Did anyone else find OotP slightly disturbing?

[talullah]

I'm probobly going to get bumped to review but I'm just wondering if there are any other people out there just freakin' DISTURBED by this book... Good, doesn't describe it... it was well done, but there was no point in pretending it was a pleasant read. I was so frustrated for most of it....

Anyone else considering xanax today?

[Rien]

....xanax....

[doctor23]

I would have to agree it was very exciting and answered many of our questions while leaving a few holes to ponder.

[Inkwolf]

I had knots in my stomach through the whole thing...especially when finding out that James was actually a creep. :'( But it was an incredible book. And it was supposed to be suspenseful.

I kept waiting for a character to die, too, and panicking every time someone got hurt or in danger!

[puneypunk]

its called DRAMA and thats the whole point JK wanted it lioke it :/

[1MelissaPotter]

I don't unnderstand why your "disturbed" by this book. I though it was amazing. Like Doctor23 said there were things to ponder. It was great.

[ArabellaBlack]

I think it was a lot like CoS, in that, this book is really just a primer, explaining things we have to know for later books. This book focused a whole lot more on charater development then of the plot... the plot of the book was exciting, but I think we just needed to get the gist of the department of mysteries. And maybe, for some reason, Sirius had to die for other things in the book to happen... I still don't think I can ever quite forgive her. I think OotP might signify the ending of fluffy readers of the series, as well

[talullah]

I know it had to go there at some point but sheesh! My nerves are frazzled! LOL

When she said it was going to get dark she meant it. I just have to wonder why I don't feel like there was a balance of dark and light.

It was mostly dark...

[Qeomash]

Originally posted by Inkwolf (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=388144#post388144))
I kept waiting for a character to die, too, and panicking every time someone got hurt or in danger!


:yup: All though the book, I kept screaming it's Dudley! It's Mr. Weasley! Voldemort's already got Sirius--he's gonna die! No...wait...it was a lie. It was SIRIUS!

I was on the edge of my seat, squirming as I read. Though I was never "disturbed" by it.

[Shadowfire76]

Yes the tone of this book was much darker then anything she has written before. It was a little disturbing......I kept thinking of Voldemort whenever Harry would get so angry and wonder if all the anger was just teenage hormones or if the bond he formed with Voldemort was causing it.

[anumati]

Inkwolf! Same here! My stomach was in knots the entire time about who was going to die. First Mr. Weasley, then Hagrid, then McGonagall, then Hermione but I never saw Sirius coming :(. In response to the disturbing bits - watcha horror movie this is no where near as disturbing. There were dark parts, angry parts, scary parts but nothing disturbing (even though Voldie in fish-nets would be disturbing... wait... that wasn't in the book). Suspensful and dramatic. Fantastic.

[crafty girl]

Not to bring up Star Wars parallels, but I thought it was like the "Empire Strikes Back" of the series. After it was over, you're just thinking "how could this possibly be worse"?

I thought it was an both disturbing and amazing...the two aren't mutually exclusive. I find it insanely hard to believe that there were people who were NOT disturbed. I agree with ArabellaBlack: there had better be a :censored: GOOD reason that Sirius had to die. And this is definitely the end of the "fluffies".

[Katze]

I wish I'd never known someone was going to die. My mind kept wondering, like the rest of you, "is this it?" Argh - I think I'm going to be more careful about spoilers in the future. I didn't really enjoy reading the story for what it was, because I kept trying to anticipate all the things I knew were supposed to happen. :(

[The Oracle]

I didn't think it was disdurbing per se, but I guess it depends on how you interpret the word.
It took me at least a day to absorb it all. Right after I was done, I was so dazed by it all. The book is so much different than the rest. Harry is so different. He's not only angry but he's selfish and a jerk. Even after the last battle, after Dumbledore explains everything to him, he's still angry and blaming other people. Younger Harry would have probably been able to take a step back and seen the whole picture. Not this Harry.
Plus, there was so much blood. SO much. It was disturbing for a HP book. This isn't Steven King, this is supposedly that 8-10 year old range of book. I'm not saying it should remain squeaky clean at all, because that was proven not to be with GoF and Cedric's death. Just... this book has a whole new style to it. A new theme even. It'll take a bit of getting used to for some.

[Daveydee]

I'm pretty sure that there can't be many people who came out of this feeling bright and positive. I think that the emotions that most people must be feeling are generally pretty gloomy ones - bereft, hollow, empty, raw.

Anybody feel an overwhelming desire to turn back the clock, to recapture the innocence of PS/COS/POA. Here's news - that's life.

[SoftballChik]

Actually, I wasn't really that disturbed about the book itself... more like certain parts of it, like the whole thing with detention with professor umbridge. but the whole book, no.

[sierra_sand]

I was tense the Whole time. When I finished it I felt like I had run a marathon. I was exhuasted! I kind of get the feeling that while the next 2 books will have a lot of dark points this one will probably be the darkest all the way through. If you get what I'm trying to say. The entire book had an incredibly dark tone to it. And Harry was definitley the most down we've ever seen him. Maybe its just wishful thinkin' on my part but I really hope Harry will have SOME happiness in his llife in the future books. I agree with whoever compared this one too the Empire Strikes Back.

[Marcy]

Originally posted by Katze (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=388234#post388234))
I wish I'd never known someone was going to die. My mind kept wondering, like the rest of you, "is this it?" Argh - I think I'm going to be more careful about spoilers in the future. I didn't really enjoy reading the story for what it was, because I kept trying to anticipate all the things I knew were supposed to happen. :(


Me too.

I nearly passed out when I thought it was Arthur.

[Lestrange]

Originally posted by Qeomash (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=388176#post388176))
:yup: All though the book, I kept screaming it's Dudley! It's Mr. Weasley! Voldemort's already got Sirius--he's gonna die! No...wait...it was a lie. It was SIRIUS!

I was on the edge of my seat, squirming as I read. Though I was never "disturbed" by it.


I kept doing that. :'(

I wasn't disturbed by it...but I was just really sad sbout the way things had to change......Sirius...*weeps*

[Siriusly]

I rushed through the book to find out what happens at quickly as possible and now I am re-reading it to absorb all the smaller details. I LOVED the book but I really did think it was very very dark. I kept thinking that there is no happiness for Harry on this book. I also remember not laughing out loud for the first time until about the middle of the book! The death scence did not disturb me, but the loss did. Azkaban was my favorite book because Harry finally had someone to love him, and now that person is gone. Of course I know Rowling is right, that people have to die in order to tell a good story, and I am hopefull that since Sirius wasn't dismembered or vaporized, maybe there will be a way for him to come back in future books?

[tizzy weasley]

I was disturbed to find out about Percy...Percy was like a God..and then he turns against his own parents...that's just too weird.

[adonaichild]

I was totally upset with Percy, I kind of was expecting it, but not really. I wanted to reach through my book and SLAP him when he was in Dumbledore's office acting like a snot! I was like "how dare you!!!"
Yeah, and the whole department of misteries?! Wow, that was a lot scary. A room with brains in it? And the book never really explained the department of misteries--but I guess that's what JK was going for. And the whole archway thing--I had a hard time visualizing it.

[EmilyRose]

There were comments on how this book was just -all- dark...

..I have to disagree. The overall feel came out dark, because of the death and how things ended...

..But JKR also gave us a lot to laugh about. Purposefully, I'm sure. The Weasleys, Peeves, everything... This book had its fair share of humor, and maybe more.

I wasn't disturbed. It was, in the end, a good balance.

[H0gwartz]

Book 5 was very angry to say the least, I though harry was about to start throwing fists a bunch of times. But it made me real sad when Sirius died :(

[Cat]

Lots of blood, vomit and tears. It was very intense. I'm not that sadistic but I think this is a good thing. How could it, realistically speaking, not be intense??

Anyway, I never expected that I would feel so doleful and queasy after reading the book I'd been waiting giddily so long for.

Not a bad thing, of course. A book that stimulates so much emotion is genius.

What did everybody find the most disturbing scene?

[kaioticgirl]

The book was written really well, but it was a lot darker than even I was expecting. It started off a lot darker that I had thought, and detention with Umbridge actually made me put the book down for a couple of minutes and wonder if I wanted to keep reading. (I did, of course)

[Goldie]

It was about what I expected, considering what's coming in book 7. But then, the sweetness and light ended in that graveyard.

I was talking to someone this morning who hadn't read the books (his daughter has them and apparently hasn't read them either). He thought it was great that I was so enthusiastic about something. I told him to go home and read SS, and not stop even if he thought it was a kid's book, because by the time you get to GOF, it's not.

I thought about assigning him a book report, due in two weeks, but decided that was probably going too far.

As for the most disturbing scene, I'd have to say writing the lines in "Extreme" Umbrige's office. That was very disturbing.

[Moonlight]

I was rather confused. Not so much disturbed.
I can just see the Wizarding World crumbling.

The most disturbing thing was probably that Umbridge woman. She is a one twisted sadistic thing.

[Inkling]

I cannot believe she did that to James and Sirius. That's what disturbed me. I mean come ON! James was worse than Malfoy. Whenever he tries to curse Harry there's always some sort of preamble! And now Sirius is dead so no one can explain it!
Harry now has to feel bad for the rest of his life because Snape was right and his father and Sirius were wrong and maybe Snape had a point when he wanted to hand Sirius over to the Dementors in PoA.

De Mortius Nihil Nisi Bonum...Never speak ill of the dead, Rowling.

