Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Illustrated Edition

Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Author: J.K. Rowling (Illustrated by Jim Kay)
Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books
Year: 2000 (Illustrated Oct 2019)
Pages: 451
ISBN: 9781408845677
Series: Harry Potter
Genre: Fantasy
Reading Time: 12 - 28 Jan
Binding: Hardback
Goodreads

Stars:
★★★★★

Blurb:
 From the moment the Dark Mark burns in the skies above the Quidditch World Cup, danger stalks Harry Potter. Picked by the Goblet of Fire to represent Hogwarts in the legendary Triwizard Tournament, Harry faces tests of magic and bravery that would challenge even the most exceptional wizards - the first of which pits him against a ferocious Hungarian Horntail. For Harry, however, the competition is only the prelude to a much more sinister trial of strength. In the mists of Little Hangleton, where the graves of Tom Riddle's ancestors lie, the Darkest of magic is brewing.

Review:
 It's been a few years since I read the Harry Potter series and a chance to go through the new illustrated editions is as excellent a time as any. Kay's work is beautiful and the details he throws in (Lord of the Rings book in Ron's bedroom) make it so worth it. The artwork as I understand took a bit longer than the previous books and it's definitely the most complex book in terms of new creatures, characters and world expansion.
 I like that Rowling balances a little bit of everything in this book, Harry's worry over his scar and the trials but also about regular kid things such as girls and school dances. It keeps the book grounded in a magical setting where we are otherwise just following children in their daily lives at school. Friendships become difficult and crushes are embarrassing to deal with!
 On a reread it's great to refresh the details, there are so many I've forgotten as I watch the films and forget what further there was in the book itself. Dobby, Winky, Ludo Bagman, Blast-Ended Screwts, Nifflers and the whole Azkaban escape explanation! There really is a lot going on in this one. Even so, I think the execution of the film is really good and things such as S.P.E.W being missed are a good details that would have really crowded the film.
 There is a really interesting range of father figures in this book. I have a new respect for Arthur Weasley as he stood up to the Dursleys for Harry. Amos Diggory was a bully to Harry when boasting his pride of Cedric. Dumbledore was absent but watchful, Hagrid always well-meaning, Sirius was worried and trying his best in a difficult situation. Crouch, well... He tried.
 I'm looking forward to continuing the series, they certainly get a bit darker after this one.