When the Quidditch World Cup is disrupted by Voldemort's rampaging supporters and the terrifying Dark Mark appears against the night sky, it is obvious to Harry Potter that, far from weakening, Voldemort is getting stronger. Back at Hogwarts for the fourth year Harry is astonished to be chosen to represent the school in the Triwizard Tournament. The competition is dangerous, the tasks terrifying, and true courage is no guarantee of survival-especially with the Dark Lord's forces on the rise.
P.S. If you haven't yet read this, don't feel bad! There's always time and I don't think you can ever be too old to enjoy this series! I myself just started reading the series this year since my religious mom used to forbid it.
What I liked about the book...
This was actually the first book in the series that I truly enjoyed. The previous three were a bit too light-hearted for me. Personally, I prefer more serious subject matter and cliff hanger endings, which is why this book captured my interest much more than the others. For the majority of the book I was consistently kept on the edge of my seat with all the action and suspense (especially near the end).
I also loved the evolution of Harry's character. Although he was still a bit of an jerk to Ron, I really admired the actions he took to care for those in danger, even when it wasn't his responsibility. Now that's the makings of a true hero.
Even with all the growing danger and suspense I enjoyed the fact that Rowling was still able to insert some humor here and there. I basically was rolling on the floor laughing anytime one of the Weasley twins opened his mouth.
What I didn't like about the book...
As I've already mentioned, I think Harry is sort of a jerk to his friends. I couldn't stand the fact that he wouldn't even bother to mend his relationship with Ron. This immaturity stood in stark contrast to the Harry that competed in the Tournament and this made him very unlikable throughout the first half of the book, regardless of the positive qualities he demonstrated.
At least this Harry is better than the constantly screaming and disrespectful one of the previous book.
Additionally, I wasn't very satisfied with the ending. Not that it wasn't good. I just think some important parts went by a bit too fast. Though I'm not going to spoil it by naming names, there's a death near the end of the book that I just couldn't accept. One sentence. Is that all the character is worth? One measly, simple sentence? I get that it's talked about a bit later on, but I still think it lacked depth.
Overall...
I really enjoyed this book. It was everything I look for in a book: a mix of suspense, humor and fantasy (which, in my opinion, is very difficult to pull off). I'm really excited for the next book. 800 pages is a bit intimidating though, I you ask me. Hopefully it will be filled with as much if not more action than this one.
I gave this book 4.5/5 stars on Goodreads!
Would I re-read this? Yes!
Would I recommend this? Obviously!
Favourite scenes/chapters...
Chapter 16, The Goblet of Fire
Chapter 25, The Egg and the Eye
Chapter 26, The Second Task
Chapter 34, Priori Incantatem
Chapter 37, The Beginning
Check out the book on...
Goodreads!
Amazon!
Chapters/Indigo!
Barnes & Noble!
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