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.…
Article comments
— go to most recent comments26 - Aaman
Deleted pirated copy Piracy will not be tolerated - you will be banned if this happens again
Temple, not near mail...
27 - Bad Santa
Sorry about that...just wanted to make the point that the copy of the book is already available on the net..
28 - Temple Stark
That's cool. We just don't want to be directly linked to it. - Thanks.
29 - Maiar_7
The death at the end of the book is hard to swallow. While I suspected it throughout the entire book, it still hit hard. I wasn't really that excited about the manner in which JK decided to end his character. (Don't get me wrong though, this woman is extremely talented and as kept me enraptured ever since the beginning.) I agreed with whoever said that the greatest wizard of all time was finished off so easily. And of course, I don't really understand the reason why AB had to drink that green potion in the first place. I thought AB's demise wsa a little bit too mediocre. But regardless this book was amazing and kept me engrossed constantly. That, I feel, is where the writer's talent is made visible. JK did her job of making me continue to turn the pages and enjoy every minute of it. But what was with AB trusting Snape to the bitter end? It seemed to be a too convenient of a betrayel. Oh, I was seriously trying to consider liking Snape.
30 - Marnie
Very clever idea--that someone wanted to be killed at the end of the book and therefore the person who killed him was only following his orders. Perhaps Harry wouldn't have had the passion and determination to be single minded about finishing off Voldemort if this did not happen. He has been told exactly how to do it. (Seven parts) Perhaps that someone who died was already dying anyway--AND he has a portrait he can still communicate from.
One thing I had hoped to see(but did NOT) in this book was a chance for Harry to express his regret to Snape for his father James's behavior. Even if Snape doesn't accept Harry's remorse for James's unkindness, it will be a great credit to Harry's character that he took courage and offered it.
31 - Aaron
SPOILER WARNING!!!
I think I know who R.A.B. is. This is just speculation, but I think that R.A.B. is Regulus Black. Of course, I do not know what the "A" stands for, but the other initials are identical. The main proof for this theory is that in "The Order of the Phoenix," (On p. 108 of the UK edition, I don't know the US edition page, but it is in the chapter "The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black") Harry and Sirius were rummaging through an old cabinet in Number 12, Grimmauld Place. They found, "a musical box that emmitted a faintly sinister, tinkling tune...a HEAVY LOCKET THAT NONE OF THEM COULD OPEN, a number of ancient seals ...and an Order of Merlin, First Class." I think this locket they found in Sirius' house (sorry, Harry's house now) is one of Voldemort's horcruxes. This also would explain Regulus' death. And it will continue JKR's theme of redemption.
As for Snape, I agree with the above poster that Dumbledore pleaded with Snape to kill him. And I do not think Snape is evil after all, and will be redeemed in the final book.
Now, about the romance in the book. People, these characters are 16 years old. We can not expect them to act like mature, articulate, sexually and emotionally experienced adults. This is not a Hollywood romance (although it will soon be one). They act like regular 16 year olds the world over (although they play with different wands ;op). I mean, when we were all 16, we were probably totally tragic! (Neville Longbottom is luckier than I ever was at his age). And besides, Won Won was hilarious!!!
I enjoyed this book. I liked it much better than Order of the Phoenix. But, I must admit, I do miss the earlier, more innocent and lighthearted books in the series.
32 - Aaron
One more thing!!!
I think that Mundungus probably stole the locket out of Sirius' (Harry's) house in 12 Grimmauld Place. Otherwise, why mention this whole episode in the first place.
33 - John
I think Mundungus was purloining stuff from 12 Grimmauld Place on AD's orders, who had a good idea of what sort of stuff LV may have hidden his soul in, don't forget what SB's mother was, and how she could have hidden things for him. Why else would Mundungus be bringing them by the sackful to Hogsmead of all places?
34 - positrix
first, a word on piracy that is begging to be said. LIBRARY! borrowing the book from your local library (or a friend) has the same effect as getting a pirated copy off the net. I dont see them banning libraries (or friends...)
anyway, to the substance of this comment. I think the book is a bit too mature for 7 year-olds. (who actually seem to be part of the target audience) while the series has started out as kids books, as the characters have matured, so has the content. while it is, of course, up to the parent to decide if their child is mature enough to read it, how many parents actually know what's in these books? what about the scene on the last page of chapter 7?
I did enjoy it, a real page turner, but maybe not for the littlies.
35 - Crossye
Some good comments there, I agree with you Aarron i had the same theory instantly that it could be Regulus black, though i didn't actually go back to the order of the pheonix to check. another possibility is borgin or burke, they may have wanted the locket back for resale, but its really just a shot in the dark. I think the the character...you know, dying is a good move, Harry needs to do this on his own, though i do worry that the dialogue may get a bit boring if its just him alone for the entire next book. As for Harry possibly leaving the school, sure he's destined to either die or kill Lord V, but how will he compare to wizards like Snape where he's been thoroughly educated and harry hasn't even completed 7th yr...Does this mean his ambition for becoming an auror are gone? or just that he has postponed it?