As to the rest of the book, I found Harry's anger a bit overwhelming. Maybe he is moody and everything going through puberty, but he was losing it every other chapter.

This book was definitely way more disturbing than the rest, but I think that she has moved away from her original target audience. Harry Potter isn't like Nancy Drew. He grows up; he isn't Peter Pan. That means that, unless she wants the books to come off wholly unrealistically, the themes have to mature. SS, CoS, and PoA were all kids books. GoF and OotP were YA.

[GodricSlytherin]

Love the book, even though it was a huge change from what we normally were experienceing. She had a lot more action, everyone took a huge role in the book. Neville kicked butt. Ginny kicked butt, and Loony Lovegood. There are bound to be more fan fics about these characters, that's for sure. But, I was frustrated at his anger for times, but other than that, I like the book. they all took more action.

[ironfairies]

I can't find the right word for how I felt when I read it, but I was a bit disturbed, and also frightened by how much anger and pain Harry was feeling. Though the fact that he was very angry and upset was very understandable, but I'm surprised we haven't run into it much before.

The most "disturbing" element, in my opinion, was Sirius' house, and also his behaviour. His house just freaked me out even before I knew it belonged to him, it was very..twisted I think and dark. His behaviour was very strange, he was very cruel to his house elf, and that cruelty was mirrored in his cruelty to Snape in his childhood. It was as if his confinement had brought out a hidden, and very much darker, side to him.

We are also going to feel disturbed if all our previous opinions about the characters are turned on their heads, and Snapes Worst Memory certainly was a bit of an eye opener, and did not make pleasant reading.

[grownupHP]

I rushed thru it. I cried when Sirius died. He was one of my faves. I think this is a transition book, like someone said above. Harry has got to become a darker character to prepare to kill in the war. Innocence had to be lost. I didn't think Dumbledore revealed any big secret though. I think we all figured out in book 1 that only Harry could kills Voldemort

[grownupHP]

I was so sad that Sirius got killed. He was one of my faves. I think this is definately a transition book. Harry had to lose his innocence and become darker to get ready to kill

[Jaredd]

Originally posted by EmilyRose (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=388393#post388393))
There were comments on how this book was just -all- dark...

..I have to disagree. The overall feel came out dark, because of the death and how things ended...

..But JKR also gave us a lot to laugh about. Purposefully, I'm sure. The Weasleys, Peeves, everything... This book had its fair share of humor, and maybe more.

I wasn't disturbed. It was, in the end, a good balance.


I'm sorry, but sometimes even the humor was dark. C'mon, you can't tell me you didn't nervously laugh at that strange scene where Fred and George were feeding Fainting Fancies to the first years who were collapsing in the middle of the common room.

Oh yeah, this book was DARK.

[~BrandyTook~]

My stomach was in knots the whole time too! I squirmed every time something happened. I still have knots in my stomach, and I finished 24 hours ago! Any time someone was in trouble or hurt, I'd start shaking, thinking that they were the one who was going to die. I was so worried. It was a bit disturbing, but in a good way if that's possible. A good sort of disturbing. It was so different than the other books. I've never had one book make me feel such a range of strong emotions. I laughed, cried, shook with fear, shook with excitement, cried some more, smiled, and squirmed. Amazing, but yes, disturbing.

[Ali]

So different than the previous book...It was ... how can I put this... the writing "style" was much smoother than other books, and YES definitely darker. It didn't have much to be happy about which is very sad.

The overall storyline could have been told in far less pages, and seems to me the actual climax should have been a set up for a different climax.

[talullah]

I recall feeling the same way... I don't think I laughed out loud until the middle of the book...


Originally posted by Siriusly (original post (http://www.cosforums.com/a/showthread.php?postid=388350#post388350))
I also remember not laughing out loud for the first time until about the middle of the book!

[jordmundt6]

Ink--James was actually a creep one time. Hmm. I notice Snape didn't have a whole bunch of those bullying memories that he hated. He only took out three threads and that was probably the only one that had anything to do with Hogwarts. James could be a creep. Harry can be a creep too (though the most malicious thing he's ever done unprovoked is dunk Malfoy in the mud in front of a bunch of people--which Malfoy in his twisted little mind would equate to what happened to Snape but nobody else would).

[Katze]

I don't think I laughed outloud at all.

The book had such a serious undertone, that I had a hard time finding even the Weasleys to be funny.

[ron fan]

This book was different from the rest, much darker, because it had to be. There were dark parts that disturbed me (mostly Harry's detentions with Umbridge), and I had thought there would be some people who might have their expectations let down because it was darker. However, the book as a whole was not "disturbing" to me, and I'm actually surprised at how many people have said they didn't find it very funny (This probably makes me sound heartless). Don't get me wrong, I cried when Sirus died. I cried at other parts in the book as well and I definitely ended the book on more of a down feeling, but there were SOOOOO many places in the book where I laughed out loud. One liners from Ron, jokes with the twins, little things that characters would do. And I felt JK had put so much of this humor in to help balance out some of that darkness just as Harry had told the twins at the end of GoF that people were going to be needing some laughs in the times ahead.

[Tomlover17]

I was really disturbed by how harry changed but yes i agree he needed to change so that he can be prepared to have to kill when it comes to that.... Umbridge's detentions frightened me bc here was a person of authority who was harming harry, and then to find out she was the one who sent the dementors...i think she deserves what she got.
The portraits in Sirius's house were also weird and added to the fright factor i think...just to have someone screaming from a picture like that...i dont know. Over all yeah this was definately disturbing.

[flibbertigibbet]

I don't think 'disturbing' is the word for what I felt... there was definitely a lot of emotion, but I don't think I was disturbed. The closest I came to that were.. er.. all the scenes with Umbridge. At one point, I think it was when she took away his Quidditch priviledges, I was actually so angry I had to go get a drink of water. And I think, really, reading the book brought out more of an angry feeling than a disturbed one. Guess Harry rubbed off on me.

[Gretel]

I found the book disturbing, also. Umbridge was torturing children with impunity. Dumbledore made several bad judgement calls. Harry never got a break! Cho was shallow. Percy was a turncoat. It went on endlessly...However, I think that Harry will triumph in spite of his travails. I'm with Mrs. Weasley, though, Harry needs some serious nurturing.

[vickygirl4]

I found it disturbing because there were so many "what if's." What if Harry used the mirror, what if Snape continued giving him occlumency lessons, what if Dumbledore had told Harry the truth, what if the ministry believed Dumbledore and Harry, etc. etc. etc. It was a horrible feeling knowing that all of the tragic things in the book could have been easily prevented. It really made me mad.

[stinksap]

I found parts of the book disturbing, esp. Umbridge. She was so horrible to Harry (lines, setting dementors on him, etc) but she was horrible to all the students except her inquisitorial favorites. I though JK did a good job of having some comic relief through Fred and George, they had me laughing as always...

[DocHollidaywe]

I think it was an amazing read!

[FawkesFire]

I was actually more disturbed by the end of GoF. I think because it was the first time there was really powerfully sad emotions being described in full, and even though knew a death was coming, Cedric's was so sudden, and his form coming out of the wand....the stumpy bloody arm, Voldemort's return, the real evil of both Malfoy's surfacing, the feast and most of all the hug Mrs. Weasley gives Harry. It was all so moving. I literally was disturbed for the whole weekend after I finished reading it.


Ootp was a bit more like a roller coaster, and the only parts I would call disturbing were the detention and Harry using the Cruciatus curse. The rest of the big events were nerve racking, upsetting, unexpected, and sad...but not really disturbing to me. I think the book was just a little more realistic as far as characterization goes (nobody's perfect, not even the late great idolized James Potter).

The more I think about it, the more amazing the book seems, and I know that it's a set-up for the next two, which are going to be REALLY disturbing (many more deaths, much more pain, and the final battle...aye vey!) but so, so satisfying.

[Dedalus]

I think everything was just more enhanced. It was more disturbing than any of the others, sadder than the others, funnier than the others, more natural than the others, more thoughtful than the others ... It's like it gave your brain a good prodding and then kicked you in the teeth.

It certainly got very scary and disturbing in parts, but they were strangely exhilerating. I finished the book feeling like I'd been for a great long run and finally reached the goal, like feeling exhausted and winded but surprisingly happy and giddy about it.

[WeasleyIsOurKing]

No, I wasn't surprised. This book is supposed to be darker than all the rest. Voldemort was powerful once again - what do you expect?

And I don't see why everyone is so disturbed that Harry used the Cruciatus Curse. He was using it on a notorious Death Eater, who had just killed his godfather, who deserved to be under that curse anyway. It's not like he was using it on Ron!

[WeasleyIsOurKing]

I didn't think it was disdurbing per se, but I guess it depends on how you interpret the word.
It took me at least a day to absorb it all. Right after I was done, I was so dazed by it all. The book is so much different than the rest. Harry is so different. He's not only angry but he's selfish and a jerk. Even after the last battle, after Dumbledore explains everything to him, he's still angry and blaming other people. Younger Harry would have probably been able to take a step back and seen the whole picture. Not this Harry.
Plus, there was so much blood. SO much. It was disturbing for a HP book. This isn't Steven King, this is supposedly that 8-10 year old range of book. I'm not saying it should remain squeaky clean at all, because that was proven not to be with GoF and Cedric's death. Just... this book has a whole new style to it. A new theme even. It'll take a bit of getting used to for some.


Well, most people don't consider this book to be for 8-10 year olds anymore. JKR doesn't write for children; she writes for herself.

