By Isabella Purdy & Jennifer Trend, Staff Writers
In anything that could be compared to another, there will always be rankings– so we’ve decided to rank the “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling below. Of course, you are invited to have your own personal ranking, but these are based on our opinions and thoughts.
1. Goblet of Fire
This book was the turning point from the ‘good and light’ of the series to the more ‘darker and eviler’ side. It forces Harry from this protected world (or at least as protected as it can get) into a world where he can no longer ignore the threat of Voldemort. “Goblet of Fire” also brings light to what other magical schools are like and we get a deeper insight into the magical world.
2. “Sorcerer’s Stone”
This is the book that started it all. It immediately sucks you into the Wizarding World and continues to be a fast and exciting read. As the introduction to the series, it does a fantastic job of setting up the characters that we know and love. This is the book that introduces us to Hogwarts and the Golden Trio. It’s fun to see the Golden Trio in their first year, still very much so just being kids that are trying to figure out their powers and their new Wizarding World.
3. “Order of the Phoenix”
Starting from this book, the series gets contrastingly darker from what it was before, the threat of danger looming at every corner. We see how all the students have grown up– from children who only worried about quidditch matches during first year to getting caught and punished by Umbridge in fifth year. The ending also introduces the first casualty that truly impacts Harry, and his transition into a new life dealing with this loss and that it can happen to anyone else that he loves.
4. “Deathly Hallows”
As the last book in the series, it brings a bittersweet and closing conclusion. The Golden Trio are no longer simply students but adults with the weight of the wizarding world on their shoulders. While some events are left to interpretation (like why Draco said that he didn’t recognize Harry at the Manor), the epilogue brings light to a new generation of students that tell a story on their own and that their world was saved.
5. “Half Blood Prince”
This is the book where Dumbledore dies, and we get to see a bit more of Draco’s character. We are also given more information about the Death Eaters, and we learn, or so we think, where Snape’s loyalties lie. This book was terrifying, especially in the final chapters where we lose one of our most beloved characters. But this book also has it’s good moments– from Luna Lovegood and Horace Slughorn, who share the spotlight with the Golden Trio to how Ron and Hermione’s relationship is changing, slowly bringing in one of the most iconic couple of the Wizarding World.
6. “Prisoner of Azkaban”
The Prisoner of Azkaban introduced us to another two of the most beloved characters in the series- Remus Lupin and Sirius Black. In addition to this, the Marauders Map is introduced in this book, along with other staples of the Wizarding World like Honeydukes, Butterbeer, and the Hog’s Head Inn. This is also the book where we are introduced to Buckbeak, a fan favorite magical creature. This book definitely had a darker tone, but not as dark as the year four and up books. It introduced us to the terrifying dementors and showed us that there was much more at stake in the events of this book.
7. “Chamber of Secrets”
This book is a great follow up adventure for our Golden Trio as they enter in their second year. We humorously learn about Fred and George turning Ron’s toy broomstick into a spider, and we see Ron struggle with his fears throughout this book. The Golden Trio really start showing their courage in this book as they face a giant Basilisk, a living horcrux, and a celebrity wizard that wishes to erase their memories. Sadly, Hermione is lost to us in this book until she is returned to her proper state at the end of the book, which is a shame. But, this gives us a glimpse of how Voldemort and Harry are connected, and introduces us to Ginny and Fawkes.