Another note to make is that when harry was chasing snape, snape didn't perform anything to bad on Harry, whos side is he on? My personal opinion is the orders side simply because the guy that dies, acts rather strangely before his death by begging, how do we know he wasnt pleading to be killed, after all, he was going to die soon anyway.
cheers from australia, Crossye
36 - Vinay
I think R.A.B is reguleus black. Sirius Black's brother and i think that we have already seen this slytherin locket before. I believe it is with kreacher who saves a lot of stuff from the black house.
37 - Chris
Positrix,
Comparing checking out a library book to piracy is faulty at best. With piracy, they get perhaps one copy of the book, make many copies, and sell the copies without paying the royalties and licensing fees to the copyright owner. A library has to buy the books from the publisher, so the owner of the copyright gets their money.
Borrowing a book from a friend is a gray area for me. If it compels the borrower to buy the other books, then it's great. If it doesn't, well, that's lost revenue for the publisher and author. But I still think it's better than buying a pirated copy, or downloading it off the internet.
However, I agree that this book - indeed, the last three books in the series, really - aren't for very young children. One thing I like about the books is that they grow in maturity with the characters.
38 - Enforcer
I hate fukers who spoil it for everyone by telling the main mystery of the book. I hope you die in a car crash "Hermione".
39 - kanika
I knew that the suspense would be broken so i am only glad that i had read the book before i found out this page. AS far as the book is concerned i am ndecided. Yes they are 16 year old...but still there is a strange chaotic rationalism in that age which adults dont really understand and which was sadly missing in the book. the death was painful...practically a dreaded nightmare that could keep a person awake the whole night. but the shock is passing even as i write. maybe the fact that not a lot of justice is done to his death. and honestly if ppl think snape will be innocent at the end...i dont care. he ought to just die....everyone else is dying..good and bad. either ways he is just not that much of a favorite. i was also disappointed in Minnerva's character sketch in this particular book. There has always been this strange air about her which made her likable. in this book JKR simply reduces her to a headmistress without much of a backbone.
If i am rating the book i would give it (out of 10)
on writing style..2
on plot direction..6
on the sensitivity..2
on an average approximately a 2.5 out of 10.
i think maybe she is paying way too much attention into the populaity ratings than sticking to the simplicity of the fact that HARRY POTTER was lovable cause it was a children's book....a book with magical charms and a mystical fairytale. and fairytales oughtt to be more vivid and sweet as also dark and unforgiving. ...
i am still waiting for the 7th book. i know how it will end...every fairytale ends that way and so would it.....all i wish is that somehow JKR realizes that she needs to work on improving the essence of her book. just saying out loud that love is all strong is not enough...the book should vibrate with the feeling...the fight between love and hatred.
better stop now.
40 - jax
i honestly think that this book is one of the best she has written yet.... it is not written ezpeccially for little kids but what jk rowling sees in a book. i dont think we should condem this book because she is making a hell of a lot of money and making a world phenonenum (sp?)....i dont see anyone else doing that
41 - Usman
Personally I tend to agree with the book bashing ppl. This book was really missing the essence of and the aura of a usual Harry Potter book. I think Rowling ought to check out the example of C. S. Lewis famous writer of books for children but failed as a writer for adults. I think she should stick to her usual way of writing.
About the death of dumbledor. Well frankly if you ask me it was the most stupid thing in the whole series. Dumbledor the greatest wizard of all time kill like that. In book 5 he took out all the deatheaters just as if dusting the living room and in this book gets cornered by a sixthyear! Why couldn't snap at any time behind his back cast a spell on him if he was so simple to unarm and defeat? Stupid isn't is when you consider all the buildup of the character in the perivious books.
I can't type everything but the ppl who hasn't like the book are in fact HP fans like me and they do have a point. And those who like it, I think their mind is just playing trics on then. I suggest them to read the book again more critically. The book is really good but the whole book falls to its foundation in the last few chapters.
42 - Nat
Half-Blood Prince finally answers all the questions we Harry Potter fans have been totally maniacally thinking about all this time. How the heck did Voldermot becomes so powerful and ultimately evil? Which side is Snape really on anyway: good or evil? By the lord who does Harry hook up with?
Harry has definitely grown up fast in this book. No longer the Boy Who Lived or the angst-ridden teenager with anger management issue, he has become 'The Chosen One' - the one destined to kill Voldermot as neither can live while the other survive according to the prophecy revealed in the Order of the Phoenix. Harry has turn out to be a mature, responsible and eternally brave young man that we have hoped he will be.