Younger Harry would not have been able to understand. Younger Harry would not be able to fully comprehend what just happened. Harry as he is now is angry, and he fully deserved to be. He has gone through more in his fifteen years than most people will ever go through in a lifetime. He has no parents. His only family is horrible. He's always in the spotlight. He's being hunt down by the most feared Dark Wizard in the world. He's being demoted by the Ministry, the Daily Prophet, and most of the wizarding community. He's beginning to lose people he loves. Now, after all that, wouldn't you be a tad bit angry? He's not being a jerk; fifteen years of anger and emotion are finally being let out.

Younger Harry was just as blind as Harry is now. Younger Harry did not always see the whole picture and would often jump right into things like he does now. That's one of Harry's shortcomings - his inabilty to see the whole picture.

[SnowyOwl]

I don't mind that Harry was angry, but I did feel that he lacked some of the basic kindness that he has shown up until OotP. Things like quickly forgiving Justin Finch-Fletchly or Ernie McMillan, or never bad-mouthing Moaning Myrtle. His sensitivity only briefly surfaced a few times (i.e. Molly and the boggart, St. Mungo's and Neville, pity for Luna). I missed it. The out-of-control, continual anger rather took me back.

[invisablethestral]

Going into this book i was tense. Very tense. You know there is a death (which i wish i didnt know anything about), you have an idea who it might be, but its a long book and you know its not coming till near the end. Then you open up and read the first chapter and its angry and action packed, and your shocked -this isnt the fluffy beginings of the other 4! Harry has had some spontaneous release of his torrid past and present due to hormones and it hits you instantly. Its darkly realistic. And it doesnt let up at all....the read leaves you drained because by now, the 5th book, we're all, as avid readers, very involved in Harry, and there is always something going on in this book.

But disturbing is the wrong word.

The writing and story has advanced to match the change in the times. It is a seriously dark time in the wizarding world, and even darker still for Harry given the public disbelief of him and Dumbledore and his own recurrent visions. The jokes and quick quips had to be their to brighten up the book. I laughed out loud in a few occasions in this book, like some relief from the absorption this book weilds around you. Outward expression seemed to relieve the tension welling up as you progress.

I think you relate more to this book, with its over-whelming teenage angst and undercurrents of death and aggression, on reflection or in current experience. To the innocent, it will probably read as disturbing because its a sudden change from the flawed but loveable Harry. But puberty really does swiftly bring emotional changes upon you, not that you notice it at the time. So in reflection you apprieciate that its very real emotions and expressions and arguments that are all through the book. Umbridge is there to fill you, the reader, up with agression, dislike and resentment. Sirius sudden, quick handed death, was meant to make you angry, upset and cheated, because its a reflection of how Harry feels. Harry's fury, rashness, guilt and self questioning all tug at the right spots in us. I havent read any other book that will drag me kicking and screaming so avidly into its midst as this book. Its leaves you satisfyingly empty, with a mind chasing endless questions and pondering the next.
Its a tribute to JK that she has this power to emblazen such emotion from us in her writing.

[Moontrimmer]

I have to agree with ironfairies and say that Sirius came off as a tad bit twisted in this book. But then again, being cooped up in Grimmauld place place for 6 months with a ratty old house elf doesn't exactly help, does it?

[doctormj]

Initially, I was a little surprised by the degree of darkness in this book, and by the lack of resolution at the end. Even though I recognize that she is setting the stage for the rest of the series in this book, I still wanted some "ending"...at least to hear what DD said at the Feast.
After the second reading and some time to digest things, I began to really appreciate how well JKR reflects reality into her fiction, and still makes it seem like a "story". When I take a look around, I can't help but notice how much anger, injustice, corruption in goverment, darkness, senseless killing, and suffering exists in the world today. I don't know if that is part of her purpose or not, but I think it demonstrates amazing talent.

Some of the things that I felt balanced things out were Neville coming up in the world, and Ginny, too. Gred and Forge were truly wonderful in this book. At the very end Harry finally seemed to feel better when he was met at the station by the Order members. There were other parts, but my brain won't remember any more right now.
Even though there were some balancing parts, it was still a difficult book to read. Maybe a little too much reality.

[praisequeenfreddie]

The only thing that got to me was Umbridge. She was just evil. Her special quill made me sick every time Harry wrote with it. It was so twisted. I covered my hand every time she made him write with it untill the point came where I could not read it anymore. The rest of the book I felt was well balanced and explained everything quite well. It was a little dark, but not any more then it needed it to be.

[Leah_Jones]

DISTURBED???
no.
EXCITED?????
yes.
The book kept you on the edge of your seat, you uwerent able to put it down. Yes there were scary moments, but you've got to learn to tell the reality apart from fiction. Don't take it too seriosly. Because, man, its one great story.

[ana_banana]

This book ruled. I couldn't take my hands off it. Yes, it was very dark, but if you read HP you might not want to expect butterflies you know?

[MistressPooky]

I thought the book was much darker than the others. Harry seemed more angsty than usual. It was dramatic; something I was waiting for. I also thought that the book covered more adult themes than the previous. Kind of expected since they are growing up. When I finished reading the book, I felt a bit depressed, but did have a few questions answered.

[rons-lover]

Disturbed.! Are you serious? Heck this book could've been MUCH darker.! I would've liked it so, and I expect next book will be lighter, but darker as well. So what did you expect with Voldemort coming, eh?

Anyways it was a pleasent read for me.! It was emotionally stirring and that's pleasent enough for me.! And worthy of re-reading.! :D

Yes, it was much darker than the others, but it still could've been darker.!

Also his anger was justified, his parents are dead, he witnessed a peers death, no one believe's Voldy's back, the MoM is making a liar and fame seeker out of him, People wont tell him what's going on, he hardly see's his Godfather, he's having horrific dreams, ect, ect. I think his anger is quite fairly justified, don't you? :p!

But that's just my two cents.!

[TheBoss]

defenitly a great book.. put a TON of demension in to every character.. take the obvious ones, James was brought out (and its no longer just rumor/suspicion), Snapes reasoning, Sirius, Ginny, Neville, Hermoine, Luna, heck i can find some improvement in DD even! aaaaaaand just try and tell me with a straight face that you cannot wait for book6, because seriuosly after something like this its all you want :) overall, my opinion, great addition to the series..

[toryvic]

Throughout the whole book I had a tight knot of uneasiness in my stomach to the extent that I could only get 4 hours of sleep after buying the book at midnight and reading for a few hours. It was one of those books that it was simply impossible to put down but not particularly in a good way. There was no longterm happy parts in this book. Every silver lining seems to have a cloud (think about what happened after Harry and Cho's snog!!!)
I hope that in the next book there will be slightly less death and destruction so I can sleep easily in my bed at night!!!

[Hammi]

I kinda see where you were when you say the book disturbed you, though I wouldn't use the same word. I just got a different vibe from this book which considering the contents is perfectly understandable. The book was just so different that it took a while, and really has yet to, sink into the series for me. It wasn't exactly disturbing, just different.

[Iorek]

I felt that the Order of the Phoenix showed some really scary and disturbing aspects to the nature of the wizarding world and few of the characters, did anyonme else feel this?

Umbridge's punishment for Harry for example, I found it quite disturbing when the words cut themselves into the back of his hand.
Later when the ministry tyies to remove Hagrid, we hear that he throws a man twenty feet across the lawn and that the man then "went limp". It was quite a shock to see the sudden anger and visciousness to come out of a character normally thought of as a "gentle giant".
Finally, there was the way that Umbridge (a disgusting person though she was) was set upon by centaurs and hurt to such a degree that she went insane.

JK seems to be showing us a far darker and more disturbing side of the wizarding world, that being able to use magic doesn't solve any problems, there are the same problems and evils faced by our own world.

Opinions?

[Draco Serpensortia]

Well, I think J.K. was trying to show us that even in the wizarding world there is still as much violence as in the Muggle world.

And Umbridge wasn't driven in insanity, she was in shock.

[Baron]

Yeah, there were some stuff that were slightly disturbing (ex. Hagrid's description of his talk with the other giants). Since the books are becoming more on the mature level we do expect that it will also be darker.

[Diya]

and i think if umbrige have not insult those centaurs..they wouldn't that cruel

[OneSiriusNiffler]

and i think if umbrige have not insult those centaurs..they wouldn't that cruel

Very true! :agree:

[Tarawyn]

I'm going to merge this with a similar thread. :)

[Imperio! (Crucio!)]

Compared to the other books i thought that The Order of th Phoenix was much more darker than the other four books. It showed harry anger more (he needed to let it all out and this was the book to do it) i think that this may be the darkest (book 7 may also be very dark) this was more of an adult approach to harry, after all he is 15 and hormonal changes will be going wild, this was natural. harry is maturing now so the books will be doing the same (im not saying the book will grow a beard or summt, im saying that it has gave a mature approach to harrus life) and i think JK and put her own anger and stress from childbirth and pressure the write into this book. i think she is using her books to reflect her own emotions.

[cruplover]

Before I address the topic at hand, I should let you know my mother made me stop watching Scooby Doo as a child because it gave me nightmares. :)

I found GoF to be unsettling. I remember finishing it late at night, and my husband wasn't home. I made the dogs snuggle close, and I think I left the tv on all night, after double-checking both doors...

I didn't have that problem with OotP. I gasped audibly a few times, but that's it. I think that after GoF, and all the press that this book would be darker, I was prepared. Harry's anger annoyed me a few times, but I didn't experience the level of frustration that some of you did!

