely  became even more real, and he, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore and other  characters we've come to love do as well, and readers will be drawn with  their full empathy into wizard life.  The mania surrounding Harry Potter  isn't simple marketing hype--it's the genuine enthusiasm of readers who  have fallen in love with a very believable world and with very believable  people.  Now, I just don't know how long I can wait for book 5...the Goblet  of Fire left me anxious, thrilled, but 100% satisfied.
3597824
Everybody does know that this is the preview of the actual book coming out this year, right?  From reading this preview, this is going to be another best seller.  Every time Harry and his half brother Mickey get together, sparks fly.
373967
I absolutely love Lumbley and the Necroscope, so this was no different.  It had different villians, doing different things, but Harry is man!
4097808
I am an avid reader of adult and children's books and am always looking for something to inspire my sons to read. It wasn't until Harry Potter that my 11 year old (now 12) discovered the joy of reading. He reluctantly took  the book when I brought it home with his typical "oh great mom,  another book" gratitude...Well, my heart soared when he started  reading it and he couldn't put it down! He raved about how good it was,  wouldn't sleep or EVEN watch TV. He has read all three in the series and is  greatly anticipating the next one.
While we have been waiting he has  read "The Golden Compass" and "The Subtle Knife" by  Philip Pullman, "Dark Is Rising" by Susan Cooper and  "Holes" by Louis Sachar...all of which he says are even better  than Harry, which he rates 11 on a scale 1-10.
I have read the Sorcerer's  Stone & Chamber of Secrets (at my sons insistence) and find the books  charming. The fast pace, high adventure, fun story and good writing make  these books easy for kids to love. J.K.Rowling has my undying gratitude for  turning my son onto the joy of reading!
961289
I finally got around to reading the first in this now famous series, and I can see what the hype is about. I've been told that subsequent books get even better as the author finds his voice and gets even more into the character. But this first novel was a fun read for me, and Harry is a likable and humorous guy. I will definitely read more of Harry's adventures.
1419348
I thoroughly enjoyed this new Harry Potter story. It has a very satisfying ending. Old friends are back in action with our new protagonists. Rowling and team created an adventure that positively drew me in. I love it when a book can draw me in like this. Time stands still. Give us more wizards J.K. Rowling!!!

Update after Receipt of an 'Unhelpful Review' and 1 Star Reviews:
There sure are A LOT of 'militant' H.P. fans out there - "True" vs. "Casual". "True" fans, with Dark Mark tattoos, and the dogs named Hermione, are upset by this story. "Rowling is lazy". "She ruined the other stories"., "the other stories had 'depth'", etc. etc. What has *really* happened? The readers have grown up and when revisiting this world, no longer see it through child/young adult eyes. With all hope lost for a new H.P. story, they turned to the scourge of existence - FAN FICTION. They found FAN FICTION stories that addressed all of the things that they hoped/wanted to be contained in the first seven books. This is of course, Rowling's fault. She should have kept going, and mined the world every two years like anyone else would have given this popularity. To these adult fan boys and girls, all of a 'sudden', the blemishes, WHICH EXIST IN ALL OF HER WORKS, are highlighted. Remember - Chamber of Secrets, Goblet of Fire and Deathly Hallows are the only books that truly moved the ball forward. The rest of the books were interesting enough, but they lacked intensity. Act Four in this play HAS the intensity. But as an adult, you now have to SUSPEND DISBELIEF and ENJOY THE STORY, as a child does. Children do not nitpick on plot holes. Children do not say 'this story RUINED that story.' C'mon! This is WAY better than TV. Approach it as a child would. And you'll find this story fun to read and very engaging!

