At about 11 at night, I went to the local Borders bookstore and got in line to get a copy of the new Harry Potter book. There were perhaps 400 people there purchasing books, and the place was a madhouse. The staff was lucky to avert a mob scene. It was a gathering of kindred spirits: costumed fans of all ages leaned against the shelves and discussed arcane plot points, played Harry Potter trivia games, and took turns complaining about the movie adaptations. At midnight a cheer went up and everyone bought their books and left to begin reading them. I was not among those who pulled an all-nighter and read the whole thing, but I finished it at eight tonight.
None of Rowling's strengths from the previous novels have dissipated; she never has a problem keeping the pages turning, and the Harry Potter universe is wonderfully created. Her weaknesses have not deserted her either. There are passages that cry out for an editor, and whenever there is any romance or angst, the characters stiffen. What romance there is seems arbitrary and has little actual consequence. Ron and Hermione are mad at each other for over half the novel, and Harry has a theory that Ron and Hermione both think is wacky, but it seems that Harry has decided to ignore Ron and Hermione's enmity, and Ron and Hermione have decided to ignore Harry's theory. There's never any real attempt at resolving these problems by interaction, and what is resolved is simply forgotten the next time one of them is in danger, as in previous novels.
However, there is one thing that Rowling has gained in this novel, and that is theme. In past novels many of the events have seemed somewhat inconsequential. When Harry broke the rules, he invariably ended up with a slap on the wrist or a pat on the back for some later heroism. In later novels, there began to be unpleasant consequences, and the death of Sirius was a signal that there would be no more playing around.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Deepesh
OHHHH!! my god, i am utterly surprised at who is the half blood prince. even i wud have made a hundred guesses, i cud not have guessed it was to be S...E!!!!!!
2 - hermione
Snape is the half blood prince.
Dumbledore dies and its Snape who kills him - gripping stuff!!!!!!!!!!
3 - Hey!!!!
Don't post spoilers in comments! It ruins it for everyone! Luckily.. I've already read it.
4 - Micky
It made me cry
5 - devyn
I could have done without reading this one. The half-blood prince story was incredibly lame. This book makes you realize how all of the other books have really had the same plot: One friend is mad at the other, no one will listen to harry, etc. This book seemed to focus so much more on trivial little things such as who loves who that I became bored more often then not. This, in my opinion, was a huge let down and I won't be in line for the 7th.
6 - Babushka
Well.5 starts out of 5. 10 out of 10. Well I must say similar yet different feel of the novel which Rowling has kept through all six books. Now the seventh book hardly any predictions can be remained. Especially after the cliff hanging last few pages where Harry decides what he is going to do. Darkness flew over. Will book seven be of Harry's hunt?Will Hogwarts even be there the whole sagas main setting. Also book six explained alot of past questions for the five previous books. As I now must wait like another three years for book seven I will be puzzled. Book seven looks to be the best book in the series. Or it could be too different and be a pile of nothing that would be hated by all. It will be loved or hate. I still look forward to it and little peices of news about it.
7 - Trish
I didn't like this book, it was rubish, the characters Harry, Hermione and Ron were so completely different, specially Hermione, been always so center, moral, caring, the only thing that she care in this book was to hook up with something, Ron and Hermione did nothing to help the plot of the book, I didn't like it, the trio seems to be to away from each other, they were not my Harry, Hermione and Ron.
8 - Anti-Spoiler
Please do NOT spoil the book for people who have not read it. If someone had told you who the half blood prince was or who dies, you would have been angry, so dont ruin it for others!
9 - Leoniceno
I particially agree with you, Trish, the romantic relationships and whatnot have always been a weakness with Rowling, but I don't think that any of them did anything inconsistent with their character.
10 - Justin
I think the book was fabulous. It is different yes, but to say it was rubish etc. for stupid little things is absurd. They characters were bound to change they are getting older, Rowling never promised that things would always be the same, and im sure she will say sorry for not writing the book to your exact wants. Get over yourself, you are a few out of millions who still love it.
11 - anju
I think the 6th book was rubbish. There was no plot at all. The whole book was easily predictable. But it is really sad though. It made me cry.
I hope the seventh book will be more fulfilling.
12 - tom
This book plainly sucks.
Sorry but I think that the HP series have run its full course.
13 - Becky
Wow, some of you people are cruel. The book was far from rubbish, I thought it was simply amazing. Indeed, there was a bit more romance, but isn't that life when you're 16? I was actually quite proud of Harry's character development. I was preparing myself for a whole lot of angst due to what happened in the Department of Mysteries. However, Harry was very mature about it. In OOTP he was angry, and somewhat childlike, which is understandable, but in Half-Blood Prince, Harry finally grows about a lot and starts thinking in a more optimistic way.
