Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Author: J.K. Rowling first published in 2003
Illustrated by: Jim Kay with Neal Packer version in 2022
Scholastic.com is publisher
Pages: 565
Cost $ 54.99
Reviewed by: Allen Klingelhoets

The text is exactly same as 2003 book. What makes book special is tremendous amount of color painted pictures by Jim Kay and Neal Parker. The other books in series already published with similar art were “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”, “Harry potter and the Chamber of Secrets”, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban”, and “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.”

This will be last of seven book series that Jim Kay is publishing. Another artist will be working on art on final two books. I got book from library. I feel must have for anyone who loves reading Harry Potter novels.

The book forward says on inner cover: There is a door at the end of a silent corridor. And it’s haunting Harry Potter’s dreams. Why else would he wake up in the middle of the night, screaming in terror?

It’s not just the upcoming O.W.L. exams; a new teacher with a personality like poisoned honey; a venomous, disgruntled house-elf; or even the growing threat of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Now Harry Potter is faced with the unreliability of the government of the magical world and the impotence of the authorities of Hogwarts.

Despite this (or perhaps because of it), he finds depth and strength in his friends beyond what even he knew, boundless loyalty, and unbearable sacrifice.

This stunningly illustrated edition brings together the talents of award-winning artists Jim Kay and Neil Parker in a visual feast, featuring iconic scenes and much - loved characters- Tonks, Luna Lovegood, and many more- as the Order of the Phoenix Keeps watch over harry Potter’s fifth year at Hogwarts.

The back cover even has wonderful quote:

“I love seeing Jim Kay’s interpretation of Harry Potter’s world, and I feel honored and grateful that he continues to lend his talent to it.”

J. K. Rowling.

I feel the book fits it like a puzzle piece in right spot to other ones with Jim Kay artistic talent. The books though took so much effort just can’t do final two books of series. I appreciated that Neil Packer was able to help Jim Kay with volume five. The books in series in artist edition have been coming out about year apart from each other. I repeat. There are not new chapters or text. The artistry though is a true bonus making worth cover price or just getting from library. I enjoyed re-reading story in artist hard cover edition.


Allen Klingelhoets