The last few chapters of the book are the real highlights with twist and turn that will shake you to the very core of your HP world. A betrayal that though is kind of expected when you read the first half of the book is still a bitter pill to swallow. You really hoped it was only an act but your stomach turns to lead when you know it’s real. A sacrifice that has to be made so that Harry can live and fulfil the prophecy, but you truly wished there was another way.
*spoilers warning here*: Actually I’m still not entirely convinced that Snape is on Voldermot side and really killed Dumbledore. Maybe it was just a cover so that Dumbledore can go underground and create a big surprise in the next book. And Snape did stop the other Death-Eaters from killing Harry and also did not take the chance to do much damage to Harry if he was really evil. Why did Dumbledore freezes Harry in the final showdown with Malfoy and the Death-Eaters knowing he’s too weak to fight on his own? And Snape just show up and kill Dumbledore with a flick of his wand, the only wizard that Voldermot has ever feared, so easily, so casually? It does seem like a scheme privately work out between Snape and Dumbledore. It’s my theory anyway, you’re free to form your own opinions.
Harry is now more alone than ever. He realizes he has to shake off the protective shield and come out to fight on his own. At the end, there will be the final confrontation between Harry and Voldermot- a major all-out battle between good and evil. And only one will be left standing.
All I know is that this book will leave you hanging with desperation for the final 7th Book in this much-loved saga! I give this book 8 out of 10.
43 - bharath
Thank you folks!this website has given me the whole story I havent read!!
44 - Benmiester
!DO NOT READ THIS POST IF YOU HAVENT READ THE BOOK!
Are you all blind? Its obvious whats going on. Dumbldore and Snape highly trained in occulems, they were talking to each other using thier minds! Dumbledores last words were, 'Severus.. please..' He told Snape to kill him in his head, otherwise Draco would die and thats the last thing Dumbldore would want. Snape relised this is what he had to do. Why else would Dumbledore trust Snape so much?
45 - HP LVR
this book was really sad but amazing. i hate snape wit all of mi heart but then again after reading everything that everyone has said i am kinda having mixed thoughts. there is something that i am confused about, do ron and hermione ever really get hooked up. btw i think that ginny and harry are ment for eachother as llupin and tonks are meant for eachother. i also am confused of how many years is ginny uyounger than harry.
46 - Naina
PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS IF U HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK.... I REPEAT DO NOT READ THIS UNLESS YOU KNOW WHO DIES!!!
HOW DARE U F***ERS REVEAL THE TRUTH ON THE WEB WITHOUT WARNING JUST DAYS AFTER THE RELEASE OF THE BOOK!
I feel that this book has done what it intended to do. In the philosopher's stone, everything was bright and new for harry. Rowling clearly conveyed that sense of light bright mystery.She conveys the mood through harry. In the 6th one everything turns dark and harry sees how truley evil and dangerous the death eaters and voldermort are.
That was mighty clever of Rowling of showing Snape at the beginning. You think he is lying to cissy but things change when he performs the unbreakable vow. This keeps the reader shitting their pants in suspense.
I enjoyed looking at Voldermort's past, the felix potion and the pant pissing end. I cried rivers for dumbledore and i cant wait till the 7th one comes out.
Im gonna miss harry after the 7th one.
I wonder how the 6th film will come out.
I rate it 9/10.
47 - saksham
the book was really really cool!!!!!
i think JKR has yet again dun a marvellous job.
i got so involved dat i really wanna kill that moron bloody traitor "SNAPE"
he really deserves the AVADA KEDAVRA from HARRY.But i dont understand why theres no role of cho chang in this novel.necertheless this muchawaited has lived up to my expectations.
48 - Jason
I am really saddened by the loss of the most beloved character (aside from Harry) on the book. To me Dumbledore is a legend. Not worthy to be eliminated just like that, and by whom?... by the one who Dumbledore completely trusted for about 15 years. I could take it if it wasn't Snape, who did it while Dumbledore's unarmed. It could have been many Death Eaters fighting against the lone headmaster, that's more worthy of him. Anyway, Rowling has her own plans, and not always do novels end up the way we like it. I wonder how the next book will be without him, but then, Harry Potter will never be the same.
49 - dave
SPOILERS: DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU FINISHED THE BOOK.
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I shouldn't be reading children's books at my age but...
I found the book slow, overlong, predictable, plodding, lacking in the imaginative and inventive sparkle of the earlier books, devoid of any real twists or surprises in the plot and lacking any serious character development. The ending was signposted in the first couple of chapters. This is clearly more of an episode than a self contained story.
1) Snape was set up as a Judas character from the start of the book. His motives and true position left woefully unexplored.
2) Dumbledore went to his fate like a lamb to the slaughter. Bit like a bull elephant being taken out by a couple of consecutive rounds with a few kittens.
3) The whole thing starts to remind me of the Jesus story. Or Star Wars. I expect a resurrection or similar in the last book.
4) I also suspect Neville will turn out to be a key character in the last book.
