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Customer Reviews
Harry Potter 6 ,21/10/2007
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
By J.K. Rowling
This is a book that shows a mystery of why Harry is learning about Voldemort. Why do people keep dying? Why does Dumbledore have a black hand?
In the story Harry is called the Chosen One. He is called that because he is supposed to be the one who kills Voldemort. He also learning about Voldemort's past. Voldemort is a lot like Harry in a couple ways. Both of the parents died. There uncles are rude. They both went to Hogwarts.
Voldemort changed from handsome to well, ugly. He can talk Parselmouth like Harry. Voldemort's past is pretty bad. Voldemort lived in an orphanage. His mother died a few minutes after he was born.
I would recommend this book because it is a very good mystery. Will Harry die? Will Voldemort die? Is anybody going to die?
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Another Great Book in the Series ,25/06/2008
Nothing I can say more that hasn't been said alrady. Highly recommend. A must read in the series.
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A great book! ,25/09/2007
This book will be something to be read for generations. I put this series somewhere between Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings for greatest series of books of all time. This particular book is mostly an introduction to the final book in the series, "The Deathly Hallows". It is a self contained plot but leaves much to the next book to finish. I highly recommend the entire series.
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Potter contines ,17/06/2008
Slow, slow, slow........That's what this book is, If it hadn't been next in line, I probably wouldn't have read it. Probably the worst of all the books.
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The Best Yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ,21/07/2007
This was my favorite so far of the Harry Potter series. I thought it was the most different. It didn't seem to have as much of the nail biting scary parts, but it explained a lot about the characters. I don't want to give away too much about this book, but I really enjoyed going in the pensieve and learing about Tom Riddle and how he grew up and when he attended Hogworts. The new love affairs were surprising! Also the character twists were exciting! I'm going this afternoon to get The Deathly Hollows. I can't wait to read it after reading The Half-Blood Prince!!
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ,11/06/2008
I paid for, but never received this book from the seller. I have contacted them 3 times during the past 6 weeks with no reply. Stay away from this seller!
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WONDERFUL BOOK! ,28/07/2007
I just finished "Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince" few weeks ago, and I have to admit that I enjoyed this book immensely. It's the best one so far, in my opinion, in the series, because it held my interest to the very end and has actually made me cry as death and pain were inevitable in this book. The book opened with the contact between Muggle and Magical Ministry. They were discussing about the return of Lord Voldermort and his fellows, Death Eaters, and how to prevent the deadly destructions that had been happening in both Muggle and Magical World. As things were getting darker and darker in this year, lots of interesting things are going on around Harry. He had to deal with his Apparating lessons, the N.E.W.T. levels, the captaincy of Quidditch, the attempts to know what Malfoy was up to, the romance between him and Ginny, and (at last) the romantic arguments between Ron and Hermione. Though this book surely would take your tears with an unexpected death of one of your most favorite characters, it would sometimes makes you laugh out loud by delivering many hilarious scenes with "Won-won" and serve as a hint to the possible romance between Hermione and Ron. The parts I enjoyed so much are involved with Pensieve, when Harry and Dumbledore were exploring and witnessing the significant memory of his enemy, Lord Voldermort. These memories helped me to have a better guess of L. Voldermort's destiny and what would happen in the last book. Since this book particularly addressed Snape, the Half-blood prince, it revealed many important secrecies of him, but there were still many more remained mysterious. For example, Why Snape, whom Dumbledore had been long trusted despite the fact that he was once a loyal Death Eater, killed Dumbledore without mercy at the end? However, I still do not believe that Dumbledore was actually dead, but it was a set-up, which Dumbledore ordered Snape to fake his death. How could Snape make an unbreakable vow with Narissca to
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A Terrific read for Moms and Young adults ,23/07/2007
I finished reading the Order of the Phoenix and then my 12 year old son gave me the Half-Blood Prince. As with Phoenix I inherited this book after he had shared his copy with his friends. In my opinion, I still think Goblet Of Fire is better than Order of the Phoenix and this book. I found some of the plots that did not link well together. Fudge visit to the prime minister didn't seem to close very well. There were others but since there are numerous synopses I won't clutter up the page with more print. Still I thought it was a wonderful story and it kept my interest. I'm sure it will be 6 or 8 months before Deadly Hollows migrates its way down to me. I'm sure Ms. Rowling will create another blockbuster.
Back in the USA there is a young adult novel entitled Tommytown by Robert L. Saunders that I highly recommend. The novel is based on real people living in sheer poverty during the 1950's and is told through the eyes of 11-year-old Barry Foreman as he watches his mother, Helen struggle to survive living in sheer poverty with 7 children. Sorry, no sorcerer is going to show up and wave a magic wand and make Helen's troubles go away. Its not gloom and doom as the author ensures there is a mix of humor and a light-hearted spirit among the brothers and sisters. If you are looking for a refreshing tale that centers on young adults and their perseverance to endure hardship and verbal scorn. Check it out you won't be disappointed. So long.
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The plot thickens... ,12/02/2008
I write this now, having finished the series and am, to this day, mourning the loss of my adopted children Harry, Ron and Hermione and the gang! (That's not a spoiler folks). JK Rowling is a GENIUS...the complexity of this world, the clever, subtle undercurrents, themes and references are just overwhelmingly impressive. I know all good things must come to an end, but I sure miss the gang!
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Rowling Returns to Top Form in Penultimate Harry ,14/07/2007
On her website, J.K. Rowling responded to a rumor that there will be Harry Potter prequels by writing, "Too much Star Wars will do that to a person." Come now, Ms. Rowling ... You can never have too much love, money, or Star Wars in your life.
But the fact of the matter is, between the pensieve / occlumancy flashbacks in books four, five, and now six of the Harry Potter series, there aren't many backstories left for her to tell. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the richest in flashbacks of her books, and these journeys into the past constitute the highlights of Rowling's second-best Potter book.
This is, I guess, one of the "big" books in the series, but unlike the previous two installments, every page and part is spellbindingly justified here. By now, with book seven just on the horizon, most of you already know this story, but for those few whom I have left to convert (and you know who you are, all twenty-six of you hairy-chested, Cro-magnon, monkey-imitating rubes), here's the general idea:
Dumbledore enlists Harry's personal help in uncovering the source of Volemort's seeming immortality as together they seek a way to destroy him. Along the way, Harry will captain his Quidditch team, endure another loss and betrayal, and finally find someone to love. And, oh yeah, you just won't believe who's teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year ...
Addendum to the review: The first chapter alone is worth the price of the book. What Rowling did to the press in the form of Rita Skeeter in book four, she now does for politics in general with her delicious portrayal of a fallen Cornelius Fudge. Oh, but we've been waiting for him to get what's comin' to him ... sooooo good ....
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Best audiobook experience there is. ,28/12/2007
... I want to resist reviewing the book, as so many have, and just say something about the audio experience.
... Jim Dale is one of the best voice actors I've ever listened to and he brought the books to life an a way that reading could never do. I like reading, but it's really incredible to have someone put a different voice to every character, displaying the emotions and tone of the interactions.
... They are a really phenomenal experience, and I've listened to them over again and again.
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The Tide Turns....a "Stinker" from JK ,15/07/2007
If you read the beginning paragraph of Book One...and then go to the last paragraph of Book Six, i.e. this one....you will see how much...and how little JK has grown as an authoress.
Her first book starts off with a child-like opening....
Now...it's death on all sides.
At first, it was written as a "children's book."
Then it became a book for "older" children.
Now it's for "young adults", according to JK.
She always proclaims to have had the groundwork and ending formed in her mind...and on paper..."from the beginning."
Baloney. Hogwash. Hogwarts....whatever.
The story is changing as she writes it.
I will admit ... she is getting better and better as an authoresss.
It's her storyline planning that stinks.
Book One is simple and innocent.
Book Five was intricate and complex (I guess JK "changed her mind" about who she was writing to as... she saw that what she was wrting...and how she was writing it was changing as well...).
Book Six is THE FIRST BOOK THAT DID NOT EXCEED IT'S PREDECESSOR, BOTH IN QUANTITY AND QUALITY....that is, if you're looking for a book for "young adults."
"Children" couldn't even begin to understand the current Harry Potter and Harry Poter book.
This job, Book Six, was rushed. Many topics that were previously fantastically described and developed were simply "dropped" from the story line, i.e. Quidditch, Hogsmeade, the Weasley's parents, Harry's parents, the Dursleys and Dudley, Cho Chang, the Chamber of Secrects, Moaning Myrtle, Harry's House that he inherited from Sirius,etc.... as JK hurriedly and briefly tried to invent new ideas, i.e. horcruces, inferi, etc. to provide some tie-together for the final book.
As proof of the lack of "alleged planning"...
The series first came out with each Book being individually named.
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My favorite book in the series! ,02/08/2007
I'm such a fan of Harry Potter that it's hard to say why this is my favorite book. I guess because it's so honest, emotional, and it cuts deep. It closes doors while opening even more windows. It is a book that will always stay with you. I almost can't bear to see the movie because there's no way it'll live up to my high expectations.
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Great way to read a book, again and again ,03/07/2007
I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I have used the books as novels in my class. The earlier books, are easier reads for my students, but with the use of the audio tapes/CD's, we can go over any parts that are difficult to understand or play an important role in the story. DUmbledore's hand being burnt in the Half-Blood Prince is an important part of the story, and with the CD's you can't really skip forward to how it happened. I now have an hour commute to work, and listening to the story really helps.
Great book
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Harry Potter books ,25/01/2008
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6)Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
Both of these books i order and they came in quick and in great condition as well.
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the first stumble ,13/06/2007
This book in the wonderful Harry Potter series is the first I have not read several times -- or even twice. Why not, I wonder? There are no new intriguing characters -- a common characteristic of all previous books. And Dumbledore, taking center stage, is rather a bore -- he was wonderful as a presence on the outside, but, like a superb character actor given a lead, he's just in the wrong spot. SPOILER ALERT, stop here if you haven't yet read it.
Bothersome too is the C.S.Lewis-like martyr conclusion: as if this is Narnia. Most intriguing is the potential legacy of Sirius's brother, and maybe that seeds neat unfoldings in the final book. We will see.
This book is recommended, simply because it is Harry Potter and all Harry Potter deserves to be read. But it is the weakest in the series.
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ,09/10/2007
This was by far the best of all the books I loved it and read it in 2 days I couldn't put it down.
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Brought this on vacation, and it became my vacation! ,15/06/2007
Wow! I'm 21 and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince evoked emotions in me I had never experienced in a book! This is the most adult-themed book of the entire series and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of it. Yes, it was dark and forboding and sad, but really, that's how life can become as we get older anyway. Harry and all the other kids grow up so much in these 700+ pages and it's a real joy to be able to relate to them on a new level now.
Btw, I brought this book with me on vacation as something to read on the way there and back. Well...I read this in the car there, on every 5 minute trip to a restaurant, in the hotel room, on the beach... I couldn't put it down! Great great book!!!
