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What are readers saying about Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince?
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-01-04 06:37:38.
(Language: English)
 
Dans un monde de plus en plus inquiétant, Harry se prépare à retrouver Ron et Hermione. Bientôt, ce sera la rentrée à Poudlard, avec les autres étudiants de sixième année. Mais pourquoi le professeur Dumbledore vient-il en personne chercher Harry chez les Dursley? Harry, Ron et Hermione entrent en sixième année à Poudlard où ils vont vivre leur dernière année avant la majorité qui est fixée, chez les sorciers, à l’âge de dix-sept ans. Des événements particulièrement marquants vont contribuer à faire passer Harry du statut d’adolescent à celui d’homme. Ce tome, sur fond de guerre contre un Voldemort plus puissant que jamais, se révèle plus sombre que les précédents. Secrets, alliances et trahisons conduisent aux événements les plus dramatiques qu’Harry ait eu à affronter. Mais, en dépit de ces épisodes tragiques, il émane du texte un sentiment général d’allégresse et de joie de vivre dû à l’humour, aux preuves d’amitié, aux scènes romantiques, à de nouvelles trouvailles poétiques de J. K. Rowling, mais surtout à la sérénité retrouvée de Harry qui reprend confiance en lui. Ce dernier se plonge également dans les souvenirs d’enfance de Voldemort. Il va ainsi mieux comprendre la personnalité de son adversaire car même cet être monstrueux possède une part d’humanité. Le sens des responsabilités et du sacrifice revêtent, ici encore, une dimension particulièrement importante. Avec toujours ce mélange d'humour et d'art du suspense incomparable, J. K. Rowling révèle dans ce sixième tome l'extraordinaire complexité de l'univers qu'elle a créé. Elle y met en place tous les ressorts du dénouement et donne des indices très clairs sur la trame du septième et dernier tome dont, rappelons-le, elle a déjà écrit le dernier chapitre depuis très longtemps.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-19 06:37:25.
(Language: English)
Since pretty much everyone I know has read these books, I figure reviewing them is pretty pointless. But with the new book coming out in a couple of days, I have to go through them beginning to end. To make the reviews more entertaining, I will be doing them in a variety of unexpected formats. For this review, I will be writing as a power ballad.(Intro: Piano and strings) You were always by my side You will always be my guide But the road I'm on Goes on and on And I've left you beHIIIIIND! (Big crunchy electric guitar) (DUMBLEDORE!) I will never forget the strength you showed! (DUMBLEDORE!) I will never forget the debt you're owed! (DUMBLEDORE!) And when I face the final hour (DUMBLEDORE!) I will call on all your power! (Guitar solo) There's no way back again But if I can find a friend To see me though And remember you I'll make it to the EEEENNNND! (DUMBLEDORE!) When I finally catch that snake in the grass (DUMBLEDORE!) You will be able to rest at last! (DUMBLEDORE!) You know he never will escape (DUMBLEDORE!) I'm comin' for you SNAAAAAAAAPE!!!! (Guitar solo) (Guitar solo with children's choir singing "Run, Snape, Run!") (Guitar solo with fireworks) (Drums explode) EDITOR'S NOTE: Yes, I know, it's horrible. I'm not proud....
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-17 07:50:33.
(Language: English)
Being an avid Slytherin fan, it's not hard to see why this is my favorite book in the series. This book gives the villains of the series a lot more page time than usual and I've come to consider it much like an "Empire Strikes Back" of the books. (Not to mention that the ESB was also my favorite of the SW films/books.) I can understand the pitfalls that people see with this book, but I still love it (even with Harry/Ginny- *barf time*). This book reinforced my belief that Hermione is a crazy bitch (and I adore her for it), Harry could defeat Voldemort (if he stops eating those angst! Cheerios), Ron is clueless (but ultimately a good guy and if he and Hermione don't get together in the next book I'll scream), Ginny is the biggest "Mary-Sue" I've ever read about (where did you go likable Ginny of old?!), and Draco needs a hug (along with a smack in the face). I didn't like Dumbledore much *gasp* because I felt he was very manipulative behind that lemon drops facade, and while I love the baddies- I love upfront bad guys. So needless to say, I didn't mourn his death much. Besides I'm certain he'll be back in some form a la Gandalf and Obi-Wan. Oh and Severus Snape is not evil. The End.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-03-26 05:29:51.