5) The plot for the next book is obvious.
50 - gigi
OMG!!! I can't believe people actually think the 6th book is rubbish!...(no offence)... I loved it!!! Has anyone figured out who R.A.B is? Coz i have a feeling it could be Regulus Black!!!!!!! Sirius's younger bro because he had an uncle called Alphard which could mean Regulus was named after him to make his name "Regulus Alphard Black" (R.A.B)!!!.................You may think i'm wierd but maybe harry is a the horcrux that came from gryffindor and his parents are from Godric's Hollow which means Harry might be the heir of Gryffindor. so he will have to sacrifice himself to get rid of voldy at the end. and he will be known as "the boy who ONCE lived"!!! so wat u think???
maybe voldy will still live because there might one horcrux left that they dont know about!! well we'll soon find out in the 7th book!!!! ooooo i cant wait!!
51 - Momo
Harry Potter was good, in the first book. When it was all about quiddich. The series has gone downhill ever since.
52 - gigi
OMG!! i have a feeling that the locket horcrux is the one that harry and co found while cleaning grimmauld place in da fifth book because they couldn't open it. And if it is true mundungus might have the locket horcrux thingy cuz he stole things from the Black house!!! and maybe he sold it someone cuz he said he was gonna sell to make money!!! OMG OMG OMG!!!
Ps: i'm the person (gigi) who said the thingy about R.A.B being regulus black.
Pps: No offence but i totally disagree with that momo person. I think its gone uphill.
53 - D-man
Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince was awesome,a 10 out of 10 book. All you people who think it sucks, YOU GUYS SUCK!!!!!!! Also i cried at the end cause someone dies. But I think it was all for a good reason.
54 - manoj
HBP was OK.much better than OoTP.
give it a 7(magical no ain't it) out of 10
good thing was there was no repetition like explaining quidditch terms in prev book.
i thought there would be a GOOD reason for SNAPE calling himself the HBP.
Couldn't understand much about AD and HP retrieving the "LOCKET".it seems illogical.
i agree that AD's death might've been an act.
think AD sacrifised his life so that snape could win the
confidence of LORD THINGY.
i don't think AD is thaaat foolish to blindly trust SS.
and who is R.A.B? maybe Regulus as others say and maybe the locket
horcrux was really the one they found at #12.
i have a doubt-can house elves (dis)apparate within hogwarts?
i also have a crazy idea-
Gryffindor's sword is AD's HORCRUX?????????.
thus AD will resurrect.
can't wait till release of the 7th.
55 - Ummm ... Me?
I'm sorry. Who and what is Harry Potter?
Imagine someone saying that. Wouldn't that be funny. Or not.
Pretty much everyone has discussed, well, everything so I'll just ask the one thing no-one has probably even been stupid enough to think or almost think: How many pages will the next (and last book) be? Trivial little thing, isn't it? The first book (HP and the Philosopher's Stone) had 223 pages (Aussie version - really bad cover, by the way, even I could have done better) and the latest book (HP and the Half-Blood Prince) has 607 pages (again, Aussie version. And again, bad cover. You'd think that with so much publicity over the series and the fact that JK Rowling's earned more than what the Queen has from these books, they'd be able to get a half-decent illustrator or designer but NOOOO). 6th book was smaller than 5th one, though. So will the next one reach a whopping 1000?
Nah.
I mean the Bible has approx. between 1000-1500 pages (depending on your version, print size, book size, etc.).
My point? I don't know. When you find out let me know.
And how long will she take to write the next book. It took around 2 years to get this book out so maybe she'll go for 5 years to keep us (or some of us, by the sound of the complaints screaming from this website) in suspence.
And do we REALLY want Dumbledore back alive? Do you think if we petitioned his resurrection to Rowling she'll actually change the plot of the next book to keep her fans happy (which, of course, means more income consequently).
No.
I
Don't
Have
A
Point.
Soooo ... what now? I'll get back to you in 10 years time when the "Harry Potter's Son" series come out.
56 - manoj
the name of the illustrator given above seems to be wrong.
57 - AMom
I am a 40 year old mom of 2 small girls and have been a big fan of the HP books. I also have been a big advocate of the books, and against all of the protests about them being satanic. They are just great, harmless, fantasy books. Kids of the proper age, able to understand the differences between right and wrong, and real life and fantasy, should be allowed to read and enjoy these wonderfully written books.
After reading the HBP though, I am very disappointed. I feel that JKR has crossed the line. Her books are aimed at kids, and in these days of constant REAL terror and violence, kids should be able to escape into a good book without the horrible violence that JKR portrayed at the end.
The ending of the book affected me to the point of tears. I am worried about the effects on younger readers.
I just really had to get this out, and if anyone knows the official site that JKR herself might read comments, please let me know.
