For me, July is the month of Harry Potter. After all, Harry’s birthday is July 31st! So, in the spirit of HP, I will be ranking the core Harry Potter books (from Philosopher’s Stone to Deathly Hallows). To all my fellow Potterheads, I’d love to know your thoughts and whether or not you agree with my rankings!
7. The Chamber of Secrets
The Chamber of Secrets ranks last on my list, but fear not, I still love this book. The main reason that Chamber lands in last place is because many details in the book aren’t fresh in my mind, despite having read it so many times. It is simply not as iconic in my opinion. Also the Deathday Party was a drag. However, Dobby, Gilderoy Lockheart, and Moaning Myrtle are great characters that were introduced in this book. Leave a comment down below if The Chamber of Secrets is your favorite book!
6. Prisoner of Azkaban
I wasn’t really sure where to put the Prisoner of Azkaban. I think it is a really good book. The new classes were really fun and Hermione’s secret was intriguing throughout the plot. I also love Lupin and Sirius. I’m not sure what brings Prisoner towards the bottom of the list, but perhaps it’s just how the cards lay. It’s a brilliant book and is the beginning of the darkness in the Harry Potter series. The bubble of Hogwarts was broken and I think that it was done excellently. I have no qualms about the Prisoner of Azkaban but somebody has to take sixth place.
5. Goblet of Fire
The Goblet of Fire is a fun book. The beginning is definitely an…interesting choice, but I’ll pretend I do not see it. I love the introduction of international wizards. This book expanded the world of Harry Potter in such a lovely way. The Quidditch World Cup was very fun to read and I look forward to those chapters every time I reread the series (which has been a lot of times). Fred and George’s Weasley Wizard Wheezes started up in Goblet which just increased the magically fun nature of this book. I loved all the new characters in Goblet as well. I think Rita Skeeter was a good mini-villain that distracted both the characters and the reader from the real villain. The Triwizard Tournament was also really enjoyable to read. The darkness interwoven with the light happy atmosphere of this book was really pleasing.
4. Half Blood Prince
The Half Blood Prince is a dark book, and I’m here for it. This might just be my whole mini-review. Nah, I’ll give you some more thoughts. Wouldn’t want to deprive you of my opinion, now would I? That would just be mean. Anyways, I love the direction that this book takes. Harry and Dumbledore on a one-way train to Voldemort-ville. Draco has also upped his game while simultaneously making me feel bad for him. Bravo. This book really illustrates how our characters have matured. Although, Ron (I mean WonWon) is a bit much in this book. Not a fan of his relationship decisions.
3. Philosopher’s Stone
The one that started it all. This book is bound up with nostalgia. It’s so innocent and magical and youthful. It brings warm and cheery feelings with it. I smile everytime I read this book. It’s a bit hard to give this one a lengthy review because it’s a simple book. It sets up the other books really nicely. I have no negativity towards the Philosopher’s Stone.
2. Deathly Hallows
Ranking at second on my list, is The Deathly Hallows. I love this book for the raw emotions it makes me feel. For the relationships that are strengthened and the new connections made between characters. I love this book for its darkness as well as its light. For the search for Horcruxes and the Battle of Hogwarts. I’m saddened by the deaths within this book. Honestly this book is pretty epic and is what is needed to conclude this series. The final fight between Harry and Voldemort was very well written. I will admit, I think Harry James Potter is terrible at naming kids, but then again Ginny named her owl Pigwidgeon so I guess they’re both hopeless.
1. Order of the Phoenix
The Order of the Phoenix has been and continues to be my favorite Harry Potter book. Harry could be viewed as annoying in this book, but hey, if you were a teenager who just watched a schoolmate be murdered by a supervillain in front of your eyes at school, and then no one believes you, you’d be cranky too. Also Harry is receiving no communication from the Wizarding World and is stuck in a house with relatives who despise him. So give Harry a break in this book, okay? I really enjoyed the plot of the book though. Umbridge is a great villain in that she is a despicable human being (cough toad cough). The relationship between Harry and Sirius is really wonderful. The formation of Dumbledore’s Army was really exciting and honestly I think that Harry belongs in a teaching position rather than an Auror. Fred and George Weasley are also great in this book and their pranks are always entertaining to read. Also LUNA. This book just has so much to offer. Order of the Phoenix gets a lot of hate, but it holds a special place in the Harry Potter corner of my heart.
Let me know what your ranking of the Harry Potter books are! Do you agree with my rankings? Disagree? Let me know all about it in the comments!
The Book Nook 
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