(Language: English)
my wife plays hermione granger harry's best friend. this is the 6th yr at hogwarts, filled with sex lies drugs and rock and roll. but hogwarts style, sadly this movie received a PG rating too lame for one of the darkest hp books. hermione falls short of her mark in this novel having being overtly emotional and swept off her feet in love, battling emotions/teen angst is the main theme, along it we have the half blood prince him/herself, and then the story of tom riddle, plus the whole school is one messy love triangle with everyone dating or in love with someone else. this book is filled with a lot of dark scenes,war,killing and battles. then we have the funny comical side of teens becoming adults, this novel marks hermione's journey into womanhood as she turns legal at 17-wizarding age. v good book,good movie.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-07-14 02:43:30.
(Language: English)
From School Library JournalGrade 5 Up–Opening just a few weeks after the previous book left off, the penultimate entry in the series is, as the author foretold, the darkest and most unsettling yet. The deeds of Voldemort's Death Eaters are spreading even to the Muggle world, which is enshrouded in a mist caused by Dementors draining hope and happiness. Harry, turning 16, leaves for Hogwarts with the promise of private lessons with Dumbledore. No longer a fearful boy living under the stairs, he is clearly a leader and increasingly isolated as rumors spread that he is the Chosen One, the only individual capable of defeating Voldemort. Two attempts on students' lives, Harry's conviction that Draco Malfoy has become a Death Eater, and Snape's usual slimy behavior add to the increasing tension. Yet through it all, Harry and his friends are typical teens, sharing homework and messy rooms, rushing to classes and sports practices, and flirting. Ron and Hermione realize their attraction, as do Harry and Ginny. Dozens of plot strands are pulled together as the author positions Harry for the final book. Much information is cleverly conveyed through Dumbledore's use of a Pensieve, a device that allows bottled memories to be shared by Harry and his beloved professor as they apparate to various locations that help explain Voldemort's past. The ending is heart wrenching. Once again, Rowling capably blends literature, mythology, folklore, and religion into a delectable stew.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-05 06:22:15.
(Language: English)
WHOA. A great divergence from book 5, this one was tightly written, well-plotted, and a gripping read that had me reading from 1 AM to 6. It was enough to put me into tears because of what happened to Dumbledore (a character I thought I didn't particularly like!) and the flight of Snape, whom I adored beyond all reason. Another reason to love this particular addition to the series is the character of Draco Malfoy who actually changes and develops in this particular volume. Before, I had thought the boy would basically remain the same, stagnant way until Harry defeated Voldemort, but Rowling outdid herself. She made him a living, breathing character who actually (dare I say it?) pulled on a few heartstrings. Oh jeez, and of course, what can there be said about Snape in this book? What's his agenda? What's his purpose? What was Dumbledore's purpose on insistently trusting the man who ended his life? I keep remembering the fourth book and how Harry asks Dumbledore why he trusts Snape and Dumbledore tells him that that's a matter between the two of them. And I can't imagine this being the end. Thus, when the seventh book comes out, I hope all questions are answered!
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Susan posted a review at 2007-09-25 03:27:47.
(Language: English)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is great refresher reading before Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7). The Harry Potter saga is replete with a growing cast of characters, spells, and magical items and creatures. Most aren't germane to the plot of the following book, but some are, and it's good to get caught up before launching into the final volume. Harry is a full-fledged adolescent in this book. He has moved beyond his crush on Cho Chang that went awry to deeper hormonal surges. Having his classmates "snogging" all around him doesn't help. Harry continues to suffer from speaking before thinking, and this gets him into deeper trouble than in the past. Like a typical confused teenager, he pushes away the people who care the most for him and ends up being miserable. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince continues the theme of loss that permeates the series. The first people close to Harry to die were of course his parents, prior to the beginning of the series. As the series progressed, Hogwarts students die, then Harry's newfound godfather Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5). The question the reader has coming into the book is: "Who is the Half Blood Prince"? Leaving the book, and mentally preparing for the sequel, and last volume in the series, I wondered, "Does Harry have extraordinary magic powers, or does he have average magic powers coupled with persistence, leadership, and teamwork and passion?"
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-12-16 12:18:42.
(Language: English)
Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort's defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simpering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-10-01 07:09:59.
