The new millennium started with the publishing of high-profile books about the adventures of a young magician trio led by Harry Potter. This chain of books became the most popular among children and teenagers all around the world, thus lots of fan clubs were created and fans even tried to resemble the main characters. Want to join these fan clubs or just to become familiar with these world-famous chef d’oeuvres? If so, check out the list from the high-rated to the worst installments of Harry Potter.
Top 7 Harry Potter Books: Main Series
Rank | Review | Name | Price | Date | Page | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Deathly Hallows | Check Here | 2007 | 784 | 9.9 | |
2 | Prisoner of Azkaban | Check Here | 1999 | 435 | 9.8 | |
3 | Half-Blood Prince | Check Here | 2005 | 672 | 9.6 | |
4 | Chamber of Secrets | Check Here | 1998 | 352 | 9.5 | |
5 | Philosopher's Stone | Check Here | 1998 | 309 | 9.3 | |
6 | Goblet of Fire | Check Here | 2000 | 752 | 9.1 | |
7 | Order of the Phoenix | Check Here | 2003 | 1232 | 9.0 |
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
When it comes to ranking the best thing – it can be tough for anybody, but the final part Deathly Hallows of world’s best-seller seven volume plots is the top 7 of searches. Even 10 years after the last release, still the amount of fans continuously grows. And, here’s a curious fact: everybody remains true to their beloved characters from the pages of the book.
The Deathly Hallows became like a drug for treating thirst for culminations. It paints death, Hogwarts destruction, and keeps the reader under pressure of intrigue. But with all that, Rowling cures by melting hearts with eternal friendship and kindness.
- The most emotional and absorbing culmination
- Plot twists
- Explanation of some stories
- Huge chunk of text shows the trio doing nothing special
Despite the protracted and insufficient episodes of Harry, Hermione, and Ron’s trip, this book doesn’t leave anybody apathetic. All who read this novel will have tears and smiles on their faces.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
The part about the Prisoner of Azkaban describes less about Voldemort and his interference, however this installment still remains one of the darkest and full of fear. It negates the childish character of previous volumes and gives more mysticism, which goes throughout the whole plot.
Here, the author introduces new personages professor Lupin and Potter’s relative Sirius Black who have become beloved characters by lots of admirers.
- Harry Potter’s godfather’s appearance
- Harry’s real power for defeating dementors
- Annoying aunt Marge
This book makes fans to come back to Potteries again and again, and if someone wants to dive into adventures of brave friends, the Prisoner of Azkaban should be the best Harry Potter book to start with.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
The Half-blood Prince is the missing part of puzzle – it links the past and the present, reveals who the You-Know-Who is, and keeps everyone’s attention even until the last pages. The name of this book also attracts readers and makes them want to investigate the half-blood prince’s biography.
This volume is full of alluring and magical episodes what are accurately depicted by the author – this is the distinguishing manner of portrayal (giving characters vividness and realistic features) by J.K. Rowling.
- Changing reader’s mind about Severus Snape
- Quidditch matches
- Teen melodrama
- Dumbledore’s death
This volume contains everything that real drama needs: tears, anger, happiness, and empathy, and all these twists can win the hearts and minds of millions, although this installment is just the leading introduction to the trio’s greatest heroic achievements.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
This installment become the second of the 7 volume novel, and as usual, it introduces new characters and a prehistory of lots of things which appear in later parts. However, when reading each volume, the author wants us to be concentrated on that particular adventure, not as a chain of vital things. Thus, there is no explanation of Tom Riddle’s diary role and lack of regular days at Hogwarts.
- New mythological creature – Basilisk appearance
- The cutest character, Dobby
- Quick jump to the usual investigations
- Hermione’s disqualification
This part makes everyone who reads it forever remember about how it is colorfully described: the flying car, Ron’s fear of spiders, the Basilisk, the Phoenix, and lots of mysterious characters. And even while not a link between the rest of series, fans will always come back to this beloved team.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
This legendary introduction to an unusual representation of the magical world brought J. K. Rowling unprecedented success more than ever heard. Meanwhile, nobody knew where this tale for kids would lead and turn into. And, of course, it led to ubiquitous craziness for the next ten years and even more!
This part couldn’t have been unsuccessful, but still, it has some disadvantages.
- The plot is light and contains some comedian evidence, thus, it’s suitable for adults and children
- The book is too short – just 309 pages
It’s hard to believe, but the Potteries age could not have been existed! Rowling has passed through numerous barriers to her life; however, nothing stopped her from bringing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (as is the official American name) to life. She inspired new writers and, without knowing it, made up a new generation – “Potteries.”
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The Goblet of Fire is the first book which leaves quite a sharp aftertaste of the reality of the eternal fight – good vs evil. After a durable absence, Voldemort has appeared in the culminate part after legendary competition. Unfortunately, as usual, he brought new death, which was intended to be for main personage.
This part was like an ice bucket for readers since the prior spirit of adventure vanished all at once. The plot make us face the beginning of the “…dark time – there’s no denying.”
