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The Harry Potter series is among the most popular books and film franchises having produced eight blockbuster films. The theme throughout the series of books is the looming threat of the dark wizard Voldemort who tried and failed to kill Harry as an infant. The books are set in the 1990s at a time when a ten-year-old Harry learns that he is a wizard, and starts attending school at Hogwarts school for witchcraft and wizardry. Each of the seven Harry Potter books in the series follows a year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where protagonist Harry Potter learns to become a wizard himself.
The first of the seven Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, was published in 1997 and sold over 500 million copies worldwide. But which is the best Harry Potter book?
There are plenty of opinions on which Harry Potter book is the best. Some people love the second installment, some like the fourth, while others favor the fifth or sixth. What is not included in this review of the seven Harry Potter books is what is considered the eighth book, which takes place nineteen years later, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child". In it, Harry works for the Ministry of Magic and has a family with wife and children. Although there is no review of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, please enjoy reviews for the other seven Harry Potter novels.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
"Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!"
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
The initial book in the Harry Potter series introduces us to the boy who would grow up to become one of the most famous wizards of all time.
As a child, Harry Potter was protected from the attacks of Voldemort by his mother's sacrificial love, but this unbelief was his downfall. Many years later, Harry was sent to live with his Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon after his parents' death. Harry finds himself whisked away to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he begins his magical education.
Throughout the book, readers follow Harry because Harry makes friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger and discovers his magical powers.
The book's main themes are identity and discovery, as Harry finds his place in the wizarding world, learns who he is and what he can do, and makes new friends.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
"Back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his second year, Harry hears strange whispers echo through empty corridors - and then the attacks start. Students are found as though turned to stone... Dobby's sinister predictions seem to be coming true."
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
The second book in the series continues to follow Harry as he begins his magical education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And just when they thought their second year would just be breezing through, Harry learns that he can speak Parseltongue, they encounter the Chamber of Secrets, and again, ended the year with a Voldemort face-off. This time, as his younger self, Tom Riddle.
This time, Harry finds himself having to confront a mysterious creature that has been attacking Muggle-born students at Hogwarts in a bid to reopen the dreaded Chamber of Secrets. Meanwhile, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, steals the show as the vain and self-obsessed fraud he is.
With the help of his best friends, Ron and Hermione, Harry must figure out what the Chamber of Secrets is, who the creature inside it is, and how to stop it. The theme of identity continues in Chamber of Secrets, but there's also an added focus on friendship. Harry and his friends fight against external and internal threats, such as the Basilisk in Hogwarts and the friendship-breaking effects of the Tom Riddle diary.
Readers love Chamber of Secrets for its fast-paced action and gripping plot.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
"When the Knight Bus crashes through the darkness and screeches to a halt in front of him, it's the start of another far from ordinary year at Hogwarts for Harry Potter. Sirius Black, escaped mass-murderer and follower of Lord Voldemort, is on the run - and they say he is coming after Harry."
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
The third segment of the series sees Harry confront his most terrifying enemy yet: the dementors. The dementors are magical creatures that feed on human happiness and are employed by the Ministry of Magic as guards at Azkaban Prison.
As the story begins, Harry is shocked to discover that the person who has been haunting Hogwarts Castle is the soul of his beloved Hogwarts Defence Against the Dark Arts professor, Professor James Potter. Harry learns that the man's soul has been imprisoned in one of the dementors' bodies, or 'human bags' as they are sometimes known since they attacked him as a child.
Prisoner of Azkaban is a very dark book, exploring themes such as death, guilt, and loss. It also features the mystery of who wrote the threatening messages on the castle walls and a question readers had wondered about since the first book.
Readers love a prisoner of Azkaban for its ominous atmosphere and gripping plot twists.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
"There will be three tasks, spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways ... their magical prowess - their daring - their powers of deduction - and, of course, their ability to cope with danger."
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
In the fourth section of the self-drawn into the dangerous Goblet of Fire, which chooses three champions from each Hogwarts house to compete in the Triwizard Tournament.
Having been drawn into the tournament without his knowledge, Harry must compete against two other Hogwarts students and a foreign exchange student. As the match progresses, there is mounting evidence that someone is attempting to harm Harry. Goblet of Fire is darker and more severe than the first three Harry Potter books. That is partly because the Triwizard Tournament has a much more sinister edge than the Hogwarts school year and partially because Voldemort returns during this book.
