A review by camiandkitread
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” the fourth book in J.K. Rowling's acclaimed series, shifts the focus onto the overarching plot of Voldemort’s return. The book weaves together a story that combines Harry’s dangerous new challenges, school-related drama, and a deeper, darker mystery involving missing people and ominous connections to Voldemort. The tone of the series continues to darken as the story introduces Voldemort’s most fervent followers, the Death Eaters. Despite this, Rowling maintains her signature humor with witty dialogues and quirky side characters, ensuring that the book remains appropriate for middle-grade readers. 
 
One of the more amusing aspects of this book is Harry’s casual approach to the Triwizard Tournament tasks. Despite having ample time and resources to prepare, Harry often downplays the challenges, only to scramble for solutions as the deadlines approach. This attitude adds a touch of realism and humor, reflecting the procrastination tendencies common among teens and tweens.
 
Rowling also excelled in portraying a straining friendship between Harry and Ron Weasley. Ron’s feelings of jealousy and inadequacy, which began at home with five older brothers and worsened next to Harry’s fame as The Boy Who Lived, are depicted with surprising authenticity. 
As someone who also experienced being second fiddle to several close friends, I found Ron’s struggles particularly relatable and his eventual reconciliation with Harry equally satisfying and heartwarming. 
 
“The Goblet of Fire” might be a middle book, but it doesn’t suffer from middle book syndrome at all. Rowling ensured that readers had ample plot to satisfy them while also continuing to set up the next stage of her story.