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Harry Potter (Full-Cast Edition) #5
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
The beloved stories as you’ve never experienced them. Get ready to be transported to the world of Harry Potter in a captivating production that features hundreds of unique voices and immersive sound design that brings the wizarding world vividly to life in Dolby Atmos. You’ll hear footsteps echoing through the corridors of Hogwarts and the heart-racing whoosh of the Golden Snitch as it darts past your ears in the heat of a Quidditch match. Also featuring an electrifying new musical score, The Full-Cast Audio Editions present J.K. Rowling’s iconic series as a truly spellbinding listening event for the whole family.
'You are sharing the Dark Lord's thoughts and emotions. The Headmaster thinks it inadvisable for this to continue. He wishes me to teach you how to close your mind to the Dark Lord.'
Dark times have come to Hogwarts. After the Dementors' attack on his cousin Dudley, Harry Potter knows that Voldemort will stop at nothing to find him. There are many who deny the Dark Lord's return, but Harry is not alone: a secret order gathers at Grimmauld Place to fight against the Dark forces. Harry must allow Professor Snape to teach him how to protect himself from Voldemort's savage assaults on his mind. But they are growing stronger by the day and Harry is running out of time...
Having become classics of our time, the Harry Potter stories never fail to bring comfort and escapism. With their message of hope, belonging and the enduring power of truth and love, the story of the Boy Who Lived continues to delight generations of new listeners.
Starring Jaxon Knopf as Harry Potter, Rhys Mulligan as Ron Weasley, Nina Barker-Francis as Hermione Granger, Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore, Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape, Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall, Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort, James McAvoy as Alastor ‘Mad Eye’ Moody, Keira Knightley as Dolores Umbridge, Kit Harington as Gilderoy Lockhart, Ruth Wilson as Bellatrix Lestrange, Simon Pegg as Arthur Weasley, Leo Woodall as Bill Weasley, Ambika Mod as Nymphadora Tonks, Alex Hassell as Lucius Malfoy, David Holmes as Stan Shunpike, Cush Jumbo as Narrator, and a full cast.
'You are sharing the Dark Lord's thoughts and emotions. The Headmaster thinks it inadvisable for this to continue. He wishes me to teach you how to close your mind to the Dark Lord.'
Dark times have come to Hogwarts. After the Dementors' attack on his cousin Dudley, Harry Potter knows that Voldemort will stop at nothing to find him. There are many who deny the Dark Lord's return, but Harry is not alone: a secret order gathers at Grimmauld Place to fight against the Dark forces. Harry must allow Professor Snape to teach him how to protect himself from Voldemort's savage assaults on his mind. But they are growing stronger by the day and Harry is running out of time...
Having become classics of our time, the Harry Potter stories never fail to bring comfort and escapism. With their message of hope, belonging and the enduring power of truth and love, the story of the Boy Who Lived continues to delight generations of new listeners.
Starring Jaxon Knopf as Harry Potter, Rhys Mulligan as Ron Weasley, Nina Barker-Francis as Hermione Granger, Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore, Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape, Michelle Gomez as Professor McGonagall, Matthew Macfadyen as Lord Voldemort, James McAvoy as Alastor ‘Mad Eye’ Moody, Keira Knightley as Dolores Umbridge, Kit Harington as Gilderoy Lockhart, Ruth Wilson as Bellatrix Lestrange, Simon Pegg as Arthur Weasley, Leo Woodall as Bill Weasley, Ambika Mod as Nymphadora Tonks, Alex Hassell as Lucius Malfoy, David Holmes as Stan Shunpike, Cush Jumbo as Narrator, and a full cast.
27 pages, Audiobook
First published June 21, 2003
About the author
J.K. Rowling
744 books236k followersSee also: Robert Galbraith
Although she writes under the pen name J.K. Rowling, pronounced like rolling, her name when her first Harry Potter book was published was simply Joanne Rowling. Anticipating that the target audience of young boys might not want to read a book written by a woman, her publishers demanded that she use two initials, rather than her full name. As she had no middle name, she chose K as the second initial of her pen name, from her paternal grandmother Kathleen Ada Bulgen Rowling. She calls herself Jo and has said, "No one ever called me 'Joanne' when I was young, unless they were angry." Following her marriage, she has sometimes used the name Joanne Murray when conducting personal business. During the Leveson Inquiry she gave evidence under the name of Joanne Kathleen Rowling. In a 2012 interview, Rowling noted that she no longer cared that people pronounced her name incorrectly.
