Genre: Fantasy Age Range: YA/Adult Star Rating: 5/5 stars Series: Yes - book 4
*SPOILER ALERT: contains SPOILERS for previous books in the series*
Synopsis:
“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.”
The TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT is to be held at Hogwarts. Only wizards who are over seventeen are allowed to enter – but that doesn’t stop Harry DREAMING that he will WIN the competition. Then at Hallowe’en, when the Goblet of Fire makes its selection, Harry is AMAZED to find his name is one of those that the MAGICAL cup picks out. He will face death-defying tasks, DRAGONS and Dark wizards, but with the help of his best friends, Ron and Hermione, he might just make it through – ALIVE!
Thoughts:
As with previous books, here is my pre-existing (pitiful) review:
Another stunning read, shifting darker again with all the characteristic false leads and wonderfully subplots so that you can never anticipate what will happen next.
As I said in my review of #3, I’m not sure whether this one or #3 is the best. Having read them back to back, I still can’t make up my mind. There is a massive size jump between #3 and #4, not to mention the serious gear change into the darker tones, the magical atmosphere the backdrop to the story as the stakes rise and hints of the ending come through. I do miss the lighter tone, but I also love the complexities of this book – in the plot, characters and world.
The introduction of the wizarding schools of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang shows off the scope of the world and – through the ministry of international cooperations – hints at the complex government. Using Crouch, Bagman, Percy and Arthur Weasley, Rowling starts to unravel the magical government – which plays a huge role in later books.
Even if, for those not so inclined to political fantasy, these political hints feel like a drag in the long book, they are vital to world-building for later books. As I write this, I’m currently reading #5 and it’d be so much harder to understand it if the groundwork about the Ministry of Magic hadn’t been laid in this book. Not to mention the fear of Voldemort’s return and Rita Skeeter’s campaigns to write sensationalism, not matter how untrue.
Loyalties and relationships are tested. Yes, Hermione’s relationship with the boys went through a rough patch in #3, but it didn’t feel serious. This is the first time that loyalties felt close to breaking point.
Harry and Ron’s wobble is frustrating, but believable and a much needed step in their relationship. Ron’s jealously about always being in the shadows was going to poison their relationship if it wasn’t aired and (eventually) dealt with. Ron and Hermione’s will-they/won’t-they relationship is set up, and the ground works for frictions between Dumbledore and the ministry are laid.
One of the worst things about the movie was how, due to run time, it had to cut out Dobby and Sirius. They are such crucial characters to the series. So yes, S.P.E.W. seems like a bit of a page-waste at times (it does highlight some of the inequalities of the world), but not Dobby. The films had to set him up very quickly (and thus poorly) in film 7 part 1, where in the book we really see Harry and Dobby’s relationship flourish.
I love Sirius, the fatherly figure Harry needs, not to mention a wiser, older friend to guide him through the troubles who is less impressive than Dumbledore. The sheer love he has for Harry is evident (and again had to be quickly set up in film 5).
Let’s talk about the length. Yes, it’s rather long, but it doesn’t feel that way (until you try to fit it in your bag and carry it about all day). Not much feels cut-worthy without the story being slimmed down. I read fast, so I don’t mind long, complex books and the writing doesn’t drag the story down. Rather, the plot and mysteries pull you along at a terrific lick.
Yes, certainly can’t pick between this and #3. They have to settle for half a trophy each!
Read my reviews of other books by J.K. Rowling:
Harry Potter (this series):
Sifa Elizabeth Reads 