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Book's Description
Read by Jim Dale
Running time: 20 hrs., 30 mins. 17 CDs.
Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts for his fourth year of magical adventures in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This year Harry turns 14 and becomes interested in girls -- one in particular. And with Dark Magic comes danger, as someone close to Harry dies. You'll have to listen to learn more! The audio is available on July 8th.
Customer Reviews
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ,12/06/2007
Harry Potter 4 Mary Grenade,2002,734pp, $8.99
J.K. Rowling ISBN 0-439-13960-0
This story is about a boy named Harry Potter. It's his fourth year at Hogwarts and there's a tournament opening. The tournament is about all these challenges the people at Hogwarts other schools have to complete. Whoever wins earns eternal glory. But the tournament is for kids who are 17 or 18. Harry is 14. Later that night someone put Harry's name in the cup. When Dumbledore (principal) heard this, he couldn't take him out because that is the rules.
My opinion about this book is that it hooks in the reader. The reader will never want to put it down because it hooks you in. It is a very good story and has an unexpected ending.
I would recommend this book to anyone. This story is so easy to picture in your head like a mind movie. This story should have won a metal. That is why I like this book.
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Bigger, Darker, More Hormonal--Still Great! ,14/07/2007
Based on the size of this book, I'm guessing Miss Rowling no longer works with an editor ... And that's ok. Not brilliant, but ok.
The truth is, despite the 4-star rating, this is one of two (so far) books in this series that is ... just ... too ... long. There's a brilliant four hundred page book buried somewhere in these seven hundred pages, and patient readers will find it hard to miss. Of course, the automatic question after a book as fantastic as Prisoner of Azkaban is, what to do for an encore? The answer, J.K. Rowling says via her fourth installment, is: something totally different.
Ladies and gentlemen, let's offer a big round of applause for the newest addition to the Hogwarts pantheon: Death. Make sure Death's comfortable, good readers, because he's going to be with this series for awhile. Goblet of Fire begins and ends in murder, and those of us who had at one time been comfortable with the notion that everything would turn out all right at the end of any given Potter book now suddenly find ourselves on uneven footing ... That's a good thing, literarily speaking.
There's also adolescent angst (nothing comparable to what's coming in Book 5), dragons, mer-people, labryinths, and enough of that magical creativity that is Rowling's multi-layered plotwork to sustain even the most impatient Potterphile to the last page. I particularly enjoyed Rowling having a go at the press by characterizing them in the form of one of the series' most contemptible characters, Rita Skeeter.
What's missing is Hogwarts Quidditch, which the author cleverly explains away by replacing it with the Tri-Wizarding tournament ... but then, most of you know the details, and those of you who don't (all twenty-six of you insect-minded, non-reading, illiterate, plebian slugs) will just have to give in, like the rest of us muggle sheep, to Rowling's infectious fantasy series.
This one is better than Chamber of Secrets and Order
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and i though it coulnd't get any better ,16/11/2007
When I though It coulnd't get any better and then I get the Goblet of Fire and its interesting story, suspense and darker trama. If you've seen the movie you should really read this book since you are missing some of the best parts... I give this book 5 stars because it deserves it, it is a great book with a deep story, a story that it certainly does not end here and leaves you wondering whast going to happen next
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Enjoyable but over hyped ,05/11/2008
I enjoyed this book and it was a very quick read. The characters are fun but I don't understand the hype around this book.
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A Catholic homeschool father's perspective ,17/09/2007
It took four books, but Voldemort, the most powerful of the dark wizards, is back. And his minions, the Death Eaters, couldn't be happier. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire tells the tale of how it happened--in about 750 pages. As with the previous novels in the series, the prose is generally crisp, the dialog is occasionally goofy, and the characters are wonderfully well drawn. Though quite a long book, the plot is tight, amusing and keeps you guessing. My only major criticism of the book as literary work regards the ending. As heroes go, Harry's main virtue in these final confrontations always seems to be dumb luck. Voldemort is a bit of a bungling super-villain for whom there's always an element of, "Oops, forgot about that." And not once but twice there were "Tuco" moments where the villain insists on lecturing the hero before doing away with him. "When you have to shoot, shoot. Don't talk." While I suppose these types of scenes aren't quite as trite for young readers who haven't seen them done over and over in dozens of books, TV shows, and movies, for me they were something of a let-down.
