Written in anticipation of the 2003 release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5), this unofficial fan publication is proof of how large the Harry Potter phenomenon had become at that point. As well as a insightful overview of the first four novels, it includes an whole section devoted entirely to speculation (sometimes accurate, sometimes not) about how those events could possibly effect the outcome of books 5 through 7. It helped fans compile possible theories that helped pass the excruciatingly long waiting time between the release of books 4 and 5.

Here is how the book works: there are four sections devoted to the first four books. Each section breaks down the book in question in a chapter-by-chapter format. The events of every chapter are divided into paragraphs with a highlighted paragraph in between each containing commentary by the authors of the Unofficial Guide. At the end of each chapter overview, there are mini-sections that discuss things like the meanings derived from certain characters' names, unanswered questions, etc. The highlighted sections are VERY thorough and they scrutinize even the most minor details for clues. I personally did not find fault with it. I think I shows that the guide does exactly what it said it would do.

The final section is a "Restricted Area" which is primarily filled with brainstorming ideas from the possible clues the authors found that may effect books 5,6, and 7. This section is clearly marked with a SPOILER WARNING label to prevent ruining the expierence for a reader who doesn't want any hints. In other words, use some common sense with this section! Since this section is a bit dated, many of the authors' ideas are imaginative, but WAY off, but others come remarkably close to what really happens. I believe this part of the book still holds some entertainment value just for reading about what the authors' came up with.

One more thing, this Unofficial Guide is NOT written to be used as a cheat book or a way to substitute reading the actual J.K. Rowling novels. The authors of the guide openly state this at the beginning. It is meant to be a tool to help consider the events of books 1-4 and how they could effect the rest of the series, particularly book 5. Besides, reading the chapter summaries is nothing like reading the actual books (it isn't intended to be, either)! Will what I just said stop anyone? NO. I'm only saying that this guide is small-time stuff by comparison to the actual books.

I would suggest that any Harry Potter fan should read this guide. It offers a thoughtful look at roughly the first half of the series. Although the predictions are not always perfect, the Unofficial Guide still remains an entertaining and compelling read. 5 stars.

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