Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. RowlingMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Since this book is ranked #2 on Goodreads’ Best Books Ever, I figured it was about time I gave it a read. I was originally reading The Wild One by Nick Petrie, but after downloading the Kindle version of Order of the Phoenix, I found myself completely immersed and ended up finishing it first. No regrets!
This book is darker, more intense, and emotionally gripping compared to the earlier ones in the series. Rowling brilliantly captures Harry’s frustration, isolation, and struggles as he faces skepticism from the wizarding world and the oppressive rule of Dolores Umbridge, arguably one of the most infuriating villains ever written. The rebellion of Dumbledore’s Army, the mystery surrounding the prophecy, and the heartbreaking loss of Sirius Black all make this book a rollercoaster of emotions.
While the movie adaptation did a decent job, the book provides so much more depth, especially in character development, Harry’s internal battles, and the lore of the Wizarding World. The Ministry of Magic subplot and the Department of Mysteries showdown were absolute highlights.
Overall, this was an incredible read, and I can now see why it’s considered one of the greatest books of all time. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out on a truly magical experience!
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The Wild One by Nick PetrieMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Wild One was my first Nick Petrie book, and I jumped in without reading the earlier installments. Despite that, I found it an intense and gripping thriller that kept me hooked from the start.
The setting in Iceland is one of the book’s strongest points—it’s cold, desolate, and almost a character in itself. Petrie does a great job making you feel the isolation and danger. The action is non-stop, and Peter Ash is a compelling protagonist. Even without prior background on his character, I could tell he was a resourceful and tough guy, constantly thinking on his feet.
However, since I didn’t read the previous books, I did feel like I was missing some context about Peter’s past and motivations. The story still worked, but I imagine it would’ve been even better if I had that background. Also, the tone is pretty dark, there’s not much relief from the tension, which might not be for everyone.
Overall, The Wild One was a solid read. If you like action-packed thrillers with a strong survival element, it’s worth checking out. But if you prefer to fully understand the main character’s journey, it might be better to start from the beginning of the series.
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you enjoy gritty, high-stakes thrillers with a strong sense of place.
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