(Language: English)
well harry and the gange are back all i can say is WOW!!!! this is an awesome book in this book alot of things happen that will shock you and make you cry and ignite your hatred as well.In this instalment we find harry and the gang once again in hot water but this time everyone is aware that lord voldamort is now back his army this time has grown big time?? so harry of course gets help from people that you would not excpect their is light spot though their is a wedding that takes place in this book the only happy point in my opinion in the whole book.dobbie the house elf is back and harry inherits his godfathers house the hous of black but remember tha beatrix lestrange is also ralted to serious black so she thinks she is intitled to the hous if you recall she was the one who tortured frank longbottom and his wife nevell's parents but. i do not want to give anything away for those who read the book you know who dies in this one a VERY!!! major character dies in this book killed by somone who i have always said was evil and has always been very hateful towards harry. enjoy the book i give it 5 stars out of 5 awesome read
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-12-30 03:52:22.
(Language: Hindi)
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is great refresher reading before Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7). The Harry Potter saga is replete with a growing cast of characters, spells, and magical items and creatures. Most aren't germane to the plot of the following book, but some are, and it's good to get caught up before launching into the final volume. Harry is a full-fledged adolescent in this book. He has moved beyond his crush on Cho Chang that went awry to deeper hormonal surges. Having his classmates "snogging" all around him doesn't help. Harry continues to suffer from speaking before thinking, and this gets him into deeper trouble than in the past. Like a typical confused teenager, he pushes away the people who care the most for him and ends up being miserable. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince continues the theme of loss that permeates the series. The first people close to Harry to die were of course his parents, prior to the beginning of the series. As the series progressed, Hogwarts students die, then Harry's newfound godfather Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5). The question the reader has coming into the book is: "Who is the Half Blood Prince"? Leaving the book, and mentally preparing for the sequel, and last volume in the series, I wondered, "Does Harry have extraordinary magic powers, or does he have average magic powers coupled with persistence, leadership, and teamwork and passion?"
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-26 03:26:52.
(Language: English)
As the final installments of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series come to a close it is curious to look back and see just how far these remarkable tales have come. Following young Harry Potter, the boy who lived, from his humble beginnings in his uncle’s house to fining out his destiny and what greatness lies ahead. Fans have been taken on an intense rollercoaster. One that has thrown readers into suspense and shock along with sadness and occasional joy. This six of a seven part series is no acceptation and one could argue the best of Rowling’s works yet. Coming from what seemed like Rowling’s low point, book five, this novel did not have the highest expectations. However, “The Half Blooded Prince†proved to be a perfect mix of the sparkle and delight that filled the first four books yet has stepped up the magic and the mystery to whole new levels. Not only have the characters matured but so has Rowling and her world of Witchcraft. The magic is darker, the secrets are deeper and they all unravel beautifully to keep the pages turning. To me, it becomes easy to see the best qualities of this book by examining the worst qualities of it’s predecessor. Book 5, “Order of the Phoenix†was long awaited for three years yet was quickly forgotten. The 870 page novel seemed to have a lot of pages just to fill pages and was not an enjoyable read. True, it had some amazing qualities and was core to the overall development of Potter and his journey but once again, not enjoyable. No one wants to read a book were nothing goes right for the protagonist ever! Potter’s situation goes from horrible to worse. The ending is even depressing and the likable characters seem to be loosing with no hope in sight. Now, in contrast, the little things Rowling changed from the past novel were enough to bring it from worst to best. First off, as most people noticed, this book is MUCH smaller that the last two (maybe she’s not going for the world record after all). Although most fans are disappointed at first with a mere 652, it turns out to be a brilliant alteration. The story goes quickly and there is enough material to keep one interested throughout the pages. Next, for once, things seems to be going well for our little hero. Harry’s got the grades, the friends, and even the girlfriend and what would seem to be Harry’s worst nightmare, Snape’s new position, could have been much, much worse. With all this being noted, we have not reached the truly remarkable aspect of the novel. That which brings it to a clear contestant for being Rowling’s magnificence: the plot. Now in the sixth year at Hogwarts, there is little magic that the students cannot perform and even less of the Dark Arts that Harry and his friends have not encountered. The magic is deep and compelling and the range of the mystery grows to satisfying new levels. Beginning the story with a look back on Harry’s O.W.L.S the reader is reminded of just how skilled Harry truly is in the Dark arts and foreshadows a relatively good year in school. Quick to draw interest Rowling begins with Harry’s adventures with Dumbledore, the two greatest wizards of all time, signifying what will stretch over the entire novel and ultimately be it’s core. Even chapter two brings in an unexpected twist when a friend becomes a foe and the questions along with the suspicions grow from there. Now, not to give away too much it is without a doubt the ending that will leave the readers clenched until the final installment. Although the shocking ending of book five was commendable, it pales in comparison to what we see and learn now…. As it was said, the magic is deeper and the plot thicker. Now the once harmless yet incredibly annoying Draco Malfoy has followed In his father’s footsteps and all that Harry once knew and trusted would crumble at his feet. All in all one may walk away pail when finished with the book but Rowling ties in a satisfaction of the necessity of her shocking events. She foreshadows what is to come in book seven and ties together the maturity and growth her protagonist has endured all in preparation of his final and sure to be greatest adventure yet…
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-06-21 09:15:51.
