Harry Potter finds Order and comes of age

After a three-year hiatus, Harry Potter has finally returned.
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” the fastest-selling book ever and the fifth installation in J. K. Rowling’s proposed seven-volume series, picks up where the “Goblet of Fire: The Return of the Dark Lord” left off.
This go round, our teenage hero, Harry Potter, is more confused than ever, largely thanks to the Hogwarts school’s headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, who has refused to talk to Harry through much of the year.
And Harry’s plate is full: endless nightmares, the O.W.L. exams, an annoying new Defense Against Dark Arts teacher, Dolores Umbridge, and endless Educational Decrees from the Ministry of Magic. The book is a coming-of-age tale, where Harry, now 15, experiences yet another encounter with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, his first kiss and the loss of a loved one.
Already richer than the Queen, Ms. Rowling certainly knows how to write a page-turner. But unfortunately, the book’s big secret isn’t so surprising, and perhaps a bit disappointing. Every reader has been wondering since “The Sorcerer’s Stone” what the link is between Voldemort and Harry. And when finally revealed, the secret behind the lightning scar is not very convincing. Overall, the book lacks many of the fun elements that the previous installments have had, including the Quidditch matches that at one point led to a World Cup showdown.
Nevertheless, it’s delightful to see the characters develop, especially the lead trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and to watch trustworthy Ron step from the shadows of his outstanding older brothers. While angrier and more frustrated, Harry finds a new role halfway through the year by setting up and leading the D.A., although the meaning of D.A. must be reserved for readers alone. There are some interesting new characters ― Luna Lovegood and Nymphadora Tonks ― who are sure to return. And poor Neville Longbottom and young Ginny Weasley once again are featured.
This book merely seems like a bridge between events, notably the return of the Dark Lord and the second war. Full of symbolism, metaphors and foreshadowing, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” makes you yearn for more of his world, even if this isn’t Ms. Rowling’s best effort.

Harry Potter
and the Order of the Phoenix
By J. K. Rowling
Kyobo price: 43,940 won

by Ser Yoo-na