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Best Yet, and My Favorite of the Series ,24/07/2007
I was hard-pressed to decide if the fourth, fifth, or sixth book has been my favorite of the series so far. "Goblet of Fire" is my favorite of the films, with a great storyline, so I have a fondness for it in that respect. "Order of the Phoenix" was certainly gripping, though Harry is almost unbearable in it. I wondered at times if he was channeling a pouty "Attack of the Clones" Hayden Christensen and if Rowling had worn out her Caps Lock key while writing that book. Granted, Harry's behavior is understandable with all that has happened (who WASN'T angry at the world 15)? And despite his teenage angst, the storyline was fantastic (especially anything involving the Pensieve) and the many laugh-out-loud scenes - mostly provided by the Weasley twins - help to balance the book.
Many have criticized the slower pace, lengthy backstory, and keeping "The Half-Blood Prince" set mostly at Hogwarts. We know that graver things lie ahead for Harry even before the book ends; I at least feel he deserves a year a Hogwarts, the first place known as a true "home," to enjoy friends, his Quidditch captaincy, and (at last) love. Finally he seems more at home in his school and own skin. The attempts to Apparate into a wooden hoop illustrate that there is still much that he and his classmates have to learn.
Reading along, I was reminded that they are, all gifts and magical capabilities aside, simply a group of teenagers. I am a high school teacher and amazed at how Rowling hits the nail on the head, again and again, of what it is like to be in the company of teens in an academic setting all day. The lessons may involve how to perform magical spells and a world entirely not our own, but the behavior is universal. Sports, friendship, rivalries, loyalties, and the blunders (and triumphs) of love take center stage. Won-Won's first "love" (or is it?) provides most of the humor.
The story of Lord Voldemort's youth, and rise to power, is recounted in a
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Wonderful ,13/08/2007
I have read each and every one of the Harry Potter books. This one as with the rest continued to draw you into the world of Harry Potter and his friends with ease. You will feel like you are there with them on their journeys.
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Whew! ,27/07/2007
Lots of interesting things are going, and growing, on: serious magic like Apparating, the N.E.W.T. levels, Harry acquiring a forceful, even nasty, edge, the boy-girl problems. Rowlings's word and name inventions always seem just so right, although I think the kids would die before uttering some of the Muggle words she puts in their mouths. Where did Harry learn to swim? But I found this story strangely lacking in tension, or anxiety in the reader over the outcome, despite the ominous return of He-Who..., Snape glaring, and daily killings reported in the newspaper. Sure, Malfoy is up to something evil, but like so much else, he's mostly doing it off-stage.
Rowling's magickings are so marvelous, I hate to wonder from where comes the energy to power all the spells and transports? Things just happen or go boom, but there's no visible cost to them, or somewhere in Muggle land, right? You do have to buy wands, robes and ingredients for Potions, but spells don't seem to cost muscles, brain cells, or wakefulness. Unlike serious SF/Fantasy, maybe Rowling expects kids to pay no mind to costs.
It is long in coming, but eventually we again see the events of Books 1 & 2 in still another revealing light. Dumbledore is central here, as finally we penetrate into his memories--but are there additional layers yet to come there, too?
These stories are making me smarter: I scoped out the deal with dear Malfoy at Hogwarts long before Potter did. I love the way director David Saylor's crew use different typefaces for the letters, poems, and broadsides scattered throughout these stories. Have you noticed the publishing history of Harry Potter? For the American edition, they've switched from small New England printers to giant R. R. Donnelly, producers of immense runs of catalogues and Yellow Pages. While the same typeface is used for text throughout, part of an artful package, for the huge Order of the Phoenix point size was reduced from 12 to 11.
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Harry Potter book 6 ,26/09/2007
Great book!!!
Highly recommended book, however it is not for kids. It is for young adults and up.
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Really good, but more of a set-up for Book 7 ,20/02/2008
Boy am I glad I didn't start this series until all seven books were written! If I didn't have Deathly Hallows sitting on the bookshelf when I finished this book, I'd have chewed my fingernails right off!
Who is the Half-Blood Prince? You'll find out. I was actually thinking it was someone else, so the plot twist was a nice surprise, even if it meant re-thinking one of my favorite characters, although I'm still not sure what to think (which is why I am glad to already be 50 pages into Book 7).
This book is definitely darker and more serious than the previous one, which was darker than the one before. It provides yet more of the background we need to truly understand, along with Harry, just what he's up against in Voldemort and just how important his role is. This is such a credit to JK Rowling as she writes to an older and older audience each time and definitely does not write down to them.
However, the ending, which is quite shocking, raised lots and lots of questions, and so almost felt like a teaser for the next book, which is annoying enough (in a GOOD way, mind you) when you have the next book on the shelf, but I can only imagine how all you poor folks felt who read this when it first came out!
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Better & Better ,13/08/2007
"Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince" was a tremendously satisfying reading experience. Rowling sets up the adventure; and I sat up night after night trying to read just one more chapter before turning out the light and heading to bed. I think when I started dreaming Harry Potter, I realized how involved with the book I became. I think this is an excellent puzzle novel. It's different from the first five because Harry never does anything here that makes him the center of adulation. The Quidditch team wins without him. He seeks an answer to Draco Malfoy's secret, only to find out when it's too late. While his presumptions about Snape and Malfoy prove more accurate than Dumbledore's, Harry is never congratulated for these. The entire adventure with Dumbledore at the lake occurs without Harry releasing the details or receiving acclaim as a result. In the final fight at Hogwarts, he defeats a Death Eater, but is not credited. This is different from the first five books in which each of Harry's escapades brings him notoriety. I found this book thoroughly gripping and well written. Rowling and the Harry Potter series is getting better and better with each book. Amazing! Bravo!
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) ,04/09/2007
It was a great book. It was definitely worth the buy. One of JK Rowling's best work. Another great book in this awesome Harry Potter series. Dont hesitate and buy your copy today. You will not regret it.
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It's Always Darkest Just Before Things Fall Apart ,12/08/2007
I apologize for taking a year to get around to reading and reviewing this book, but the flood of early spoilers was so overwhelming that I decided to wait until I had forgotten most of them. And I was hoping that the satanic conspiracy folks would either wear themselves out or give up and join covens and let those of us who love fantasy get on with out lives. The Half Blood Prince has causes of it's own, but none of them include worshipping the devil or corrupting children. Much like Tolkein's efforts, these books have a strong, underlying ethos. We could do a lot worse than live in a world filled with Harrys, Hermiones, and Rons.
No doubt about it, to me this is a wonderful book -- But then, I am yet another wizard-loving liberal. Like all the other books in this series, it does what it sets out to do - fascinate, charm, and even alarm. What sets Rowling apart for adults is the tremendous compassion she shows for her characters. We laugh at their antics and choke up at their worst misfortunes. Delicately, slowly, Rowling has taken us out from a light-filled world of wizard children, and now we come up close and personal with the dark forces that threaten everyone. The Half-Blood Prince has few light moments as Harry starts to learn the truths that have been kept from him and begins his quest for the means to stop Voldemort permanently.
For us, this is a last look at Hogwarts as we have come to love it. As Voldemort's strength builds the school will become the scene of increasing and climactic conflict - not a safe haven. I can't say that these were ever simply children's books, but these last are written for those who can accept tragedy and loss - the battle for wizardry will have many more casualties than broken wands. Rowland manages this so well that the hardest lessons are easily absorbed. All of us, child and adult, take up the same courage that Harry and his friends display, knowing that, if we persevere all will be wel
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Best book Around ,25/01/2008
The book is Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling. She did a fantastic job on this book. Harry is back and better than he was before. The main conflict is the growing threat of Lord Voldemort and his followers. Harry, now known as the "Chosen One", begins his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Love is around for the new installment, as Harry and Ron begin to express their feelings to those around them. Ron begins a relationship with Lavender Brown while Harry begins to show signs of liking Ginny. Harry finds a mysterious potions book during class that helps him achieve better potions grades. Soon the fight comes to Hogwarts and a sacrifice will change Harry's life forever.
This book is good because of the way it keeps readers on edge. The mood it creates is tense and suspenseful, which will make readers gasp and keep them from putting down this book. After this book, people would want purchase the other Harry Potter books. The guarantee is that no one would ever just think of this masterpiece as another of the same material. This book is worth the money.
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More of the same.... ,18/03/2008
But I want more!!!!!!
Being in my late 30's, I enjoy these books as if I was 10.
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Amazing - it keeps getting better! ,14/06/2008
It really does keep getting better - every new book becomes my new favorite. Favorite scene: Felix Felicis/Slughorn/Harry gets the memory. And of course the kiss. And the cave. And pretty much the whole book. The death scene was the most devastating thing I have ever read. You really become emotionally invested in the characters. For the first time ever, I started re-reading the book immediately after speed-reading it (at midnight when it was released). Read it!!
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OK, but not great ,23/03/2008
I was rather dissapointed with this book. Yes, the book is OK, and some might find it even interesting. I liked it enough to finish the reading but it wasn't a quick read. The biggest problem with Half-Blood Prince is that it is way to long. It would be much more interesting if it had just 250 pages instead of 600. This book is not worth all the hype that has been created around it. I say it is mostly the effect of smart marketing. Once again, the bok is OK, but absolutely not great. Three stars is all that it is worth.
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YES I CRIED!!! ,19/10/2007
This book was soo good. They have all been great, but this one really got to me. Once you are this far in the series you feel like you know the characters, and I have to say this book touched me, had me laughing and crying. The events that unfold have you turning every page dying for more. I believe once you get past book 3 the story stops being just for kids. This book was an emotional rollar-coaster, and yes I cried!!! I know it sounds insane to get so into a book, but I must say when you get this immersed in a story it shows that the author knows what she is doing. Cheers to Rowling...she has earned a place up there with Tolkien in my opinion!
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Got to love Harry! ,28/08/2007
I am not a die hard Harry Potter fan, like my sister, but I really enjoyed reading this book. It was hard to put it down. I found myself wondering was was going to happen next and before you know it I was picking up the book again to keep reading. I read every spare moment I had and they are very few with having 3 children and all our pets. I recommend reading this and all the Harry Potter books before you see the movie.
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Know your enemy ,25/09/2008
A basic battle tactic is to know your enemy. That' just what Harry has to do, learn about Voldemort. Why is he evil? Is Voldemort his real name? What is his connection to Harry and Dumbledore? All of these questions and more are revealed in this, my favorite book in the series.
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Another winner in the series, filled with courage & poignancy ,19/08/2007
HP & the Half-Blood Prince is another well-told tale, and we see the main characters being developed in greater depth, and more background being given [about time] about Lord Voldemort's beginnings and motivations.
Harry, Ron & Hermione return for their sixth year at Hogwarts...but things have changed...Lord Voldemort's return has finally been acknowledged by the Ministry of Magic, and Cornelius Fudge [the previous minister] has been sacked, replaced by Rufus Scrimgeour, an Auror. There is a new Potions master, Professor Slughorn, and Snape has finally been appointed to the coveted Defense Against the Dark Arts position, to Harry's consternation.
This book also finds Harry and his mentor Dumbledore getting closer, and forging a more meaningful friendship...Dumbledore gives Harry private lessons that allows a glimpse into Voldemort's background which is crucial to undertanding You-Know-Who's motivations.
