Nearly double the size of the first or second book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a daunting 734 pages. Rowling needed every last one of those pages to cram this massively, delightfully detailed story into one book. Had it been any shorter (like the movie) I wouldn’t have been able to discover more about the home life of the Weasley family (always amusing) or get the full experience of the Quidditch World Cup. All the extra pages gave Rowling the freedom to stretch her wings a bit an... (show more)

Nearly double the size of the first or second book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a daunting 734 pages. Rowling needed every last one of those pages to cram this massively, delightfully detailed story into one book. Had it been any shorter (like the movie) I wouldn’t have been able to discover more about the home life of the Weasley family (always amusing) or get the full experience of the Quidditch World Cup. All the extra pages gave Rowling the freedom to stretch her wings a bit and expound on all sorts of unknown facts, important back story, and interesting tidbits of the wizarding world.

The introduction of a number of new and fascinating characters, like Mad Eye Moody, Rita Skeeter, Victor Krum, Fleur DelaCour, Winky and others, allowed for further growth in the series while still keeping things fresh and interesting. Finally, awkward teenage romance between the characters gradually came into play and it was HYSTERICAL.

Goblet of Fire is considerably darker than the three previous books. It’s no secret that this is the first book where an important character dies. We are also given a deeper look at just what the “Dark Arts” entail as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher shows students the Unforgivable Curses (one of which is the Killing Curse that took the lives of Harry’s parents). There is also a dramatic increase in the mild profanity used by major characters.

I think what I loved most about this book, and many of her others, is J.K. Rowling’s attention to detail. It was the little things that made this book for me. She even goes so far as to give Harry’s owl an attitude/inferiority complex. A pointed look from Hermione, an off the wall comment from Ron, a nosy bathroom ghost, all these details and many more combine to make this story an excellent continuation of the Harry Potter Series. (show less)

I usually fall head over heels for Hoffman in about 3.5 seconds. Her books just have a feeling about them--of depth and emotion--that is hard to explain but easy to feel. There is something hypnotic about her use of language that lets me sink comfortably, effortlessly into the story.

This time, however, I wasn’t quite as entranced. Don’t get me wrong. I really like the story. I loved uncovering the secret lives of seemingly innocent characters and wondering what was going to happen next wh... (show more)

I usually fall head over heels for Hoffman in about 3.5 seconds. Her books just have a feeling about them--of depth and emotion--that is hard to explain but easy to feel. There is something hypnotic about her use of language that lets me sink comfortably, effortlessly into the story.

This time, however, I wasn’t quite as entranced. Don’t get me wrong. I really like the story. I loved uncovering the secret lives of seemingly innocent characters and wondering what was going to happen next when things really started to get dicey. The side stories between various supporting characters (like Ginny and Old Dick or Kay and Stuart) were some of my favorite parts of the book.

Unfortunately, I just didn’t feel the same mysterious pull that I have experienced when reading some of her other books (Blackbird House, Aquamarine, Green Angel, Incantation, etc.) She also used the F-word more liberally than she usually does and far more than I would’ve liked. Since I wasn’t feeling the same way about this book as her others, that kind of tipped the scales for me.

For those of you who got excited by the words "modern fairytale" in the summary - don't. There is a woman and a supposed "beast" and some adversity but this is NOT a whimsical, romantic retelling of Beauty and the Beast. If you expect happily-ever-after, you'll be sorely disappointed. (show less)