Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling.

The seventh and final book in the Harry Potter series.

I came to this book straight from the 6th volume. While I had enjoyed the 6th book (The Half Blood Prince) I had come away with a certain unsatisfied feeling. The 7th book however carries the story on almost straight from where the last left off. This book is very different with the threads sown in all of the other stories pulled together. It moves at a fairly cracking pace to begin with and then seems to slow with some jolts and quickening of the pace at times one does not expect. Potter fans will not be disappointed (although true potter fans will have already read this volume). Having read three of the books so close to each other I have really got into the story. I won't spoil it for you but the ending is dramatic and leaves it open for further stories? I will let you decide, however JK has made it clear that this is her last outing for the boy wizard now that he is an adult. Who knows but I am sure that there will be further tales (not all from China) of Harry Potter in the adult world. Now that is a scary thought..... I am giving it a 7/10.

JB

The seventh book in the Harry Potter series is around the longest and deepest book of them all. After being transported from Privit Drive to The Burrow by The Order of the Phoenix, Harry does not go back to Hogwarts. During Bill and Fleurs wedding Voldemort takes over the Ministry making Harry Ron and Hermione flee and go into hiding. But they can't stay in hiding for long. Harry has a mission to destroy the Horcruxes and defeat Voldemort. But another story has stepped out in front of them. The Deathly Hallows. I found this book really enjoying and though there were 600 odd pages in the book, I finished it in three days which was quite an accomplishment. (This was during our holiday in France where I managed to finish six books.) This book will also be made into two separate films unlike all the rest of the books that were just one film. This just proves how deep it is. I am giving it 9/10.

MB

Overall 8/10

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling

6th book in the Harry Potter series.

I have read this one before Matthew. The style as usual is comfortable and the story is a great yarn. For me the problem is that we expect more each time. I felt the story just went along with no excitement or surprises in it. This is a problem for authors who have to produce the goods with something more exciting and more enthralling each time. This is not to say this is a bad book as the style is good and the interest is maintained. It is not the best one that J K has written and in a way I feel that she was correct in deciding to limit the number of books that she writes about Harry Potter. The ending again was no surprise as again the publicity when the book first came out ensured that within days we all knew who died and when. This is good Harry Potter fair. We are witnessing the child becoming a man and the problems that adolescence brings with emotional pain and confusion. As an adult I remember the issues raised in the book and understand the confusion and the conflict within. I am sure kids of the same age as Harry will also understand and perhaps take comfort. I give this a 7 out of 10

JB

Harry Potter starts his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizadary. This year many things happen including Snape finally getting the Defence Against the Dark Arts post at Hogwarts and Dumbledore taking a more active role in his education. Harry learns a lot more about Voldemort than he has in the last five years and also goes with Dumbledore on a secret mission that will help destory The Dark Lord. I like J.K Rowlings style of writing and how the characters and scenes are set. I give this book 8/10.

MB

Overall 7.5/10

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Fifth book in the Harry Potter series.

I enjoyed this book as much as have enjoyed all the rest of the Harry Potter books. Harry Potter just turned fifteen is now multitasking at school. Revising and doing homework before exams and mentally fighting his new defence against the dark arts teacher, 'Professor Umbridge,' who works for the Ministry of Magic. To top this all off, Dumbledore is ignoring him. Eventually 'Umbridge' becomes so powerful in the school that she and the Minister of Magic attempt to arrest Dumbledore. They fail miserably. Dumbledore flees leaving Hogwarts in the hands of Umbridge. Harry then goes to the Ministry of Magic to attempt to rescue his Godfather, Sirius Black. He then realises Voldermort has tricked him into getting caught in the Ministry of Magic. I found this book funny and kept me on the edge of my seat although the writing was very small and there were 766 pages. Overall, I give it 9/10.

MB


I did enjoy this story. J K Rowling is not known for her literary genius however the story she weaves leads you through so many mixed emotions. The books in the series continue to get thicker and thicker and this is a large book and quite daunting. Since reading the book I have seen the film which again was enjoyable. I have to admit though I do find the books far more satisfying and the descriptions are good and the emotion that comes across on the page gets you fully involved in the story. It is also interesting that JK manages to get the fact that Harry is growing up across and we have a more mature Harry battling he who must not be mentioned. I recommend this book and the series. I give this a 7/10

JB

Overall 8/10