Order of the Phoenix
J.K. Rowling
Review by Mary Matus

J. K. Rowling once again shows why she is one of today’s most gifted children’s literature writer with the fifth installment of the Harry Potter series: Order of the Phoenix.

Order of the Phoenix begins where the shocking ending of Goblet of Fire -- with the return of Lord Voldemort, a powerful wizard so feared by the magic community that they refer to him as “He Who Must Not Be Named.”

Although targeted for children, the Potter series has also found many adult fans who can enjoy the complex plots. In her latest book, Rowling is barely able to finish the book under 900 pages.

Among the ongoing storylines: Harry is under the protection of the Order of the Phoenix, because they believe Voldemort will target him.

The wizard world does not believe Harry’s claims that Voldemort has returned.

Harry has a crush on fellow Quidditch player Cho Chang.

Harry and his friends have to study for the Ordinary Wizarding Levels, a required test for all fifth-year students.

The Ministry of Magic keeps interfering with how Hogwarts is run. Rowling is also skilled at creating multi-faced characters. The protagonists are not reduced to being just “the good guys.” They are allowed to have faults and make mistakes. A couple of them may not even be that likeable.

A good example of a “good guy” who does not seem like the typical good guy is Severus Snape. Snape is a professor at Hogwarts who enjoys harassing Harry and his friends and particularly dislikes Harry. However, Snape is often fighting on the same side as Harry. It would be easy to label Snape as merely “the bad guy," but Rowling doesn’t make it easy. In Rowling’s latest book, we learn more about why Snape dislikes Harry so much. The glimpses into Snape’s past make him a very fascinating character.

This novel continues to foreshadow a major showdown between Harry and Voldemort. As the novels progress and it gets closer to that showdown, the books seem to be getting more cynical.

Order of the Phoenix ends with a shocking twist and a decidedly cynical ending. Rowling should be admired for her willingness to take chances and make choices that may be unpopular. Many fans may not be fond of the cynicism, but she seems to value a good story more than pleasing fans. And the ending, though somewhat disappointing, certainly makes the reader anxious to see what will happen next to Harry and his friends.