Harry, Ron & Hermione experience the pangs of adolescent romance, and this is handled in such a gentle and poignant manner as to appear wholly credible, making the characters very real in our minds. Draco Malfoy, who in previous novels was portrayed as merely an annoying presence, gets more exposure here, and his character turns out to be very important to the plot in this novel.
And then of course there is Severus Snape, whose loyalty has been in question from the very beginning - is he merely Dumbledore's loyal assistant, or a Death Eater, or a double agent? These questions are answered in some measure in this book, but the final answer is to be found in Book 7.
This is the final book in which much of the action takes place in Hogwarts, and that is sad...in Book 7, Hogwarts is no longer the focus of the story...but I digress. HP & the Half-Blood Prince is filled with great stroytelling, the plot unfolds slowly but surely, and with the various sub-plots, keeps the reader plowing through the pages till
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Harry Potter (hardcover) - Excellent ,19/04/2008
The item arrived in a timely manner and was in excellent condition. I'm most pleased.
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A wonderful series ,25/01/2008
A lot has already been said about this book & I just wanted to give it the 5 stars I feel it's due. The Harry Potter series has become so famous it's just amazing. People young & old going bonkers for books! I love it! She created something special & magical. She had to end her series somehow & she tied things up rather nicely. I think she could continue this story if she wanted to but that's all I'll say in case you haven't read the book. Go out & get yourself a copy. Sit down & get lost in the pages! It's way better than TV any day of the week!
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I loved this book. ,15/09/2008
I spent my entire day reading this book. AMAZING! I read often, but have never experienced the obsession I have with reading the Harry Potter books. I started over the summer and as the books are getting longer, my reading is getting faster. I highly recommend that everyone reads these books! I can hardly wait to start the 7th one.....
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my review ,24/09/2007
The 6th harry potter book in my opinion is one of the best. I have read it three times. It starts the beginning of the end and is a very good transitional book. Rowling is masterful in the way she transitions from one thing to another and writes another masterpiece with harry potter and the half-blood prince
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Perfection...... ,12/03/2008
In the conclusion, when Harry and Dumbledore are in such peril, listening to Jim Dale's narration brings chills, it is so affecting. I heartily recommend it.
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Filler not killer book....until the very end ,24/08/2008
Overall:
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2.5 stars -- The story is weak exposition (for the most part) filling in holes in the plot / milieu that needed to be filled before the conclusion of the series to satisfy the Harry Potter fan base. The concept of Horcruxes is not new to the fantasy setting (many authors have used them before with wide circulation in the D&D realm for Liches). The death of Dumbledore is expected not the exact method of it. The milieu is getting dark but does not quite feel right for where I would have taken the story.
Characters:
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The use of the Pensieve for background development is a nice trick but seems to be used a bit much in the story. You could have just had Dumbledore explain things which would have worked just a well. The background of Tom Riddle is interesting but you quickly see how evil he is...did not need to belabour it as much as was done. Harry is growing a bit but is still emotionally stunted compared to the other characters; I am not sure why this annoys me so much when I reading the books. I guess I would like to see the characters learn from their mistakes instead of repeating them all the time.
Ron and Hermeine are clearly going to work out in the next book as are Ginny and Harry.
Snape is done very well in the book. The death scene of Dumbledore is done very well with great impact. The depth of Snape character is unmatched by the other characters in the entire story. The underdog role of Snape in the face of constant social pressure and potential lethalness is very well done (inserting a bit from the last book). The anger and betrayal felt in the death scene when Snape kills Dumbledore is well engineered and affective.
Draco: His true character is demonstrated -- a wuss. He is all talk and no show. I know JKR is going for redemption for him but he could really have had it. Draco only realizes the implications of his actions late in the book a
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Amazing! ,24/05/2008
This audio book was SO much fun to listen to! Jim Dale is truly an amazing actor, and this audio book is great fun to listen to for any age! One day, when I was sick and at home, I listened to it for hours on end, and it never got me bored as most things do. I recommend it for everyone!
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The book was in mint condition ,05/04/2008
The book came in the time promised and it was in great condition . It is great doing business with you.
Barbara Holbrook
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J.K. Rowling is Brilliant ,23/08/2007
Typically I'm not patient enough to read a book from cover to cover, so my wife convinced me to listen to them on a recent trip. We started with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, just before the movie was released, and I was hooked. I immediately went on-line and purchased this book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. I obviously wasn't disappointed. For anyone who thought the last book moved a little too slow, this one moves very fast and has a great deal more action. Jim Dale does a fantastic job telling the story again and conveying every thought and feeling the characters experience. By the way, we also purchased Book 7 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows...what an AMAZING finish...that's why I believe J.K. Rowling is truly brilliant!
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A deluxe edition of a cliffhanger of a book! ,29/06/2007
Simply put, the Deluxe Edition of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is worth every penny for the avid collector. If you want to enjoy a good read, I'd recommend the ten dollar paperback. But if you want a piece of the Harry Potter Universe that is a cut above, the Deluxe Edition is the ONLY way to go. I have two of them; one to read, admire and such and the other to keep sealed as a gift for my kids for one day. (This goes for the Order of the Phoenix Deluxe Edition as well.) I highly recommend it.
And of course, while the story remains exactly the same, fantastic new illustrations as well as tried and true ones in any copy by Mary Grandpre' await in this fresh version.
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ,29/08/2007
J.K. Rowling is supreme again as the Harry Potter saga continues. I was glad to listen to this book on CD. The narrator's pleasant presentation brings the story to life.
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The best Harry Potter ,02/07/2007
The scariest, most twisted, and eventful book of the series. A complete knockout. It is extremely powerful and puts you in a dark place when reading it. VERY POWERFUL.
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Another Hit! ,26/07/2007
We loved this book, just like all the others. Can't wait for the next one!
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Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince ,17/10/2007
This book serves as a set up for the final book of the series: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I highly recommend starting at the beginning of the series: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.
Barring that at least watch the movies up to Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix. In Half Blood Prince we learn the secret of Voldemort's power. We get some more back ground on the characters. Harry finds love and there is a major calamity in store for him. A great book but it will make best sense if the reader is familiar with the series. Also, this book was worth reading as it sets up the Deathly Hallow book, making Deathly Hallows much more coherent and enjoyable.
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Mmmmm..... ,13/06/2007
This BOOK is the best of the series yet. It was most enjoyable in the emotional and literary senses, for the death of Dumbledore is not something to ENJOY. It was very sad and I just kept expecting him to jump up and say "It has all been a planned trick, no need to worry go back home the show's over" or you know something like that. Well this IS my first review, and since there are thousands of reviews on this book, I need not say more, just thought I'll contribute the 5 star rating to this well deserved book. Good day, though this nagging feeling in my mind is telling that no one is going to read it anyway.. hee..
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The Epic Harry Potter Year 6 ,10/10/2007
I have not always been a Harry Potter fan until recently. I have all the movies up until Year 4 and all the books including the last one Deathly Hallows year 7. I recommend buying and reading all the Harry Potter books, the excitement and tension truly does not build until this book "The Half Blood Prince" year 6. J.K. Rowlings never ceases to amaze me with her vivid imagination. As I read her books I instantly feel like I am watching the movie and no longer reading. Now I am sure all the true Harry Potter fans saw the latest movie year 5 "The Order of the Phoenix" that catalyzed the journey. I like to thank Amazon.com for keeping all the Harry Potter fans up to date. Stay stuned for the Harry Potter theme park called "Wizarding World" coming to Universal Studios in 2009. I will be the first in line!
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Page turner ,29/01/2008
Slightly disappointed with Rowling's saga, after the relatively boring and story-fatigued "Order of the Phoenix" (OTP), I was truly excited to read "The Half-Blood Prince" (HBP). This book is a turnaround to what seemed to be, in my opinion, an ever winding story.
In HBP, we find a more mature Harry Potter (which was an interesting but frustraing nuance in OTP) in a story with exciting developments:
- Dumbledore's sharing with Harry some "memory snapshots" of Voldemort's past
- A Potions class for which Harry ends up using a used book full of alternative formulas and tips, signed by a mysterious and anonymous "Half-Blood Prince"
- An open-war between the Death Eaters and the Order of the Phoenix (and Ministry of Magic)
- The infamous Draco Malfoy, with less "scenes", but with a mysterious behaviour that obsesses Potter
- Some evolutions in the love scene that put some "spice" into the story
I won't get into more details. This is a must, even for those, like myself, that were slightly disappointed with OTP.
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GREAT!!!! ,21/10/2007
This book really helps to understand where does Lord V comes from and how is Harry and he related. Definetely a good reading for anyone who loves Harry Potter
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Even though I have-- ,11/09/2007
read this book 3 times, it was wonderful to hear the voice I have come to know, Jim Dale, tell this tale in the only way he can. Highly recommend this audio book.
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A bounceback from Book 5 -- scotrstone.com ,24/08/2007
After reading Book 5 in the series, I was a little more cautious going through the latest installment of Harry Potter. I am happy to admit that this book was a lot tighter than Book 5 and one of the better stories in the series. Everyone in the wizarding world is now acknowledging that Voldemort is back -- finally. Hermoine is once again brilliant -- my favorite character by far in the series. We get a lot more background on the Riddle family, and, of course, there is a shocker ending, which I didn't mind, considering there is a war going on. Because the author kills off a major character does not mean you should automatically hate the book, but instead look for solid reasons as to why it was done. There is motive, but it won't be fully revealed until Book 7.
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solid recording ,11/12/2007
I really enjoyed this audiobook version of the half-blood prince. It's great for road trips if you need to pass the time!
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ,29/07/2007
What a wonderful book! I absolutely could not put it down from beginning to end! Rowling does a wonderful job with keeping you on your toes. I also enjoy how she brings in many of the characters from past books that you haven't seen in a while. This is her darkest book, but for those that have followed Harry, it is expected and excellent! :-)
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Customer review #3,485 ,27/07/2007
The Wizarding world may be at war, but within the safety of Hogwarts, the students enjoy a life of peaceful safety where their biggest worries are homework and hormones. After the drama and trauma of Books 4 and 5, The Half Blood Prince provides a bit of welcome respite. There is time for Harry and Dumbledore to explore Voldemort's backstory, time for Harry to fall in love and enjoy one last (relatively) carefree year. But, like the calm in the hurricane's eye, the peace is short-lived and soon the fierce winds of evil and betrayal strike at the very heart of Hogwarts.
I found this to be, without question, the best book in the series so far. Despite its 650+ pages, it is a fast read, and it does an excellent job in setting the stage for the final showdown between Voldemort and Harry. The first chapter of the book, which shows the intersection of the Wizard and Muggle worlds at the political level, is sheer brilliance.
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Came 3 day late. ,25/07/2007
I was dissappointed with the shipping of this item because it would have been faster just to wait until the release date and buy the book at Target.
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Might be my new favorite HP book! ,27/08/2008
I absolutely love this book. It is incredible. I read it the first time and thought it was good, but the second time was amazing. I am really looking forward to the movie!!!!!!!!!!!!