- Triwizard tournament – dangerous competition among 3 greatest wizard schools in Europe
- Yule ball – the ball for students which is held in honour of Triwizard tournament
- Cedric’s death
- Fishy behavior of Snape
In spite of dark atmosphere, firmly obstructing the reader’s mind, there are lots of positive moments which also keep fans enjoying the book. Even just Ron’s “tuxedo” for the ball is worth it!
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Everyone is familiar with Dolores Umbridge, as she appears in the Order of the Phoenix, and must be the most bothersome personage in the Harry Potter novels. Hogwarts is in danger while she becomes a principal and makes all the students follow her rules, otherwise punishment will be applied.
Another challenge for the trio was teenage problems, especially as it concerns Harry, while he needs to handle his hormones and defeat the enemy, what is quite usual.
- Luna Lovegood – the cutest and the strangest character simultaneously
- Harry’s instant moaning
- Umbridge and her rules at school
Nevertheless, this part didn’t screw up either. The fight of the Order of the Phoenix and Voldemort’s team, although it is stiffly odd, revealed the real You-Know-Who’s readiness to attack. This fight remains one of the most unforgettable ones.
Finest Official Additions of Fantasy Novel
Rank | Review | Name | Price | Date | Page | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them | Check Here | 2016 | 304 | 9.8 | |
2 | The Tales of Beedle The Bard | Check Here | 2017 | 128 | 9.7 | |
3 | Quidditch Through the Ages | Check Here | 2015 | 64 | 9.5 | |
4 | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child | Check Here | 2017 | 336 | 9.4 |
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
The plot of this book is just something aside Potteries and shows quite a different manner of copy, even becoming a prehistory to the main 7 volume set. This book was written by Newt Scamander (the fake name of J. K. Rowling) and was designed like it is Harry Potter’s book.
Here are colorfully described scenes of Newt Scamander’s adventures, well-known beasts from the Harry Potter novels, the magician world in 1920s, and, of course, the evil enemy Grindelwald.
- New beasts
- Unsaturated plot, as Potteries has
The book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them should be the handbook for each Harry Potter’s real fan since it was officially approved at Hogwarts school.
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
This book is something like the Grimms’ tales but applied to the world of wizards. It is a set of five tales, which are indirectly mentioned throughout the Harry Potter’s adventures: “The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,” “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart,” “The Fountain of Fair Fortune,” “The Tale of the Three Brothers,” and “Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump.”
Each of those should be charming for children, besides, they demonstrate morals.
- Dumbledore’s notes
- Nothing common with Harry Potter’s adventures
Quidditch Through the Ages
Quidditch Through the Ages is another particle of the wizards’ universe by J.K. Rowling. Taking into account that this game was artificially made up – everything is thoroughly thought-out. Even included is a description of the way to play quidditch in other countries, which makes readers discover new hidden facts about magical world of beasts, wizards, and witches.
- The style of writing is light and full of jokes and funny stories
- It doesn’t have championship standings
Among the other creations by Rowling, this book quite stands out since the latest parts of Potteries are written with the aftertaste of sadness, makes it imbued to the roots of the soul and empathized with. Meanwhile, this book won’t leave any such heavy emotions.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the fictionally created play for delighting fans of Harry Potter. It was created after the great success of Deathly Hallows. This time J.K Rowling released this book with two new names of assistants. Unfortunately, this trick didn’t bring much recognition.
- New Potter style adventures
- The lack of new mysterious creations
Genuine fans will never miss a chance to read a new chapter of Harry’s adventures, but still the lack of spectacular episodes keep everyone preconceived. However, start reading the Cursed Child and, for sure, it will also drag you into the miracle world of magic.
Cool Harry Potter Book Sets
Rank | Review | Name | Price | Date | Format | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Children's Collection | Check Here | 2014 | Board book | 9.8 | |
2 | Hardcover Set | Check Here | 2015 | Hardcover | 9.7 | |
3 | Special Edition | Check Here | 2013 | Paperback | 9.6 | |
4 | Adult Edition | Check Here | 2013 | Paperback | 9.4 | |
5 | Paperback Set | Check Here | 2009 | Paperback | 9.3 | |
6 | Hogwarts Library | Check Here | 2017 | Hardcover | 9.2 |
Children’s Collection
The Children’s collection must be the most beautiful among the set of books. It comes in a red box with the golden shape of a dragon on it. All of the books have paper covers, which can be removed easily. And, underneath the paper cover, the hardcover appears, which is individual for each book and is decorated with golden stars.
- Beautiful box for storing books
- Good quality books
- Magnetic flips
- No name underneath the paperback except on the spine
This set could definitely decorate any shelf by its appearance! Despite the name as a Children’s collection, this set could be the most desirable even for adults, and it can be given as a gift for a birthday or for Christmas.
Hardcover Set
This collection is creatively decorated in a cardboard chest, which seems to be a real box for keeping course books for learning in Hogwarts. In addition, each book has its own indication of year of study that this tutorial is designed for. For a sense of reality, there is even a lock on the chest, which, oh my God, opens!