Goblet of Fire is a hugely popular Harry Potter book due to the dark themes explored and the intriguing tournament storyline.
The Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
"You are sharing the Dark Lord's thoughts and emotions. The Headmaster thinks it inadvisable for this to continue. He wishes me to teach you how to close your mind to the Dark Lord."
The Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The fifth division of the series follows Harry as he returns to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for his fifth year. However, Harry quickly discovers that not everything is as it should be at Hogwarts, and he soon realizes that the Ministry of Magic is attempting to silence him.
This book is particularly notable for its change in tone, as it is much darker than the previous books in the series. It also comes with a significant trigger warning, as it explores themes such as domestic abuse, mental illness, and child neglect.
The Order of the Phoenix has a much more mature feel than the earlier Harry Potter books due to the explored heavier themes. It also marks a refreshing change in the series, as it is the first book to be viewed from an adult perspective.
Order of the Phoenix is the best Harry Potter book for those who love dark fantasy and are looking for something a little more grown-up.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
"When Dumbledore arrives at Privet Drive one summer night to collect Harry Potter, his wand hand is blackened and shriveled, but he does not reveal why. Harry is convinced that Malfoy bears the Dark Mark: there is a Death Eater amongst them. Harry will need powerful magic and true friends as he explores Voldemort's darkest secrets, and Dumbledore prepares him to face his destiny..."
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The sixth chapter in the series, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince begin with Harry discovering a mysterious potions textbook. As Harry delves further into the book, he realizes it was written by his late Potions professor, the enigmatic Severus Snape. As Harry explores the book, he discovers that it holds secrets about his past and even more about the dark wizard, Voldemort.
Half-Blood Prince is a love letter to the potions genre, and Harry's fascination with the subject shines through in this book. Half-Blood Prince is a story about the past, exploring events before the first Harry Potter book and shining a light on the future.
Readers love this book for its compelling mystery and nostalgic feel.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
"Give me Harry Potter,' said Voldemort's voice, 'and none shall be harmed. Give me Harry Potter, and I shall leave the school untouched. Give me Harry Potter, and you will be rewarded. The Dark Lord is breathing fear into everything Harry loves and to stop him Harry will have to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes. The final battle must begin - Harry must stand and face his enemy."
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
The seventh and final book in the series sees Harry and his friends enter their final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Their lives become increasingly dangerous as the threat of Voldemort, and his Death Eaters continues to loom over them.
The final book begins with Harry, Ron, and Hermione set out on a perilous journey to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes, magical items that contain fragments of Voldemort's soul.
Deathly Hallows is a much darker and more intense read than the first six Harry Potter books. It also marks a significant shift in the tone of the series, as the overall feel is much more serious and adult.
Deathly Hallows is loved most by readers for its thrilling action scenes and touching character moments.
FAQ
Which Harry Potter book is the best in the series?
Gryffindors cheer, Slytherins sneer, and Hufflepuffs... well, they're just happy to be here (no offense). It's the fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and the wizarding world for Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger, and things are more dangerous than ever. Voldemort is back, and he's after the Goblet of Fire - a magical artifact that will choose one student to compete in the Triwizard Tournament. The Tournament is incredibly dangerous, and Harry finds himself in the middle of it all. Will he be able to survive?
This is easily the best of the Harry Potter books yet. J.K. Rowling outdoes herself with complex characters, fraught relationships, and nonstop action. If you thought the previous books were good, wait until you read this one. You won't be able to put it down!
What is most people's favorite Harry Potter Book?
It's hard to choose a favorite of Harry Potter books when they're all so amazing, but if we had to pick just one, it would be Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This third installment in the series is full of suspense, excitement, and adventure, and we can't help but be impressed by how much J.K. Rowling continues to wow us with her storytelling prowess.
The plot of Prisoner of Azkaban is gripping from start to finish, and there are so many memorable moments (like when Harry first meets Sirius Black and learns the truth about his parents' deaths). The characters are also incredibly well-developed, and we love getting to see more of Hermione and Ron as they continue to stand by Harry's side through thick and thin.
If you're looking for a book that will keep you entertained from beginning to end, we highly recommend Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. You won't be disappointed!
