A book critique on JK Rowling's Lastest Harry Potter installment.

Synopsis:

Dumbledore visits Harry at the Dursleys and as usual, makes an impression. After spending summer at the Weasleys, school starts up at Hogwarts but even there, the kids feel the growing presence of Voldemort.

There’s a lot going on. Draco is up to no good in the Room of Requirement, Ron starts seeing Lavender Brown, Harry starts taking private lessons with Dumbledore, Snape is made Defense Against the Darks teacher (that should tell you something there) and Harry acquires an Advanced Potions making book with helpful hints in it from the Half-Blood Prince.

Dumbledore’s lessons will intrigue you as you learn what he knows about Lord Voldemort. One of the final lessons involving Horcruxes will give new meaning to Voldemort’s evil and will tie in earlier books well.

Toward the end of the school year, Dumbledore takes Harry to find a Horcrux. When they return to Hogsmede, they find the Dark Mark over Hogwarts. Malfoy has let Death Eaters and a werewolf into the school!

A weakened Dumbledore and Harry fly on brooms to the school, but it’s too late. Malfoy’s mission is accomplished while Snape not only reveals himself as the Half-Blood Prince, he murders Dumbledore in cold blood before Harry’s eyes.

CHARACTERS:

Harry is less dark in this one than book five. He’s worried about N.E.W.T.’s and Quidditch, but he doesn’t get bogged down. He’s discovering love with Ginny, but he’s still a tad bit lazy, taking advantage of the Half-Blood Prince’s notes. He’s still brave and heroic and despite all his hardships, he perseveres.

Dumbledore is incredibly likeable in this one and Rowling has you guessing about Snape until the very end. The supporting cast, as usual, is well balanced. All the characters are rich, lively, and fun to read.

PLOT AND PACING

The plot is well thought out and there are enough twists and turns to leave the reader guessing until the very end. Just when you think Harry is far off base, you learn he’d not.

Pacing was good. It would slow down, give you a breather, and then pick back up. Honestly, it was hard to put the book down.

DIALOGUE

Sharp, easy to read, and realistic.

DESCRIPTIONS

Rowling gives you enough to picture the basics your head, but doesn’t weigh the reader down with bulky or lengthy descriptions. Thanks to the movies, its easy to picture Rowling’s world.

THOUGHTS AND IMPRESSIONS

Book Six does a lot to tie in the earlier books and it was nice to see everything come together. Rowling blends human emotion and fantasy well and that’s what really holds me as a reader. I also loved the fantasy stuff, Dumbledore’s lessons and the explanation about the Horcruxes. The mystery of the Half-Blood Prince had me guessing until the end. Excellent read!