[Diya]

I didn't find ootp disturbing...But cho's crying everytime did annoy me howcome she never cried before like in 3 yr...anyways ootp was the best book!!

[cLosErtOthEedgE]

it was an excellent book, even though sirius died. i was completely devastated me, but it added to the excitement of the book

[MadMagic]

I didn't find it disturbing at all. I was prepared for the darker tone of the book, and in fact I quite enjoyed it. I think it was more emotional and you cared more, and I really enjoyed that.

[Secretofshadows]

It was awesome. It had more drama , its was darker, more advent....etc. I loved it I don't know who would find it disturbing

[DougJohnston]

I thought it was a great book, just like all the others, but i dont see it as disturbing, yes it was a much darker book with deaths and things like that but it wasnt a big deal for me. Profesor Umbridges punishments were horrible at the time but she got what was coming to her when fred and george played a few of their best tricks on her.

[Daisy Chick]

I think the order of the Phoenix is a wonderful book. I really enjoyed reading it. I think like Harry the books are progressing. There is a really dark feeling to the book, but the book is set during dark times so I wouldn’t expect anything different.

A lot has been explained in this book. I liked seeing the different side to Harry (who wouldn’t have issues after being what he has been though and knowing the danger you had to face)

Finally you just have to love not only the trouble Gred and Forge caused and how they left but peeves and his mischievousness :D

[NotoriousRaz]

We are also going to feel disturbed if all our previous opinions about the characters are turned on their heads, and Snapes Worst Memory certainly was a bit of an eye opener, and did not make pleasant reading.

That was my favorite chapter, yes I was surprised by the things James and Sirius did to Snape,and I even felt sorry for him, but I thought it was an incredible chapter,I loved reading that chapter in my second and third re-reads when I got to it.

As for the book being 'disturbing', I don't think it was, it was a lot darker but that made it more interesting,I hope the sixth and seventh books are dark like thiss one.

[sevenmuggleband]

I think it made the book a heck of a lot more interesting. I mean, it would have been great anyway, but just the darkness and all capped it off and made it lovely reading.

[shortie]

i was really upset when sirius fell through the curtain though

[17sickles]

I had knots in my stomach through the whole thing...especially when finding out that James was actually a creep. :'( But it was an incredible book. And it was supposed to be suspenseful.

I kept waiting for a character to die, too, and panicking every time someone got hurt or in danger!

I know! I was so worried because she said before the book came out taht someone would die. Then when Arthur got bit by the snake.... I think I almost cried. i was so freaked out. but other than that this was my favorite book so far. Everytime a new one comes out, it turns into my favorite. I think that this book was darker but i think it was in a good way. the characters are starting to mature, and everything is starting to fall into place. I find myself wishing for the next book to come out, and then relizing there are only two more books left. :'( well thats it

[Grærium]

You must've missed Jo saying the books are going to get darker. Darker and pleasant don't mix, get used to it or stop reading them. Pfft, I hate it when people say random things without giving them any though. OotP was still an awesome read even though it wasn't exactly unicorns and rainbows. :grumble:

[AncientPlum]

How can u say OOTP is darker than GOF. The cemetary scene scared the blimey (english word used out of context) out of me. Five I thought ended with me like J, why the cliffhanger? I'm reading GOF now. I haven't go to the scene yet luckily in the book.

[dippy]

what i found disturbing was finding out james was a big jerk, and i never expected sirius to die, that was sad, and i wonder now since the books are maturing, and getting to be more for older audiences, do u think the movies will get a pg-13 rating? i hope they do, cause like people are saying they aren't kids books anymore, i think they shouldn't be kids movies anymore

[AurorSlayer]

I thought that Harry's behavior in OotP was very disturbing, he was popping off at everyone, except Sirius. I know that JK dislikes people drawing parallels from HP to Star Wars, but I see a lot of Anakin Skywalker in Harry and I don't like it. I hope the next book shows Harry trying to be more reasonable. I dont' mind a book being dark, but at some point, you do want to a have reason to cheer for someone.

[White Raven]

I almost abandoned reading OotP several times, and it almost turned me off of the series. I started reading HP as an escape into an exciting fantasy world, and was rather disappointed when it turned dark. Nevertheless, I do want to find out what happens, so I'll certainly read the next two when they come out.

I agree about Umbridge. She's one of the very few characters in any book I've read that I truly loathe. I want revenge...:evil:

[Katarzyna]

How can u say OOTP is darker than GOF. The cemetary scene scared the blimey (english word used out of context) out of me.
I'm with you--nothing in OotP was as disturbing to me as the cemetary scene in in Goblet of Fire. When it comes to disturbing things in the Harry Potter series, I'd say that 4 out of the top 5 come at the end of GoF.

When it comes to entire books, however, I think OotP was darker than GoF. Life in year 4 starts out good for Harry--he's even relatively happy at the Dursleys, where he has food when they don't. And the Tri-Wizard tournament, difficult though it was, was only a game. Harry seemed just as worried that he'd embarrass himself in front of the school, and Cho Chang, as he did that he'd die. Shifting Harry from the maze to the cemetary was also a major change in tone.

OotP was dark throughout. It started out with a dementor attack, and soon moved to a place where even housekeeping was sinister and dangerous. The most "fun" Harry had in OotP was teaching his fellow students how to keep themselves alive in dark times. (I'm assuming his date with Cho wasn't fun--it wasn't any fun for me, and I just had to read about it. Poor Harry!) Just about everything that happened fit into the dark tone of the book. There weren't any "Oh. My. God!" jaw-dropping moments in OotP for me that matched the OMG moments in GoF.

[NotoriousRaz]

Why do so many people think it's a bad thing because it' s dark? that makes it better IMO. And i can't see how t disturbs anybody, even things like Candyman aren't desturbing.

[glugunkwen]

I felt like the end of GoF was a clue as to the direction the story was heading - into darker, more intense territory. I had difficulty reading it - in fact there are still bits that I find hard to get through because they strike a real nerve with me. When Harry has his horrible detentions with Umbridge, I just wanted someone to tell Dumbledore - it still upsets me that no one did!

One thing that really struck me was the teen 'angst' (for lack of a better word) that Harry was going through. It brought back a lot of memories of being 14 and how you really do view the world in such a different light!

In retrospect, I think the 5th book made the whole series real for me - for the first time I really sensed the progression of Harry from an innocent little wizard to this young man who is just beginning to understand his power and his destiny. And for the first time I really thought about all of the books of the series as being one long story.

[Norbertha]

Yes, I found it disturbing, all right. I think this is why I just can't get over the OOTP. It was the OOTP that got me stuck in the "Harry Potter loop". Before that, I had only read book 1-4 once. But since OOTP came out, I've kept re-reading them all in a constant loop, I'm stuck on "replay". I'll have to come to terms with OOTP somehow- I'm not sure how, though.

The scene that I found most disturbing of all, was "Snape's Worst Memory." Snape suddenly changed in my mind from being nasty and cruel into being a much more complex and interesting person, and, like Harry, I never thought I would feel sorry for him, but I did then. I just felt like giving Snape a big hug sometime, when nobody else was watching. And what a huge disappointment about Sirius and James! There were other disturbing parts too, like all the cruelty Harry has to endure from Umbridge, and the snide remarks from the Daily Prophet, and everybody thinking Harry's a lunatic. When I got to the bit where Harry and Cho kiss, I thought "let me just stop now, stop now before anything else bad happens to Harry, let me just let the book end here, with the kiss". But of course, I had to read on...

[hermy_weasley2]

I don't know if "disturbing" is the word for it, but I kind of didn't want Harry to start acting like an older (for lack of a better word) teenager, especially one going through everything he was, because I was almost exactly the same age (off by about a month) as Harry when the book began. I was blowing up at everybody and kind of "angsty", and part of me didn't want Harry Potter reminding me of it. Then again, another part of me wanted Harry to be normal, and in OoTP, he was, in my opinion.Now, almost year later, I'm not that much older, and I still feel that way sometimes but not so much any more.

Otherwise, OoTP wasn't disturbing at all. It was darker, but it needed to be darker. It fit well with the plot and the characters' (especially Harry) new attitudes.

[Airabeth]

...and I think it is because Harry isn't really the hero in the fifth book and I'm not sure what to do with it. I do think she wanted to leave us feeling uncertain because the future isn't clear for Harry either. I need book six!

[Marissa]

OotP was the most intense book i've ever read. I was frustrated, and so enthralled in the whole thing..i can't even explain it.
That book made me feel so many different emotions at once.
I loved it, and would never find it 'disturbing'.

[Magi]

OotP was quite intense. In fact, I'd say that it would rate very close to a "thriller" type novel, instead of merely children's fantasy.

As for "disturbing"...... I agree with others who say that GoF was more "disturbing" than OotP. I mean, dunking a baby (however monstrous) into boiling water, self-amputating a limb, etc., is gruesome stuff. The most "disturbing" thing I found in OotP was the Nagini attack on Mr Weasley with blood spurting out everywhere, but that's just a very short scene. The necromancy scene in GoF was prolonged over several minutes.

Overall, no, I didn't find OotP "distubring" per se. It did have more "adult" atmosphere than the others.

[Glorfindel]

It wasn't thatdisturbing, but i hate Umbridge and Percy and half the ministry. Sirus died. :upset: I liked the dark tone, and the end of snapes worst memory and Careers advice were awsome (Chaos) I was happy when Umbridge was beaten up by Centuars. I hope she is punished again sometime.

