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emlawley's reviews
83 reviews
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As a huge Harry Potter fan, I particularly love the insight into the anti-Voldemort group the Order of the Phoenix after Voldemort’s return in the previous book as, of course, this is going to be Harry’s main concern as opposed to his school work. Giving both parts of the Wizarding world equal time in this story, rather than just his school life, is interesting as a fan and also helps set up the direction of the rest of the series. I do find this book quite hard to read/listen to in places due to the difficulties my favourite characters face throughout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Torture, and Violence
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
As a huge Harry Potter fan, I loved this book and enjoy it every time I read/listen to it. I like how the book allows Harry and Hermione’s relationship to strengthen and for us to see more of how brilliant Hermione is as she coaches Harry to prepare him for the Triwizard tasks. It’s the first big shift in tone in the series towards darker themes, setting the trajectory of the rest of the stories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Housemoms by Jen Lancaster
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
After enjoying one of Jen Lancaster’s other fiction novels, I was pleased that she had yet again written the story from multiple points of view with chapters being written from each of the three protagonist’s points of view. The premise was interesting and different, although there were some things about American university culture I didn’t fully understand. I enjoyed the development of each character and how they overcame their life struggles together - a theme I enjoyed in Lancaster’s other novel. Fun, fairly straightforward and enjoyable with largely likeable characters, this is an easy-going read.