Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire
Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Author: J.K. Rowling
Series: Harry Potter #4
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Format: Hard Cover
Pages: 734
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:
Also in this series: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
My Thoughts
Like the previous three books, this is my fourth time reading HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE. When I first read it, I was amazed by it. I thought it was a fun change from the previous three books because it had more adventure throughout the entire year rather than just at the end. When I read it the first time, it was the last book published. I felt a sense of longing and anxiety after the ending. I wanted to know what was going to happen then and not have to wait for each book to be published.
Even though I loved this book just as much as I love the whole series, I actually have two beefs with it. One was fixed in a subsequent edition, but it still bothers me to no end because it’s in my U.S. first edition. I’m, of course, talking about the order Harry’s parents come out of the wand. It’s backwards and I just can’t look past it when I read that part.
The second thing that bothers me is at the end of the book as the students are making their way back to the Hogwarts Express, the horseless carriages are mentioned. At this point, Harry should’ve been able to see the thestrals, but there’s no mention of them. The only thing that I can think of is that Rowling didn’t want to open that can of worms until the next book. Why mention them at all at the end then? She didn’t in any of the previous stories. I guess it could also be that Harry was too preoccupied with leaving that he didn’t notice them, but I’d think it would be as obvious as it is in Order of the Phoenix.
Even with those two things, I still love this book. I love the Triwizard Tournament and meeting all the new characters. I love the amount of magic Harry gets to perform. I love the subtle humor between the characters. I love seeing Ron and Hermione’s relationship elevate to a new level. I love everything that happens with Mad-Eye / Barty Crouch Jr. I love getting to see the proceedings in the Wizengamot through Dumbledore’s memories. I’m sad about Cedric. I feel bad that Harry had to witness his death and feel guilty because of his suggestion that they grab the cup at the same time. I love the scene in the graveyard and what it means to Harry. I also love how Dumbledore shows his fierce protectiveness over Harry. I love that Dobby and Sirius both return. I love that Sirius and is there to help Harry after Voldemort has risen again. It’s such a good adventure and a pivotal book in the series.
Update: When I’ve reread this series, I’ve sometimes listened to the audiobooks narrated by Jim Dale. I love how much Dale brings the stories to life.
I’ve also been able to read a U.K. edition of each of the novels. The first four novels have the most differences, especially the first book. I loved getting to read Rowling’s original words, the words she wrote, not the words “translated” for U.S. readers.