[harlle15]

in book5 i dnt really like percy at all his attitude and everything.. while umbridge i dnt like her 2 but on what happened to her they served her right...

[harlle15]

in book5 i dnt really like percy at all his attitude and everything.. while umbridge i dnt like her 2 but on what happened to her they served her right...

[glugunkwen]

I don't know if "disturbing" is the word for it, but I kind of didn't want Harry to start acting like an older (for lack of a better word) teenager, especially one going through everything he was, because I was almost exactly the same age (off by about a month) as Harry when the book began. I was blowing up at everybody and kind of "angsty", and part of me didn't want Harry Potter reminding me of it. Then again, another part of me wanted Harry to be normal, and in OoTP, he was, in my opinion.

Maybe part of the reason OotP was 'disturbing' to so many people was that JKR did such a good job of writing the 'teen angst' Harry was going through. Most people can relate to that time in their life. For me, the memories of being a teenager, combined with Harry experiencing being a teen added to the anxiety of reading the book. I just really wanted to reach out and tell Harry that it would be OK!

[AcrylicDrama]

The book frustrated me to no end...I just wanted to throw something at Harry and Umbridge and everyone. And that, for me is what made it slightly "disturbing". I got too involved in it, and when everything started sucking at Hogwarts, it made me really mad. And I childishly pouted about it.

[Katarzyna]

Maybe part of the reason OotP was 'disturbing' to so many people was that JKR did such a good job of writing the 'teen angst' Harry was going through. Most people can relate to that time in their life. For me, the memories of being a teenager, combined with Harry experiencing being a teen added to the anxiety of reading the book. I just really wanted to reach out and tell Harry that it would be OK!
Personally, I was relieved by the way Harry was acting in OotP. In the previous books he seemed entirely too calm and collected, given the things that were happening to him. Getting angry and popping off at everyone is normal for someone for that age. Heck, if all the things that happened to Harry happened to me, I'd probably get angry and start popping off at everyone, and I'm supposed to be a mature adult. Well, an adult, at least.

Anyhow, I agree that JKR did a good job in writing the teen angst portion of the book. I felt incredibly bad for Harry, that everyone was keeping him in the dark.

[Wizard13]

i dont know if this was mentioned, but Harry was driven so angry at Sirius's killer (dont remember her name at the moment, that he used crucio on her. I was surprised that Harry didnt even hesitate to use an unforgivable curse.

It has to get darker, since Harry is maturing, he knows more and deals with more. (Plus, now that the books are more geared torward teens now, she doesnt have to worry as much as censoring stuff for the little kiddies.) I would like to see more happiness in Harrys life though, book 5 was depressing at points.

[Katarzyna]

i dont know if this was mentioned, but Harry was driven so angry at Sirius's killer (dont remember her name at the moment, that he used crucio on her. I was surprised that Harry didnt even hesitate to use an unforgivable curse.
Her name was Bellatrix. The only thing that surprised me was that Harry didn't try to use a killing curse on her.

I think Neville will be the one taking out Bellatrix, since she was the one who drove his parents insane. I wonder if people will be disturbed by that--the people who underestimate Neville, or think he's timid.

[Darkillness]

Yes, it was disturbing. She did the whole teenage angst so well that I had problems with it (slamming books around, yelling, and generally caterwalling). It was good, and it was supposed to be disturbing. She's trying to write an evil being realistically who parallels Hitler, of course it's creepy! It was a very well written book, even though Sirius died. :upset:

[Romy]

I found it disturbing in the way that it reminded me what it was like to be fifteen. That wasn´t a pleasant age at all. Also, some of the time I was under the impression of meeting a whole new Harry. Does puberty do that? Was my mum right after all?! :scared:

[seeker]

I think it was disturbing because, unlike the other books, there was really nothing good to compensate for all the horror Harry has to put up with. I mean, PS/SS and CoS have happy endings. PoA, while the ending is bittersweet at best, offers some consolations: the dementors are gone, Gryffindor wins the house and Quidditch cup, and, most importantly, Harry finds in Sirius someone who feels towards him something of the parental love Harry has always wanted. Even GoF, which had a tragic ending, wasn't gloomy all the way through. Harry's summer wasn't terrible, for one thing, nothing really bad happened until early November, when Harry was picked for the triwizard tournement, and, after the first task, Harry had the support of the school and especially Ron for what lay ahead. Except for his few days of panic before the second task and the relatively mild annoyance of Rita Skeeter, Harry doesn't have a bad time of it for the remainder of the year - until the end. But in OOtP, everything goes wrong from first to last. His summer is pretty awful, at least until after the hearing, Umbridge is in control from the first day of Hogwarts, much of wizarding society considers him a liar or insane, and then it ends with a tragedy that makes everything else Harry has undergone seem minor.

[emerald eyes]

Even knowing where the series is heading, I guess I wasn't prepared for Harry to be quite so angsty right at the beginning. He was so moody, and always seemed very angry about something. I was getting so frustrated by it! I just wanted to take him and give him a good shake!!! I was quite mad with his actions and attitude after my first read through. But after it all sank in for awhile and I read it again, I started to really understand the need to have him go through such a range of emotions. Throwing in Umbridge, Percy, Kreacher and the Squad - Not a walk in the park!! And its only going to get how much more disturbing and darker before the end. Boy, I better really start getting prepared mentally! :scared:

[dog star]

I think if anything in the book was disturbing, it was Umbridge. She was so sadistic, that I found it hard to believe at times that she was in a Harry Potter book. She seemed like something out of a hurt/comfort fan fic. :lol:

I have now read the book once in text, and listened to it once on audio, and I must say that the prophecy absolutely gave me chills when I listened to it.

[VelvetSkies]

OotP was definitely darker, and I probably wasn't prepared for it, even after GoF. Besides some of the evil characters in OotP that were disturbing (Umbridge, etc), the only other thing that troubled me was angsty-Harry. I really wasn't ready for that, and I couldn't tell whether it was him or something reflected from Voldemort.

[Sporklift]

I thought the disturbing part was how the ministry of magic was so determined to ignore what was really going on in the name of maintaining power, even when there is so much at stake. There are just some things that you shouldn't risk being wrong about.

[dog star]

I thought the disturbing part was how the ministry of magic was so determined to ignore what was really going on in the name of maintaining power, even when there is so much at stake. There are just some things that you shouldn't risk being wrong about.

I agree. That was one of the things that drove me absolutely insane throughout the book. Fudge kept insisting Harry was a liar and making him look bad, and all the while Voldemort and his minions were gaining ground. Fudge ignoring the situation made it much, much worse...he played right into Voldemort's hands without even knowing it.

[Lady La]

I hated the fact the some people didn't believe Harry. Why would he make that up?

[Dead Star]

I didn't find it disturbing at all. I've read disturbing (such as "In Silent Graves" - forgot the author) and this wasn't it. I thought it was completely normal for Harry to act the way he did. I was like "Finally!" He was sort of a channel for my unresolved anger. However, given some of the content in the book, I wouldn't recommend this one to kids under 13. My jaw dropped to the floor when I read on some book site that the book is for kids 9 - 12.

[Spirit]

The only thing I found a bit disturbing was Umbridge's detentions. And I also was a bit disturbed when Harry used the Cruciatus (sp?) Curse.

[ComicBookWorm]

Everyone, not just Harry, seemed angry and/or ugly in the book. Harry was just plain stupid in multiple places throughout the story. Sometimes I felt that his anger or stupidity was designed to serve the greater plot and did not always ring true. Even Sirius was angry and stupid.

I fully expected the story to darken and get more serious as it had been steadily doing. But this time it dove off a precipice.

I think it was out of character for Harry to not ask a million questions about how the veil worked after what he had just witnessed.

I didn't find DD explanation of why Harry had been kept in the dark to be the least bit convincing. Again this seemed like a device to serve the greater plot. Nothing DD explained seemed to justify how Harry had been treated. They could have told him that LV was looking for information to use against him if they were afraid LV would pick his mind for specifics. DD seems so wise, how could he not know that Snape and Harry were like oil and water. Why didn't DD or McGonagall check on Harry's occulmency lessons?

I think that if Sirius had to die, it could have been done with more finality (unless that is the point) by having him get struck with an AK curse and fall dead. I read somewhere that JKR said that she wanted to show that death could be sudden (no long deathbed scene). But the lack of a body is suspicious. Now if he isn't dead or being beyond the veil serves a greater purpose, I will understand. Otherwise, we should have at least had a body.

A missed a lot of the whimsy that had been in abundant supply in the other books. Only Fred and George's grand exit from Hogwarts had the old charm.

The first 200 pages could have been cut. We could have learned what we needed to about Kreacher and Grimmauld Place a whole lot quicker. The story didn't pick up until Harry was at Hogwarts.

I love the HP universe but reading the book was an effort and reading the other four had been a pleasure. I reread it very recently and still found it took some effort. Somewhere about halfway through the book, even on the second read, I was fully engrossed and excited despite the effort needed. I fully intend to read through to the end of the series and like everyone else I am impatiently and eagerly awaiting the HBP.

I just think that it is time for Harry and everyone else to focus on the bigger picture, stop being angry and stop doing stupid things. And I hope I can see more whimsy leavened inbetween what I am sure will be a very dark fight.