Rowling was born to Peter James Rowling, a Rolls-Royce aircraft engineer, and Anne Rowling (née Volant), on 31 July 1965 in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Bristol. Her mother Anne was half-French and half-Scottish. Her parents first met on a train departing from King's Cross Station bound for Arbroath in 1964. They married on 14 March 1965. Her mother's maternal grandfather, Dugald Campbell, was born in Lamlash on the Isle of Arran. Her mother's paternal grandfather, Louis Volant, was awarded the Croix de Guerre for exceptional bravery in defending the village of Courcelles-le-Comte during the First World War.
Rowling's sister Dianne was born at their home when Rowling was 23 months old. The family moved to the nearby village Winterbourne when Rowling was four. She attended St Michael's Primary School, a school founded by abolitionist William Wilberforce and education reformer Hannah More. Her headmaster at St Michael's, Alfred Dunn, has been suggested as the inspiration for the Harry Potter headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
As a child, Rowling often wrote fantasy stories, which she would usually then read to her sister. She recalls that: "I can still remember me telling her a story in which she fell down a rabbit hole and was fed strawberries by the rabbit family inside it. Certainly the first story I ever wrote down (when I was five or six) was about a rabbit called Rabbit. He got the measles and was visited by his friends, including a giant bee called Miss Bee." At the age of nine, Rowling moved to Church Cottage in the Gloucestershire village of Tutshill, close to Chepstow, Wales. When she was a young teenager, her great aunt, who Rowling said "taught classics and approved of a thirst for knowledge, even of a questionable kind," gave her a very old copy of Jessica Mitford's autobiography, Hons and Rebels. Mitford became Rowling's heroine, and Rowling subsequently read all of her books.
Rowling has said of her teenage years, in an interview with The New Yorker, "I wasn’t particularly happy. I think it’s a dreadful time of life." She had a difficult homelife; her mother was ill and she had a difficult relationship with her father (she is no longer on speaking terms with him). She attended secondary school at Wyedean School and College, where her mother had worked as a technician in the science department. Rowling said of her adolescence, "Hermione [a bookish, know-it-all Harry Potter character] is loosely based on me. She's a caricature of me when I was eleven, which I'm not particularly proud of." Steve Eddy, who taught Rowling English when she first arrived, remembers her as "not exceptional" but "one of a group of girls who were bright, and quite good at English." Sean Harris, her best friend in the Upper Sixth owned a turquoise Ford Anglia, which she says inspired the one in her books.
Although she writes under the pen name J.K. Rowling, pronounced like rolling, her name when her first Harry Potter book was published was simply Joanne Rowling. Anticipating that the target audience of young boys might not want to read a book written by a woman, her publishers demanded that she use two initials, rather than her full name. As she had no middle name, she chose K as the second initial of her pen name, from her paternal grandmother Kathleen Ada Bulgen Rowling. She calls herself Jo and has said, "No one ever called me 'Joanne' when I was young, unless they were angry." Following her marriage, she has sometimes used the name Joanne Murray when conducting personal business. During the Leveson Inquiry she gave evidence under the name of Joanne Kathleen Rowling. In a 2012 interview, Rowling noted that she no longer cared that people pronounced her name incorrectly.
Rowling was born to Peter James Rowling, a Rolls-Royce aircraft engineer, and Anne Rowling (née Volant), on 31 July 1965 in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Bristol. Her mother Anne was half-French and half-Scottish. Her parents first met on a train departing from King's Cross Station bound for Arbroath in 1964. They married on 14 March 1965. Her mother's maternal grandfather, Dugald Campbell, was born in Lamlash on the Isle of Arran. Her mother's paternal grandfather, Louis Volant, was awarded the Croix de Guerre for exceptional bravery in defending the village of Courcelles-le-Comte during the First World War.
