Here’s the thing, I probably won’t ever be able to rate this series (and each book in it) any less than 5 stars. The nostalgia alone is way to powerful and then there’s just so much in these books that has me asking (sometimes out loud even) how one could come up with such a brilliant story. I LOVE diving head first into it and lose myself in individual characters, their backstories and the happenings in the book. Even though no. 5 (as The Goblet of Fire before it) is delivering a more dense and dark tale than the first three books I’m in awe of the author’s way with words, symbolism, and her use of foreshadowing. In addition, she always lets humour have it’s place. Not in an obnoxious or inauthentic way but in a matter that lets you hold onto hope and laughter in midst of all the trouble. Lastly, I would like to share my three favourite quotes out of this book: «What are Fred and I, next-door neighbours?» «I’ve always thought Fred and I should’ve got ‘E’ in everything, because we exceeded expectations just by turning up for the exams.» «Youth cannot know how age thinks and feels. But old men are guilty if they forget what it was to be young …» Absolute pearls!

Harry Potter is in his fifth year and on his way back to Hogwarts and new magical encounters, especially the Order of the Phoenix, which he has never heard of before. I must say that this fifth book seems to be a bit gloomy but not less interesting. It’s written so vividly that in some parts you feel the evil seeping through the words, as though Voldemort reaches out trying to grab a hold of you. All the characters are now familiar, but still, you get to know them even deeper, there is always something new to find out, something unimaginable that hooks you up. While reading I had the impression that many questions about Harry are finally being answered, you get a clearer picture. I’m in awe of the author’s imagination and her ability to put it down into words, the series gets better with every sequel. Despite the apparent maliciousness, there is some space for romance, even at Hogwarts and perfectly embedded into the story.