[XxSlytherinGirl]

I was more fustrated at everyone. But what disturbed me what the way my hand hurt after reading that part about Harry's Punishment... O.O

[ComicBookWorm]

I was more fustrated at everyone. But what disturbed me what the way my hand hurt after reading that part about Harry's Punishment... O.O

That was really sadistic. I can't see anyone (DD or McGonagall) allowing that to continue if Harry had spoken up.

[Dead Star]

But what disturbed me what the way my hand hurt after reading that part about Harry's Punishment... O.O

Same here >.<

[NotoriousRaz]

Comicbooknerd how did you find it an effort to read? I'm on my fifth time now and it's still a joy to read and always will be, the first 200 pages were just as good as the rest of it.

[DarkMark]

I didn't find it disturbing. It was a very hard read, in terms of everything that was going on and the pace at which the story was moving.
I can see why it could be seen as disturbing, but i found it more intense than anything else. There were a lot of themes going on in the story and at times you would become frustrated due to the things that were going on.

The suspense was what made it hard for me to read, espeically at the last few chapters because you had heard all the rumors about who was going to die and you didn't want to read on to see who did die incase it was a character you really didn't want to not read about anyone (which it was!).

[starxgazer]

The book was a great read. But wasn't pleasant at all. We got to watch Harry suffer, and their was nothing we could do about it, it was overall a deppressing book.

[ComicBookWorm]

Comicbooknerd how did you find it an effort to read? I'm on my fifth time now and it's still a joy to read and always will be, the first 200 pages were just as good as the rest of it.

There was a lot of anger and unpleasantness in the book. I said I expected things to darken, but it was also painful. My brother had the same reaction. When I told him recently that I was rereading it, he said he would never read it again.

And as for the first 200 pages, all that cleaning and hanging around in Grimmauld Place could have been tightened considerably and still convey the critical information we needed from that section.

[XxIslandgirlxX]

If I hadn't been reading Anne Rice books for years, I would have found OOTP disturbing. But as it is, I've read literature MUCH more violent and psychologically intense. Still, I've said it before and I'll say it now. The Umbridge-cutting-blood-ink-pen-thing was pretty sick and gross... that left my stomach feeling a tad unhinged. Other than that, it was incredibly well written.

[Liv4Sirius]

I didn't find it disturbing, but I did think it was way more mature and grown-up than the first four. I, too worried my head off everytime someone got the slightest injury in fear that they would be the one to die. I think JK Rowling did an excellent job with suspense in this book, but then again, JK Rowling did an excellent job on all the books.

[Dead Star]

The Umbridge-cutting-blood-ink-pen-thing was pretty sick and gross... that left my stomach feeling a tad unhinged.

The second and third time I read the book, I was reluctant to read those parts cause I could imagine it happening to me *wince* so I could sort of imagine what Harry was feeling. Although, I think he was being very stubborn in not telling McGonagall. I know WHY he didn't tell her or Dumbledore, but he could've told some other teacher. Same with Lee Jordan. Why in the hell didn't HE tell anyone?

[ComicBookWorm]

The second and third time I read the book, I was reluctant to read those parts cause I could imagine it happening to me *wince* so I could sort of imagine what Harry was feeling. Although, I think he was being very stubborn in not telling McGonagall. I know WHY he didn't tell her or Dumbledore, but he could've told some other teacher. Same with Lee Jordan. Why in the hell didn't HE tell anyone?

That part didn't ring true. That's why I felt that some sections were there to serve the greater plot, but not necessarily logical.

[malfoyfreak]

I think that OoTP was enexplainable. It was amazing. I never realized that a book could leave you feeling so many different ways. It was definetely intense. And maybe it was for an older audience. But I dont think I found it at all "disturbing." There was times when I was scared to know what would happen next, but it was never anything grotesque. Just highly entertaining. I agree with other people here: GoF was more "disturbing" than OoTP.

[NotoriousRaz]

Has anybody here ever read 'A boy called it'. I can't remember the author but it's a true story about the early years of his life and is VERY disturbing. OOTP is a lot darker and violent but IMO I think disturbing is way too strong of a word to describe it. Even when Umbridge is doing them terrible things to Harry you fell hatred towards her but it's still very interesting and fun to read.

[XxIslandgirlxX]

I think you're referring to "A Child Called It." If you are, it's by Dave Pelzer. It's a very good book, although (as you pointed out) very disturbing. Thankfully, the author (it's an autobiography) is now alive and well. :)

[_TheDarkMark_]

I liked how it was. I like how each book seem's to get darker. But i did start to get a little annoyed at harry getting so mad at everthing always getting a little to mad about things. But hey the more crazy things got the more i liked it.

[alpha_hazard]

It's not so much that they thought he made it up, but they didn't want to believe him...THat's hard for people to take...I mean, if somebody walked up to you one day and told you that Several imps and demons were residing in his basement, and then proceded to take you on a tour showing you such landmarks as the Gates of hell and the fiery pit, you'd probably think he was making it up too, and a total wacko for building a replica in his basement, all for a silly prank...

Every body knows it is true, but they don't want to confront it, because that means admiting that the Minitry of Magic was lying to them...It's like any power weilding organization, better to deny the truth until such a point that it becomes undeniable, than admit outright that you'd done nothing to prevent it.

I think what I was most disgusted at was The Quill that causes harry to bleed...That is particularily unfogivable in my mind...I also find it disturbing that the Ministry of magic is harboring such strange and disturbing artifacts as the Veil...Better them than Voldemort, but that does not condone it...in fact it makes it more unforgivable, because there is no telling whether he has it or not, or if he could get a hold of it...

I also find it disturbing that despite what Voldemort says in Book four about being unable to harm harry at the dursleys, he is still asks why he has to return to them, even though just hours before he had been given the answer (Not OotP, but still relevant)

Also, I don't think neville will be the one to Curse Bellatrix LeStrange...I think harry will finish the Job, but not because of sirius, it'll be s pur of teh moment sort of thing, Maybe she'll put Neville or another of his friend under the Cruciatis Curse, and he'll be enraged...Harry has a temper to him, something that Neville does not, Neville is actually quite cool headed and far to compassionate to use and unforgivable, especially after what it has done to his parents...Harry does not have these same Virtues...He is quick to act, but also very remorsemful...I have said other places that if he does use an unforgivable, he may even admit to it doing so...

Another distrubing aspect of OotP is the indifference of the Centaurs...Such powerful beings, and yet so opposed to free will...I wonder how it came to be that the Centaurs had this idea of not going against the will of the stars imposed upon them...

[Dead Star]

Neville is actually quite cool headed and far to compassionate to use and unforgivable, especially after what it has done to his parents...

That's true, he doesn't seem like the kind that believes in revenge. But remember how in OOTP he lunges at Draco when he makes a comment about people on St. Mungo's? Then again, that's not the same as an Unforgivable, just thought I'd bring up the fact that he's not exactly a chicken.

[lilly_potter]

I got kind of lost while reading book 5, especially when Dumbledore was explaining everything to Harry towards the end. I had to go through and read it again. It definately left everything up in the air. That's why book six is so important. I think the next book will give us some sort of clue as to how it will all end. Here's hoping it's a happy ending!!

[hermionefan20]

I agree 100%... I was totally distraught by this book, I was SO frustrated the whole time that I couldn't enjoy it! The Umbridge thing really made me mad, and there were so many dreams and flashbacks that it was often difficult to figure out whether you were in the present or in a dream... I spent most of the book wishing I could curse Umbridge...

[loony4moony]

I'm not sure in what sense you mean disturbing, but I was disturbed by it in the sense that I lay awake all night after reading it, unable to take in that Sirius was dead. I was disturbed in the sense that my heartbeat didn't return to normal for about three days after reading it.

I agree that although OOTP has its own creepily dark atmosphere which does permeate, the ending of book 4 remains the most disturbing part of the HP series to date.

[ComicBookWorm]

I'm not sure in what sense you mean disturbing, but I was disturbed by it in the sense that I lay awake all night after reading it, unable to take in that Sirius was dead. I was disturbed in the sense that my heartbeat didn't return to normal for about three days after reading it.

I agree that although OOTP has its own creepily dark atmosphere which does permeate, the ending of book 4 remains the most disturbing part of the HP series to date.

The end of GoF was hair-raising. Harry alone in a cemetery with all those DEs and LV himself.

[AncientPlum]

How can u say OOTP is darker than GOF. The cemetary scene scared the blimey (english word used out of context) out of me. Five I thought ended with me like J, why the cliffhanger? I'm reading GOF now. I haven't go to the scene yet luckily in the book.

I'm with you--nothing in OotP was as disturbing to me as the cemetary scene in in Goblet of Fire. When it comes to disturbing things in the Harry Potter series, I'd say that 4 out of the top 5 come at the end of GoF.

When it comes to entire books, however, I think OotP was darker than GoF. Life in year 4 starts out good for Harry--he's even relatively happy at the Dursleys, where he has food when they don't. And the Tri-Wizard tournament, difficult though it was, was only a game. Harry seemed just as worried that he'd embarrass himself in front of the school, and Cho Chang, as he did that he'd die. Shifting Harry from the maze to the cemetary was also a major change in tone.

OotP was dark throughout. It started out with a dementor attack, and soon moved to a place where even housekeeping was sinister and dangerous. The most "fun" Harry had in OotP was teaching his fellow students how to keep themselves alive in dark times. (I'm assuming his date with Cho wasn't fun--it wasn't any fun for me, and I just had to read about it. Poor Harry!) Just about everything that happened fit into the dark tone of the book. There weren't any "Oh. My. God!" jaw-dropping moments in OotP for me that matched the OMG moments in GoF.

