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

It had already been a few weeks since I read Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, so it was time to pick up the next one. Most of the time, I read one of two other books in between series to give the story time to breathe and see what events stay the most with me.

In this book, we follow Harry during his fifth year at Hogwarts. The summer hasn’t been pleasant for Harry, as he’s still at the Dursleys, but to make it worse, his friends are not writing to him as much. But before Harry can think of anything to do about it, his summer holiday changes abruptly, and the things that happen will change his life and next year at Hogwarts.

‘Is it true that you shouted at Professor Umbridge?’ ‘Yes,’ said Harry. ‘You called her a liar’ ‘Yes.’ ‘ You told her He Who Must Not Be Named is back.’ ‘Yes.’ Professor McGonagall sat down behind her desk, frowning at Harry. Then she said, ‘Have a biscuit, Potter.’

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J.K. Rowling

This Harry Potter book has always been the one I least enjoyed, and I am sad that this still hasn’t changed. It’s a book I enjoy reading, but I do not love it like the other ones in the series. Something in this book feels like setting up for the following books in the series, but it isn’t bringing much to the table. It could have been a 300-page book instead of the 800 pages it has.

“I DON'T CARE!" Harry yelled at them, snatching up a lunascope and throwing it into the fireplace. "I'VE HAD ENOUGH, I'VE SEEN ENOUGH, I WANT OUT, I WANT IT TO END, I DON'T CARE ANYMORE!"
"You do care," said Dumbledore. He had not flinched or made a single move to stop Harry demolishing his office. His expression was calm, almost detached. "You care so much you feel as though you will bleed to death with the pain of it.”

J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Most of the book is about Harry and Cho's relationship. I don’t dislike romance, but this one wasn’t it for me. It was way too shallow and way more annoying than cute. What I like a lot more are the scenes between Harry and Ginny, especially the one where they get chased for eating chocolate.

Because of that, I am going to give this book 3,5 stars.