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PLease tell me ther's SOMTHING in here!!! ,05/11/2007
Hello, fellow readers! "opens black case and pulls out a bunch of papers" Today I am giving a review on Harry potter and the half-blood prince. As most of us know, J.K. Rowling is an exelent author, but one book in her world famous series Harry Potter is driving me nuts! "sits in chair and sighs" THat book is Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince. All of Rowling's Harry potter books are amazing, exept for this one. There's no action, no thrill, no drama! But we can all live without drama, can't we. Still, there's too much info, and way less go-go. Readers will find this book boring, becuase the real point of Harry Potter is magic, and in this book, that point isn't too clear. Rowling wrote this book to give information, not action. But no action means no magic, no true fasination! This is what gets readers down. They hope for action and exitment, and what do they get, a boring book giving info on the mystery of Harry Potter. This is intriguing for some, but most are displeased with the lack of fasination. "pulls out a witeboard and draws a pie graph" Now here is the percentage of people who want action. (90) And here is the percentage of people who want info. (5) Here's the percentage of people who don't care. (5) In this book, Rowling set out to please the 5 percent that wanted info, not the 90 percent of the world's population that wanted action. Action! Is that to much to ask?! No, it's not to much to ask. And now, a poem i have written on Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince. Hhmmm...
Harry Potter's a guy,
who's always asking why,
people
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The darkest and most intriguing Potter book I've read yet ,25/09/2007
As I've only just begun book seven, I'll count Half-Blood Prince as my favorite in this series thus far. I figured that I would wait until I've finished the entire series and do a review on the series as a whole, but Rowling truly outdid herself with this volume, so I thought I'd put in my two cents.
When book 7 came out a couple months back, I decided I needed to catch up, having only read up to book 3 (and I didn't want to take the easy route and just go by the movies, which are good, but not to be replacements for Rowling's fine prose.) I gobbled up book 4, which was amazing. Order of the Phoenix, while a good book, took me a bit longer to trudge through, and not just because of its sheer immensity. It seemed to be on a bit of an off-note in comparison to the other Potter books. Dolores Umbridge was a horrendously annoying character, and while she may have been essential to the story, she seemed to be in every other scene and her constant nagging of every single character really started to get on my nerves. Book 5 had plenty of action and detail into the wizarding world, but the "fun" -at least in some ways- seemed to be sucked out of it.
"Prince" gives the series the shock to the heart that it needed, bringing the fun back while managing to still get progressively darker. I found to my delight that this book has some seriously twisted stuff. There were times reading "Prince" that I began to wonder at how young kids must react to some of the goings-on here. I won't give much away, but we have elements such as Harry trying out a spell that turns out to be borderline mutilation, animated corpses that George Romero would envy, and as most have surely had spoiled for them, the death of a very major character. The latter, while I indeed had spoiled for me beforehand, still came as quite a shock and the child in me found myself in denial that it even happened. Her unpredictability in killing off essential characters makes her writi
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A Great Sixth ,30/07/2007
Number 6 of the Harry Potter series was worth the wait, although it did leave a few things for you to learn in Number 7!! Having read all the previous Harry Potter Books makes a big difference, as you know the "people" in this book, before you even start reading it!! The only bad thing about this book is that we are getting too close to the final book, where there will be no more Harry Potter adventures to look forward to.
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Great Book ,13/01/2008
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6)
Great read for us Potter fans! The book was read by several people in just a few days--we didn't come up for air til it was completed!
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Great book! ,13/12/2007
This is a great book, I mean a very good story. You better buy the hard cover edition instead, it will be worth the expense.
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another winner ,29/12/2007
what can I say, the girl can write. Another wonderful book to get kids reading. best for the 10+ age group (depending on reading abliity & kid)
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Wow-Best of the seven books by far! ,08/08/2007
So much happens in this book! There is action from the very first chapter and is very hard to put down. So many twists and turns. If you haven't read the series, watch the movies first--but definately read them. I say watch the movies first because once you read them, they will make the movies seem dull and much is left out. Buy this book!
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Can't say enough ,08/10/2008
My own opinion is that J.K.Rowling is a Gifted author. This entire series of books is so brilliantly written. I think it says volumes that the Harry Potter books and movies have captured children and adults of all ages, all faiths, all nationalities. I think there are never enough books that bring home the message of acceptance, tollerance and standing up for your beliefs and values. I've read them all multiple times and will continue to read them time and time again.
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Murky Past Explained ,02/12/2007
Was a really good page turner. To detail the review would deprive you of the fun of finding out for yourself.
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Harry Potter 6 ,26/08/2007
Another great book in the Harry Potter series... The Loss of one of the Main charcters was a shocker but proved to be the corect thing to do as it helped Drive Harry in the 7th book. True harry Potter Fans need not to read my review justify buying this
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Why Yes, There Is Another One Coming. Why Do You Ask? ,16/07/2007
Things keep turning darker around Harry Potter. Now that there is a new Minister of Magic, everyone finally believes Harry's claim that You Know Who is back. But that doesn't necessarily make life any easier.
The fight against the Dark Lord is progressing poorly. Death is a common occurrence and is affecting many of the students at Hogwarts. Harry is still trying to deal with the pain of loosing his godfather.
But life goes on. With the results of their OWLs back, Harry, Ron, and Hermione face a less full schedule but more homework. Harry has been made Quidditch caption for the Gryffindor House. Romantic entanglements are in the air. And they start learning to Apparate.
Harry gets a boost in his studies from someone called the Half Blood Prince. The notes he's found in this old textbook are making him the star student.
But, as always, trouble is lurking beneath the surface. Dumbledore has requested special lessons with Harry. What will Harry learn? And Harry is sure that Draco is up to something sinister, but he can't get anyone to take him seriously. Is Harry right?
While the first chapter or two offer some recap, this book assumes you are familiar with the universe already. It really is best to start at the beginning before you dive into this book.
The characters continue to develop here, although some of the minor characters don't have as much to do as in previous books. The story moves better then the last book with fewer repetitious scenes.
My problem with this book is the fact that it doesn't really resolve much. It advances the overall story very well. But you can feel the "To be continued" at the end even if it isn't actually written there. That always frustrates me.
The book will please fans and I'm sure it will prove very important in the final book. It just lacked a resolution to anything in the book.
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Snape steps into the spotlight. ,19/06/2008
Finally, a book devoted to everyone's favorite bad guy.
Severus does not disappoint in this book.
Another knock out punch from J.K., The Half Blood Prince, has everything we've come to love about the Potter books.
An amazing story, action, and drama to the extreme, "Prince" doesn't let go until the last page.
Yet another brilliant page turner from Rowling and one of the finest in the series.
Highly recommended.
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Awesome ,09/08/2007
Enjoy a wonderfully exciting piece of literature. Watch the beauty of team work as one young man learns to accept help and trust in his battle against evil. How wonderful.
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harry potter and the half blood prince ,28/06/2007
another exelent book in the harry potter series cant wait till the next book comes out but i have it allready ordered through amazon
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Disappointing downturn in good series - spoilers ,04/11/2007
Up until this book, I loved the Harry Potter series, anxiously waiting each new book's arrival on release day. The first 4 books were wonderful, with engaging characters and settings, wit, and interesting stories. They felt to me like a sophisticated 'Narnia.' The fifth book was also fine, though it could have used some editing.
This sixth book, though, was dreadful. I read it once and tossed it down when it came out in 2005. In light of the release of the seventh and final book, 'Deathly Hallows,' I decided to re-read 'Half-Blood Prince,' and still found it depressing. Where were the editors?
Spoilers ahead.
1. Endless boring exposition. At least Draco was doing something interesting.
2. Badly written, puerile romances. Where was the editorial advice?
Harry got a new girlfriend: his friend Ron's little sister, Ginny, who had barely appeared in the series since the second book. She'd had a personality transplant, and though now obnoxious, was suddenly the most sought-after, perfect girl at school, much like a bad fanfiction stereotype. Suddenly Harry was in love, singing her praises with no preamble.
In the romances, the 17-year-old characters behaved like 11-year-olds: jealous, vengeful, not talking to each other about what was really going on, and dating people they didn't like as substitutes for the ones they did like. Ron, in particular, who up until this book was my favorite character, had me ready to toss him off the top of the Astronomy Tower. When it came to both the girl he was using and to Hermione, he became the cowardly Ron we often saw in the films, rather than the brave young man who faced down the acromantulas in an earlier book. Something that should have been over in two weeks was dragged out to 4-5 months, and he wasn't shown to have learned anything from it. Hermione was not herself and also had several ethical lapses, although she was mostly back to normal by the e
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Good long read. ,17/10/2007
Good story, but dreadfully too much book, not enough content. Rowling was right when she said it should have been edited down by a third. At least kids can say, "Look, see! I read all THAT!"
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Another Harry Potter Success ,26/08/2007
I am not a fan of the series, but many people in the family are, so they make nice gifts. The delivery was spectacular, and the book was way cheaper than in the stores.
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Harry Potter, need I say more? ,07/07/2008
More of a mystery than some of the others, as entertaining as the rest. A must read for anyone who wants to know the whole story (movies are great fun, but the books are the backbone of the tale).
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Good, but too much tell rather than show ,04/06/2008
***relatively minor spoilers below***
Once I got started, I devoured HP and the Half Blood Prince in about a week. This was a nice change from the plodding Order of the Phoenix, which I forced down over the course of several months.
The HBP focuses primarily on the development and evolution of the main characters. There are only a few big events but boy, are they shocking. The final pages throw the ball high into the air, to be caught somewhere in Book 7.
I fault the HBP on two points:
First off, many reviewers have observed that HBP is largely a setup for Deathy Hallows (which I have yet to read). But HBP also spends many pages attempting to wrap up and weave together the events of Books 1-5. Rowling tries to pull it all together-- characters, incidents, items from HP's past-- into one over-arching plotline. At times it feels very strained, and it's evident that Rowling dreamed up most of these explanations and connections far after the time they were originally written.
Secondly, there are, of course, a number of rather astounding twists towards the end. However, unlike in previous volumes, I don't feel that these twists were handled very well. Their explanations seem feeble, half-hearted, and overall unsatisfactory. The twists inevitably result in character assassination of cast members whose reliability served as much of the foundation of previous volumes. The destruction of reliability is a bit too abrupt, and subsequent attempts to patch or explain away this loss feel like a band-aid over a dagger through the heart. Perhaps the Deathly Hallows will help bridge these rifts.
Overall, it's still a very enjoyable, engrossing read. I feel like a young school girl in admitting that intrigue over the various romances prodded me to continue flipping pages. Several scenes and lines made me laugh out loud or smile, always a sign that a reading is time well spent.
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Do regroup here before the final installment! ,12/08/2007
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is great refresher reading before Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7). The Harry Potter saga is replete with a growing cast of characters, spells, and magical items and creatures. Most aren't germane to the plot of the following book, but some are, and it's good to get caught up before launching into the final volume.
Harry is a full-fledged adolescent in this book. He has moved beyond his crush on Cho Chang that went awry to deeper hormonal surges. Having his classmates "snogging" all around him doesn't help. Harry continues to suffer from speaking before thinking, and this gets him into deeper trouble than in the past. Like a typical confused teenager, he pushes away the people who care the most for him and ends up being miserable.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince continues the theme of loss that permeates the series. The first people close to Harry to die were of course his parents, prior to the beginning of the series. As the series progressed, Hogwarts students die, then Harry's newfound godfather Sirius Black in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5).
