A Harry Potter Retrospective

It was around this time six years ago that I began reading the Harry Potter series. I didn’t know it at the time, but it would become a watershed moment in my relationship with literature and reinvigorate my love for reading after years of little interest.

What can I possible say about the series that hasn't already been stated? I think reading it as an adult is likely much different than experiencing it first as a pre-teen or teen. They are all good, even great, novels.

I was lucky that I went into them virtually blind – with little knowledge of the characters or major plot twists – as I had only seen one movie. This left me, many times, in complete and utter awe at the genius of J.K. Rowling.

I never would have guessed that the adolescent adventure that Harry, Ron and Hermione embarked on in "The Sorcerer’s Stone" would later lead to such dark and twisted places. That, to me, is the greatest strength of this series. Life is not always fair or easy, but with good friends and love anything is possible.

Overall, I'd give the series 4.5/5 stars. There were parts of each novel that could have been cut, but, this world and these characters are ones that have stayed with me for years.

In honor of my Potterversary, here’s the original breakdown of the series from best to good, posted to Goodreads on February 15, 2015, the day I finished “The Deathly Hallows.” It is also updated with some additional thoughts since I didn’t write reviews of the books upon completion.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Dates read: October 4 – November 28, 2014.
Format: Paperback (personal library)

[2015]: This is where it started to get dark and where the mythology took form. I was completely enraptured from start to finish.

[2020]: This is still my favorite in the series, mainly because of the tonal shift it takes from the beginning to the end with the reemergence of Voldemort. The shocking demise of Cedric Diggory signaled that things were about to get real dark, real fast. 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Dates read: January 20 – February 15, 2020
Format: Paperback (personal library)

[2015]: I could have done without some of the "on the run" chapters, but I can't recall a more satisfying conclusion to a series – be it film, television or literature.

[2020]: Many people put “Deathly Hallows” at the top of their favorite Potter book list, but I think that’s because they waited so long for it to be released and it is a satisfying conclusion to the series. There are so many amazing scenes – the standout, of course, Mrs. Weasley’s “Not my daughter, you bitch” take down of Bellatrix Lestrange – that you can’t help but be enamored. 

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Dates read: November 28, 2014 – January 3, 2015
Format: Paperback (personal library)

[2015]: Long, for sure, but it moved the plot along so perfectly. It really made you care about what was happening to the characters and understand why they were fighting this battle.

[2020]: This seems to be the most divisive of the series because it’s dark as hell and rather depressing. It took me the longest to get through, mainly because it meandered at times, but at the end of the series you realize how much mythology Rowling had to cram into its 870 pages.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Dates read: September 5 – October 4, 2014
Format: Paperback (personal library)

[2015]: Prior to finishing the series, I would have put this lower, but it really was a great story and introduced us to some important characters.

[2020]: This is probably the most underrated novel of the bunch. It was still adolescent in tone, but the dark themes star to emerge as well as characters that will have a significant impact on how it all wraps up: Sirius Black, Bellatrix Lestrange and, of course, the Dementors.  

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Dates read: January 3 – January 19, 2015
Format: Paperback (personal library)

[2015]: Great for the Harry/Dumbledore relationship (and that ending!)

[2020]: I’d probably move “Half-Blood Prince” to the third spot if ranking today as it is the single most important book in the series. So much happens that is a game changer, but the scenes I often think about are Harry witnessing that Dumbledore is not infallible in the cave and witnessing the full character arc of Severus Snape – a damn hero! 

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Dates read: August 16 – August 24, 2014
Format: Paperback (personal library)

[2015]: Potter fans seem to fall into two camps, those who like the earlier, more kid-friendly novels and those that prefer the later, darker stories. I'm in the latter.

[2020]: I still 100 percent standby my statement above. I have little desire to ever re-read this book or re-watch the movie.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Dates read: August 24 – September 5, 2014
Format: Paperback (personal library)

[2015]: If I were to read this now that I understand the significance of the many plot points, it would probably rank higher. However, this one almost made me turn away from the series for good. Too slow at some points.

[2020]: My original assessment still stands. Honestly, I hated the whole flying car – so juvenile – and a diary as the villain? WTF. This one stands out for the introductions of Moaning Myrtle (a fabulous addition to “Cursed Child”) and Dobby (RIP).

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two
Dates read: July 31 – August 1, 2016
Format: Hardcover (personal library)

[2015]: I think calling this canon is a bit of a disservice to the rest of the series, but because it contains elements of the previous seven stories, it's got to be in this world. The dialogue can be painful, but the plot is exciting and has some nice twists. Read it for the nostalgia.

[2020]: After seeing the play, I do believe this should be considered canon, but reading the script and seeing the play are two entirely different experiences. The play is, probably, the single greatest stage production I have ever seen. Since this was released as a rehearsal edition, and elements of the play were changed during previews, I’m curious how much of what we see on stage differs from what was included in this edition because seeing it felt very different than reading it.

What’s your ranking of the Harry Potter books? Do you think the films do them justice?