58 - R. Albus Bumblebore?
i think RAB IS Regulus (THERE SHOULD BE A MIDDLE NAME STARTING WITH 'A' here...) Black. He's Sirius brother, mentioned in Book 5, died 15 years ago. Fits doesn't it?
Oh YEAH.. one more thing.. I DON'T THINK SNAPE IS EVIL whatever u guys may think. I believe that JO rOWLING definitely has something much more deeper than this in store for us.. Snape's betrayal was just too...DIRECT? nawwww..i don't think he's a baddie.. I mean read the words dumbledore said before Snape killed him... It goes " Severus...please.." He was pleading for something. I think his death was necessary for harry to defeat Lord Voldie. Look at it this way How many people have died for HARRY? First his parents, then Sirius, now Dumbledore. It all has to be connected..There must be a reason for Dumbledore's death.. He was a great man and he trusted Snape so much. Oh wells..the good people always die young. =(
59 - Leona
I think Dumbledore is faking his death. Didn't he try to convince Malfoy that he could pretend death before the arrival of the death eaters? I prefer to think that Dumbledore and Snape outsmarted others to give Harry enough motivation and strength to Kill off Dark Lord.
60 - Dumbledore's Soldier
You guys are way too harsh about this book it was incredible.
SPOILER wARNING
I think that R.A.B does stand for Regulus Black. But on the contrary i think he found the Horcrux right after he betrayed Voldemort. Once Voldemort found out that Regulus betrayed him he killed regulus. That is why in the note he knew he would have been dead before whoever found it. Also i think that Dumbledore is NOT dead. In the painting in his office i noticed his was the only one not moving. Dumbledore told snape to come and "kill" him on the ramparts. Once that scene was over i remembered something from the Goblet of Fire. When Crouch Jr. disguised as Moody was explaining about the Killing Curse and he said that the only way to kill someone with it was to really really hate them and mean to kill them when you say the curse. I also noticed that when harry was fighting Snape, Snape wasnt trying to hurt harry he was coaching him, telling him to close his mind.
61 - wai_no_feni
I was waiting for HBP for so long, and really, I don't think it let me down at all. In fact, I got more than I expected with the exposition of Draco's "softer" side. ^__^ It was heartening to know that even the most despicable, horrible, nasty creep of the "bad side" still has a conscience. I love Draco, I swear.
Personally, I don't believe that Snape is evil. As huge as he claims his mistakes to be, Dumbledore chooses his allies carefully. And, in fact, if Dumbledore hadn't wanted something drastic to happen, why would he have given Snape the DADA position when he fully well knows that that means Snape would be gone by the end of the year?
I'll be really surprised if it turns out that Snape was on Voldemort's side all along.
The only thing that bothered me, just a little, was change. Like Harry's love life, like the ways and means that Ron and Hermione employ to insult each other, like Snape's heritage, like Dumbledore's "easy way out." I'm not a big fan of change. And I suppose JKR gets away with the excuse that everyone's "growing up" - and they are - but still...ah, whatever. I suppose I'll adapt, after a while.
Overall, great book. Here's hope to the thought that we'll only have two years to wait til the 7th book, like we did with the 6th! ;-D
baibai
62 - Stacy
I agree with those that said that Albus died for a reason and he was very aware of that reason (his love for harry and willingness to die for him providing extra protection?) even if we, at this moment, arent.
At first I was disappointed, but then as I thought about the book and who its audience was (I'm 35) I was less annoyed at all the silly romance and distractions from some of the heavier themes of the book.
To the mother above that expressed her concerns that the book was too "violent"- while I can appreciate that concern, I think that you have to keep in mind that the series follows Harry from a relatively young age up to the present (16?)- he's no longer a child, regardless of the fact that some of Rowling's readers are. It is naive to think that Rowling would set off and write a 7 book series that follows Harry and his friends from age 10 or 11 to 17 without having the themes get much more serious and even darker and violent. This is a fight about good vs. evil and evil is, well....evil.
Also, the reality is that children experience these themes everyday- love, loss, grief, betrayal, not fitting in, injustice, happiness, loneliness and yes, even horrific violence at the hands of strangers or those who are supposed to protect them. They can turn on the news and see buildings coming down and people dying. You cant shield them from this, nor should you.
And I give the kids who read these books a lot more credit than I do some of their parents- they understand this and the HP books allow them to experience some of these things safely-some may even identify it. Its an opportunity to talk to your kids about very real issues in a way they can relate to.
63 - Stacy
Some possibilities and thoughts (now keep in mind, I havent read these books like 10 times, so go easy on me):
1. I think Albus is really dead. I think its wishful thinking to think he's not. Wee knew it was coming, it was just a matter of whether it would be book 6 or 7.