The question the reader has coming into the book is: "Who is the Half Blood Prince"? Leaving the book, and mentally preparing for the sequel, and last volume in the series, I wondered, "Does Harry have extraordinary magic powers, or does he have average magic powers coupled with persistence, leadership, and teamwork and passion?"
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AMAZING AS USUAL!!! ,08/06/2008
what else can i say that no one else has?- this is a GREAT book like all her others!!!
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Another winner ,17/09/2008
The story continues. . . .Potter is growing into a unique individual with his thoughts and actions. Don't want to give anything away!!
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USUAL OLD RUBBISH ,15/06/2007
I just hate Harry Potter books. When will they just leave us all alone? To see grown adults reading children's books is surely an embarassment. I read a few to my kids and we decided to drop them: same old same old story lines and none of it is true anyway.
YAWN
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A reasonable must have ,11/05/2008
Unlike the complete letdown of the last book in the series this one keeps your attention throughout it. It also sticks to the story line quite well unlike as I said the next book doesn't in it's review.
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ,23/08/2007
I am very happy to be able to get so many used books in such great condition.
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My favorite of the Harry Potter series! ,04/12/2007
Hi Harry Potter readers,
Like many of you, I am a big fan of the magical world that JK Rowling has brought to us avid readers. The series progressed to darker & more difficult literary terrain, culminating in the powerful, yet painful at times, read - Deathly Hallows. I loved that book and it was a great & surprising in some aspects, end to an amazing series. However, Half Blood Prince remains my favorite of the series. It became darker and the stakes grew higher, yet, there were many moments throughout the first two thirds/three quarters of the story that allowed us to just enjoy the world of Harry Potter & his friends at Hogwarts. I found the mystery laced throughout the story of the Half-Blood Prince to be my favorite aspect of the story. It was well-peppered throughout the story, leaving the reader wondering where just where we were being taken - and with all of the books in this series, it provided added depth & complexity to the story and its characters, while at times making us root & cheer and at other times, be shocked & horrified by some of the dark turns.
This book was a truly fine balance of carefree, fun, hopeful, mysterious, and frightening aspects, that left me, the reader, immensely satisfied. As much as JK Rowling has placed us in a magical world like no other, I still relate to the human struggles, foibles, and natural curiosity of its characters. The journeys the characters take, on a deep level are true to life and I for one, feel enriched by having taken this journey along with them.
Rai Aren, co-author of Secret of the Sands
www.secretofthesands.com
"A deep probing mystery riddled with prophecy and danger, Secret of the Sands uses Egypt and her mythology as a backdrop to delve into the meanings of life and religion."
-McNally Robinson
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Harry Potter and the Half-Arsed Plot ,19/05/2008
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (year 6 at Hogwarts) is, unfortunately, the low-point of the series in my opinion. It pains me to say so, as there are some important developments in the story, but it is definitely the weakest book overall. Some reasons why:
First of all, the content of the story can basically be broken down into three main parts: exploring Voldemort's past, introducing the horcrux concept, and the ending sequence involving Dumbledore, Draco Malfoy, and Snape (with a couple of events leading up to it). Besides that, it's mostly Harry "cheating" using a marked-up potions manual, and a whole lot of "romantic" shenanigans between the students. The whole "Half-blood Prince" storyline is both unnecessary and distracting, as is the issue of the new teacher, Slughorn. A lot of the book feels like an ill-advised attempt to make *something* happen in the sixth year, just so that the overall series would fit into the "obligatory" seven-year time line; it could all have happened in a few weeks just as easily as an entire year.
So, laying aside the fact that the whole book is mostly a "set up" for book 7, rather than a story unto itself, there are a couple of things about it that I really like. Both revolve around the development of ambiguously evil characters. First, and most prominently, is the development of Severus Snape, who has always been one of Harry's least favorite people. He also happens to be, in my opinion, one of the most intriguing characters in the entire series. From the beginning of the book (well, the second chapter), we are already faced with the question of where Snape's true loyalties lie, and by the end, we have some drastic "surprises" that illuminate the issue. Although his story is not fully told until book 7, this story is where his character really starts coming to the forefront.
The other part of the story that I really like is the story of Draco Malfoy. Throughout the series,
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Quick transaction. ,02/01/2008
Book came quickly and was used, but in good condition. Would buy from seller again.
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Harry Potter as teacher ,20/07/2007
As a Christian I have heard so many pros and cons about this series. For me the most important thing about these books are that as a teacher of 7th and 8th grader resource students whose reading levels can be as low as kindergarten level, these books have made my children (my students) want not only to hear me read to them, but also to puzzle and work out what is in each one of these books themselves. They wanted to make it their own. The determination in these young adults to read these books by themselves is one of the most amazing metamophisis I have seen in a long time. Kudos to You JK Rawlings and may you write as many more as you like and not any that you don't. I praise you for you imagination and your great insight into children's minds. You have given the world a great gift and special needs children a fantastic, imaginative and wonderful reason to learn. Thank you
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Product rating ,27/08/2007
This was a great read, I have never been so anxious to get to the end of a book to see what happened. I have not read any of the previous books but saw the movies and now I wish I had read them all. After reading this I also bought and read the Deathly Hallows and finished that within a week.
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This is my favorite of all Seven ,12/03/2008
Its been awhile since I've read the Harry Potter books and I've read all seven of them, more than once. I picked this one back up recently since I wanted to readjust myself with the story since the 6th movie will be coming out this fall. Though I love all seven books, this one by far is my favorite. I do have a romantic streak to me and the addition of Harry's love life in this one was a big push in that factor of making it my favorite. There is not as much action in this one as some of the others, but I enjoyed the backstory on Voldemort and the twist at the end.
I loved the couples in this, particularly Harry and his lady love which I had been hoping for since early in the series. I won't post much more in case people read this who don't want to be spoiled who haven't read this book yet! (though I can't imagine that being!)
I am a mom of one and in my 40's, and I love these books. They are not just for kids but for any age. My son and I read the last 2 books together, so it made for quite a treat for us to share in the same excitement together.
I love J.K. Rowling and will miss Harry and his adventures quite a bit, but am glad she gave us 7 great books to reread over and over.
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Intricate ,11/06/2007
Excellent, intricate, absorbing. I love the details. Intelligent writing! Won't say any more as I don't want to provide any spoilers. Suffice it to say, you won't be sorry you read this. Or maybe......
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GOOD POTTER BOOK ,03/09/2007
I Have read them all & this is good but not as good as Order of the Phoenix.
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Brilliant and Very CRUEL! ,07/08/2008
WOW, she really did a great job of getting everyone fired up for book 7. The ending was torture. I don't know if that makes me happy or really angry. I find myself continually amazed at how she created all this in her head and if she knew how things would turn out from the very start.
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must read ,27/08/2007
A really good book. I enjoyed the way J.K Rowling had all the readers grow up with the characters.
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My inquiries, ,19/07/2007
necessarily hasty and perfunctory as I write this review to meet a deadline, have elicited a wealth of information about Joanne Rowling. But first, let me pose you a question: Is Joanne actually concerned about any of us, or does she just want to make mercantalism socially acceptable? After reading this review, you'll unmistakably find it's the latter. I have no problem with the manifestly obvious statement that she is so self-serving, I could waver between the alluring promises of a venom-spouting "new morality" and the sound dictation of my own conscience. I have no problem with the idea that I'd like people who exploit other cultures for self-entertainment to find themselves behind bars, looking out. And I have no problem with the special privileges occasionally granted to maladroit sluggards. What I do have a problem with are her superficial machinations.
I don't know how Joanne can be so impetuous. Still, I recommend you check out some of Joanne's tractates and draw your own conclusions on the matter. Her criticisms of my reviews have never successfully disproved a single fact I ever presented. Instead, Joanne's criticisms are based solely on her emotions and gut reactions. Well, I refuse to get caught up in her "I think ... I believe ... I feel" game. Your guess is as good as mine as to why Joanne wants to leach integrity and honor from our souls. Maybe it's because she plans to combine, in a rare mixture, bestial cruelty and an inconceivable gift for lying. Let me end this review by pointing out that the battle to provide an atmosphere of mutual respect, free from sadism, racism, and all other forms of prejudice and intolerance is now joined on many fronts. We will not waver; we will not tire; we will not falter; and, we will not fail.
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Best of the series ,06/03/2008
This is the best of the seven books in the series. The story was fast pace and exciting. It was difficult to put it down because the author did an excellent job of making me wondering what's going to happen next.
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wow....wow......WOW!! ,02/09/2007
OKAY I HAVE TO ADMIT.. I HAVE BEEN A FAN OF THE HARRY POTTER MOVIES BUT NOT THE BOOKS UNTIL NOW. AFTER WATCHING THE FIFTH MOVIE, THATS WHEN I DECIDED TO READ THIS BOOK. NOW I CANNOT WAIT TIL THE MOVIE COMES OUT. I AM A HUGE HARRY POTTER FAN.. AND I AM GOING TO READ THE 7TH BOOK NEXT WEEK.
SOME THINGS I LOVED ABOUT THIS BOOK:
I LIKED HOW HARRY INTERACTED WITH THE NEW PRIME MINISTER AND HOW HE STOOD HIS GROUND... I ADMIRED THAT.
I LIKED HOW THE BOOK HAS SOME INTERESTING DEVELOPEMENTS.. LIKE A POSSIBLE HARRY / GINNY COUPLING..... I NEVER SUSPECTED THAT.
THE FIGHT AT THE END.... WAS THE MOST THRILLING PART FOR ME, I JUST WANTED TO READ AND READ UNITL THE END.... ALTHOUGH I WAS SAD AT THE END AND I CRIED.
AGAIN..... I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOVIE COMING OUT IN A LITTLE OVER A YEAR FROM NOW..... BASED ON THE BOOK, IT LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BE AN INCREDIBLE MOVIE TO SEE... AND U CAN BET I WILL BE THE FIRST IN LINE TO SEE IT HERE ON GUAM.
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Fabulous yet again! ,17/02/2008
I could not put the book down it was so fascinating throughout the entire book... I just love her books!
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A Fantastic story for the series ,17/08/2007
I have read all of the Harry Potter books, except the latest Deadly Hollows which my 11 year old son is reading now. Maybe in a month after he gets done sharing it with his friends, I'll get my turn. Anyway, in my opinion, I still think Goblet Of Fire is better than Order of the Phoenix and this book. I found some of the plots that did not link well together. Fudge visit to the prime minister didn't seem to close very well. There were others but since there are numerous synopses I won't clutter up the page with more print. Still I thought it was a wonderful story and it kept my interest. Without hesitation I would gladly recommend it to all my friends.
Looking for a challenging young adult book, then check out the gripping novel Tommytown by Robert L. Saunders. This exciting novel is based on real people living in sheer poverty during the 1950's and is told through the eyes of 11-year-old Barry Foreman and his sister Karen as they watch their mother, Helen, struggle to survive with her 7 children. Sorry, no sorcerer is going to show up and wave a magic wand and make Helen's troubles go away. Its not gloom and doom as the author ensures there is a mix of humor and a light-hearted spirit among the brothers and sisters. It's a refreshing, warm tale that centers on young adults adoration for their mother, their perseverance to endure hardship, and verbal scorn . Check it out you won't be disappointed. So long.