On the plus side, this was the first book in the series so far that made me laugh out loud a few times. Something about Hermione's idealistic but naive obsession with her Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare struck me as highly amusing. I suppose it was Ron's insistence on calling the organization "spew" that did it.
This was also the darkest book in the series so far. In it we are finally given a more concrete idea of what constitutes "dark" magic. Dark wizards apparently use the three "unforgivable curses"--the imperius curse, which causes the victim to do the spell-caster's bidding, the cruciatus curse which causes the victim horrible pain, and Avada Kedavra, the killing curse. Now this last one looked so much like the "abracadabra", the all purpose Vaudeville magician word, that I went out and looked it up. It seems that J. K. Rowling he
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A little darker... ,25/09/2008
This is when the Harry Potter series starts to get a bit "darker". The ending will make you buy the next book. You will want to know what happends.
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Harry Potter Goblet Fire ,04/09/2007
This book is fantastic! If you haven't read it, you must! BUT if you haven't read the other book, please read them first. You are really missing out! This is a very thick book & the story is fantastic. Rowling starts to get dark here & the new characters have a lot of depth. Mad Eye became an instant favorite. It is also a very sad book & you will want to read the book following this one. This is an amazing series!
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unbelievable.. ,23/08/2007
This is all I can say about this book. I have seen the movie and was quite happy with the story and how it ended, however, now that I am done with the book, the movie had done it no justice. Absolutely breathtaking. The action in the book with all of the tasks and the development of the main characters is amazing. The last 30 pages or more were not even addressed in the movie and I feel that this ending in the book wwould leave many confused in the future installments. If there is anyone who read the third book and was not impressed, need to pick up the fourth book and push through the 734 pages because they will not be regretful. The story with what happened at the Quiditch world cup was way more developed, the story with Rita (the reporter from the Daily Prophet) was way more developed and added so much more to the drama and the humor in the end. The fifth book is going to be amazing, I just know it. J.K Rowling is absolutely brilliant and allows any one and every one to visit Hogwarts and become apart of the action. Her writing and her descriptions open doors to my imagination I never knew I had. I am telling anyone who reads this book now, be prepared. The stories are going to become more complex and way more interesting. I can say that this is now one of my favorite books of all time.
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My least favorite of the Potter novels. The plothole killed it for me. ,17/10/2007
Without a doubt my least favorite of the series. I got into Potter back when only the first three books were out, and quite some time before this book came out, and I was all psyched for it. Then I read it, all 700+ pages of it. While I found it engrossing, it certainly wasn't as good as AZKABAN.
Actually, Amazon ruined the book for me. I was online reading reviews here after I finished the book (this was back in 2000), and one of the reviews pointed out the plothole that why didn't Mad Eye Moody just make a portkey out of anything, rather than make Harry go through all the trouble with the Triwizard Tournament, and I really didn't have any answer to that. So after I finished the book, I didn't read it again for seven years, because this plothole took out the whole point of the book.
When I reread all six books in preparation for DEATHLY HALLOWS this summer (which I finished them all with a week to spare before Hallow's release date), I picked this up again. It had been a long time since I read it, and the plothole always turned me off so much whenever I did reread the Potter books I never could bring myself to read this one.
Going through it a second time, in context with the rest of the series, this is definitely when Potter got into darker territory. But Potter was always dark anyway, and while this is always thought of as the turning point in the series as far as darkness goes, AZKABAN is pretty dark too.
Potter has been enrolled in the Triwizard Tournament, a dangerous tournament that you must be 17 to enter. Potter is entered without his consent, and much too young. Ultimately the three events they must go thru are dangerous and at the end of the third we see Voldemort's plot unmasked.
As far as the plot hole, I've read several different theories on why Voldemort's agent wouldn't have used the portkey before then. One possible explanation, which I wish Rowling would have used, was you c
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I <3 Harry ,01/06/2007
Why are you even reading this review? You either love or loathe Harry Potter--there's no in between. This series of books (GOF being #4 in the series) will suck you into it's clutches if you let it and never let go. I think all of the books are absolutely amazing (and I'm 23 years old, so they're are NOT just for kids--there are plenty of adults that read them too).
