Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the fourth book in the Harry Potter series.In this book, we learn about two other wizarding schools, Beaubatons in France, and Durmstrag somewhere in the North Sea. These two schools bring representatives to Hogwarts for a prestigious tournament, on that only happens every 100 years.It is the Tri-Wizard Tournament, and in typical Harry Potter style, our protagonist gets thrown right into the middle of it all.Even though he is too young to compete, Harry finds himself a contestant when his name mysteriously comes out of the Goblet of Fire.Because of this, he must compete in three events.During the first event, he must capture an egg that is being guarded by a fierce dragon.In the second event, he has to rescue something that is important to him (Ron) from the bottom of the Black Lake.And in the third and final challenge, he must be the first to reach the Tri-Wizard Cup from the middle of a maze that well, seems to be alive.Harry of course, reaches the cup at the same time as Cedric Diggory.They touch it at the same time, only to discover that the cup is a portkey, which takes them to the Riddle graveyard.Here is where what I believe is THE turning point in the series takes place.Harry is witness to the return of Lord Voldemort in (somewhat) human flesh.Voldemort kills Diggory, simply because he is there, and Harry must get Cedric and himself back to Hogwarts and away from the dangers.No one believes Harry except for Dumbledore and his ever faithful friends, but it is a mistake that in subsequent books, they will all regret.I love this book, it is my favorite of the series.I love the literary technique that is the portkey, first introduced here.It's a long read, but well worth it!JK Rowling continues to add depth to the wizarding world (other schools, SPEW, Hogsmeade) that brings our beloved characters to life.