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Beyond the Order of the Phoenix Aftertaste ,30/06/2008
This is so far in my opinion the best Harry Potter book, together with the number 3, after the rumbles that the fifth one was, it was really refreshing to see a Harry more focused and centered, the history goes with no annoying moments, and it was one of the quickest to read so far.
OK, more in detail then:
The conflicts between the characters remain, which is great, the bad characters begin to give light that there is something else in them besides the urge to be opposite of being good, an common error in children's books these days, the duality good vs evil, in this book, you see persons with no choice having to do wrong, despite their wishes, a knowledge much harder to grasp for 11-years old, a book for the fans that kept growing.
I haven't read the 7 yet, and am going to keep it at bay for some time, but must say that the ending is really forcing me to find out how the seventh one starts.
Bottom Line:
Great Book, between the 2 best of the Series, great history, great ending, prepare for something shocking, Harry much more mature, Just the title, that has some connection to the book, but to me felt more like the name of a Chapter of instead the name of the book, but go wonder. In the end it certainly made more sense, but still, not enough.
Enjoy a great read.
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Simply devastating. ,06/09/2007
Like Harry, I can't believe he's truly dead. Is he really? Maybe he'll come back in the last book. I just can't imagine it. Surely snape isn't what they say he is? Oh the questions upon questions. Thank goodness I've started reading these after the last book has been published. I'll soon know the end of it all!
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for the young at hesrt ,27/03/2008
harry appeals to grandmas too. i don't think this was as good as the others.
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Half Blood Prince is a Whole Lot of Dazzling ,26/06/2007
For those who frequent my reviews (which would be, hmmmm, none of you), you might notice a common theme in my reasons for not reading certain books. My reasoning is that I anticipate the book will be so good that it will take too much time away from my busy schedule and force me to neglect other things such as, for instance, family, employment, eating, sleeping, and breathing, among other necessary things. Harry Potter books have long since been on this "anticipated good book" blacklist. That is why I had not read Half Blood Prince until last week (June '07). It was easy enough to let Order of the Phoenix overtake my life back then because I had no social life worth mentioning and I was in college, which everyone knows was made for procrastinators. But between books five and six I got married, got a job, and had a beautiful daughter, which all demanded enough attention from me so as to keep me from taking a week off for Harry Potter, good though it may well have been. But then I became a Scoutmaster for a troop of Boy Scouts, and along came Boy Scout camp. Ahhhh, a week where I do nothing while scouts go and earn merit badges. I enthusiastically nabbed a copy of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Were my pre-reading fears of the book being too good to read during a routine week legitimate? Absolutely. I am not a fast reader by any means, but I had Half Blood Prince read and finished in time to finish another book and start yet one more before heading home at the end of the week. How do I add onto what has already been said about Rowling's works? Well, I can't, so I'll just tell my experience. She is amazing (I would say "magical" but that's just too cliche, even though it fits). Each book gets more mature and complicated as it goes, which directly mirrors Harry's own growth into adulthood. Each book works magnificently at its own level, and end to end, in spite of the progress of the storytelling, they still maintain the same style and framework. As the stakes
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Half Prince Delivers Full Entertainment ,23/08/2007
I thorougly enjoyed book 6. Not a wasted page. Chock full of useful information and fun.
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Harry's most dangerous year yet. ,25/06/2007
In "The Order of the Phoenix", the battle against Lord Voldemort burst into the open in spectacular fashion, but now Harry must try to return to what passes as normal in his life and try to focus on his school work. This year, Professor Dumbledore is working one-on-one with Harry, digging into Voldemort's past, looking for clues that will help them defeat the Dark Lord. Meanwhile, Harry is convinced that Malfoy is up to no good at Hogwart's and is determined to prevent him from succeeding in whatever nastiness he's up to. The story builds to a dramatic and unexpected climax (sorry, no spoiler here!), and we're left wondering about the future of Hogwart's and whether Harry will prevail in his mission to stop Voldemort at all costs.
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Getting better ,17/11/2007
Jim Dale is a fabulous reader of the Potter books. He is consistent from book to book and he brings the characters alive. I have heard each book on CD and enjoy them thoroughly. The book itself was very good. There were some annoying story lines, like all of the "snogging" references (they are really superflouous to the story). I think that Rowling struggles with some basic human relational concepts like love and death. I really don't think she knows what she's talking about in either case. Those parts are really weak and sloppy. But, overall, the book was very well written (and read) and sets up the final episode very well.
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Love Harry Potter ,26/06/2007
Okay, I'll be honest and upfront and say that I haven't exactly finished this book. I'm actually writing this review simply to knock the last review off the page. For anyone with half a brain, you will understand why I wish to do this. I cannot stand people who bash something for the sake of bashing something. I don't mind reasoned and well argued criticism, I just hate the people who hurl insults that aren't based in anything beyond their own ignorance. There may be valid criticisms against the book, but I certainly haven't read any negative responses here that contain any amount of intelligence. That goes double for the particular review I am wanting to move off the page. I love the Harry Potter books. They are exciting, fun, well written and with a much needed sense of wimsy. The books prove to be imaginative works of fantasy with a well crafted world that is gauranteed to suck you in if you give it half a chance. Every now and then it is wonderful to have something that doesn't take itself to seriously and instead gives an enjoyable place where you can get lost and experience something full of wonder and awe. So it isn't bloody Shakespeare, it does what it sets out to do amazingly, deliver a read that is truly and wholy entertaining and pleasurable. Besides who ever thought anyone could get children to read 800+ paged novels?
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Harry Potter Year 6 ,15/04/2008
Harry Potter series is a future classic. Every child (and adult) should have a fantasy to love. This is mine. Every book keeps your undivided attention. When you have finished this book it will keep you wanting the next one.
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Best Harry Potter Book of them all ,27/01/2008
By far the best Harry Potter book of the entire 7 book series. I wish the final book could have matched the great adventure that was expressed in this one.
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Awesome book! ,24/06/2007
Harry is now in his sixth year, and now that Sirius is dead, he doesn't know what to do. Dumbledore has decided to take Harry under his wing and teach him what he needs to know. He tells Harry about Horcruxes, and how they work. The ministry finally believes Harry and Dumbledore, because Fudge himself saw Voldemort before he vanished. Now he's believed, but does it really do any good? Harry wonders about this as he searches with Dumbledore for Voldemort's Horcruxes, or objects that pieces of Voldemort's soul inhabits. There is also the question of Snape's loyalties. Where do they lie? And what will he do next? There's a lot going on in this book, you have to read it to see what will happen.
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ,08/12/2007
Hubby was very pleased with the book on CD. Being a truck driver it helped pass the miles. Having heard the books on CD he now understands how much we enjoyed reading the books.
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The movies are wonderful, but I'm really glad I'm getting into the books now ,16/08/2007
After watching and enjoying the fifth "Harry Potter" movie, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", I decided that I didn't want the whole "Harry Potter" phenomenon to go by without exploring the books, too. So, I decided I was going to immediately listen to the sixth book, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" on unabridged audio, then read the final book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", in its current hardback form.
Well, I just finished all 17 CD's of "Half-Blood Prince" (over the course of three weeks, listening to them in the car during my commute to and from work, and during errands on weekends) and I have to say it was a terrific story. With its emphasis on Harry and Dumbledore's investigation of Voldemort's past (via magically transporting into various characters' old memories) rather than big action scenes, the story is particularly creepy and involving.
But, fear not, there's also action and banter and the usual amusing internal politics at Hogwart's (all the stuff that's in the movies and, I imagine, even more so in the previous books), so it's not all dark moods and grim doings. And there's all kinds of cleverness, too, cleverness that might not make it into the eventual movie because of time limitations. For example, the book opens with the Prime Minister of England receiving one of his periodic updates on the wizarding world by the new Minister of Magic, with the reader also learning the amusing history of how these updates started and were initially received by a (you can imagine) shocked prime minister. It would be fun if these scenes made it into the film, but they probably won't, as they don't strictly move the story forward. But it's really a great opening to the book: a re-cap, but a re-cap done in a really imaginative way.
So, yes, it was great fun experiencing J.K. Rowling's version of this story before the eventual movie adaptation. I had no trouble getting into it, meaning that the
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The Penultimate Harry Potter novel ,16/08/2007
The sixth and penultimate book in the series, Harry finds himself joining together with Dumbledore to figure out a way to bring Voldemort down. This book continues to be darker than the one before, with Harry learning more about how Tom Riddle turned into Lord Voldemort.
This book is wonderful, without sparing the reader from harsh truths and how life isn't always easy or fair. Rowling writes Harry as a true human being, with faults and flaws as well as courage and bravery. Relationships are even more fleshed out, with love relationships being brought out more than ever before.
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Great book just like the rest. ,31/05/2008
Like all the books before its a great work. My entire family (that can read) has read every book (my wife and I listen to them on cd). My 5 yr old has been harry potter for the past 3 years for holloween.
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Loved this book ,13/02/2008
It's Harry Potter and I've loved every book in this series. There's not much I can add to what's already been written.
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Starts out with a Bang and Becomes a Real Page-turner ,01/10/2007
I've got to admit, as the Potter series continues, it only gets better. The Half-blood Prince grabs your attention from the start and unfolds into the darkest of the series. This book contains many twists and turns, most of which leave the reader wanting to find out more. What makes this book different from the others is that there are quite a few surprises as characters reveal personalities that may not have been fully unveiled previously and this, in turn, leads to a highly fascinating read. I'm afraid that I have to admit, I was about to put the book down before calling it a night, with about 100 pages to go and simply couldn't - the story became so enthralling that I just had to go on to finish it! I don't think that there is any question (at least in my mind), that Half-blood Prince, is the best of the series so far. As with all good series, this one left with a real cliff-hanger - I'm only glad that I waited until the Rowling finished the series - that way, I don't have to wait for the next one to come out: I've already started the final book. Got to get back to my reading!
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Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince ,05/07/2007
I drive long distance to and from work and Jim Dale's abbility to draw the listener into the story is great. Before I know it I am at work and wanting to hear more. JK Rowling has written a set of classic adventures that compare to The Cronicles of Narinia and The Lord of the Rings epics.
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Cold and Dark - Stir and Cauldron ,22/07/2007
The Half-Blood Prince is a very dark book - Hogwarts is open, but keeping it open is hanging by a thread now that everyone is aware of the threat of Voldemort hanging over their heads. The students are jumpy and many blame Harry for Voldemort's return.
To everyone's surprise, there is a new Potions teacher; Harry had planned to skip potions, but with a new teacher, he decides to go ahead and stay in the class (the professor insists - saying that Harry's mother Lily was a natural and with the right help Harry could possibly be as well). Harry had not bought the books, so the professor finds an extra in the cupboards for Harry. Interestingly enough, the book has a lot of notes written in it, including a note that claims the book as the property of "the half-blood prince." Following the instructions in the notes, rather than the text (which are often conflicting), Harry quickly outstrips everyone in the class in Potions.