As for this particular book, I think this is when the series takes a turning point and really starts to get interesting. In the first and second books, there's a lot of what I'll call "happy fun magic tricks" going on--the characters are kids just learning their abilities and playing around. The third book starts to dive deeper into the storyline and you start to learn a lot about Harry, but the fourth book is when the real adventure begins. The war between good and evil truly begins again with the climax of this book and Harry learns just how much danger he is in. It's a must read---just buy it you know you want to.
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The best in the series -- scotrstone.com ,24/08/2007
For the first time in the series we see Harry's world stray from the Quidditch arena and dive into the Tri-Wizard Tournament, a dangerous competition that pits the best and bravest from three of the world's well known wizarding schools against each other. Harry didn't volunteer to enter the tournament, but is magically bound to enter and participate, thanks to a mysterious individual who likely wants to see him killed. Undoubtedly that dark figure must be working for Voldemort, but who it is and what their real motives are remains a mystery. Finally, we get to see Harry challenged by a dragon--a Hungarian Horntail, a nasty fire-breathing beast! The ending is very dark, and takes the series in a whole new direction from this point on. The final conflict may be a bit much for young readers. Exercise caution, parents.
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Best In The Series ,29/07/2007
Having now read all of the books in the Harry Potter series, I personally feel The Goblet Of Fire was the best and most memorable book. The tasks that the characters had to accomplish were unique and fun to read. Plus the characters are beginning to grow up and experience a lot of coming-of-age turbulance and confusion. They encounter trials tougher than they have ever experienced before. This adds to the drama and interest of the story. The characters are growing up and we with them. We relate to them. I remember far more of the details of this book than I do of the others in the series and am looking forward to reading it again.
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Glorious ,08/10/2008
I've reviewed each of these books but keep being prompted to review them again. I can't praise the writing talent of J.K.Rowling enough. And again I will say, there should be more books and more movies that promote acceptance, tollerance, standing up for one's beliefs, values and what is right vs what is easy. There are too many books and too many movies that plant the idea of violence for violence sake to make us all ill. And, please excuse me if I offend anyone here; Why is it that anyone thinks they need to write a book about finding God in a work of fiction? And for those who have complained since day one about what a threat the Harry Potter books and movies are to so called Christians, if a work of fiction, a work of cinematic art can threaten your faith then you have no true faith to speak of therefore, please keep your squeemishness to yourself. God and Christ put forth the ideas of acceptance, tollerance, standing up for your beliefs standing up for your fellow human beings and for all living things. The Harry Potter books promote these same healthy valuable life lessons so if that is a threat to you, well, bless you for you know not.
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Great Read ,27/05/2008
Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Author: J.K. Rowling
Date: July 8, 2000
Publisher: Scholastic press
Reading Level: Ages 9-12
# of Pages: 734
Genre: Fiction
In this fourth edition the main character Harry Potter is now 14 years old. Of course, Harry is still that same boy from book one with the lightning bolt scar, only now he is slightly older and he begins to understand the challenges that face him ahead. It seems like just another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry until the Tri-Wizard Tournament is announced and Harry is mysteriously entered into the tournament as a contestant. The Tri-Wizard Tournament is a magical competition that tests the contestant's bravery, knowledge, and magical skill. Along with the tournament readers are introduced to two other magical schools (Durmstrang and Beauxbatons) and get a rare glimpse of the wizarding world during the Quidditch World Cup. Again, Rowling combines her vivid details of the wizarding world to paint an amazing picture that allows the reader to revel in even the smallest details that make Harry Potter so special. Along with the death-defying Tri-Wizard Tournament, Harry must now focus on the return of Lord Voldamort and his death eaters. Once again, Rowling also introduces a few new characters into the story, both good and evil. A new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor arrives at Hogwarts and some problems are created by house-elves throughout the story. The positive about this book is that they first third of the book spent reviewing the previous three Harry Potter books, so even if you have not read them you can start at book four and have a good idea of what is happening. Also, many points of the plot are left open leaving room for book five.