Rowling's sister Dianne was born at their home when Rowling was 23 months old. The family moved to the nearby village Winterbourne when Rowling was four. She attended St Michael's Primary School, a school founded by abolitionist William Wilberforce and education reformer Hannah More. Her headmaster at St Michael's, Alfred Dunn, has been suggested as the inspiration for the Harry Potter headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
As a child, Rowling often wrote fantasy stories, which she would usually then read to her sister. She recalls that: "I can still remember me telling her a story in which she fell down a rabbit hole and was fed strawberries by the rabbit family inside it. Certainly the first story I ever wrote down (when I was five or six) was about a rabbit called Rabbit. He got the measles and was visited by his friends, including a giant bee called Miss Bee." At the age of nine, Rowling moved to Church Cottage in the Gloucestershire village of Tutshill, close to Chepstow, Wales. When she was a young teenager, her great aunt, who Rowling said "taught classics and approved of a thirst for knowledge, even of a questionable kind," gave her a very old copy of Jessica Mitford's autobiography, Hons and Rebels. Mitford became Rowling's heroine, and Rowling subsequently read all of her books.
Rowling has said of her teenage years, in an interview with The New Yorker, "I wasn’t particularly happy. I think it’s a dreadful time of life." She had a difficult homelife; her mother was ill and she had a difficult relationship with her father (she is no longer on speaking terms with him). She attended secondary school at Wyedean School and College, where her mother had worked as a technician in the science department. Rowling said of her adolescence, "Hermione [a bookish, know-it-all Harry Potter character] is loosely based on me. She's a caricature of me when I was eleven, which I'm not particularly proud of." Steve Eddy, who taught Rowling English when she first arrived, remembers her as "not exceptional" but "one of a group of girls who were bright, and quite good at English." Sean Harris, her best friend in the Upper Sixth owned a turquoise Ford Anglia, which she says inspired the one in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 280 reviews
May 29, 2026
The full-cast Audible of “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” was my least favorite of the full-cast versions. However, this doesn’t detract from the excellent job that the British actors did; they were excellent. I’ve always liked Keira Knightley, and she played Dolores Umbridge well.
As everyone already knows, books are always better than the movies, but in this particular case, I’d have to say that I prefer the movie version. In fact, I actually prefer Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry character rather than the acting version of Harry in this audiobook because in this particular Audible, the Harry character seemed far too whiny. The sound effects, including the accompanying music, were great.
As everyone already knows, books are always better than the movies, but in this particular case, I’d have to say that I prefer the movie version. In fact, I actually prefer Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry character rather than the acting version of Harry in this audiobook because in this particular Audible, the Harry character seemed far too whiny. The sound effects, including the accompanying music, were great.
April 1, 2026
The Order of the Phoenix has never been my favourite entry in this series and sadly, the narrated version didn't change that. But I didn't expect it to.
What it did do was illustrate even more the frustration and anger Harry feels from beginning to end. This part of the story is important for the whole to work but it's still a rather grim book without much light at the end of the tunnel.
But the audio production again has been top notch. Keira Knightley's Professor Umbridge was as hateable as possible and the fight at the end really illustrated the desparation and confusion of that whole situation. I especially loved the actor who plays Neville - he was perfect.
Another great casting choice was Ruth Wilson as Bellatrix Lestrange. She was completely unhinged and crazy. Also, Kit Harington's reprise as Lockhart showed again how great he was as that character.
And a last shoutout to Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape. It took a bit getting used to after Alan Rickman's iconic portrayal but by now he is one of my favourites. There is just so much spite in him, I love it.
What it did do was illustrate even more the frustration and anger Harry feels from beginning to end. This part of the story is important for the whole to work but it's still a rather grim book without much light at the end of the tunnel.
But the audio production again has been top notch. Keira Knightley's Professor Umbridge was as hateable as possible and the fight at the end really illustrated the desparation and confusion of that whole situation. I especially loved the actor who plays Neville - he was perfect.
Another great casting choice was Ruth Wilson as Bellatrix Lestrange. She was completely unhinged and crazy. Also, Kit Harington's reprise as Lockhart showed again how great he was as that character.
And a last shoutout to Riz Ahmed as Professor Snape. It took a bit getting used to after Alan Rickman's iconic portrayal but by now he is one of my favourites. There is just so much spite in him, I love it.
May 4, 2026
Wanna know my least favorite character?
Snape?
No.
Draco Malfoy?