2. The theme of loyalty, betrayal and forgiveness (or redemtpion?) and how one reacts to it runs heavy through these books- Harry's parent were betrayed by their friend Peter Pettigrew and yet harry responded by saving his life. How did Voldy react when betrayed- he murdered anyone he suspected of it. Albus taught Harry by example to have empathy for even the most vile people (even tom riddle and malfoy) and some were redeemed through that empahty- will Malfoy be redeemed? Will Snape ultimately be (if he has truly turned)? Or is Snape's betrayal simply another character test for Harry that shows yet again, Harry is more like Dumbledore than Tom Riddle (remember when Harry worried he was similar to Voldy in Chamber of Secrets?)
3. What was up with Snape and Dumbledore's argument that hagrid told harry about? Any ideas?
64 - R.A.B
I thought the book was really good although it was different from the others. To all you people who are being downers I think the romance is good, Harry has had nearly everyone who he felt love for die...his parents, Sirius and now Dumbledore. That is why he ended it with Ginny. Hopefully in the 7th book if he survives he will get his fair share of love with the friends that survive (hopefully Ginny). Also anyone have any guesses on "R.A.B"? I believe it's an old character we all know who was introduced to us under a false name or it could be a completely new character either way I hope there good! I am looking forward to the new book hopefully it won't be in like 3 years, JK is just milking all he money she can possibly get from this... just give us the book and go and live in your 5 million dollar house. :)
65 - R.A.B
Dumbledore's Soldier, I agree with you. Everything you said made sense, and I hope it comes true. However, I sometimes feel no matter how much we make sense we can be wrong. I believe Harry was destined to fight the Dark Lord alone. Dumbledore may come back as something else briefly to aid him but not more than that. I do hope your right and tht he isn't dead though!
66 - Gigi
i totally disagree with those of u who said dumbledore is dead cuz they buried him in a white tomb and everything! then again i might be wrong. RAB stands for Regulus Alphred Black as i mentioned before! harry HAS to die in the last book to make the story great and complete!! i so hope that harry wont fall in in love with ginny cuz she's like rons lil sis and she is a redhead (no offence)!!
67 - Ramesh
This will be the last time I buy any of the Harry Potter books. I did not learn my lession from the 5th book but now consider it well learned. The author is more concerned with killing off people in the book and thereby gaining immense publicity for the series. What is your guess that someone else dies in the next book? The first three books were brilliant and the next one good and the last two bad in my opinion. For those who have not yet read the book my suggestion is this is not a book you want to reread so just borrow one and read. I would grade this book a 5-1/2 out of 10. Then plot is weak, the characters very stiff and Harry still makes all his mistakes without the humor that the first books had... anyway if you have read the reviews above you would have gotten the story by now...I hope the next book will not be written just for the sake of money as this one so obviously was and that we will be spared stories of how upset the author was with the death of the characters and such stuff...
Dear Ms Rawlings please start writing again like you began... from you heart not your head and definitely not to make a bestseller but to have one happen because people really like the book not because you and your team have created a hype which scams them into buying...
68 - Trill
I don’t know, it wasn't my favourite novel. I wouldn't say it's rubbish, but a lot of the storyline is repetitive.
!SPOILER!
Regarding Dumbledore's death; it was obvious- 'The Journey of the Hero' (damn my old English teacher). Hero is a normal person with the potential for good or evil. Hero finds a mentor, mentor passes knowledge and mentor dies and/or leaves hero. Hero faces evil alone. The basic storyline has worked for thousands of years, I guess JKR didn’t want to deviate from that.
I mean, at least to me, it was obvious that Dumbledore was going down. As for Snape killing him... I figured that if he made the unbreakable vow, he was dedicated to Voldmort and would have to kill Dumbledore. I don’t know, maybe I just foresaw too much of the storyline to really enjoy it.
I mean, I'm 16, I know there's a lot of dating and flirting and crushes flying around, but I think JKR was pushing it. I don't see Ron dating Lavender and then blowing her off... that just doesn't work for me. Not to mention Hermione and Ron not talking for half the novel. Not again, JK tried that before and it was weak.
Although Harry, Ron and Hermione going on their own to destroy Voltmort does intrigue me. So in conclusion, it was mediocre at best, but any fan will enjoy. To me, it's the weakest so far, but it's obviously a seg-way book, meant to lead into the final. But that's just me.
69 - Guesser
A serious concern of mine is THIS: Harry is basically no match for anyone right now. He couldn't even touch any of the Death-eaters as they ran through the castle, and in a 1-on-1 against Snape he got his ass handed to him. He is a 16yo wizard, not even of age and of such miniscule magical power that he would not even register on Voldemort's 1-wizard-only boat in The Cave.