There really is not a negative to this book. Honestly, after reading the first three books I was leery that Rowling was not going to be able to continue writing such engaging stories, but
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The Sun Sets in Year Four ,31/05/2007
With the start of the school year at Hogwarts still a few weeks away, Harry is counting the days until he can escape his Muggle relatives. But his freedom comes sooner then expected when he's invited to the International Quidditch Cup by the Weasleys. The fun ends quickly when a symbol appears in the air. One of Lord Voldemort's old allies is back at work.
The surprises just keep coming for Harry when he arrives back at Hogwarts to learn that his school is hosting the Triwizard Tournament. Each of the three European schools will have one champion who competes in a series of dangerous challenges to win the ultimate prize. Harry is too young to enter, but he finds his name called anyway. Can he survive the various challenges? And what of the rumors of Voldemort's growing power?
I honestly feared that I would have a hard time getting through the 700+ pages of this book. I need not have worried. I read as quickly as I could and was hooked on every page. Yes, there were things that could have been trimmed, but most everything was important to the story. The characters were a bit more fleshed out. There was one sub-plot that was unresolved at the end, but parts of it were used in the main plot. And just about everything tied into the main story in some way. Also, for the first time, events and people from previous books were brought back, giving this the feel of a series.
There is a definite shift in this book, however. While it started mostly light and fun like the previous ones, the ending was very dark, including the death of a character. In a way, it feels like going from day to night. While the cliffhanger ending made me want to move on to the next one, the climax could be too intense for young kids. Obviously, parents know their own kids best and can be the best judge of whether the material is truly age appropriate.
I am loving my travel through this magical world. You can bet I will be moving
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J.K. Rowling brings more maturity to the series. ,19/06/2008
After the brilliant Prisoner of Azkaban expectations were running very high.
Fortunately, Rowling delivers yet again.
Another book that was almost impossible to put down.
Azkaban was shorter, but this one is really long.
Its length didn't deter anyone from reading through it in record time, including me.
Adding even more drama and action and a story line that was simply amazing, Goblet of Fire succeeds on every level.
Goblet adds a more mature theme to the series as the characters get older, which adds even further depth to the series.
Another winner from Rowling and another must have/must read.
Recommended!!!
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, by J. K. Rowling ,26/06/2007
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the best book that I have ever read in my whole entire life! It is a magical adventure story about a wizard named Harry Potter that mysteriously gets entered into the Triwizard Tournament, a tournament with three competing wizarding schools (Beaxbatons, Durmstrang, and Hogwarts) who select a champion over the age of 16 who will compete against the other champions. Harry himself is under 16 years of age and is chosen, against the age rules, to compete in the tournament. With help from his friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasly, Harry ties at first place on the second task, meaning that he will get a head start in the third task. He and the other Hogwarts champion, Cedric Diggory, reach the Triwizard Cup at the same time and take it together. They are then transported to the grave of Lord Voldemort's father. Lord Voldemort an extremely dark and dangerous wizard has lured Harry into his clutches. With the help of the extra training of spells and charms he learned before the third task, will he defeat the most evil wizard of all time? Or will he be killed and eaten by Voldemort's snake........
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Pure Epic-ness! ,22/08/2008
While I firmly believe that the Prisoner of Azkaban is the true beginning of the series that is now known as the Harry Potter series, this is the novel that truly cements its grandeur. All of the characters begin to grow in this novel and Rowling seems to be truly growing as writer. She seems to have a firm grip on where this novel is going to go and she also seems less intimated about bringing in the true darkness of the "bad" characters. It was not until this novel that I saw why some parents would not think that it is age appropriate. I do not agree with this opinion, however I do understand it. There are some genuinely creepy, moments in this book, but I truly appreciate because I think of how many children have grown up with these books and how Rowling allows the characters in the novel to grow with them. I believe this is one of the series' greatest strengths. The complexity of the characters grow intensely and I also think that this is the story that truly connects Harry to the other important characters in the novel: Dumbledore and Voldemort. Rowling is no longer writing archetypal characters; she embrasses the archetypes that she has created, but truly allows them to become characters outside of the stereotypes. I always felt that Dumbledore was a little to similar to Gandalf the Grey, but Dumbledore starts to transcend his stereotypes as well as others in the novel. Defintely worth a read, however I would begin at least with Prisoner of Azkaban before jumping into this novel.