(Language: English)
*SPOILERS* The sixth book in the Harry Potter series is my second favorite. Though, at first, the sudden explanation of Horcruxes did not seem sufficient for me, I understood how they had plagued the series before they were mentioned. I can only imagine the strength and attention to detail it took Rowling to allude to them without actually having anyone notice they were there. I enjoyed the book mostly because of the flushing and rounding out of other characters besides Harry. The teen relationships especially entertained me. One of my absolute favorite parts in the series is when Parvati and Hermione deiscuss Hermione's new "relationship" with Cormac Mclaggen. It is done so well, written so perfectly; I can easily relate to the levels girls will stoop to get revenge. :) There was one awkward bit of writing that always puzzled me, when Hermione leaves the classroom after Ron and Lavender burst in, but it was an awkward moment anyway. I imagine Rowling had a hard time deciding Hermione's parting line, though the one she chose never sat well with me. The death of Dumbledore was done beautifully and horribly. I had to stop reading for twenty minutes as I couldn't see through the tears clouding my eyes. I have been affected by deaths in books before, but never had or, or have I since, been so heartbroken over the demise of a fictional character. This book is lovely, intriguing, and a great bridge for the first five books to cross over into the seventh. I highly recommend any and all Harry Potter books, this one included.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-13 09:26:32.
(Language: English)
Man, this book is definitely polarizing. Well, so was the fifth. I've had friends tell me they loved this one, or they could've done without it. Personally, I _liked_ it. I feel that without this book, we wouldn't have known several pieces of important information about Voldemort that is going to aid Harry in his quest to finally bring him down. (Which he is, by the way. Down With Voldie.) I thought the raging jealousy surrounding Ron and Hermione was kind of amusing for the most part, to address that. (And I mean, geez, I'm a sucker for love stories. So maybe I'm not a HarryxGinny fan, but that whole situation was awful cute.) Honestly, the best parts were the flashbacks in the Pensieve. Finding out why Voldemort is who he is was so vital to the plot, and I was very moved by these scenes. And the discovery of Horcruxes was a great "Oh, CRAP" moment, you gotta admit. Finding out that one of them was Tom Riddle's diary makes Chamber of Secrets that much more fun to think about now. ANother thing that bothered a friend of mine is that the first two chapters are not from Harry's point of view. Admittedly, I do enjoy opening the books to the first chapter and seeing exactly what Harry's seeing and feeling from the start. However, this change of pace was an interesting turn, and I liked seeing what the opposing sides were doing at the beginning this time. And lastly, I think a big reason why books 5 and 6 polarized the HP community so was because not everyone wants to read teenage angst. Some people want their little Harry back, or just don't want to revisit certain years of their lives. At any rate, I read those two books as a teenager (well, I'm only 19, but you get the picture), and I could relate to lashing out at people when I felt misunderstood, etc etc. Sure, I don't have a freakishly frightening group of psycho lemmings itching to scalp me at every turn, but I didn't look at Capslock!Harry as an annoying teenager who needs to check his attitude at the door. I felt like I understood him a bit, you dig? Anyway, there ya go. *raises glass of water* Here's to a fantastic final book! I have faith in you, JKR!
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Sarah posted a review at 2009-07-08 05:52:09.