Dumbledore, who has always been shown as AMAZINGLY powerful and fast, like a lightnig bolt, casting spells and speaking languages Harry couldn't dream of, has bit it. This is the Dumbledore who went man-to-man with Voldemort in the Ministry with big crazy silver band spells and doing like 5 at a time without speaking. Harry CAN'T close his mind, CAN'T do more than a measly "stupefy!" against Voldemort, CAN'T cast non-verbal spells ... he's a fucking mess. No way I will believe that he turns around and becomes enough of an expert at 17yo to defeat Voldemort, or even destroy more than one horcrux. They are powerful dark magic, and powerfully guarded. The world's best wizard is dead, so who would train him? Perhaps R.A.B.?
I think it is a big clue that Harry says it may take a month, "or a year or ten years" to track down the horcruxes and kill Voldemort. I believe that the next book will be an epic travelogue covering numerous years (a first for the series) and tracking Harry, Ron and Hermione into adulthood.
70 - Crossye
Benmiester - while im not certain if there is a brail version of harry potter i'm pretty sure i can say im not blind lol. one thing i want to know, Harry goes to dumbledores office for his "private lessons" and Harry notices that the ring is gone and they talk about a harmonica...where did that come from?????????????????
71 - Crossye
Dumbledore's Soldier - your forgetting that Horcruxes are very dark and that you have to commit murder to successfully create one, i honestly think that Dumbledore hasn't killed any 1 and that he is beyond such dark arts, i also think that Dumbledore would be the type of person who literally "rests in peace" however they are'nt in peace.
Dumbledore was good friends with Nicholas flannel, he could have had some of that stuff from the philosophers stone, he did after all take care of it 4 a year...
72 - vandy
We all knew somebody was gonna die.
( To a q last year"Is someone going to get killed?" J K Ro replied" Yes, sorry!")
So why couldn't it be Snape...discovered at last for his snakelike behaviour...
From the very first chapter I felt there was something about Dumbledore that wasn't quite right. For all his chumminess with Harry, he was never inelegant or unclassy...yet there he was letting glasses bang the heads of his hosts. Unusually chirpy too.
And did all his wizarding skills wither away with the hand? We don't know yet why it was blackened and shrivelled.
How did the spell "Avada Kedavara"
( makes me shiver still) work within Hogwarts' magically protected,charmed walls?
Something is wrong with JK's style this time round. Ron and Hermione don't so much as sneak up to the room which Harry is unable to open. The fact that he couldn't should've got them up and about!
Too much love potion about and too much snogging at Hogwarts. Too little quidditch.
And even if poor Dumbledore had to die did he have to plead to 'trustworthy'Severus???
With all his wizardry could he not have apparated or turned himself into a bird (possibly a phoenix) and flown away?Where was Fawkes???
Made to go off as though he were a squib.He deserved a battle with old Voldy.After all Voldy was his former pupil.And old D his Guru.
To rub salt into our wounds, poor chap doesn't even get the horcrux after drinking the vile green stuff!
What a let down.
I want JK Ro to know that something is desperately lacking in this sequel money-spinner of hers.
Why can't she change the end?
Let Snape call out the A K curse. Let old D stave it off with a clever charm that nobody knew he had up his sleeve. Maybe he suffers a bit; Snape escapes b'coz he's gotta do something in book7 ; but D lives...even if he's gotta be in the hospital wing for a bit.
Oh dear! Why is JK so obsessed with killing.And it's macabre for something that's suposedly children's reading!!
I AM IN MOURNING.
Are you?
Let's ask her to change the end...Imagine 6 months from now...last chapters of HBP republished...and DUMBLEDORE LIVES!
73 - Dawn
While the HBP wasn't my favorite of the books (I dug Order of the Phoenix the most) I think JKR did a good job keeping the story line moving. It seems a lot of people in this thread didn't like the relationships and teen angst the characters went through, but I think it was pretty realistic to assume that 16 year olds (wizards or not) would be feeling the pull of hormones. They are still kids, despite the peril.
It's sad that Dumbledore is dead, and I can't wait for her to explain how Snape could have so successfully double-crossed the greatest wizard ever, but I am sure she will.
It's possible, but doubtful, that Dumbledore could reemerge in the last book in some form. JKR completely stole the scene from the cave from the LOTR, with the whole scary lake thing, dead people in the water and Dumbledore having issues opening the passage way. How very Gandalf like he seemed. And Gandalf came back as an even greater wizard after he died. Maybe there is some lesson in immortality and being good, versus the Horcruxes and being evil. Also, remember all the former wizards hang out in the portraits in Dumbledore's office.
He will be back somehow.
I give the book an 8 out of ten - and that's because I am unhappy about every single fatherlike figure in Harry's life being killed.
Poor kid.
74 - Stacy
A couple more things:
1. I dont think it was just Regalus Black that got the charm neckless. I think R stands for Regalus, A stands for "and" and B stands for ? Dumbledore noted in the cave that it took 2 people to take the neckless so I dont think Regalus did it alone and we have to figure out who "B" is.
Whoever "B" is (if this theory is correct) must be small, as only one full grown wizard was to be on the boat to get over to the little island. Could it be a child? An elf?
