Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (6)

I have to admit that I anxiously awaited this novel for months and was a little put off with the way it starting. It was slow! So much back story that I was reading as quickly as possible to get to the good stuff. Well, i didnt have to wait very long. This was a wonderful story (like there was really any doubt). Rather than a set mission or goal we are able to take the time to learn more about our main characters. The relationships grow between Hermione and Ron, Harry and Genny, and Harry and Dumbledore. They are truely coming into their teen years, with all of the emotional drama that comes with that time...as well as facing the return of Voldemort. Dumbledore decides to confide in Harry as he should have done a long time ago - to tell him what is to come and how to stop it. Draco plays a much larger role that just the school enemy of Harry but as a true threat to the future. I must say the ending was truly shocking for me, I wont give anything away, but I felt almost all the way to the end that the betrayor was just pretending. That he was pretending to take sides, but he was not. I cried all the way to the end and when I finished I was left with an empty feeling. Heres wishing the best of luck to Harry as he takes the next step toward the final battle.

We decided to review this particular book because the movie by the same name is coming out this week. It should be no secret to anyone who knows Jane and I that we are fans of the entire Harry Potter series. In my view, the best book in the series is the first one, but I have to say that this is probably the second best. There are those who would argue that Goblet of Fire is better, but my impression of that volume is that it's overlong. What I like about Half-Blood Prince is that it presents some humorous romantic entanglements while at the same time offering unexpected surprises and setting you up for the final book in the series. And let me say also that I don't think you should read Half-Blood Prince until you have read the five books that precede it. It's not that you won't understand the story or be absorbed by some of the most well-defined characters in fiction. It's just that following Harry on his journey from day one is far better than meeting him at the age of 16 and then later learning his back story. If you, like me, have already read the entire series, then you have a decision to make. Do you want to re-read the book, so that you can better determine what has been left out of the movie, or do you want to try and forget the book so that you can enjoy the movie on its own terms? I have no recommendation either way, other than to say that books are almsot always better than the films that are made from them and the Harry Potter books are no exception. Jim Herrin [...]

It's been years since I've read this book and it's still as captivating as when I first received it. SPOILERS! It's infuriating to know there were 8 movies and the origin story of Voldemort was barely mentioned. It's so pivotal to the plot and interesting that honestly it deserves a movie of its own. Books truly are better than the movies.

As I wrote before: I just love all Harry Potter books, they are very engaging and beautifully written. Plenty of details describing characters and the magical world, which combined with Rowling's sense of humor make these books a masterpiece. I'd say easy to read even for a 4th. Grader, but at the same time people from any age will enjoy them. Please let me put them this way: I first watched the movies and I loved them, then I read the books and now I am disappointed about the movies. There is so much detail, important facts, and character development that the movies don't show which makes reading the books a must. Won't be disappointed about the books.

Amazing book. Amazing series. I've seen the movies a hundred times but am only just now getting to the books as an adult. The fact that I'm reading the story after watching the movies does not take away from the incredible world and story and adventure that J.K. has created! Can't wait to read the next and final book... However there is that sadness that comes with knowing the story will end. But I'll still read it. I am hooked for life and will probably reread them 100 times before I die. Thank you J.K. for sharing your immense and incredible imagination with us. You have brought me so much joy, laughter and much more!