- Well designed wrapping box
- The quality of cardboard is poor, it’s flimsy
- The chest breaks easily
This collection, for sure, would be the most interesting present for both adults and children’s birthdays or to get it from Santa. The boxing allows the reader to keep the books without dread that something will hurt them.
Special Edition Boxed Set
This set comes in a box, and joining all the volumes together forms the real picture on spines – an illustration of Hogwarts, while at the same time they have individual pictures on their covers.
- The books are beautifully designed
- There are missing pages
- The quality of cardboard is poor
Despite the negative feedback received by people, still this set is fascinating and can be a good match for a birthday, Thanksgiving, or Christmas.
Adult Edition
This collection is quite unusual for Potteries fans. As a usual set, it comes in a box but the design of the books and box is different from others. Each volume comes in a different color with graphics on the cover. However, these graphics are not the same as we all got used to – they resemble pictures in old newspapers, but they remain pretty nice.
- The artwork is very cool
- Color palette is not proper for the collection of mysterious and wizard world
The audience for this particular set is obvious – no drawings, no childish pictures, etc. This collection is designed for adult fans, and, certainly, they will be glad for such a present for any holiday.
Paperback Box Set
This set allows you to get what you want but for a more reasonable price. Interesting, but this box itself seems quite nice, and it performs its main purpose – to store the books.
- Nice artworks
- The binding is high quality
- The books are adapted to American English
- The cardboard shell gets ripped after a while
Beside the usual occasions for giving presents, these books might gladden those who really want to travel and hold a paper book in their hands – these books are a suitable size for trips.
Meanwhile, children would be happy to get such a present, too.
Hogwarts Library Boxed Set
The abovementioned set is a bundle of books which are necessary for studying at Hogwarts for any wizard. In fact, these are not books about the adventures of the famous trio but instead are the supplementary materials which are used by the main characters during their studying process.
- High quality of materials
- Illustrations inside the book
- The binding is good
- Thin books
This collection could be the most desirable present for real fans, especially for Harry Potter’s anniversary. Nevertheless, this is also a nice present for traditional occasions or just to enjoy them by having a cup of coffee and the Hogwarts library as handbooks.
Best Harry Potter Audiobooks
The progress goes on and makes high-tech technologies work on people. Readers always have choice to read or listen to books – and Harry Potter is no exception.
There are lots of audiobooks, but the most favorite are synchronized by famous storytellers Jim Dale and Stephen Fry. Both of them participated in the synchronizing of all the volumes of the novels about Harry Potter.
Here are some interesting facts about synchronizing:
- Stephen Fry faced difficulty saying “Has pocketed it” fast. Every time he had to make a pause, otherwise the phrase contained extra “-ed.”
- Stephen’s voice is deeper and the pauses are perfectly balanced
- Jim is a voice actor, who can produce up to a few voices.
- Jim create characters and scenes but his voice makes the audience imagine the character.
The list of advantages and disadvantages goes on and on, still there is no exceptional winner. Both of them are professionals at their trade and give vividness to the novels, based on their individual feelings and manners of storytelling.
Interesting Facts About Series of Novels
There are lots of facts related to creating the Harry Potter novels, but some of them were hidden and weren’t widely spread. Here are you might be interested in:
- After finishing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, there were 11 million of samples sold during the first day.
- Every 30th second somebody starts learning about Harry Potter’s adventures
- The novels were translated into 67 languages
- The book was withdrawn from libraries quite frequently between 2000 and 2010
- Harry and the author celebrate their birthday on the same day
- The books about Harry Potter are considered to be the most forbidden in the 21st century
- The prototype of Hermione is J. K. Rowling at the age of 11
- Before releasing books in the UK, the author was asked to postpone the release date until school vacation started
- The Quidditch game was created after a verbal skirmish with a partner
- Joanne collected names of plants, characters, and places which seemed quite mysterious.
- The dementors appeared after the author’s depression
All those facts appeared while the author was in the process of creating the novel. She faced up to many difficulties and life challenges, but these efforts were well worth it.
Summing Up
Harry Potter is the extraordinary chef-d’oeuvre of this entire generation. These books encouraged many children to read and many authors to make new masterpieces. Surprisingly, all this hard work was performed by a slender woman who also had serious problems, ups and downs, problems, etc. Even though J. K. Rowling became a well-known person in the 21st century, is it worth it? Certainly, yes! At least these masterpieces give an opportunity for BooKKooks to create such reviews!
References
- The Digital Heart of the Wizarding World – https://www.pottermore.com/
- What Are the Best Harry Potter Books? – https://www.quora.com/
- Harry Potter – https://en.wikipedia.org/
Carrie @ The Butterfly Reader says
This is such a cool post!
Harry_Potter_fan says
Does anybody know where can I download free pdf or audio books?
Emma Robinson says
I believe there are lots of sources where to get them, however, I don’t recommend you to get such books, since real books are way better and free resources may miss some information that is original books have.
KirstenT says
You can find electronic books on Amazon, I believe audio books can be there, too.
Harry_Potter_fan says
But on Amazon they are not free!
Ben Stewart says
You can buy real paper books on online stores Walmart, EBay etc
Harry_Potter_fan says
Guys, thank you, but I’m asking about free resources