A review by chakelligence
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

5.0

This could be my favorite one. This is the book when the whole mood of the series shifts. The ones before were perilous, but there was more humor than peril and dark themes. This is the year when Harry becomes a self centered teenager, he becomes real. He is selfish at times, he is frustrated, and he is tired of everyone always telling him he's wrong. He is just plain angry through the majority of this book, which is frustrating at times for the reader, because we all know Harry as the hero who enjoys being at school and with his friends and being a joyful spirit, but he is very far from that in this book. This book is darker and more twisted even more so than the last two books, because this is when Harry is most vulnerable. He's finally realizing what he is meant to do, but he isn't sure he really wants to be the hero. He is tired from the fact that as much as he has accomplished, no one appreciates any of his past deeds. Everyone treats him like a fragile child, when he just wants to be treated like everybody else. It's probably the most depressing of Harry's years at Hogwarts. But, honestly? I think this could be my favorite in the series. The ending is amazing. Everything is explained, Harry finally lashes out about all his anger and confusion, and everything is resolved for the time being. It sets up what has to come to pass in the last two novels, and it works! Harry is someone we can all relate to during the darker times of life. When we feel entirely alone. When we think no one else can understand how were feeling. When even the best of friends can't seem to do anything for you. In the end, he has to stand up, let everything go, and save himself from his own mind. Which he does. And he does so in the most human and realistic way possible. Just like we all have to do. I love this book. So much.