No.
He Who Must Not Be Named?
Nope.
It would be Hermione.
I REALLY dislike that
obnoxious, pretentious twit! 😖
Snape?
No.
Draco Malfoy?
No.
He Who Must Not Be Named?
Nope.
It would be Hermione.
I REALLY dislike that
obnoxious, pretentious twit! 😖
April 7, 2026
My Quick Takes:
- 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Genre 📚 Upper YA Fantasy
- Language 🤐 mild
- Spice ❤️🔥 one kiss, not descriptive
- Content 🤔 torture, death, toxic family relationships, bullying, public ridicule
Reminded why this book was my favorite the first time I read the series 🤗
You know what’s really difficult? Successfully conveying teen angst, and the caught-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place feeling experienced when you feel old enough for adult responsibilities but adults won’t give them to you.
I absolutely loved the plot in this book. Voldemort is finally, truly back, ready to wreak havoc, which he does on Harry’s mind. The dark v light/good v evil is still very apparent, even when most of the good side is blinded by their own lack of faith in Harry and dumbledore’s testimony of Voldemort’s return.
So much happens in this book. I forgot how much. Like I said, the brooding is top notch. The complicated relationships Harry has with those he views as authority figures are fleshed out and tested by the angsty teen. It was so successful.
There’s a quote from Dumbledore at the end of the book where he says “Youth cannot know how age thinks and feels. But old men are guilty if they forget what it is to be young… and I seem to have forgotten lately…” and I think just about sums up most of the themes, power struggles, and emotional distress within the plot. And how easy for an adult to read this book and quickly get irritated or write off a raving, ranting teen in dumbledore’s office. But, a teen who has continued to lose everything precious in his life, who didn’t ask for this, who is grappling with waves of grief.
So, I wrap this up as I started it. This was originally my favorite book of the series as I read and so far it still holds that spot. Rowling successfully wrote a broody teen struggling to shoulder the too-heavy weight he is to bear. The full cast was phenomenal. Jaxon Knopf does a fantastic older Harry, can’t say enough great things about the full cast audiobook!
- 5/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Genre 📚 Upper YA Fantasy
- Language 🤐 mild
- Spice ❤️🔥 one kiss, not descriptive
- Content 🤔 torture, death, toxic family relationships, bullying, public ridicule
Reminded why this book was my favorite the first time I read the series 🤗
You know what’s really difficult? Successfully conveying teen angst, and the caught-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place feeling experienced when you feel old enough for adult responsibilities but adults won’t give them to you.
I absolutely loved the plot in this book. Voldemort is finally, truly back, ready to wreak havoc, which he does on Harry’s mind. The dark v light/good v evil is still very apparent, even when most of the good side is blinded by their own lack of faith in Harry and dumbledore’s testimony of Voldemort’s return.
So much happens in this book. I forgot how much. Like I said, the brooding is top notch. The complicated relationships Harry has with those he views as authority figures are fleshed out and tested by the angsty teen. It was so successful.
There’s a quote from Dumbledore at the end of the book where he says “Youth cannot know how age thinks and feels. But old men are guilty if they forget what it is to be young… and I seem to have forgotten lately…” and I think just about sums up most of the themes, power struggles, and emotional distress within the plot. And how easy for an adult to read this book and quickly get irritated or write off a raving, ranting teen in dumbledore’s office. But, a teen who has continued to lose everything precious in his life, who didn’t ask for this, who is grappling with waves of grief.
So, I wrap this up as I started it. This was originally my favorite book of the series as I read and so far it still holds that spot. Rowling successfully wrote a broody teen struggling to shoulder the too-heavy weight he is to bear. The full cast was phenomenal. Jaxon Knopf does a fantastic older Harry, can’t say enough great things about the full cast audiobook!
April 28, 2026
Harry Potter is one of my favorite series ever.
As a single narrator, no one can do Harry Potter and the cast of characters like Jim Dale, but I've enjoyed the full cast editions despite the terrible background noise for effect. It's not as bad as it was in the HP and the Sorcerer's Stone. Sometimes I couldn't hear the dialogue for the background coughing, water running, whatever, but it has improved somewhat.
