State of the Shelanman

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire chronicles Harry's 4th year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry turns 14 towards the beginning of the book, and, as always, we leave him just before his next birthday -- 15th this time, of course.

While Hogwarts has always appeared an enchanting place to visit, it has always been a dangerous place to live, as Harry learns each year. As I eluded to, there is a nasty element at work in this story, for the first time Harry faces true injustices. I will not ruin the story for those of you who have somehow still avoided the temptations of this series.

During Harry's fourth year at school, Hogwarts plays host to the Triwizard Tournament -- a highly dangerous tournament whose ultimate purpose is to bring together wizards from throughout Europe in friendly competition. As expected all does not go as planned, and the nightmare begins when Harry Potter is chosen as the fourth of three competitors...

This story ends in a very unsatisfying manner -- not to say that you shouldn't read it, you should. You should just make sure you have your copy of book 5, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at hand. I personally find the injustices in this book, as well as the unsatisfying conclusion more than vaguely depressing -- so you can imagine how I felt when, upon first finishing book 4, I had to wait what became nearly 3 years for the next installment (and I promise, things do get better, even as they get worse).

I just finished reading this book for the fourth time -- the first two occurred within a week of each of each other, the third just days before book 5 was released, roughly 14 months ago. Each time I finished I was left with a very unpleasant weird feeling... I do tend to get too emotionally involved in things I read... May I suggest also not finishing the book when you will be alone for an extended period of time. I did each time, and I always wanted to have a long chat with someone as soon as I finished... couldn't tell you why...

Anyway, this is an excellent volume in an excellent series, I rate it 4.75 out of 5 stars... I can't remember much of book 5 anymore, but I promise a review of it as soon as I finish.

Narrator Jim Dale is perhaps the very best audiobook narrator I have ever listened too. He has amusing and appropriate voices for each and every character -- the one time I read Goblet of Fire aloud, I tried to imitate his voices (I couldn't do it -- mine came out all dumb sounding, especially the female ones). If you can afford it I highly recommend the audio version, it is a masterful accomplishment, Jim Dale should be proud. (Incidentally, I've heard that he rather dislikes the series now, he finds the books annoyingly long to read -- and I don't think he quite likes the recognition he's been getting).

I think I will end this review here, in an effort to minimize the appearance of my obsession with these books (which I assure you is much more serious than this glowing little review might suggest).

Extremely Strongly Recommended.
4.75 Out Of 5 Stars.
Want to buy it?
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) (Paperback)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) (Audio CD)