Much anticipated: Harry Potter lives up to the hype

This much anticipated and long awaited book is the sixth in J.K. Rowling's series which have captured the imagination of children and adults alike across the globe. It's definitely worth the wait and is as engrossing as the five previous books in the series!

Now I'm not -- and my kids aren't ... yet perhaps ... -- like many of those other Harry Potter fans who dressed up and waited all night in front of some bookstore to buy this new installation. Rather, we bought it on eBay for 50% off and got it nearly as fast without the drama. Nonetheless, we've been drawn into the series in much the same way. I have a nine year old who has been listening to me read the books for the past few years and is just starting to read this latest edition on his own (although he has trouble with some sections, so it's probably still a bit ahead of his level). Rowling again delivers a lot of action, mystery, intrigue, and plenty of creativity to keep you turning quickly through the 675 or so pages.

"Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" is packed with twists and turns. It's definitely a good bit darker than the previous editions as it follows our favorite trio Harry, Ron and Hermione into their sixth year at Hogwarts Academy of Wizarding and witchcraft. While I don't want to give away any of the secrets, here's a quick synopsis. At age 16, our heroes have clearly entered adolesence where petulance and crushes abound. They have just finished their O.W.L.s (a smart play on the English O-Level exams which are sort of like pre-SATs in the US) and in addition to various romances are consumed with what careers they want to pursue upon finishing school. All the while, the wizarding world is in turmoil over the war with Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The central villain, who is also known as the DarkLord or "He who must not be named," is unquestionably alive again and is terrorizing both the wizarding and muggel/non-wizarding worlds. And Harry has gone from misunderstood and maligned teenager to the yound adult who may have been prophesized to bring balance.

There are also many of other villains inluding Harry's nemesis at Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy and his crew of bullies in Slytherin. In addition, Belatrix Lestrange and professor Snape (now a Death Eater again). And, there are also some new characters including new Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions teachers. In addition to many other twists and turns, one of the central characters dies in the end which is as surprising as it is sad. And at least so far in the series, this isn't one of those "supposed" deaths like Dumbeldore's "disasppearance" or Ron's Boggert-inspired imaginary death in previous editions.

The only drawback I can think of is that you might have to read the first five books before reading this sixth edition to fully get it. And what better way to get ready for the film version of Harry Potter four, "The Goblet of Fire" which will be in theaters in November than to read this final edition. It's a great read from start to finish and will be enjoyed by all.

The story that launched a thousand books

In her 6th book, the school of Hogwarts and past friendships begin to disappear as so much background noise as Harry starts to come to terms of what must be done to defeat Voldemort. Professor Dumbledore himself guides Harry in this new education.

Voldemort's artificial immortality was created by putting parts of his soul into powerful artifacts called horcruxes. As long as one remains, Voldemort can not truly die. Harry destroyed one, Tom Riddle's diary, in the 2nd book. Sharp readers will quickly guess that Dumbledore destroyed another one before the story begins.

The suspense builds up nicely as Harry is invited to go with Dumbledore to find and destroy a 3rd, but someone beat them to it and a fake has been left in its place. Greatly weakened by the ordeal, Dumbledore is rendered helpless by Draco Malfoy, who has been charged by Voldemort to kill the headmaster. Draco can't bring himself to do it, but Professor Snape does.

While it is not normal for me to tell how the book ends in my reviews, I am making an exception here because the ending is the most fascinating part of the series as a whole. The greatest appeal is how it leads into the 7th book.

The biggest question of all was the motives of Professor Snape. Dumbledore was obviously dying as the result of destroying the 2nd horcrux. Was it a mercy killing? Looking back in past books does not seem to help. We constantly find Snape in questionable circumstances but he always has an excuse for his motives. Ironically, the death eaters in the first chapter must likewise decide for themselves just how much circumstantial evidence and excuses are proof of his evilness.

The other great mystery to come from the book were the horcruxes, of which there are 7. 1 was the journal and the Riddle family ring was another. It seems obvious that artifacts from each house (except Griffendor) are being used (3 more) and that Naja, Voldemort's serpent, is the 6th. So what is the 7th? Since Voldemort has a similar connection with Harry as he does Naja, could it be that he might be the 7th? If he is, then does he have to die to destroy Voldemort?