The voice casting has been incredible. Cush Jumbo is a perfect general narrator. Other actors of note are Kit Harrington (Gilderoy Lockhart), Ruth Wilson (Bellatrix), Hugh Laurie (Dumbledore), Matthew Macfadyen (Voldemort), Simon Pegg (Mr. Weasely) James McAvoy (Mad Eye Moody), and other voice actors.
But the top honors go to the actress voicing Dolores Umbridge. She's so satisfyingly sweetly evil and coy I had to look her up. I was pretty shocked to see it was Keira Knightley. She does an incredible job.
Added plus is it sounds like the cast is having a great time doing this.
As a single narrator, no one can do Harry Potter and the cast of characters like Jim Dale, but I've enjoyed the full cast editions despite the terrible background noise for effect. It's not as bad as it was in the HP and the Sorcerer's Stone. Sometimes I couldn't hear the dialogue for the background coughing, water running, whatever, but it has improved somewhat.
The voice casting has been incredible. Cush Jumbo is a perfect general narrator. Other actors of note are Kit Harrington (Gilderoy Lockhart), Ruth Wilson (Bellatrix), Hugh Laurie (Dumbledore), Matthew Macfadyen (Voldemort), Simon Pegg (Mr. Weasely) James McAvoy (Mad Eye Moody), and other voice actors.
But the top honors go to the actress voicing Dolores Umbridge. She's so satisfyingly sweetly evil and coy I had to look her up. I was pretty shocked to see it was Keira Knightley. She does an incredible job.
Added plus is it sounds like the cast is having a great time doing this.
June 2, 2026
I am having a blast with those audiobooks. This is one of my favorite entries in the series. I remember enjoying it more in paperback form and the full cast was amazing, but Harry is a whiny and angry in this book and the audiobook really reflected that and although it makes sense, it is a bit irking!
May 30, 2026
I enjoyed this one so so very much!
Keira Knightley did an amazing job with her voice, I remembered how much I hate Umbridge the moment she "Ahemed Ahemed" 😂
Keira Knightley did an amazing job with her voice, I remembered how much I hate Umbridge the moment she "Ahemed Ahemed" 😂
April 11, 2026
This went from being my least favorite in the series as a kid, to my #1 favorite (so far) as an adult!! I just loved Harry’s angst, the sass, secret DA meetings, studying for O.W.L.S, and all the unhinged behavior from the students while Umbridge is in charge. And SIRIUS 🥺
June 29, 2026
HP and the Order of the Angst
April 8, 2026
I seriously cannot get over how good these audiobooks are. They are not audiobooks. They are experiences. The voice acting is superb. I have never in my life heard a book dramatized so well, I cannot sing their praises enough. I literally sit on the edge of my seat, waiting for the second Tuesday of each month for the next book to come out. I am going to cry when they’re all over. 😭
June 15, 2026
UPDATE: You can see my review of the whole series of books here.
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The best one yet. The change for the kids' voice actors in the last book took some getting used to - none so much as Harry's - but it's safe to say that I'm now thoroughly on board with the new ones and they're doing an incredible job. There have been several moments in this one in particular where I've had to play it to friends and family just to exemplify the quality. And in this, I found a new appreciation for an actor I'd previously overlooked, and that is the wonderful performance given to the weasley twins, Fred and George. They're such a main stay that it was only at this book that I realised just how perfectly voiced they are - I realised I wasn't thinking about their performance because, well, why would I? It's Fred and George. Anyway, all the voice work all round is exemplary (I would burn the world to the ground for Mark Addy's Hagrid) and I'm really excited for the next one.
One final point.
There are, throughout the franchise, some seriously big shoes to fill. For example, Alan Rickman defined Snape; Imelda Staunton defined Umbridge. And I must say, those shoes are filled well. While has taken all five books so far for me to get used to the new Snape, I've found myself quietly charmed by his sharpness. Hearing Kiera Knightley as Umbridge was, at first, like having a bucket of cold water thrown over me, because until this I hadn't realised how definitive my image of Umbridge was as Imelda Staunton. But very quickly I detested her *hem hem*s and her "girlish chuckles" so good job to ol' Knightley.