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Love this book ,15/09/2008
I loved all the Harry Potter book and this is no exception. Couldn't wait to read it, then wished I had more when I was done. JK Rowling really brought a lot of imagination and fun to a lot of adults and children. I'll miss the books! I like the movies too, but there is nothing like letting your imagination run wild reading the descriptive scenarios in the books.
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One of the best in the series ,31/08/2007
Aside from the 7th book (and final...I'm still sad about that), this was my absolute favorite book in the HP series. There were so many twists and turns and well, I simply loved it! When I first saw the book, I compared the size to Prizoner of Azkaban and wow. I didn't think I'd have time to read it, but once I started (granted, the beginning was a bit slow), I couldn't put the book down and I ended up reading it in about two weeks (I'm a preschool teacher so I don't get much time to myself!). Since I began reading the series late, book 5 had already been published (as had book 6) so I immediately went on to read those two.
Anyway, back to GOF...it's just amazing; J.K. puts so much depth into each and every one of her characters, no matter how minor they may be. That is one of the things that keeps me reading these books over and over again. Anyway, if you're looking for something good to read, I highly suggest this...but read the other three first. ;) Just a suggestion. :)
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Year number four ,24/08/2007
At first I thought that the book was too big for keeping me interested in the story. I was very wrong though some times the book'll go astray the main path. This doesn't mean the book is boring or something like that. For me, till now the best book is book number three and Hermione is still the heroine not Harry.
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What is right and what is easy... ,19/05/2008
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (year 4 at Hogwarts) is unquestionably the pivotal book of the series. Up to this point, the principal villain of the series has been merely seeking a way to return to his former power, and so his presence has been indirect. This book makes it clear immediately (in the first chapter) that we are on the brink of the Dark Lord's rebirth, after which, the stakes will undoubtedly get higher. The tone of the book is also more dark and serious than the previous ones, with torture and death coming into play for the first time. It is both literally and metaphorically the turning point for all of the action that is to follow.
There are many great things about the book. For one thing, despite it's fairly hefty page count, it has a fair amount of action, and still keeps your interest for the most part. Granted, the Tri-Wizard Tournament is probably not strictly necessary in the grand scheme of things, and the whole plot involving the portkey to the graveyard is needlessly complex (why not just slip Harry a portkey at--oh, say ANY time during the year?), but the story still flows, and is fun to read. In addition, the story continues to build on Harry's strength of character, which is evidenced by his actions throughout.
The most impactive part of the book, by far, is the last portion. Faced with a very real danger and tragic circumstances, the students of Hogwarts are left with a choice--the choice that is perhaps the philosophic center of the Harry Potter series, and which can teach us all a very powerful lesson in our "real" lives as well. It is not the choice between right and wrong, but rather, the choice between what is right and what is easy. The quote to this effect by Dumbledore at the final feast is not emphasized especially, but it certainly speaks to me loud and clear, and seems to ring true as one of the most central themes for the series as a whole--and worthy of deep contemplation.
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I Love Jim Dale ,06/07/2008
I adored reading the Harry Potter books, but I always wished I could hear them read in the appropriate British accent. Jim Dale is not only an excellent reader of the books, he creates remarkable voices for each character. His readings have given me new insight into the books. I recommend purchasing any of the audio CDs of the Harry Potter books, as read by Jim Dale.
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The best of the series ,04/10/2007
Having read now the entire series, i have to say this is my favorite, its the turning point, when the plot begins, and the main story takes off, and its the funnier one.
Also the ending surprised me more than the other 6 books, dont know why
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The Fourth Book of Potter ,16/09/2008
I have this distinct feeling that Book Three was the last "light-hearted" Harry Potter book. Because I was nearly in tears several times at the end of this one. I also have this sense that I should have started reading Potter in earnest more than a decade ago. Oh well. Better late than never.
I've got to hand it to JKR -- the woman can create complex, twisted plots like no one else. And even with such knowledge, I still can't help but be drawn into her characters that seem to be who -- or who not -- they purport to be, and... just wow. Nothing and no one is safe.
As in the first three books, I can't help but be amazed by the entire Potter universe, and her world-building can't be lauded enough times. Such a fertile imagination is rare.
