Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
by J.K. Rowling
There are so many flaws in this book! Sure, the other Harry Potter books were riddled with flaws, like writing with quills and parchment and not being able to fix Harry’s eyesight with a spell—but this book takes the cake. The entire premise for this book is a new wizarding gimmick where other wizard schools from around the world come together to participate in a multi-event contest. The catch is that the events are so dangerous, the younger students aren’t allowed to compete. If it’s that dangerous, why are any children at all allowed to risk their lives for the sake of a trophy? Since their entire world revolves around magic, why can’t these “games” be all an illusion created by magic so the students can show their strengths without risking their necks?
The selection process of the games is equally ridiculous. The students who are old enough write their names down on a piece of paper, drop the paper into the goblet trophy, and then the goblet selects one competitor from each school. This all-knowing goblet that doesn’t allow anyone under the age of seventeen to touch it, but both gets fooled by a very simple loophole and also makes a mistake—and no one has the good sense to contradict it. Since Harry is too young to enter his own name, yet his name gets selected by the goblet, obviously someone else who was old enough slipped his name into the entry pile. If it was that easy to do, why didn’t every underage student get an older student to put their names in? The goblet was only supposed to select one name from each school, and after the three were chosen, Harry’s name came out as an afterthought. Why didn’t anyone override the magical goblet and tell Harry to stay home? If the games are so incredibly dangerous that the teachers are worried about fourteen-year-old Harry’s life, why is he allowed to compete?
Since the very premise of this book is so wrought with flaws in a world that is supposed to be magical and wonderful, it’s hard to enjoy it and take it seriously. Sure, there are chapters meant to be exciting, like fighting dragons and swimming underwater, but the gigantic jump in the book’s length from the previous three makes it a little tedious for all but the most devoted readers. There’s quite a bit stuffed into this 700+ paged book, though, including the students’ first foray into romance. They try their awkward hands at flirting, learn to dance, and explore the new feeling of jealousy. There’s also a new, rather creepy teacher on staff, so if you’re a squeamish reader, this probably won’t become your favorite book.
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2005's film adaptation here!
More Harry Potter book reviews here on Hot Toasty Rag!
The selection process of the games is equally ridiculous. The students who are old enough write their names down on a piece of paper, drop the paper into the goblet trophy, and then the goblet selects one competitor from each school. This all-knowing goblet that doesn’t allow anyone under the age of seventeen to touch it, but both gets fooled by a very simple loophole and also makes a mistake—and no one has the good sense to contradict it. Since Harry is too young to enter his own name, yet his name gets selected by the goblet, obviously someone else who was old enough slipped his name into the entry pile. If it was that easy to do, why didn’t every underage student get an older student to put their names in? The goblet was only supposed to select one name from each school, and after the three were chosen, Harry’s name came out as an afterthought. Why didn’t anyone override the magical goblet and tell Harry to stay home? If the games are so incredibly dangerous that the teachers are worried about fourteen-year-old Harry’s life, why is he allowed to compete?
Since the very premise of this book is so wrought with flaws in a world that is supposed to be magical and wonderful, it’s hard to enjoy it and take it seriously. Sure, there are chapters meant to be exciting, like fighting dragons and swimming underwater, but the gigantic jump in the book’s length from the previous three makes it a little tedious for all but the most devoted readers. There’s quite a bit stuffed into this 700+ paged book, though, including the students’ first foray into romance. They try their awkward hands at flirting, learn to dance, and explore the new feeling of jealousy. There’s also a new, rather creepy teacher on staff, so if you’re a squeamish reader, this probably won’t become your favorite book.
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2005's film adaptation here!
More Harry Potter book reviews here on Hot Toasty Rag!