----------
The best one yet. The change for the kids' voice actors in the last book took some getting used to - none so much as Harry's - but it's safe to say that I'm now thoroughly on board with the new ones and they're doing an incredible job. There have been several moments in this one in particular where I've had to play it to friends and family just to exemplify the quality. And in this, I found a new appreciation for an actor I'd previously overlooked, and that is the wonderful performance given to the weasley twins, Fred and George. They're such a main stay that it was only at this book that I realised just how perfectly voiced they are - I realised I wasn't thinking about their performance because, well, why would I? It's Fred and George. Anyway, all the voice work all round is exemplary (I would burn the world to the ground for Mark Addy's Hagrid) and I'm really excited for the next one.
One final point.
There are, throughout the franchise, some seriously big shoes to fill. For example, Alan Rickman defined Snape; Imelda Staunton defined Umbridge. And I must say, those shoes are filled well. While has taken all five books so far for me to get used to the new Snape, I've found myself quietly charmed by his sharpness. Hearing Kiera Knightley as Umbridge was, at first, like having a bucket of cold water thrown over me, because until this I hadn't realised how definitive my image of Umbridge was as Imelda Staunton. But very quickly I detested her *hem hem*s and her "girlish chuckles" so good job to ol' Knightley.
April 13, 2026
Disconcerting to read in the spring of 2026. The full cast audiobook is so well done!
April 9, 2026
The graphic audios are remarkable.
It’s a reread without feeling like one because it’s a different experience listening to them. I can’t put into words how much the different voices and sounds add to the experience. I loved every second.
It’s a reread without feeling like one because it’s a different experience listening to them. I can’t put into words how much the different voices and sounds add to the experience. I loved every second.
June 23, 2026
I’m not sure how I feel about this one.
While this book really immerses you in the universe, it was cheaply written, in my opinion.
I was anticipating Sirius (You know) but it was so underwhelming. And don’t start me with Dumbledore monologue at the end.
This audio is *chef’s kiss* though
While this book really immerses you in the universe, it was cheaply written, in my opinion.
I was anticipating Sirius (You know) but it was so underwhelming. And don’t start me with Dumbledore monologue at the end.
This audio is *chef’s kiss* though
June 27, 2026
Dolores Umbridge has to be one of the most detestable fictional characters of all time
June 26, 2026
4.5⭐️
These full-cast audio books are incredible.
The only thing that makes this less than 5 stars is how much of a slog parts of this book are: everything Umbridge, Cho. Chang., Harrys temper, Dumbledores bizarre decisions, and all of the adults acting like idiots. It’s an incredible book but so frustrating at the same time (And, yes, I acknowledge that’s part of the point).
These full-cast audio books are incredible.
The only thing that makes this less than 5 stars is how much of a slog parts of this book are: everything Umbridge, Cho. Chang., Harrys temper, Dumbledores bizarre decisions, and all of the adults acting like idiots. It’s an incredible book but so frustrating at the same time (And, yes, I acknowledge that’s part of the point).
April 27, 2026
They just keep getting better
April 26, 2026
AMAZING.
May 6, 2026
Angry Harry, Clever Hermione
Here is a link to a video about the making of this series of full-cast audiobooks that I received yesterday from Audible. It's a good explanation of these editions, if you are interested enough to invest half an hour.
The cover of this one
shows a picture of Harry looking very angry, and that's a fair representation of the novel. Harry is very angry throughout this book. He's also a fifteen-year-old boy and is as unpleasant and reckless as a fifteen-year-old boy can be. Let us also stipulate that Harry has reason to be angry. Further, Harry is under the influence of his godfather Sirius Black, who is likewise unpleasant and reckless, without the excuse of an immature cerebral cortex.
Order of the Phoenix is perhaps the Harry Potter novel I like least. I have always disliked stories whose plot is set in motion by our (ostensibly intelligent and brave) hero doing something stupid. That, alas, is a fair description of Order of the Phoenix. Early in the book Harry gets himself into serious trouble by reacting angrily and violently to the juvenile taunts of Draco Malfoy and more serious harassments of Dolores Umbridge. Later he is completely taken in by a ruse perpetrated by Voldemort, despite ample warning that Voldemort might be attempting exactly what he does successfully attempt.