Which Harry Potter Book Should I read First?
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
What is an appropriate age to read Harry Potter?
What age is the best age to begin reading Harry Potter? This is a question that many parents ask themselves. The Harry Potter book series is Middle Grade, not YA (Young Adult). This means it is generally written for children ages 8-12 and grade levels 3-7. However, many parents worry that the content of the books may be too dark or mature for their young children.
The truth is that each child is different and will respond to the books differently. Many kids can handle the more mature themes in the later Harry Potter books, while others may prefer to stick with the lighter first few volumes. There is no wrong answer here, it simply depends on your child's individual preferences.
If you are undecided about whether or not your child is ready for Harry Potter, you can always start with the first book and see how they react to it. If they seem to be enjoying it and can handle the occasional darker moment, then chances are they will be just fine reading the entire series. However, if they seem to be struggling with some of the more intense scenes, then you might want to wait until they are a bit older before continuing.
No matter what age you ultimately decide to start your child on Harry Potter, just know that it is a timeless series that has something for everyone. They will no doubt fall in love with the characters and the magical world that J.K. Rowling has created, and you will be able to bond over your shared love of all things Hogwarts!
What are Harry Potter fans called?
Are you a diehard Harry Potter fan? Do you love the wizarding world and all things Hogwarts? If so, you're certainly not alone!
Many people feel just as passionately about Harry Potter as you do, and they're known as Potterheads. Some even go so far as to theme their weddings around the series!
If you're looking for a community of like-minded individuals who share your love of all things Harry Potter, then you need look no further than the Potterhead fandom. Here, you'll find people of all ages who share your passion for the series and are always excited to discuss it.
How old is Harry Potter?
How old is Harry Potter? This is a question that has been debated by fans for years. Some say he is eleven, while others claim he is thirteen. The majority of the book's plot covers seven years in the life of the orphan Harry, who, on his eleventh birthday, learns he is a wizard. This would make him eighteen at the end of the seventh book. However, there are many clues throughout the series that suggest Harry is thirteen.
For example, in the first book, Harry is described as being small for his age. He is also said to have an immature personality and is often bullied by his classmates. In the second book, it is stated that Harry has grown considerably over the summer and is now taller than his classmates. This would suggest that he was previously below average height for his age group.
Another clue comes from Sirius Black in the third book. Sirius says that James Potter died when Harry was one year old. However, if we take into account the fact that Harry was born in 1980 and the events of the books take place in 1992-1998, then Sirius would have been referring to 1977 when James died. This would make Harry eleven at the time, not one as Sirius claims.
So how old is Harry Potter? The answer may never be definitively known but based on the evidence above, it seems clear that J.K. Rowling intended for him to be thirteen years old.
Which Harry Potter book is the longest?
As the fifth novel in the series of Harry Potter books, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is certainly the longest book. However, it is also the second shortest film at just over two hours. This makes it a great choice for readers who want to dive into a longer story, but don't have the time to commit to a full-length film.
The story itself is just as engaging and exciting as the previous four, following Harry as he comes to terms with his upcoming Fifth year at Hogwarts. He must face new challenges, both in his studies and in his battle against Lord Voldemort. With Direction by David Yeates, this film is sure to be a hit with Potter fans of all ages.
Who is the strongest wizard of all time?
Albus Dumbledore was the most powerful wizard of his time, and even Lord Voldemort himself feared facing him. Dumbledore was a master of all things magical, and his powers were second to none. He was able to defeat Voldemort time and time again, and his strength was legendary. If you're looking for the strongest wizard of all time, look no further than Albus Dumbledore!
Conclusion
Many people have grown up reading the Harry Potter Books. There are many opinions on which Harry Potter book is the best, but they all have one thing in common: they're all worth reading. Each book has a different theme and focuses on various aspects of Harry's journey, meaning there is something for everyone in the series.
Whether you love the first book for its sense of wonder or the seventh for its thrilling action, there are Harry Potter books for everyone.
The Harry Potter books have become some of the most critical literature in our modern world. They've become classics passed down from generation to generation, and kids read to their children one day. Many generations will read these books to come. There are many reasons to love these books, but one reason stands above the rest: They're timeless.
That concludes our list of the best Harry Potter books. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to share this list with your friends.