I foresee this as a pivotal book in the saga, and a commendable work.
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An amazing novel ,30/08/2008
Without a doubt this is my favorite novel of the series so far. The action in this novel was intense and I finished the novel in a couple of days. JK Rowling always does a great job of mixing foreshadowing and mystery. With each novel, I have begun to realize that nothing is as it seems. I thought I finally figured out the plot, only to be completely surprised in the end.
The novel comes after the Prisoner of Azakaban, where we learned that Sirius did not murder Harry's parents, and that wormtail was the actual villain. Wormtail escaped at the end, though, with an oracle that he would nurse Voldemort back to health. That is where the forth book picks up, Voldemort and Wormtail have returned to the house of Voldemort's father to regain health. Additionally, armed with information from a ministry employee, they seek to destroy Harry Potter again.
An old tournament is reborn, and Harry is chosen to compete although it should have been impossible. He competes and his luck remains with him until the end. Questions will be answered in this novel. Will the Death Eaters rise again? Will a student die? Will Hogwarts stay open? Will the Ministry oppose Voldemort? The Goblet of Fire is a great read.
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Another year behind him! ,28/08/2007
This book had more twists and turns then the maze at the Triwizard tournement. It was a bit slow at first, but made up for it at the end. Like alway's I'm looking forward to the next one.
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CD version is great! ,12/07/2007
The CD of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is great! Jim Dale is the most wonderful narrator. He does different voices for all the characters, and he makes the books come alive! The Harry Potter books are even better when read by Jim Dale!
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Goblet of Fire gets a silver medal ,25/10/2007
"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" shows JK Rowling still lively and engaging with Harry's newest challenge--the Triwizard Tournament. Technically, he is too young...yet his name comes forth from the Goblet of Fire. At the beginning of the book, there are a series of mysterious deaths,from fear itself,in the "most haunted house in England." These events seem disconnected,but Rowling skillfully weaves them together.
Harry's challenges in the Triwizard Tournament are puzzling and fun. Rowling keeps her "head in the game." She keeps the reader in suspense as to what will happen next. It's less cheerful as he previous installments,and there is more gruesomeness,especially in the closing confrontation with Voldemort. There's the gossip columnist Rita Skeeter,a villainess with a personality,and who adds a contemporary touch to an otherwise timeless Quest narrative.
"Goblet of Fire" is longer and more convoluted than the previous books,but Rowling still keeps the story fresh.But how would she fare as the series neared its end?
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J.K. Rowling, truly talented! ,23/06/2007
The fourth Harry Potter book turned out to be just as good, if not better, than the three before it. Once again, Harry has to face extremely difficult challenges. There will be no Quidditch this year. Instead, the Triwizard Tournament will be hosted at Hogwarts! The Goblet of Fire is a huge goblet into which students 17 or older put their names to be considered for their school's champion. There are three different schools competing against one another. However, what started out as a friendly, but dangerous, tournament, soon turned fatal. Harry's name was somehow put into the Goblet of Fire, and Harry's godfather, Sirius (who's actually innocent of all charges), believes that something foul is afoot. He's not sure what or who, but someone is up to something that can just lead to trouble. What will happen?
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Going Strong ,24/09/2007
The fourth Harry Potter is significantly darker than the first three. harrys is growing up, and is about to face some difficult challenges. Unlike the first three books, the fourth Harry starts not with Harry's departure to Hogwarts, but with a Quidditch tournament, during which some dark misteries are unveiled, misteries which are signs of the things to come.
The Quidditch tournament, another year at Hogwarts and a Triwizard tournament are the highlights. Harry comes face to face with his arch-enemy Voldemort, which is bound to split the wizarding world.
Though beautifully and expertly written, the fourth Harry Potter is just a tad too long, with descriptions that are more detailed and lengthy (sometimes unnecessarily so) than usual. Still, the fourth Harry is just as gripping as the first three, and keeps the reader wanting for more. And fortunately there is more. Order of Phoenix, here I come!
