The debate on which the best “Harry Potter” book is among Harry Potter fans is as competitive as the Houses of Hogwarts for House Points or the Triwizard Tournament. If there’s one thing that can break the unity among avid fans, it has to be that question.
For others who are into books more than movies, their choice of which is the best Harry Potter book isn’t the same as their choice of the best “Harry Potter” movie, and conversely. So, let’s ask the Potterhead for a consensus about which book they think is the best.
The Best ‘Harry Potter’ Book Is…
…”Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” Published in 2005, this book is the sixth novel in the “Harry Potter” series. The events here occur during Potter’s sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
It is well-loved by readers because it is in this book that Hogwarts Headmaster Professor Albus Dumbledore was killed by Professor Severus Snape. This novel also reveals events from the early life of the ultimate villain, Lord Voldemort, and chronicles the hero’s preparations for the final battle against this evil Lord. Joe Grantham of Game Rant believes this is the best Harry Potter book of all.
In Second Place: ‘Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban’
True enough, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” comes in second place. Whether the author, J. K. Rowling, was just in the mood when she wrote this book, or it was just the turn of the moment, Potterheads love this third installment.
Here, you won’t just get to know witches and wizards who got imprisoned in Azkaban, but you’ll also follow the adventures and misadventures of the trio in their third year in Hogwarts. Filled with spirit buses, Dementors, and more, the book’s story investigates Sirius Black, Potter’s godfather, a former prisoner in Azkaban and known to be one of the strongest allies of Voldemort.
Potterheads rank this book second because of its dark tones, deeper character development, compelling mysteries around Black, new characters like Lupin, and time-traveling plot, all while showcasing mature aesthetics.
‘Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows’
Surprise, surprise, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” is in third place. This is the last installment in the main Harry Potter book series, so it’s got to be the best. However, personally, the previous installments have overshadowed this book. Perhaps Rowling was having separation anxiety with her work? Maybe.
“Deathly Hallows” features the final bout between Harry Potter and his allies, and the Dark Lord. Despite those criticisms, several fans love the book and its two-part movie version.
‘Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire’
Would you agree that “Goblet of Fire” is just in fourth place, overshadowed by “Deathly Hallows.” PVP Live doesn’t, as it’s a buffet of action-packed adventures that will take you to the edge of your seats.
For one, this book is about the Triwizard Tournament, wherein Hogwarts’ students met students from other wizarding universities in Europe, such as France and Scandinavia. But, their good bonding moments won’t last long as they will actually be pitted against each other. Read the book to find out.
“The first few chapters of the book really are some of my favorites. I absolutely LOVED the start from Frank’s POV in the Riddle house,” a Potterhead stated on Reddit.
‘Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix’
Also a point of contestation, as this fifth installment should come before the last book. Potterheads love this book for making a gravity-defying shift from the themes of the fourth book to those with darker tones, showcasing complex character development, specifically the angst of Potter, and introducing memorable characters you will love and hate, such as Luna Lovegood and Dolores Umbridge.
‘Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets’
We couldn’t blame Rowling for writing her first and second “Harry Potter” books only to be ranked low on this list. As you will notice, she may just be warming up writing the first two books, introducing common themes of wizardry and magic as what’s found in other children’s books with these themes – until she wrote maybe the third book.
In “Chamber of Secrets,” you will journey across Potter’s second year in Hogwarts, the moment he missed the train but instead rode a flying car with Ron Weasley, the gigantic snake, the charming yet evil Dark Arts professor, and more.
‘Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone’
Last on the ranking is “Sorcerer’s Stone,” and its placement here is quite expected. It gave a proper introduction to what would become a phenomenal franchise and media – spanning movies, merchandise, and even theme parks – but it was lacking because you can quickly notice it was primarily written for children. There was minimal action.
Nonetheless, the joys of experiencing Hogwarts for the first time can never be replicated. Mean, moving staircases, owls, and Potter discovering he’s a wizard, plus more. Fun times, indeed.
Now, because of the readers’ demand, Rowling and her team did not end the book series with just “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” There were “spinoffs” that came after, one of which was the “Fantastic Beasts” series, which was also turned into a movie. Also on this ranking are the installments:
‘Quidditch Through The Ages’
The Quidditch sport is among the most interesting parts of the series, and this book explores more about it. There are so many things happening here. First, Rowling used a pseudonym to stand as the author of this book, who is a sports commentary of some sort. Second, like “Fantastic Beasts,” this book was a book Hermione Granger read in the main “Harry Potter” story before she learned how to fly.
‘Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them’
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a book that Hogwarts students are required to read. Written by magizoologist Newt Scamander, who is also the story’s main character, the book tells about the history of the art and science of magizoology, accompanied by illustrations detailing 85 magical creatures from around the Wizarding World. It’s fun, it’s quirky, it’s witty… it’s a must-read.
The last spot belongs to “The Tales of Beedle the Bard.” It’s the least favored Harry Potter book among Potterheads simply because it is even more childish than “Philosopher’s Stone.” Nevertheless, if you really want to become a genuine Potterhead, you will read this.