(Language: English)
BEWARE: SPOILERS It's really impossible to decide which is the best book in the series; each is a masterpiece. The sixth has so many great moments-- however, it leaves a LOT unanswered, and the reader is only mollified by the assurance that this is NOT the last volume. Half-Blood Prince is dark; I mean far darker than the last. This is the time I have always known was inevitable in the Harry Potter world, at last we are seeing chaos and war and battles break out within the walls of Hogwarts itself. Several of the chapters are particularly well-written, with great suspense and imagery; an example would be the time Harry and Dumbledore spent in the cave. Relationships blossom in this book at last, including Harry suddenly falling in `love' with Ginny Weasley, Ron dating Lavender Brown, Pansy and Draco clearly going out, and some serious hinting at a possible romance between Ron and Hermione when he gets rid of Lavender. (FINALLY!) Now, before reading this book, if I had to make a list of impossible things that could never happen...Snape killing the Headmaster and fleeing the school with a bunch of Death Eaters, would have been right at the top of the list. I love Snape; I believe he has an innate goodness in him that is almost tragic. But again, this is Harry Potter. And there still is one more book. Which means, there is time for Rowling to do anything...
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-03-07 05:21:44.
(Language: English)
a very great read in my opinion, the start of the book really grabs and puts you in a very excited state, for example dumbledore shows up at the dursley's, or the fact that bellatrix, and narcissa come to see snape. Once again JK gives you thats suspense throughout the book and keeps you guessing until the very end. There is also a great justice done to the love intrest in this book as well. The start of Hermoine and Ron, finally discovering there true feelings for one another, and Harry develops and new love for someone who really starts to stand out in this book. The blueprint for the down fall of the darklord starts to form in this book, when you finally get to see some of his past and discover how he became so invincible. A tragic death in the end and the all time question form, is snape evil or good?
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-12 01:19:55.
(Language: English)
This book isn’t really my favorite of the first 6, but I still like it. So the note in the fake Horcrux...it has the initials R.A.B. in it...I’m pretty sure it stands for Regulus Arcturus Black (Siruis’ brother). It’s not that hard to figure out...I don’t know why Harry (or even Hermione, being one of the smartest people in the whole series) can’t figure it out...Sirius told him all about Regulus in the 5th. He even said he was murdered by Voldemort...or on his orders, anyway. What better reason to be killed than stealing one of the Horcruxes to destroy it? And it probably hasn’t even been destroyed yet...I bet it was that was the locket Sirius couldn’t open while cleaning out one of the rooms in Grimwald place. And, I don’t know why, but I have this odd theory that the murder of Albus Dumbledore was staged...like, Snape is really on the good side and he didn’t really kill Dumbledore. He just made it look like it happened or something...or maybe I just don't want to accept the fact Dumbledore died... But I think I’m just thinking like Luna Lovegood; believing stuff is real that’s most likely not to be. So I’m more than likely wrong about it. I hate Snape anyway...so why am I trying to stand up for him! Omgeez, what’s wrong with me?? Well, Hermione was right in saying if you don’t trust Snape, you don’t trust Dumbledore; so maybe I just can’t believe he is really a Death Eater if Dumbledore said he was on the good side...I must say, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore was too awesome to ever be wrong about something like that...
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-19 08:14:08.
(Language: English)
When I first read this book, I have to say, I was thoroughly disappointed. This was some of the best, most emotional writing of the entire series, yet the plot was lacking something. It seemed like kind of a filler novel (though I suppose that can only be expected somewhere in a series of seven), meant to help us cross over from the cute, adventurous children's literature we've been reading into something darker, and more mature, which is how I think the final book will be. While this book was already darker and more mature than what we're used to (not to mention more tragic), that seemed to escalate from the beginning; it wasn't just dropped on us all of a sudden on the first page. Plus, it was probably also the funniest. There was comic relief everywhere it was needed, but it wasn't overdone, making it seem insensitive or anything. I really didn't like most of the things that happened in this book (I was basically bawling through the last six chapters), and it almost seems to me like the story I loved so much had a stupid, disappointing ending, like it just got all messed up when it was going so good. (For instance, I found it a bit annoying that Harry Potter, a story that had always been so different from anything else out there, suddenly fell into that fantasy cliche of the hero having to search for and collect the certain magic items to destroy the villian.) But then I remember that there's still one more installment, which I still have hope for, though I now find it entirely possible that it will end with the death of the main character(I never believed it before), and I might even be willing to accept it if it does. I just can't lose hope, though. Half-Blood Prince was basically depressing, yes . And it seemed to set up a disappointing end to the series, but you know, in the past, J.K. Rowling has always come up with some fascinating plot twists that make it all worthwhile, so I still have faith that the last book will be amazing.
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Soha posted a review at 2010-07-18 08:07:03.