Well, for me, I found all of that exciting in OOTP . Harry finally standing up to a lot of people who have been bullying him for so many years. Yet he has enough strength to protect some of those people. My favorite part of the book was when Severus and Sirius were on the verge of a duel.(American Hardback-Pg. 518-521). Sirius died as a Warrior. I thought the battle at the end was too short between Dumbledore and Tom (as Dumbledore calls him). I wanted more action. I felt robbed with D and V's fight. All in all, it was an enjoyable book. I stick to my wand though, I thought GOF was scarier.

[deathfairy87]

I thought the book was nothing less than amazing

[FredWeasleyJr]

i thought ootp was a great book and not only filled a lot of holes in like why voldie went after harry but it opened some holes as to how the wizarding world is going to react now that LV is back

it was a key link in the series and it was also just thrilling, especially the last few chapters at the MoM and all

Pretty depressing tho that Sirius had to die, maybe a couple xanax would calm my nerves a little haha

[Godrics_Heiress]

I actually found Goblet of Fire a bit more disturbing. OotP was as great a read as GoF, but I'd say GoF (the first chapter with Voldemort in his parents house, Cedric's death, the cemetary scene, the Priori Incantatem, the TriWizard tasks, etc.) was a bit more unnerving for me, although it was indeed slightly disturbing to see Sirius die that way and not to mention Umbridge's punishment on Harry.

[IheartLupin12]

I wouldnt call ootp the most disturbing...Id say its the most emotion-evoking(if that makes sense!) book of the series so far. So many things were happening at once, it seems like we just met Sirius and he's taken so quickly...Umbridge's torturing of harry is almost unbearable to read and the "Lost Prophecy" is an extremely emotional chapter.The list could go on! There is still humor in the book, but theres more anger, sadness, confusion, etc..in ootp than in the others. I found myself angry at Harry throughout the book(he was acting like a jerk towards ron and hermione most of the time), Umbridge...Kreacher, Bellatrix...and even Dumbledore at one point!
The point of my ramble was--I think ootp was disturbing in some parts, but as a whole it's an amazing book showing how fast Harry has to grow up...it wont be long before the final battle is upon him!

[The Prefect]

I didn't find it disturbing...and I didn't find GoF disturbing either...I found them fun and enjoyable... :tu:

[Alienet51]

i wouldnt call it disturbing, i'd call it fantastic reading which is supposed to pull you emotionally back and forth. The book was great, and i wasnt disturbed i was pleased beyond words

[filius]

It was a brilliant book! How could you say it was disturbing. I think it was very..well, it answered most of my questions and gave me some more. I have read it three times laready and I ahven't noticed anything wrong with it!

[fabulouskirsten]

Whenever I read Order of the Pheonix I always feel like my emotions have been put in a blender, it's such a mix! I love the book, I think it's wonderful, but it's truly dark.

Like XxIslandgirlxX I'm a big Anne Rice fan, and I think Rice's work is far more disturbing..but that definitely does not take away from the disturbing instances in Order. Also, the Vampire Chronicles are most definitely aimed at adults, whereas JK is fully aware that children read Harry.

I agree with the people who have said they found Umbridge's quill quite disturbing, but the other disturbing thing I found was Bellatrix's madness. She is absolutely, completely insane and it's very very scary. Her jeering with a baby voice and then attempting to murder Harry is hair-raising, she's off her head. I think I found her more disturbing than Lord Voldemort, who seemed to be rather...detached I suppose, whereas Bellatrix was completely involved in getting the prophecy and communicating with Harry.

[BabyNorbert]

The book didn't really 'disturb' me. I cried when Sirius died, and thats probably the only thing that really got me. The veil was a bit creepy, but that was the whole point. I never complain about any of the HP books, they're fantastic, and there's nothing wrong with them!

[TheMoonyEliza]

I'm rereading the book right now and YES, I find it very disturbing. The first time I readed it, I was so eager to know what will happen next that I missed most of the minor stories in it. I was sad when Sirius died but never felt anything else because I readed it too fast.

But this second time...I have been paying more attention to the details and I have to say that the book have scared me from the first page...Harry's anger, the avoiding behavior of Dumbeldore, Umbridge (all in her is distressing even her pink cardigan!), Sirius confinement...I will never finish if I had had to go on with this list!

It doesn't mean that I don't like OotP. I find it very clarifying and intense, though. But maybe I have enjoyed it more if it have had a less disturbing atmosphere

[Labellemort]

I personally did not find OotP disturbing at all. Then again, I have read many other disturbing and psychologically intense novels. If you are looking for one of those, you might want to read Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs.

As we have been told, the novels will grow darker as Harry's world becomes darker. There were moments that surpurised me, but over all it was very well written.

[Dagmar]

I didn't find it disturbing at all. In fact I'm rather glad that the series is getting progressively darker. As Harry grows up we get to see the world (through his eyes) change into a more adult reality. Even though witchs and wizards have magic it doesn't make things any easier in their world or ours.

[Kaylor]

*ponders*
You have a boy going through massive hormone changes and a psycho mad wizard killer trying to kill him with a band of good wizards/witches trying to stop the madness with an Authority Figure (Fudge) who thinks the good side is lying and hysterical. Not to mention dating a girl who's ex-boyfriend just got killed...DID YOU REALLY THINK IT WAS GOING TO BE PLEASANT AND LOVELY?

[RemusLupinFan]

I didn't find OotP to be disturbing. It was dark and full of raw emotion, but not disturbing. A lot of things happened in that book: Harry dealing with the pangs of growing up, that Umbridge woman (hem, hem), Harry thinking about a future career, the Prophesy, Sirius' death...the list goes on. Book five really set the stage for the imminent war in book six, a war that will undoubtedly claim many more lives. I think book six will be much darker than OotP is, but I'm not sure if it will be disturbing.

[Lirio]

I was never 'disturbed' by any of the content in the book, I've read books with darker themes (Anne Rice, anyone?). I look at it now and say, "oh yeah, that was a little creepy..."

I'm really glad that the books are taking a darker tune. Before it was a little too fluffy for the mood of the entire series. OotP ties up the first four in excellent fashion, saying goodbye to childhood and opening up the door that leads into adulthood. That door is pretty dark, I must say...

And if I correctly interpreted JK at the world book day chat, things are going to get even darker than they are now.

[pince11]

OotP really did rattle my nerves. Harry’s anger, though understandable (and likely necessary) was not easy to read. And because of all the pre-pub hype that “Someone Is Going To Die”, I had worked myself into a near fit that it was going to be Arthur Weasley. Then when Harry saw him in trouble, I was both despondent and a little arrogant that I had figured it out! (pride goes before a fall….) But all of those things I wouldn’t call “disturbing” – a definite turn in the tale, but the kids are growing up and war is imminent, so…..

But I was disturbed by Umbridge’s physical abuse of Harry. That really bothered me. That seemed a rather drastic length to go to illustrate a character. JKR moved Umbridge beyond the realm of mean, bad teacher to truly depraved and evil. I imagine that’s what she wanted to do. But it was a little much for me.

[daftie]

I certainly wouldn't call it disturbing. It's dark, sure, but that's to be expected. "Disturbing" is much too strong a word, for me, anyway.

[meg2089kul]

One thing that truly disturbed me during OotP was the attitude that Harry had in the beginning towards his cousin. I think that he kind of changed a lot and he was suddenly this whole new character. I don't know if Harry saw it or not, but he was a bit like James in that scene. "What's he done to you?" "Well, it's more of a fact that he exists, if you know what I mean." Sirius and Lupin told Harry that Snape never missed the chance to curse James. We know that Dudley always bullied Harry. If one was to look at the scene before the dementor attack trough the pensive, they wouldn't get much of a good impression of Harry, if you ask me. But, then again, I would probably act the sameway to someone you had made my life a living heck.
I also thought that the possesion of Harry was a bit distubing. I didn't like it much. It's like a bump in the book that didn't belong. I think that it was very sudden. I didn't really see the point of it other than to show that Voldemort couldn't last long in Harry's body, but I felt that was rather disturbing.
The cuts on the back of the hand were also creepy. I remember gasping when I first read the book and feeling like cursing Umbridge into oblivion myself. Other than that, the rest was pretty much okay. You have to admit, it was a great book. Goblet of Fire is still my favorite, though...:p

[MagicMuggle]

Honestly, I wouldn't classify the Order of the Pheonix disturbing. I view it as dark, unpredictable, suspensful, and a bit depressing...(Just the way I like it! :evil: hehe!) I do agree though that parts of it were a little past the line of disturbing, such as finding out that Harry has now taken to having over-reacting, waves of furry unlike the last four books.

I really don't like how controled he has become by his anger, but I suppose it is all a result of his encounted last year with Lord Voldemort. The scene in Dumbledore's office when Harry started smashing everything in sight scared me...It felt like like I was there and watching, powerless to stop it. All that ran through my mind was Harry, what are you doing to this man's office. He is the sole reason alone you are alive today. How could you do this?

Also, another thing that I really found not so much distrubing, moreless unsettling was the scene with the pensive. I thought less of James after I read that chapter. Also, when Snape snapped at Harry for looking in it, it made me scared of Snape (even more than usual ;)) I could see being upset to the point of yelling until I felt better, but to grab ahold of Harry and throw him...It kind of makes me think of how he was treated as a child, wheather it was violent or not. Also to stop giving Harry Occlumency lessons, because he knew if he learned the skill, it would save a lot of trouble. I think that shows that he is afraid of facing his personal problems he has with Harry because he doesn't seem to have a lot of experience within that area.

