Helpful Score: 12
Definitely fun and daring, but one of Rowling's darker ones. Harry's surely grown-up in this one - Hogwart's is never the same. This really sets things up for the final book and makes you question the loyalty (surprisingly) of Snape. Little Draco Malfoy surprised me in this one, too. He becomes more human, less bratty, stereotypical bully.
Also -- zombies appear in this one. How could you not love that?
Also -- zombies appear in this one. How could you not love that?
Alicia B. (AliciaInACoffeeShop) reviewed Harry Potter and the half blood prince on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
I loved it and hated it. It was a conjunction of life going right and wrong. Ambiguities abounded in my mind as I read this book and probably will in yours as well, but those ambiguities are what make the characters so realistic.
Helpful Score: 8
Although there was a lot of time elapsed since I read the last five, I couldn't put it down. And even though it is written for children, it gave me a nice break from a the heavier reading I had been doing. I think it also reviews nicely what happened in the previous books so you don't have to do a lot of re-reading.
Helpful Score: 6
This one will turn you all around and holding onto your seat. Now the entire wizarding community knows that Voldemort is back and Fudge has gotten the boot. There is a new teacher of Defense against the Dark Arts, and also an eccentric new Potions' teacher. I won't tell you who dies but definitely be prepared for a shock.
Helpful Score: 5
This book gripped me and didn't let up. I remember standing in line at Wal-Mart to get my copy. I read it later, but was fortunate enough to miss the mass amounts of spoilers everywhere (Thank GOD!!) However, when it came to that part, I was so upset I slammed the book shut and threw it against the wall...and then, immediately ran over to pick it up, check for damages, and finish reading it. I was heartbroken. This is what proves that J.K. Rowling is brave. She may not have hurt her central characters physically but there is no doubt that the students of Hogwarts have suffered.