(Language: English)
Rowling had indeed redeemed herself again with this book -since I did not like the prequel (Order of the Phoenix) the least bit-. This book definitely went over the top, even though it is more than 200 pages shorter than its prequel, it contained (and I'm not exaggerating) a ton of exciting and shocking events; the most interesting of which, I found to be Voldemort's past. And as far as magic is concerned, this book is simply full of it: from new potions, spells, curses, poisons and antidotes to the taboo art of Dark Magic, which is delved into more than ever before. On the lighter side, however, romance is a big theme in this book, and the reader finally knows who has feeling for whom. In short, this sixth book is by far the most stimulating thus far, for within, the Harry Potter war against Lord Voldemort reaches its climax. And just to keep us on our toes for the sequel, the stage is set up by leaving a number of unsolved mysteries. Can't wait for the finale...
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-09-16 06:47:13.
(Language: English)
This book was so much better than book 5, as you get to go into the past life of Tom Riddle /Voldermort, through Dumbledore's pensive, he and Harry travel Scrooge style through his life and learn why he has cheated death, together they set out to destroy these Horcruxes. Meanwhile a challenge has been set for the extremely cocky Draco Malfoy, by Lord Voldemort himself , not realising this is by way of a punnishment for his fathers failure in the last book, he plays a huge part and believes he is more powerful than ever, fearing for her son's safety his mother makes a certain Proffessor Snape promise to complete it on his behalf, and d new side of the tortured Malfoy boy is shown as he realises the enormous weight on his shoulders, you actually feel sorry for him in some parts. but could he really be behind some of the horrible things that happen? The other mystery is of course, Who is the Half Blood Prince is? the clues are there and it is pretty simple to work it out, once you see what kind of book Harry is learning from Another death of a favourite is handled a lot better than the brushed aside previous death in book 5, but again I think you see it coming and know the reason it has to happen, the open ending paves the way for the final book, leaving you desperate to know answers to many questions, or just to have what you thought all along confirmed, as everything isn't always what it seems. A great read!
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-05-14 08:04:38.
(Language: English)
I was very much looking forward for this book because I thought the fiffth book (Order of Phoenix) was a little too lengthy and had too much details - soemthing we could have done without. I can sincerely say that it is simply outstandingly good. Yes, the other books were awesome too, especially the first four, but I think that Harry's world is becoming more defined with each book, and that makes for a thoroughly engaging reading experience. Throughout Half-Blood Prince, Rowling is not just providing the reader with a riveting story, but is also setting us up for what will be the 7th and final book. Many loose ends are tied up, but many more are left hanging. She also gives us more background into Voldemort's past than in any previous book. Much has been made about the death of a major character, and frankly it was a shock to me. But what's the point of telling you all this if you can read the book, and enjoy it as much as I did?. Suffice it to say that this is a worthy addition to the Harry Potter series. There is adventure, some romance, and many more elements that add up to make the kind of book that you simply must read. If you haven't guessed my opinion on "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" yet, I'll say that I highly recommend it. Run to get your copy, if you don't already have one, and share the magic :)
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-07-10 11:33:27.
(Language: English)
The movie is slated to be released sometime next week-all I have to say is that I hope you read the book as it is quite riveting and their are a lot of surprises in store for Harry and his friends in this one. It was a real tape turner and I hope they did the book justice. I was impressed with the backstore about You Know Who-what a sad little life this kid have but oh how evil he became. It is just a good story about good and evil and in these economic times and other worldly events-it is nice to excape to a world where all you have to worry about is defeating some evil wizard. As with the other books it is laced with humor and Rowlings imagination is in full swing in this 6th installment of the series. As I write this I am now reading book 7 which is the final book in the series. Like Tolkien, Rowlings has captured my heart with a well told story of the fantasic. So read the book before seeing the movie:)
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-09-18 07:41:14.
(Language: English)
After re reading this tome for the 2nd time, I have forgotten how much I enjoy this book and noted nuances that I have missed on the first run through. I am apprehensive to see how this book will fare after being converted into the movie version. While the Half Blood Prince is an interesting read, the plot points are less "action packed" compared to the previous five novels. It would be a challenge to captivate the attention of audience members who have not read the book and for die hard fans, it may prove to once more be a disappointing movie like the Order of the Phoenix. The rich detail that JK Rowling embues her books are quite astonishing and how each detail fits together is a feat that not many storytellers can easily conjure. In many ways, though it contains a large number of background information in the form of flashbacks (via the brilliant creation of the Pensieve), one cannot help but instinctively understand that this book is the key to the final and ultimate volume seven. If this chapter is in fact the "key", fans would be wise to read and pay close attention to each tiny detail if they wish to be properly equipped and trained to battle onward for Book 7.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-10 09:20:41.