Anyways, it's just my thoughts!

Have Fun Posting! :)

[Kimmetje]

Deppresing, indeed! The books grow darker and as OotP is the last book it is most dark. I do know what you mean with disturbing as OotP was rather different, it was not; you have to do this or that. I also thought that OotP contained a lot of information, which helped the plot.

I must say that HBP will probably be even more darker, but now we at least have a goal; kill Voldemort and stay alive (for Harry).

[Dead Star]

I'm re-reading OOTP and one thing that really disturbed me is how Umbridge grabbed Harry by the hair and then threw him into a desk. And then was willing to put the Cruciatus curse on him all so that she'd make Fudge proud by finding out what Harry was doing and expelling him.

[Danluver182]

I absolutley loved it. Gone are the days when they all sit tight like good little Chlidren. BRAVO to Harry for finally getting mad. *applause* It's about time he started getting upset. I mean I would've freaked out a LONG time ago if I was going through all these things. He's growing up and becoming and adult. That's what this book was all about and I loved it.
But I do have to admit...umbridges punishment with the Quill...a little disturbing...
but other than that loved it! ;)

[hp007]

nah, it wasn't disturbing AT all. but yeah, it was dark for sure. but as said in some other thread, this darkness and the death of sirius established the point that harry potter isn't just some kiddy book, with magic stuff like, "Abracadabra". it has proved to be a novel for ppl of all ages, not just kids. by the way, I never thought that harry potter was a kiddy book.

[dog star]

No, it's definitely not a "kiddie" book. I can't stand the way people have boxed JKR into the "children's" genre. Children's books are things like "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie," not things like "Harry Potter," which JKR wrote for herself, not any particular age group. She's now said she intends for the readers to grow up with the characters, which means she's now writing late adolescent literature -- vastly different from children's lit.

[MalkinsCouture]

The main characters are older now, dealing with Voldemort on a more serious level. The books had to change because of this, it's why each book has been better than the first. In my experience, sequels to books or movies are usually not as good, and get progressively worse (look at the Matrix movies), but JK Rowling has made each book more involved, more interesting, and more exciting. Harry, Ron and Hermione are developing, as people and as characters, and so are the plots. JK is creating a literary classic, setting high standards. We're lucky to be reading them when they're new, with the excitement of having to wait for each book (and movie.)

[Kate Johnson]

One thing that disturbed me in OotP was Umbridge. I didn't just not like her- her actions towards Harry really were extremely disturbing, extremely scary.

It was great that Harry finally showed some teenage angst, though.

Learning about Snape's past was also a little scary...

[SiriusPoirier]

I dont think that it was disturbing at all. Ya it was darker, thats for sure, but i love it. I think that it really helps the story along. It shows that all the characters are growing up and are really starting to understand what is actually happening around them. I'll admit, Umbridge was scary, but everytime she entered the picture I wanted to keep reading to see if someone would finally let her have it. She made it exciting to read. Even more then usual, and thats saying something!
I really wouldnt have liked to see Sirius die either, but i guess if its to help along the plot then i can excuse it.. i can try to at least.. lol
but altogether i thought it was a terrific book, best of the 5 id say, and i just hope that last 2 can follow in its footsteps!

[bluepicklezz]

I, too worried my head off everytime someone got the slightest injury in fear that they would be the one to die. I think JK Rowling did an excellent job with suspense in this book, but then again, JK Rowling did an excellent job on all the books.

It seemed that Mrs. Rowling took advantage of our knowledge that somebody would die in OoTP. First Ron (Mrs. Weasley's boggart), Arthur Weasley (attacked by a giant snake), Hagrid (gone for months and appearing very injured), Professor McGonagall (stunned by three+ wizards at once), Hermione (the Death Eater's spell that looked like a whip in the Dep. of Mysteries), then possibly Ron again (suffocated by brains). So yeah, there were some disturbing parts to the book, but I found it more and more facinating with every page!

[Ginevra Molly]

I was never disturbed during my reading of OotP. But, I know for some younger children it had to be. If you do a detailed comparison between books 1 and 5 then you can see the impact it would have on younger kids.

The first time I read it I sorta didn't like it, because I wasn't used to that kind of subject matter in the books. You know what I mean? But after the 4 reading it's become just as enjoyable as the others.

[Acheeko]

Well, it's dark, but definitely not disturbing. Although there are some parts of it that are quite scary...

[Blackest of All]

No, not disturbing. It was more real, as real as these books can get. I identified with Harry more in this book. (he wasn't so saintly anymore)

[DragonBlk17]

It was disturbing with Harry fighting with his friends and Sirius dying...very disturbing

[Bambbles]

I was distrurbed during the reading of OOTP, but maybe slighly surprised (even more the usual). Take for instance Detention with Umbridge. I would have NEVER suspected JK Rowling to put in the quill and carving in his hand! But I wasn't disturbed. Just shocked, but I quickly got over it and gobbled up chapter after chapter!

[DougJohnston]

I was distrurbed during the reading of OOTP, but maybe slighly surprised (even more the usual). Take for instance Detention with Umbridge. I would have NEVER suspected JK Rowling to put in the quill and carving in his hand! But I wasn't disturbed. Just shocked, but I quickly got over it and gobbled up chapter after chapter!

Yeah, I think thats how a lot of us felt...It was such a change in writing style... Its shocking to think that a person (Umbridge) could do such a cruel thing and think nothing of it. Making him apologize to her for no good reason with his own blood! :sigh: Well...she got what she deserved in the end :tu:

[Sunfish McCaul]

The beginning of the book, up until they got to Hogwarts, disturbed me. I thought it was very claustrophobic, grimy and dark. I was especially surprised at how dark and unpleasant it was- almost painful to read. That's faded on repeat readings though, and I don't really notice it now. I find myself savouring the portions with Umbridge, because I have a grim fascination with the worst case scenario... And in the OotP, the worst case scenario kept getting worse, and worse, and it just kept on getting more sirius- err... serious. Still, it was great stuff.

[Hero_Of_Time]

actually i found this book to be the best and i was not disturbed by it caus i did kinda think the 1st couple of books were a little TO kiddy, i doubt that 6 & 7 will be any more Adulty than OOTP, harry isnt going to pop his cherry for example, and he won't be thinking abt popping it 24/7 like most teenage boys! i look foward to the next one and to the last one to c where it goes and what happens to the characters

[jellyjames]

Honestly, I find the book really painful. It's definitely Harry's worst year. The Dementors, not being a prefect, Umbridge, Fudge..the list goes on. Many times I felt like jumping into the book and giving Harry a hug. He's so alone with his emotions. He can't talk about his feelings about not being a prefect *it may not be important to some but I think it hurts him real bad* and he can't depend on special favours from his friends coz Hermy is just so darn righteous and Ron is, well, spineless so he gets **** from Draco.
I really feel that if Harry is ever to fall into melancholia, this time is just perfect. I would have just find a sand box and bury myself in for a few years if it's me.

[MuggleWitchGirl]

I didn't find the book disturbing,on the contrary,it was a great book.
The only thing that "hurt" me in the book,was the fact that Harry was ready to forgive Sirius a bout all his doing when he was young,but could'nt do the same thing with his father.of course I understand Harry point of view,because until then he thought his father was "perfect",but still............I do hope Harry will find it in his heart to understand his father and love him just the same.

[Gwenog Jones]

I did not find OotP disturbing, but it was definitely a nerve wracking read. I bit off all my fingernails while I was reading it. It was not a pleasant read, but it was a great book. It was so suspenseful, I found my heart jumping each time someone was in danger or hurt.

[Credo Buffa]

I certainly wouldn't call it disturbing. It's dark, sure, but that's to be expected. "Disturbing" is much too strong a word, for me, anyway.

I agree. I think the word "disturbing" in conjunction with a work of art suggest something that is aversive. "Disturbing" to me is something like Silence of the Lambs, which OoTP is most definitely (thank God) not.

I for one definitely thought that the "dark" quality of OoTP was an asset rather than a disturbance. For me, "poignant" is a better word to describe the kind of work it could do on your nerves. It might be a bit unsettling, but in a way that draws attention to the realities of the story.

[Kelfa21]

The book itself is not disturbing...maybe the thought that Harry's life is not going to get any easier and that the war has only just begun...thats a little bit disturbing...more painful than anything though...

The fifth book is the darkest of the five...and all the ideas of racism and narrow-mindedness and corruption is definatly hard to read about...but these are not factors exclusive to the fifth book...they are present in all five books. Which does not qualify the fifth as being more "disturbing" than the others.

[Lady_Lupin]

Not disturbing, as much as more realistic. Harry isn't the innocent little boy with geeky glasses anymore, he has finally...I don't know......realised how serious his 'predicament' is at that time. Also, he's realised how trully violent Voldemort and his cronies are.

[rjade829]

Overall I wouldn't call the book "disturbing." The fifth book was the darkest so far and I expect them to get darker as there's going to be war. But this is more realistic when you're writing about war and the return of an evil, racist, compassionless leader. And death. Harry's emotions become very intense at the end, and again, this is more realistic for someone who's just lost a loved one (especially if it sort of happened by accident). There are some disturbing aspects, such as Umbridge's blood-quill. But overall the main themes are present, we understand the triumph of good over evil and I felt like we could see it sometimes at its strongest in OOTP.