Suspend your disbelief! Don't nitpick, like you didn't nitpick the first seven books! Enjoy!!!
3412014
Who in the English-reading world hasn't heard of Harry Potter by now? No need to recap the plotline details here. Harry is a great kid, just the sort of vulnerable, yet feisty hero that MOST parents would like to think  their son is.  He's an appealing character for adults and kids alike.
I  have read that these books are  the most-banned in the US for the past  year. That would be the doing of all those weird fundamentalist types who  seem to think reading Hemingway turns you into a suicidal fisherman, or  Pride and Prejudice encourages girls to elope with unsuitable army  officers.
The lovely thing about the books is that despite all the hype  accompanying the publication of the 4th HP book, it was bubbling along by  the best possible method: word of mouth amongst kids themselves.
Harry  and his friends Hermione and Ron are terrific creations, and will remain  children's classics - deservedly so. They're terrific books to read along  with the kids. I believe young people still enjoy their parents or other  adults reading aloud with them even at the age where they could read these  independently (the target age group is about 9 to 12). Any parent or other  grown up who does so will laugh along and be as enchanted as the kids  are!
There is the much-loved English boarding school tradition, with the  added magic and mayhem. Secret passages abound, and there are feasts and  games (Quidditch is a marvellous invention!) Wouldn't you just love to be  present sat one of the magical feasts and to snuggle up afterwards in a  comfy 4-poster bed! No starvation rations and cold, comfortless dorms at  this school!
This book continues the the fun and mayhem begun in Book 1.  It is longer than the first book, and by now, the reader is hooked and  hungering more. This is a feature of each subsequent book - each longer  than its predecessor. By the end of the book you are however, thirsting for  more!
In Book 2 there is an accretion of magical skills known to the  youngsters, and more spells, potions, and paraphenalia available to them.  Consequently, the evil is stronger too. It becomes more malevolent as the  kids age and themselves become more powerful.
I did find the character of  Moaning Myrtle (the ghost living in a toilet) a bit of a pain after a  while, though, like all other elements, she is integral to the plot.
I  finished Book 2 and immediately went out for Book 3.
1544548
J.K. Rowling's books tell the amazing tale of the boy who lived, Harry Potter. Harry, protected by the undying love of his parents, survived when the evil Lord Voldemort tried to kill him as a baby.  Voldemort's power was reduced to almost nothing while Harry was miraculously left with only a scar.  The story begins several years later when young Harry first learns the truth about how his parents and is to begin his education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  Voldemort is regaining his strength and influence, and Harry will have to face him again.
These books make an excellent addition to any personal library, no matter what the age!  My little sister convinced me to give them a try and I ended up reading all five of them in under a week!  These books have all the elements of a great story, from great characters to great adventures.  Humor, action, and mystery kept me turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning.  And as soon as things start to settle down, JKR throws in another twist to the plot--whether it be a new character, interesting object, or a new problem for Ron, Harry, and Hermione to face together.
Anybody who rates these books poorly clearly has not read them for themselves; they're just spouting off the anti-HP rhetoric fed to them in Sunday School.  Please give these books a chance before disregarding them; I promise you won't regret it.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND these books for people of all ages who can appreciate a great story.
903241
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is fantastic!  J.K. Rowling does not fail to keep the never-ending mysteries and adventures going since the first book.  Trouble seems to find Harry wherever he goes.  Accidentally blowing up Aunt Marge into a balloon, Harry decides to run, for the fear of how much trouble he'll be in from the Ministry of Magic.  Unknowingly, Harry flags down the Knight Bus, which takes him to Diagon Alley.  Here he learns that he is in danger.  Sirius Black, an escaped convict from Azkaban is at large and is seeking Harry to finish off Lord Voldmort's work.  Unable to attend Honeydukes without a signed permission, Harry is given the Marauder's map, which helps him escape from the school to Honeydukes in a secret tunnel.  Harry encounters Demetor's during a Quiditch match, causing Harry a great fall and his broom to be smashed to pieces.  Sneaking out one night under the invisibility cloak,  Harry,  Hermione,  and  Ron visit Hagrid.  Upon leaving Hagrid's, they are attacked by a large black dog.  The dog drags Ron away.  The fate of the characters is quite different than what readers expect!  The ending is unpredictable.
Readers who enjoy magic, mystery and adventure will love this book.  All three things and more are included.  The context is easily read and isn't hard to follow.  The story has a lot of unexpected turns. Just when you thought you knew what was happening something new is thrown in.  Once you're hooked you, won't want to put the book down.
2404182
As usual, Harry doesn't disappoint.  I read the entire book in one evening (finishing at around 7AM).  I couldn't put this one down.  J.K. Rowling has written yet another excellent story, and I would like to preorder book 5  now please!
442800
As you can see from the title I love harry potter! The books are so thrilling with a bit of romance. This fantasy book is the best so far! I cried laughed along with the caracters. I loved Harry's determination and how he cared about his friends,teachers, and even family (even though the Dursleys treated Harry like trash). I have to admit my mom started my Harry Potter craze! In the beggining I wasn't sure but when I was done with last book I was crying because it was over. I have all the movies, even though the books are better! My favorite character is Luna Lovegood (don't tell Hermione). I hope you find this reveiw is helpful.
1157111
Nice to see this again! I did artwork for Jonathon Bacon's first three issues (missed this one, though) and later #13. Jonathon did a great job on these fanzines!!
1176968
This sixth Hogwarts Yearbook, as they could easily be termed, was brilliant. As Harry, Ron, and Hermione have grown and matured, so has the story - which is what is supposed to happen. I'm thrilled wi' the story thus far, and am anxious for the next installment (might she hurry?!) I never suspected the end, but I was vindicated when my hunch as to the identity of the Half-Blood Prince was validated. Still think he's a bit hinky, but... it makes for invigorating speculation. Harry is admirable, Ron precious, and Hermione a model. Personally, I see no reason for the Vatican to issue a public condemnation of J.K. Rowling's masterpiece. Reminds me of The Inquisition, and didn't they issue an apology for that travesty?! At least Harry is motivating children to read and NOT waste away in front of computers or video games, or roam the streets in gangs. There are marvelous moral lessons, and the good should be applauded. No one can deny or decry the mass appeal, and Ms. Rowling certainly deserves the success. What an inspiration!

Hats off to Harry!
1758431
Oh if they could only make movies as well as books.  When you watch movie sequels or installments it often dissappoints. (Can anyone say Matrix?)  That's not the case in Jim Butcher's latest in the Dresden series.  Since Book 1 I've said this a very special writer.  You will not find many authors who consistently keep up the blistering pace after so many books.  Great job, again!  It's a can't put-it-down book.  Harry is one of those great character that appeals to many.  I just love, adore, obsess over a flawed hero.  Harry is that.  I like getting more emotional information over what it could have been like  for him when he was Molly's age.  Good job in introducing a new character(Molly) AND still given us more information about Harry's tortured past.

I thought Harry has evolved greatly as a wizard in this book.  He's powerful and vulnerable at the same time.  This book bought back most of my favorite characters: Summer Lady, Winter Lady, Michael, Murphy and Thomas.  Introducing Rawlings was a nice addition as well.

Now the waiting begins again....hurry Jim with the next one!