This is one of the sub-plots of the story, of course. We also have Voldemort out in the world, making a mess out of things in both the magical and Muggle world. The Prime Minister of Magic has to contact the Muggle Prime Minister and notify him of the problem because it has become so bad. This scene is actually quite amusing.
Our characters continue to grow and change. There are a lot of deaths in this book - it continues the path broken in the past couple of books. This series, in the way it has developed, is not really for the younger set unless they have been well-tutored in the matter of the Circle of Life and Death. It is all part of the story and necessary, but it is very difficult to bear at times, and I suppose that is the point. Very well done and well-written. Bravo.
I look forward to getting my hands on the final book (as soon as my husband finishes it!)
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Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince ,23/08/2007
I received the book quickly and it was in very good condition. Exactly as described.
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Just finished reading for the second time.. ,06/07/2007
I've been reading Harry Potter since the second book came out. I must have been around 13, so I've been a fan for such a long time in my mind.
This book is really enjoyable just like the previous five, but I would have to say it's my least favorite of the series. There is so much to be done and so much that the reader wants to know, but so much time is spent on Harry just wondering about Malfoy, talking about the monster in his chest (which makes me cringe every single time), and Ron and Hermione fighting. Those are all enjoyable plot lines, but it's not what you expect or want from the possible second to last book of this series.
The most interesting parts are the times when Harry and Dumbledore travel through the pensive and discover certain memories of Voldermort's past.
Maybe it's just me, but the way J.K. Rowling writes Harry in this book tends to bother me. Just the way he talks - and basically just how he interacts with other characters just bothered me. He didn't seem like the Harry Potter from the past five books. Yes, I know that he's gone through a lot, but for some reason he just bugged me 80% of the time in this book.
Also, I'll say it again...the whole "monster in my chest" bit needs to stop. That was just so laughable and horrible.
Still, it was a very interesting and enjoyable book. Just not on the same level as the previous five in my opinion, but that's just me. Maybe, I expected too much?
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Read it twice!!! ,25/08/2007
I couldn't put this book down. Possibly one of my favorites in the series.
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Excellent condition ,29/08/2007
Very quick shipping, thought I ordered a hard copy but received a soft cover, not a big deal. Product has no marks or torn pages, excellent condition. I am on book 4 right now can't wait to get to 7.
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more was expected but satisfying at most ,19/08/2007
I began to read this book immediately after I finished the 5th one and immediately I could see that the magic in the predessor was not the same in this one. It was less enjoyable obviously. It had major fluff during the beginning and just ranted on about seemingly unimportant things
the worst things:
dumbledore, ron, and hermione's refusal to believe harry's suspicions about malfoy.. when had he ever gone wrong in the past?
the pensieve memories! got a bit dull at times but could also be amusing and related to voldemort's character
tonks! she was kind of annoying with her depression about apparently sirius.. expected more from her.
hermione and rons jealousies.. seemed petty, annoying and unrealistic. jk rowling could've done better on these parts.
the best things:
the felix felicis momentum- i loved the slughorn and hagrid getting tipsy sequence.. very witty.
the whole slughorn connection with voldemort.. loved that for some reason. everybody finally realizing snape as a traitor! seriously, people.. when were they going to learn!
overall, i still liked the book. it was less enjoyable than the others but necessary because of all the information it contained about voldemort's past.
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Rowlings did it again! ,10/08/2007
Just like all the prior Harry Potter Books, this one is a great read. Once you get started it is hard to put down.
I always marvel over J. K. Rowlings imagination when I read these books. I had read this one when it came out, but since that was 2 years ago I wanted to re-read it before I read The Deathly Hallows, to give the final Chapter in the story of Harry Potter more continuity. Anyway....you can't go wrong with this book or any of the others in this series.
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The Narrator Is Amazing! ,17/11/2007
The narrator is amazing. He was telling the story by himself, and I could even tell the diferrence between the characters. It's also easy to understand even to a foreigner. I recommend this audio book whole-heartedly.
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Build-up ,01/06/2008
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by itself is a very good novel. When compared to its predecessor "Order of the Phoenix" and the last installment "Deathly Hallows", it doesn't quite measure up. The sixth book of the series is largely a build-up to transition to the final stand-off in the seventh book, but it seems like there is just a little too much talking and not enough classic Harry Potter action. I guess this was a pretty necessary transition, however, as it does set up the conclusion of the series very nicely. I suggest that if you have not read this book yet to make sure that you have the seventh book handy as you are going to want to continue on as soon as you finish this one.
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Gotta love HP! ,10/11/2008
If you are even browsing this page then it is pointless to read any reviews. That means, you are already a fan and know how spell-binding the series is. Every HP book is AMAZING! A great read for all ages.
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Harry Potter ,09/07/2007
The best thing I love about ordering from Amazon..is that I get my order within three days! Its always the anticipation of getting your purchase, and I never have to wonder with Amazon!
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Best of the 7 ,30/07/2007
Caught up in the whole "end of the saga" thing - I realized that I had never read episode 6. So off I went to my local bookseller to get 6&7. Read them both and have have to say that, as much as I felt 7 was the perfect ending to the series (and it IS) ....I have to say that 6 was my favorite book. THIS is great storytelling - without The Half-Blood Prince the Deathly Hallows would have meant nothing.
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Are we done yet? ,04/08/2007
Well amazon is sure trying to stop me from giving a bad rating to Harry Potter. I wonder why? I hope my review of the final book shows up soon that would be swell. In the meantime I just want you all to know that this promotes witchcraft and several kids whose parents of course, do not watch them have already cast spells on each other in various places around the globe. I guess in Honduras some kid was turned into a chicken, and of course he was quickly eaten for lunch by locals. Well I must be moving on now I just wanted to make sure to say hello to all the Zombies out there who think Harry Potter is the second coming. Goodbye Harry sorry i did not get to know you but I am not distraught that you are gone. I get tired of seeing you and hearing about you. Literature is dead and it has been replaced with your books, which have the ugliest dust jackets I have ever seen.
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I liked it a lot! ,09/12/2007
I really liked this book. The memories are really interesting and the over-all plot was brilliant. The only thing I didn't like about this book was seeing everybody grow up so fast. All the sudden there were teenage hormones and everybody likes everybody else and everybody is jealous of the rest of them. I don't see the point of putting making-out and attacking one-another for liking somebody else.
Even with this draw-back it's an excellent book that reveals lots of the mysteries behind Voldemort, Harry, and secrets we didn't even know were secrets.
Over-all it was a good book and you should definitely buy it!
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bate and switch ,03/09/2008
I ordered Harry Potter and the Half-blood prince CD audio book, narrated by Jim Dale. I received a cd with "all the harry potter books", instead.
Not at all happy -
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The Best in the Series, So Far! ,15/07/2007
I think this is the best in the series, so far. I cannot wait until the 7th! When I read this book for the 2nd time, I still couldn't put it down for too long. I can't stop reading it for the last few chapters; it's so good! I always cry in the end. That last chapter is a sad and happy end.
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gift ,15/10/2008
Got the last 2 HP books they were in excellent condition I like doing business at Amazon
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The Best in the Series ,08/09/2007
I thought this book was the best in the series of Harry Potter books. I received and read the 7th book before I read the 6th book. "Harry Potter and the half-Blood Prince" explained many things and why they happened. In my opinion, it was the most interesting for me even though I enjoyed the whole series.
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Didn't live up to the standard set by the previous books ,13/10/2008
I have to say I was disappointed in many things about this book.
First and foremost, it didn't grab my attention at the initial start of the book, like the previous books had.
Then, the insertion of the flashbacks at the first third of the book I felt was, confusing. Added to that, they seemed to drone on a bit longer than they needed.
Thirdly, the relationship between Harry and Dumbledore seemed to suddenly turn in another direction..which didn't feel 'true' to me based on the relationship portrayed in the previous installments..and it also added to the 'overness' of the book.
Then, we add in the relationship between Harry and Ginny, which was the all time most forced thing in this book, for me. It didn't feel right, didn't make any sense, on any level. It felt like a hasty move to shove another love scenario into the story. And then Ron and Hermione are supposed to like each other? I didn't get that either. There wasn't any or enough foundation laid for any of it, to me. It would have been far more interesting had Luna taken a romantic interest in Harry..now there's a chick who could have turned him every which way but loose.
All and all, it felt like, a book written by an author who might be perhaps 'over' this entire series and its characters.
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An Stunning story for the Series ,24/10/2007
I have read several of the Harry Potter books and I have enjoyed all of them. Some have their strengths and weakness, but for a consistent series these books are right at the top of my list. The author should be proud of herself to be able to maintain such excellence in the stories, well-written plots and characters. For me, Half Blood Prince was just a wonderful read and maybe in my opinion almost as good as Goblet Of Fire. Young or old, this book will keep you turning page after page as you try to determine what will happen next. I'd gladly recommend this book to all my friends. Don't miss this one.
Looking for a challenging Young Adult book, then check out the gripping novel Tommytown by Robert L. Saunders. This exciting novel is based on real people living in sheer poverty during the 1950's and is told through the eyes of 11-year-old Barry Foreman and his sister Karen as they watch their mother, Helen, struggle to survive with her 7 children. Sorry, no sorcerer is going to show up and wave a magic wand and make Helen's troubles go away. Its not gloom and doom as the author ensures there is a mix of humor and a light-hearted spirit among the brothers and sisters. It's a refreshing, warm tale that centers on young adults adoration for their mother, their perseverance to endure hardship, and verbal scorn. Check it out you won't be disappointed Bye.
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Great Book ,28/01/2008
Very entertaining. I probably can't say anything that hasn't already been said, but I love the series, makes me feel like a kid again.
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Of the devil? ,19/07/2007
The Harry Potter series comes off as a "fun" series playing with witches and wizards. Although it may seem that way...it is not safe to be playing around with demonic forces. I am not extremely religious; but I do know when something is "dangerous"...and I stay away from anything which emphasizes Satan. Reading these books allows spirits to flow...and possibly possess the individual reading the book. When you are reading the books/watching the movies this is like "playing with fire." Although some people will not be affected by the Harry Potter series...I wouldn't take the chance to find out whether or not you will be one of the lucky ones. Once demonic forces come into a person's life; removing them is very difficult. There's lots of other things out there...why play around with this? Satan is real...he makes things (like Wizards & Witches) look cool; but in reality, he is trying to get a hold on you. I don't want to fry like a grilled cheese sandwich in hell...so I'm just going to stay away from this series. If you all want to take the chance of being a human BBQ in the after life...that's up to you.
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Great service/great book ,27/07/2007
....Ordered on a Friday afternoon....had it by Monday afternoon. Also ordered the Order of the Phoenix book/same source/same time. Wanted to read it before I saw the movie.... Both books new large paperbacks and in excellent shape...each separately wrapped with paper so they wouldn't rub, and sent the same day I ordered them, and the price was the same as one I had spotted in a used book store...only this one was brand new.
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Best Harry Potter book of the series ,19/10/2007
Rowling really put her self in a tough situation after writing this book. She had to write a book 7 to upscale it. She did an admirable job, but her story wrote book 7 in itself. Book 6 was her best work, and really turned the story of Harry Potter around.