2. Dumbledore will likely play a big role in book 7 despite his being dead. I cant help but think DD's symbol, the phoenix and his loyal follower Fawkes, is more than a coincidence- a phoenix symbolizes dumbledore and a phoenix rises from the ashes and is reborn. I dont think DD is going to be reborn in any general sense, but rather that he will continue to guide harry and his friends and even protect them. Kind of in an Obi Wan Kenobi type way, not a Gandalf-type way.
Also, I seem to remember DD saying, when he was being led out of Hagrid's cabin by lucius and fudge, after having been basically fired from being headmaster, that 'if any student ever needs me, all they have to do is ask for me' or something to that effect- he said that in the direction of where harry, Ron and Hermione were hiding under the invisibility cloak and I cant help but think it had a greater signficance that we didnt realize at the time.
3. The last Horcrux- could it be harry himself? Or is Voldy intending to kill harry with the intent of making him into his final horcrux?
4. Snape- I think he's on the side of the Order and JKR is just playing with our heads.
5. Is their a link between Lily and Snape? Did Snape love her?
6. Could snape have intended the potions book to be used by harry to give him the tools he needs in the future? Harry learned nothing in potions when snape taught him because he hated snape so much and once snape moved to the position of DADA teacher, he knew Harry would likely take potions. Just a theory. Where it goes, nobody knows....
7. Did snape hear the whole prophesy outside of the door when trelawny was talking to dumbledore and only tell Voldy part of it- thus proving his loyalty to DD? In other words, there STILL might be a reason that DD trusted Snape so completely.
8. Even if Hogwarts doesnt re-open, I think at least half of book 7 will take place there- its too important a place symbolically for both Voldy and Harry and it could be that their final battle takes place there. Also, perhaps DD is STILL in more of a position to help Harry against Voldy within hogwarts.
9. I know a lot of people, particularly younger readers, are upset DD died. But I think we all knew it was coming and not only that, that it HAD to happen. I think it was more than simply a "sacrifice" on the part of DD- I think it had real meaning and we may not find out the true extent of that meaning until book 7, if JKR is any good at her storytelling, which I think she is.
Almost every major mythology of sorts has this sort of rite of passage that ends up making the younger apprentice stronger in the end. I, too, wanted DD to live to book seven because he was my favorite character, but one of the themes of Harry Potter throughout all the books, is that you never really lose those that you love and DD has spent every year trying to teach Harry that death is only a passage and that there was nothing to fear. In a way, DD's death was an example to harry- one that he could draw strength from.
10. I think neville is the Chosen One. In the last two books JKR has had Harry ponder a bit too much over what would have happened if he and Neville were in reversed places. And I think that could be because they are.
11. I dont think Nagini is one of Voldy's horcrux's- I think thats a red herring from JKR. Dumbledore was guessing and I dont think its realistic to think that all of DD's guesses during their sessions were right on.
12. Could harry and draco join together at some point, to fight voldy?
13. The potion's book belonged to snape, but wouldnt harry, ron or hermoione recognized the writing? After all, didnt snape grade their potions homework all those years? And hermione looked at the writing and said it looked like a girl's writing (I think it was she who said that). Or was that a red herring to throw us off Snape?
For some reason, lily comes to mind again.
75 - Stacy
Quote from Vandy above:
"And even if poor Dumbledore had to die did he have to plead to 'trustworthy'Severus???
With all his wizardry could he not have apparated or turned himself into a bird (possibly a phoenix) and flown away?Where was Fawkes???"
Exactly, which points to the possibility that DD was pleading with Snape to kill him for reasons we may not yet know (we cant know everything!).
And why DIDNT fawkes come to help DD? I immediately thought of that after reading the book. My thoughts? Because Dumbledore didnt summon him and Fawkes knew he wasnt needed- because DD was meant to die.
Everything people are saying about how angry, sad, upset, disappointed they are about HOW DD died, seems to me to be overlooked clues as to why he wasnt just the hapless victim of Snape.
DD didnt need a WAND to fight off Draco- DD has PLENTY of time to unarm or even kill draco (which I dont think for a minute he would have done) wand or no wand. Yes, he was weakened, but he was able to hold on a conversation, cast a binding spell on harry all at the same time. I think he could have EASILY gotten that wand out of Dracos hand.
And Snape and DD's argument? Did Snape perhaps not want to kill DD? But DD ordered him to do it in much the same way he impressed upon harry that harry must follow all of DD's directions in the cave and after, no matter how off or counterintuitive they seemed? If Snape really wasn loyal to DD, he would do what DD said.
And when harry was chasing after snape and malfoy, why didnt snape just throw a charm or curse at him and carry him off to Voldy? We can guess that Voldy didnt want anyone to kill Harry because he wanted to do it himself, but Severus could have helped him out surely.