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Well, I finally done did it! ,03/09/2007
I had read the first three Harry Potter books, quite some time ago, and had simply fallen behind in keeping up with the rest of the remaining stories. Other than the fact that I enjoyed Goblet of Fire as a fun diversion, and give it five stars for its entertainment value, I remain somewhat perplexed at the popularity of the series - they're great fun to read, the stories have interesting characters, and the ever-changing plot holds one's interest. Just the same, the Potter series simply doesn't strike me as what I would call "literature" even thought they have all been, so far, very enjoyable - and sometimes that's what reading should be all about.
I will say that with this book and the next (which I've already started to read), I broke out of the mold and saw the movie versions first - that's something that I almost never do: I'm sure I'll finish the series before the next one comes out. Again, the Potter series may not be great "literature" they remain a very pleasurable reading experience.
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Growing up is hard to do ,22/07/2007
A lot of excitement is in the air when Dumbledore announces that the Wizard's Cup will be held at Hogwart's. However, only students of at least a certain level and age can be involved (please bear with me - I can't remember the age right now and the book is buried). When Harry's name somehow is entered into the cup and a second Hogwart's champion is selected, a scandal is narrowly averted. Harry does not want to participate but he has no choice. "Mad Eye" Moody, who is teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, helps Harry, as do his friends Ron and Hermione. However, things are not as they seem (when are they ever?)
This begins in a fairly light-hearted vein, as have the past books, and takes a very dark turn toward the end. This will set the tone for the upcoming remainder of the series. Harry and pals are growing up - they attend their first dance, they start to notice the opposite gender and think about dating - things are changing. It's not always a good thing, but everything changes and nothing can stop it.
This was a solid work, with a lot of terrific character development in the story. A strong recommend.
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Harry Potter Goblet of Fire book 4 ,09/09/2007
Great read as all her books ahead of this one. If you've not read them, start with book one and read all 7 of them. These are can't put down books. J.K. Rowling's is a wonderful writer with great writing style. Highly recommended.
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Amazing! ,09/12/2007
So far my favorite book! I love this book for multiple reasons. The first is all of the interesting things you learns about Harry, Voldemort, and the rest. The second, is all the interesting things you learn about magical creatures and such. The third, is seeing all the kids grow up(*sniff*), and last is reading adventure after adventure and solving mystery after mystery. It's amazing what JKR has done with a simple plot line. She's added characters, she's got side plot lines and even more!
Get this book. You wont be disappointed.
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GREAT BOOKS -- great find ,08/09/2008
I ordered this book used/very good condition for my daughter. When the book came it smelled of smoke. I e-mailed GREAT BOOKS and they promptly sent another book is wonderful condition. GREAT BOOKS - Great customer service - great find.
JB
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Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ,30/09/2007
What can one say? Rowlings continues with her wonderful story, keeping her characters constantly endearing. The adventures continue and no matter what your age you will be caught up in the excitement and magic as Harry learns more about his background, his strengths and his weaknesses.
If you have not read Harry Potter at all, then you must start with the first book and read all seven of them, you will be transported out of this world and into one that will bind you as magically as it has bound me
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A literary force. ,16/06/2007
I'm reading the Harry Potter books for the first time in preparation of the release of the final book in the series. I have always heard that around book four is when the Harry Potter stories really start to amp up. I would agree with this estimation by many readers.
Personally, I still feel very warmly towards the third book, as it was the introduction of Siruis Black and Lupin, who have turned out to be two of my favorite characters thus far. But there is something to be said about the fourth book. This is the book that cements many of the characters as flesh and blood creations. Until now I have felt that many of the characters, as entertaining and winsome as they might be, were merely archtypal "good" or "bad" characters. And truthfully, the one I felt this way most keenly about was Harry himself. In the first two books he was the typical, innocent, young boy, and that flattened him out to me despite the tragedies of his past. In the third book he began to fill out with the introduction of Sirius, but in the fourth book his character really becomes a literary force. Now, with the trials and tribulations he faces within the Triwizard Contest we begin to see a hero that is more than just a cookie cutter good guy. We see Harry deal with some major choices and themes, shirk responsibility and live with the consequences of his actions, and through it all he manages to perservere in the face of insurmountable odds.
This was a brilliantly intense story in the Potter universe that breathes true life into everyone's favorite wizard and, for me, finally made him one of my most esteemed characters in the book... just shy of Ron Weasley. Of course.
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