Despite having so many important questions left unanswered at the end, this book does not suffer from the "middle book funk". The mega story has built to a major turning point but the mini-story has a definite end with successes for the protagonists. The most obvious is that Harry now knows what must be done and how big the task is. Less obvious is Harry's rite of manhood. I've mentioned in other reviews that Harry has matured past his age. Despite being capable (and indeed, usually operating) on his own, Harry still used adults as a safety net. At the end of this book he cuts this final tie of childhood and declares he will hunt down and face Voldemort alone.

In conclusion, JK Rowling has done more than just wrote a great novel. She has brought all the mysteries together and leaves us satisfied that Harry can finish the job he is given. The loss of Dumbledore and the apparent betrayal of Snape were high prices to pay, but they were necessary for Harry to grow into the man he was prophesized to become.

John Holland-author of Necklace of Terrersylvanous

like a cauldronful of perfectly brewed potion...

Once again, J.K. Rowling has outdone herself. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" exceeds expectations with plenty of suspense, peril, and adventure. Humor and romance are mixed in to lighten things up a bit, though the "snogging" was rather overdone. Otherwise, the well-crafted plot swirls and thickens like a cauldronful of perfectly brewed potion, bubbling ever nearer to the brim and threatening to boil over. Some old questions, rumors, and theories dissolve in the process, even as new ones rise to the surface.

Many original characters return in the "Half-Blood Prince," including Harry, Ron, Hermione, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Snape, and Malfoy. Old friends such as Lupin, Ginny, and Tonks reappear, and a few unfamiliar faces are introduced as well. Dumbledore continues to speak for Rowling, most often with regard to observations that are as relevant to our world as they are to Harry's: "Don't you see? Voldemort himself created his worst enemy, just as tyrants everywhere do!" "...the prophecy does not mean you have to do anything! ...You are free to choose your way, quite free to turn your back on the prophecy!"

The relationship between Harry and Dumbledore is more fully developed in this book, particularly their mutual loyalty. Harry himself has always been mature for his age, but in the "Half-Blood Prince," we get the definite sense that he has left childhood behind. At 16, Harry has grown into an admirable young man, determined to meet the challenge of taking his place in the war against Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

This transformation from boy to man underscores the wide appeal of Rowling's books among both children and adults. I have been as involved in the books as my kids (maybe even more so). It's been especially fun discussing this one with them. --Lana Jordan, author of "Journey to Motherhood" and "The Sleepytime Ponies Trick a Trickster"

Fit for a Prince

The long awaited next book in the series lived up to my expectations.

The twists and turns and the surprises keep coming (especially in the 2nd half of the book)

I thought the first half of the book was a bit slow to develop but man the 2nd half - I could NOT put the book down.

The book keeps in line with others as Harry's stubborness to not disclose everything to Dumbledore causes problems as usual. This book is darker and a bit more advances as it digs into Voldmort's dark past. It has a lighter side of love interests for Harry and Ron (well sort of for Ron but you will see).

Harry's old rivals are back - Snape and Malfoy but this time they play much bigger roles and actually have a central plot around them (the ending is surprising - I kid you not)

Rowling spends more time on plot points and story lines than she does misc. stuff like Quidditch and has an ending that you would not expect. A bold move on Rowling's part.

As far as the best in the series - yes so far it is.

One thing that this book also does is set you up for great conversations on how the series will end. J.K. Rowling really has her readers guessing now with all the curve balls she threw at us in this book. Will the next one be fit for a King?

My only question is - what will they pick and choose to include in the movie for this whopper of a story and ending?

Disclaimer: I am an eBay employee and this review is my own opinion and is not written on behalf of eBay. This review does not reflect the views of my employer nor is it endorsed by them.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

As an adult who has been reading since I was a child, I love the plot twists and turns Ms. Rowling takes within her books. I hate a book where I can read one or two pages and predict the entire story. The Half Blood Prince continues Harry's story, giving us new insight into Voldemort and some of the characters we've grown to love. I think mostly of Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom - the only two "D.A." members who answer the "call" for help. Also, of Dumbledore who actually shows his "human" side as opposed to strictly his "headmaster" side. Not to give away too much of the story line, I think this ranks as one of the best of the series, although I love the whole thing. I purchased the book on cd to entice a friend who is not a proficient reader to be able to enjoy the "whole" story and not just the little part shown in the movies. It worked and we've been able to get the entire series on cd -- here I must admit I am enjoying listening as well as reading!!