Harry's stupidity is mitigated by Hermione's intelligence. Hermione has at least three very good ideas with beneficial long-term consequences. First, she suggests that Harry privately teach students defense against the dark arts. Thus does Dumbledore's Army come into existence. DA will form the core of the Hogwarts student resistance to Voldemort in novels 6 and 7. Second, she has the bright idea of making Harry available to Rita Skeeter for an exclusive interview about the fight with Voldemort with which Goblet of Fire ended. Third, when Umbridge captures Harry and his friends, Hermione devises the strategy that deceives Umbridge and frees the students.
I don't know why the importance of Hermione's practical cleverness never leapt to my notice before. I give credit to this audio production for somehow making it clearer to me, although I don't know how they did it. It helps, of course, that I now know the long-term results of Hermione's ideas, which I didn't the first time I read Order of the Phoenix.
As in most of the novels, the best new character is the defense against the dark arts teacher. This one is Dolores Umbridge, the delightfully odious pink-cardigan-wearing ministry witch with the kitten pictures, high girlish voice, deep talent for hatred, and impressive skill at oppression. She is voiced by Keira Knightley. You will hate her, especially the little high-pitched cough she uses to attract attention. Knightley obviously relishes this opportunity to play a character much nastier than her usual roles.
Although Order of the Phoenix is not my favorite Harry Potter novel, this full-cast edition makes the best of it.
Blog review.
Here is a link to a video about the making of this series of full-cast audiobooks that I received yesterday from Audible. It's a good explanation of these editions, if you are interested enough to invest half an hour.
The cover of this one
shows a picture of Harry looking very angry, and that's a fair representation of the novel. Harry is very angry throughout this book. He's also a fifteen-year-old boy and is as unpleasant and reckless as a fifteen-year-old boy can be. Let us also stipulate that Harry has reason to be angry. Further, Harry is under the influence of his godfather Sirius Black, who is likewise unpleasant and reckless, without the excuse of an immature cerebral cortex. Order of the Phoenix is perhaps the Harry Potter novel I like least. I have always disliked stories whose plot is set in motion by our (ostensibly intelligent and brave) hero doing something stupid. That, alas, is a fair description of Order of the Phoenix. Early in the book Harry gets himself into serious trouble by reacting angrily and violently to the juvenile taunts of Draco Malfoy and more serious harassments of Dolores Umbridge. Later he is completely taken in by a ruse perpetrated by Voldemort, despite ample warning that Voldemort might be attempting exactly what he does successfully attempt.
Harry's stupidity is mitigated by Hermione's intelligence. Hermione has at least three very good ideas with beneficial long-term consequences. First, she suggests that Harry privately teach students defense against the dark arts. Thus does Dumbledore's Army come into existence. DA will form the core of the Hogwarts student resistance to Voldemort in novels 6 and 7. Second, she has the bright idea of making Harry available to Rita Skeeter for an exclusive interview about the fight with Voldemort with which Goblet of Fire ended. Third, when Umbridge captures Harry and his friends, Hermione devises the strategy that deceives Umbridge and frees the students.
I don't know why the importance of Hermione's practical cleverness never leapt to my notice before. I give credit to this audio production for somehow making it clearer to me, although I don't know how they did it. It helps, of course, that I now know the long-term results of Hermione's ideas, which I didn't the first time I read Order of the Phoenix.
As in most of the novels, the best new character is the defense against the dark arts teacher. This one is Dolores Umbridge, the delightfully odious pink-cardigan-wearing ministry witch with the kitten pictures, high girlish voice, deep talent for hatred, and impressive skill at oppression. She is voiced by Keira Knightley. You will hate her, especially the little high-pitched cough she uses to attract attention. Knightley obviously relishes this opportunity to play a character much nastier than her usual roles.
Although Order of the Phoenix is not my favorite Harry Potter novel, this full-cast edition makes the best of it.
Blog review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2026
Kiera Knightley as Dolores Umbridge was not on my bingo card this year… but she ate that role up and was perfectly despicable. And whoever this Ruth Wilson is that plays Bellatrix- hats off to her. She was absolutely deranged.
I must say that I feel like Harry’s voice feels flat at times, and the book itself is my least favourite in the series. First time I read it, I distinctly remember thinking Harry had too much of this teenage angst. I just didn’t get it at the time, and though I understand why, it still exasperates me.
Was looking forward to the showdown between Voldemort and Dumbledore, but it wasn’t as grandiose as I expected.