And how could you say Hermione was only concerned about "hooking up with someone"? How many times did she badger Harry about the Potions book, telling him to be careful? She was still herself, just angry with Ron. Who wouldn't be, she's waited years to have the boy. Ugh, he's so thick. XD
I'll admit, I was a bit disappointed with Harry's breakoff with...well...I don't want to spoil it. The two were (excuse me, are) perfect for one another in my opinion. [Sigh] I'm hoping that's just a temporary thing, and soon Harry might realize that he NEEDS the power the Dark Lord knows not.
14 - Becky
Harry's love interest was complete rubbish. I think love potions are running rampant. After all, this person did get a demonstration on how to sneak them into the school. Something is smells here and it doesn't smell like flowers.
15 - Abhi
How can JKR be so cruel, she killed that important character when everybody needs him. The book was good and so sad(I cried to sleep!!!). I cant think of it now(if I think I will cry again).
16 - julie
oh...my..gosh this book was SO good! you can think its rubbish but WOW! i'll admit i had trouble paying attention in the beginning, JKR always had problems with getting the reader hooked in the beginning, to me anyways. wow. yes, i was VERY!!! happy that harry and..she hehe get together! but VERY sad when they broke it off! they should be together, theyre perfect for each other! and ron and hermione...ive waiting for that too haha. everything i'd been waiting for happened in this book! But some...i was so shocked! and so sad! the end was very unpredictable and powerful...i cried! alot. haha. but in my opinion harry and gw need to be together...isnt that harry's secret weapon, love?!?!
AND WHATS THIS NONSENSE ABOUT NOT COMING BACK TO HOGWARTS!?!?! THAT i did not like! anyway. i cant wait for the 7th...the last and final book :( write fast jkr haha
17 - hilary
While many of you are upset about htis book, i think its only because you haven't looked at everything. Personalyl i thought the book was amazing, great, sooo awesome. Yet after finsihing it i didn't have that feeling,( of course i was going to crazy in dinial, such a thing could not happen! finally my friend reminded me that it was jsut a book- even though i dont believe its really just a book, i got her point) until the idea that snape being innocent dawned on me. At first i thought the reason too farfetched, im just looking for things, plus dumbledore begged snape.. but then the idea that maybe he was begging snape to actaulyl kill him, not to not to- if that makes sense, (its late and i just finished the book so my head is going crazy)- dumbledore wanted snape to do it, not malfoy, bc he didn't want snape dead (the unbreakable vow) or malfoy, who showed signs of good. Point being, the chance that dumbhledore was right about snape is still there.
I love jk rolling
18 - Leoniceno
Half of you seem to feel that the book is 'pure and utter rubbish' while the other half feel that it is 'totally amazing.' I tend to feel that it is somewhere in between.
-Leoniceno
19 - kmom
Any speculation about the note-writer's identity? Who left the faux necklace?
20 - jessicooka
Okay, I can't say it will be my favorite of them all but I did like knowing about the early years of Tom Riddle. I'm totally on edge about the mysterious RAB. As far as the romance theme, I actually like the idea of many of the characters as couples. I even really like the idea of the suprise couple revealed at the end in the hospital wing. Yet JKR's love interests need a more delicate delivery. Often times the romance revilations come out harsh and flat on paper. What are the deeper connections that bind these characters together beside the obvious need for there to be a theme of love in the book? I will never belittle or put down any of the Harry Potter books, I've like so many have become too involved with the characters. Yes we cry and morn the loss of each character; Digory, Sirius, and now... And I still have hope for the tragic hero Snape.
21 - markie mark
I could not wait to read the half blood prince, after finishing the book I sat stunned not knowing weather I was shocked at what I had read or excited at knowing there was to be another episode.
I felt a little cheated that the death of the greatest Wizard of all time was portrayed so casual as if it was just a small part of the story, what is stopping Voldy from doing anything he likes now?
22 - coolgirl
LOVED the book...
no offence to those who found it rubbish... but really.... what more can u ask for????????? a complete package marvellously presented... kudos ms. rowling... we dont love u for nothing. yeah the death was excruciatingly painful... and i'm sure harry will avenge it to all his worth... which is huge. and there'll be a time when all he sacrifices for the cause... including his love... his strength... will be back in his arms...
but whatever u do... whether harry comes back to hogwarts or not... i hope he always has ron and hermione to stand him by... for they signify the entire concept of friendship for a lot many of us...
oh and by the way... do get ron and hermione together as fast as possible.... they completely rock.......................!!!!!!!!!!!!!
23 - sundevilrock
I think that RAB is someone that is referenced in the book earlier on... Who else has that last initial? Come on, kids, think! : )...
24 - jo
The book was a BIG let-down !! The plot drags its feet, the death is WAY too contrived, and too reminiscent of LOTR Book 1.
25 - Bad Santa
Dont blame me...the pirated copy is all over the internet...if you know how to find them , that is...