(Language: English)
Perhaps there is something wrong with me. Yes, I know that this author is loved round the world, despite her self-professed dislike of children. Anyoen who reads her books should be able to clearly see how much she dislikes them; deaht, suffering, torture, and sadness strike every character, in every book, and it actually gets WORSE as the story wears on. As far as I'm concerned, you'd have to be a full-blown sociopath, incapable of any human empathy for the characters of this series, not to be profoundly disturbed by the awful, hideous fate the author delivers onto her main character. If you think Dumbledore being tortured to retrieve an ultimately useless relic is fun, please avoid me. If you think you'd like to live in this world, you require psychological help. This tale is a grim medley, punctuated with hatred, bigotry, racism, abuse of pretty much every kind, neglect and murder. Oh, but it's all set in the wonderful world of Chaotic Neutral magic, so it's fun all 'round!
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-10-27 10:53:23.
(Language: English)
Begrudgingly...Rowling has outdone herself with this one. The execution and story structure were tight...and most importantly CONSISTENT. Consistency has been the biggest issue with her novel up to this point. Finally her craft work has caught up with her imagination. My one complaint still lies with the deplorable use of adverbs in her dialog attribution. This just kills me because her dialog is written well enough that the adverbs used to "clarify" the tones simply jar with the impressions I get in my head. They break the flow and force me to rethink HOW the characters are talking, even though from the words and characters themselves my initial impressions fall in line with the adverbs she uses. It's a pet peeve of mine, and not that uncommon amongst a lot of people, including most writers as well. While this has been a long statement about my distaste for her attribution, Half-Blood Prince has drastically reduced this tendency of Rowling's. And for that alone I'm thankful. Overall the story is organic and flows well, and even guessing plot points ahead doesn't hurt the emotional buildup to those moments. Even if you know the ending of the novel from the very beginning, you get roped into the novel and focus on the how and why of events, instead of simply the why. I do give this caveat...much of my praise for this novel also relies on the fact that you have 5 volumes prior to build up backstory and develop the characters. Rowling used this fact superbly, but as a single novel, the merits of book would be far lower since the character development is always slow and incremental. That said, definitely worth the read if you've read the first 5, and suffering the first 3 novels may not be worth it in the end.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-07-22 09:19:47.
(Language: English)
Many literary snobs hold Rowling in contempt, in no small part due to the popularity and commerical appeal of her work. Never mind the fact that in 50 years she`ll be talked about in the same vein as Charles Dickens, C.S Lewis and Madeleine Engle, Rowling`s critics are usually unable to appreciate the raw talent required to tell a story and tell it well. This is especially true of the coming of age story, and doubly so in the fantasy genre. Fantasy is one of the most intellectually and creatively thrilling genres to write in, but the removal of limitations often leads to many writers to overindulge. Rowling, in contrast to so many of her contemporaries (Stephanie Meyer...cough cough), is genuinely supremely talented but also a superb craftsperson. Like Charles Dickens, her books are relatively light on plot but high on detail-but those details immerse the reader in a world populated by superbly drawn characters and genuinely moving themes. That said, Half Blood Prince is one of the weakest books (if the strongest movie) in an excellent series. While important plot developments (and revelations) take place, and the characters develop in interesting ways, Rowling seems to be just gathering steam for the truly spectacular climax. Aside from the justifiably famous tragic ending, there is little to distinguish this book from others in the series-which isn`t true of highlights like Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix and the finale. None the less Half Blood Prince is a necessary, if somewhat perfunctory set up-and there is still a lot of joy to be had in Rowlings craftsmenship. This includes plenty of humour, interesting background information on chacters like Snape, and the continued development of the three leads into adults. While the soul of the book is the relationship between Dumbeldore and Harry, it`s black heart is no one less than the series villain, who finally claims his place here as one of the iconic literary foes. Voldemort comes into his own as a genuine monster in this book, in no small part because of Rowling`s ingenious idea of a horocrux. Not to ruin anything, but Horocrux`s a truly diabolical idea that add a real sense of horror to the book. Half Blood Prince may be one of the weaker Harry Potter novels, but given the quality up to this point that is hardly a criticism. And as a transition book it hardly has any equals, which allows it to sit proudly in between the best books in the series.
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