Nevertheless, this was still akin to watching a 26-hour long movie in your head. Another amazing audio experience.
4.25⭐️
I must say that I feel like Harry’s voice feels flat at times, and the book itself is my least favourite in the series. First time I read it, I distinctly remember thinking Harry had too much of this teenage angst. I just didn’t get it at the time, and though I understand why, it still exasperates me.
Was looking forward to the showdown between Voldemort and Dumbledore, but it wasn’t as grandiose as I expected.
Nevertheless, this was still akin to watching a 26-hour long movie in your head. Another amazing audio experience.
4.25⭐️
May 4, 2026
There are always details I forget, which is part of what makes it fun to reread/listen to. There is so much emphasis on Care of Magical Creatures in this one, and that stood out this time for some reason. There is also so much more in the Department of Mysteries that all got cut out of the movies, so if you haven't read it in awhile, you get a much more detailed idea of how intense that whole part is. I also forgot how this one ends--and it made me teary. It isn't fair that Harry loses so many of the people he loves, but it is great to be reminded of just how many people he still has.
May 19, 2026
My second favorite of the series, this full cast audiobook just took it up another notch. More than just the reading, the additional background sound effects and music make the story come to life. In addition, you feel every emotion that the characters go through, as all involved managed to convey anger, sorrow, frustration, and joy in an effective way.
BTW: Umbridge is as loathsome as ever. I enjoyed hating her so much.
BTW: Umbridge is as loathsome as ever. I enjoyed hating her so much.
June 25, 2026
Fantastic read. Only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because this book is sooooo long. But for as long as it is it really didn’t lull at all. I was engaged and enjoying it all the way through. Listening to the full cast version is a game changer. They do a really nice job. Overall loved the book. Can’t wait for Half-Blood Prince. Wonder who that could be?
March 29, 2026
This was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. 🥹
I genuinely wouldn’t change a single thing. These full-cast productions have been superbly done. It adds so much depth and immersion to the story, you end up experiencing it in an entirely new way.
I cannot wait for The Half Blood Prince to be released. I’ll be counting down the days! 🧙🏼♀️🪄🧪
I genuinely wouldn’t change a single thing. These full-cast productions have been superbly done. It adds so much depth and immersion to the story, you end up experiencing it in an entirely new way.
I cannot wait for The Half Blood Prince to be released. I’ll be counting down the days! 🧙🏼♀️🪄🧪
July 14, 2026
Moody teenage Harry is so annoying
July 10, 2026
Absolutely brilliant. I was at first sceptical of a full cast addition, but the voice actors were great. The sound design was at times fantastic and occasionally distracting.
April 1, 2026
I think a common theme for this entire series is that it will be a 5-Star. Some things in this book just absolutely BROKE me. Molly's boggart? The firing of Hagrid? The way Dumbledore beat the ASSES of the Death Eaters?? FAWKES TAKING AN AVADA KEDAVRA BLAST TO PROTECT DUMBLEDORE??? AHHHHH!
The ending at the Ministry was so much better than the movies, it was so unbelievable. There's just so much that they left out and I'm so mad I finished this book so soon AGAIN. I can't read the next one until the 14th of APRIL?😭
The ending at the Ministry was so much better than the movies, it was so unbelievable. There's just so much that they left out and I'm so mad I finished this book so soon AGAIN. I can't read the next one until the 14th of APRIL?😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2026
Harry Potter & Dumbledore were both on some absolute bullshit in this one
Probably one of the rare occasions that I actually prefer the movie to the book
Umbridge is absolutely top tier though & does so much heavy lifting here, I also love Dumbledore’s Army
Probably one of the rare occasions that I actually prefer the movie to the book
Umbridge is absolutely top tier though & does so much heavy lifting here, I also love Dumbledore’s Army
April 16, 2026
Wow. The performances of these voice actors had me in tears. Harry’s grief after Sirius’ death, his rage in Dumbledore’s office, Umbridge’s simpering evil-ness, the Department of Mysteries scenes… The 5th book has always been my favorite because the depth is completely unmatched and man did this full-cast version deliver. I didn’t think my obsession with these books could grow any further but this audiobook proved me wrong. 10/10 🙌🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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