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Potter 6 ,14/06/2008
I love the Potter books. These CDs allow me to hear the book on a noisy plane or on the drive to work.
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My Favorite Harry Potter Book ,14/11/2007
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince happens to be my favorite of the Seven Books. What I like best is the insight it gives into the character of Snape, and the fact that we we learn something about his childhood, and what he was like as a student at Hogswart. It also outlines some crucial plot details and explains many unanswered questions from the previous books.
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the empire strikes back of the harry potter series! (no spoilers) ,15/08/2007
I have an unusual perspective on the harry potter series in that i've seent eh movies but never read the books. after seeing the fifth movie, i HAD to read this! it does not disappoint. there is lots of action, the story is enthralling. the characters are great. i'm very much on board for the deathly hallows!!!
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Superstitious trash from and evil person ,21/07/2007
How about a different take on the worlds rich and famous? First the obvious--this is more primitive superstition that encourages children to believe in fantasy rather than take responsibility for the world--the norm of course. So far as the author is concerned, she's just as clueless about herself and the world as most but about 200 times as destructive as the average American and about 10,000 times as destructive as the average Chinese. She has been responsible for the destruction of maybe 30,000 hectares of forest to produce these trash novels and all the erosion ensuing(not trivial as its ca. 12 tons/year for everyone on earth or about 200 tons per American and so about 5000 tons/year for Rowlings books and her evil brood). Not to mention the huge amount of fuel burned to make and distribute the books and films etc. She shows her lack of social responsibility by producing children rather than using her millions to encourage family planning or buy up the rain forest. Of course she's not that different from most people--just more destructive.
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A revealing look into the past... ,16/07/2008
In the Sixth installment of JK Rowlings Harry Potter series, "The Half-blood Prince", she continues the thrill ride. As yet another year passes for Harry Potter, of all the changes that have come to him, the trials, difficulties, and changes, this year will bring some of the most ardent yet.
Pro. Dumbledore begins to teach Harry himself, but these private lessons held in the Master's Office are not the lessons that he is use to. The two takes a 'stroll down memory lane' as it were, reviewing key memories that Dumbledore has managed to collect concerning Voldemort's past and his rise to power. Together they learn the secret to Voldemort's seeming indestructibility, and devise plans to end the Dark Lord, once and for all.
This is the most compelling of the Harry Potter series yet, the heat begins to get cranked a little higher, and the pressure goes up on Harry and his friends. The mystery of the "Half-Blood Prince" keeps you guessing right up until the end.
****WARNING, THE REST MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!!****
It was hard reading the end of this book, for somehow I had managed to avoid hearing details of those last few chapters before reading them. Reading that ending, was one of the hardest things I've read I think. Rowlings really makes you feel you know these characters, not just Harry and his close friends, but Dumbledore and the other major characters as well. Standing on the top of that tower, watching helplessly along side Harry as he watches the murder of his mentor, hero, and friend, is nearly heartbreaking.
I highly recommend this story for anyone who is a Harry Potter fan, or just a general fantasy fan(though I suggest reading the first 5 first if you haven't).
RD Williams, author of "The Lost Gate"
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Political allegory in fantasy fiction. Welllllll......... ,10/08/2007
...it's like this. All politics are by their very nature ephemeral. The issues they address pass with time until they disappear altogether. Are people going to even know what you're alluding to once a few generations have passed? And there's some very heavy politcal struggles going on here. In the wizarding world, the last book ("Order Of the Phoenix") saw as head of the Sorcery State one of those smug head-in-the-sand types who was a political opponent of Albus Dumbledore (who preferred being an educator over politics anyway). Now thar's a new sheriff in town in the form of Rufus Scrimgeour, who tries to lock up everybody he sees as being Death-Eaters, whether or not there's prima facie evidence against them, kind of like Joe McCarthy with a magic wand. And he can't stand Dumbledore either--in his first man-to-man talk with Harry, he accuses him of allying himself with Dumbledore and Harry doesn't deny it. This book gets its title from when Hogwarts whips a surprise course on Harry that he hasn't even had time to pick up the textbooks for. No matter--sez Dumbledore--we've got some used ones kicking around. And so Harry gets this book that has some very helpful notes in the margins from a previous owner who calls himself the Half Blood Prince. One other political strain that has run over several volumes is the prejudice "full blooded" witches and wizards have against those who aren't. They call the mongrel-types and the "nouveau-magique" like Hermione, who's the first known member of her family to have magical powers. The term the purists use is "mudblood", which sounds suspiciously like the way neo-nazis use the term "mud-people" here in America.
But like I said earlier, if you're going to toss in a lot of sly social commentary, you'd better make sure it's not too central to your story, or people who read your book a long time after you're dead and gone won't know what you are talking about. When I was little, I didn't know that Winnie the Pooh's name was ba
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Really I don't think I have to write anything ,30/07/2007
As the title refers there really is no need to talk about this book, it's fantastic and all Harry fans know it..so I'll just chime in and say I'm loving the 7th book as well.
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A little bit of a dissapointment compared to Order ,18/10/2008
This book was good, But a lot less dark, and not as haunting. Also we are told that Voldemort's growing, but there's no sense of fear other than in London,and some parts of Europe. I mean, what about the other 6 continents. He's not taking over North America, or Asia.
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LOVED book 6!! ,08/11/2007
I know I'm behind the times since I've just finished reading Book 6 and it was great! Loved all the Harry/Dumbledore interaction, further focus on Ginny, Ron/Hermoine, and without gtting into spoiler territory for those 3 people who still haven't read this book...lots of great twists and turns!!
I started reading Book 7 last night. Sad this series will be over :(
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not a mystery ,20/07/2007
Revealing so much in the second chapter works against the book. We become distant from Harry. His pursuits, while finally showing some initiative, are basically futile, because we know too much about who will and won't do what. Also Dumbledore, and hence the reader, knows more than Harry again. So we are watching Harry discover what we already know or strongly suspect. And we get beat over the head about Snape's evil/good qualities. So where is the mystery? Well, in learning about Voldemort's background mainly, which was good. And who the Half Blood Prince is, but it's sort of hangs out there on its own, not tying into anything.
But there are some great scenes: Harry and Dumbledore on the lake, the lucky potion with Harry and Slughorn, for example.
Rowling has lost interest in Harry, and it shows. She has fallen in love with the more interesting dark side. Consider this: There are 7 items containing Voldemort's soul. Voldemort has an obsession with power and immortality, channeled through these 7 items. He has to sacrifice his soul to gain this immortality. Rowling is writing 7 books, channeling her own immortality through these 7 books. She has a net worth of over a billion dollars, and has sacrificed much in her writing and characters to get immortality in the form of money and fame. It's not surprising that Voldemort holds her fascination, while love for Harry has been lost -- for 2, maybe 3 books now.
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ,26/08/2007
Very exciting, Rowland just keeps getting better and better. I am going to miss Harry Potter and his friends!
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Thrills and spills and amazing writing skills ,06/06/2008
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling
This fantastic book is just like all the other Harry Potter books, full of magic, excitement and passion. The adventure has thrills and spills and amazing writing skills that somehow drag you into the book. It captures an amazing amount of the reader's imagination right in this five centimetre thick book. I also love J.K. Rowling's amazing way of setting the scene. This book has drama, emotion and lively comments, unlike the extremely boring and pointless Warner Brothers Harry Potter movie series. I realised how much more addictive the book is because it has more pieces of information to put the puzzle back together. There is never a moment of boredom in the book.
When I finished the book I felt like I was in a different world. Big Potter fans who have not read the book yet are in for a big shock when more of the story unfolds. I won't tell you about that Potter fans. As you can see I don't even need to have a long review for you to see how good this book is. I strongly recommend any Potter fan or passionate book fan to read this book.
(Review by Daniel)
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the begining of lord voldmort is revealed. ,26/09/2008
this harry potter book takes you way backm to lord voldmorts beginning. see how true evil is created in this awesome harry potter book, and also see how true evil can be destroyed. this book is awesome. i recomend it to everyone.
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Loved it ,17/07/2007
I enjoyed the sixth book immensely. It was a bit of fresh air after the intensity of the fourth and the fifth books. There is still a dark edge to the books, but it is not as harsh as it was in the previous two. As such this book reads much more like the first three books. The story is much more simple than the previous two books as well, and Rowling injects what has become a very bleak outlook on Harry's potential life with games of quidditch, a touch of mystery, and romantic intrigue to lighten the load... yes, the romance has all finally been addressed in some new and unexpected directions as well.
I simply adored this addition to the Harry Potter world. Many of my favorite characters performed just how I wanted them to, but I feel that Rowling may have another surprise or two in store for us all in book 7. I feel that this book gets overlooked alot in the series. I urge you not to disregard this book. I feel like it is an important stepping stone for 7, and as suck should not be counted out.
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Rowling is still magic ,01/04/2008
The Boy Who Lived returns to Hogwarts for the sixth year. Voldemort's return is public knowledge, but he gathered power while the Ministry of Magic denied Dumbledore and Harry's claims. The book opens with Severus Snape making a cryptic promise to Narcissa Malfoy, in a scene that sets the novel's dark tone.
Rowling has magic in her pen. Her prose may not always flow and some plot twists might be obvious, but few books are as fun to read as the Harry Potter series. Her Hogwarts imposes itself on the reader's imagination - children across the world hope for an invitation on their eleventh birthdays. I devoured this and her other six books because she catches your attention and holds it.
Despite this, I feel Rowling became less descriptive in this entry. Some parts seem rushed and it damages her fantastic world-building. It also ensures that Harry seems blander. Most fans hate OoTP Harry. I, on the other hand, think it is his best incarnation. He's temperamental, impulsive, hormonal, and often quite stupid. Rarely does an author write a teenager that perfectly. With this less emotional Harry, more emotional remove exist between the reader and his grief and crushes.
But while I feel remove from his crush, Rowling develops one relationship I hoped for in many of the previous books. She also, FINALLY, grants Draco Malfoy some character development. Long a fan favorite and a key figure in many of the best fanfictions, the Malfoy of the books left something to be desired. Namely, a third-dimension. DH does not focus on Malfoy, but it does continue this development with some wonderfully done scenes involving the entire family.
In the end, the flaws of HBP don't matter. It's the sixth book of the most popular series ever. The Harry Potter books may not be perfect, but they are something special.
[...]
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Book review ,12/12/2007
Book was delivered in excellent condition. It was listed as used but I found very few marks on it. It looks like it has never been read. This is a great Christmas present and will make our Harry Potter Collection complete. Adults and children alike will find these books captivating.
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Great Book! ,14/08/2007
I have not read any of the other Potter books, so this is my first. After seeing the last movie, The Order of the Phoenix, I had to see what happens. This book was great, I did not feel lost at all by not reading the prior books. I am currently on the 7th and final and can not put it down. I never thought I would like these type of books, but may I say that J.K. Rowling is pure genius.
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Harry Potter Book 6 ,20/11/2007
I ordered this for my granddaughter and it arrived in great shape. I would order from this person again.
Thanks!
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