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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Book Summary

Reviewed by Matt Berman

Voldemort and his followers, the Death Eaters, are out in the open now, so much so that Rufus Scrimgeour, the new Minister of Magic, feels it necessary to inform the muggle Prime Minister. Snape is up to no good, Draco has been given an assignment by the Dark Lord, and and a net of security has dropped on Hogwarts. Deaths, disappearances, and destruction increase as Harry's penultimate year at Hogwarts begins.

In between classes Harry learns about Voldemort's past, keeps on eye on Draco and Snape, though no one else believes they have joined the Death Eaters, and falls in love with someone he believes he shouldn't. Even Ron is involved with the opposite sex, much to Hermione's annoyance. And once again, the new teacher of Defense Against the Dark Arts knows more than he's telling.

Is It Any Good?

5

Don't even think of reading HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE without having read its predecessors. As J.K. Rowling begins pulling together the threads and characters from the previous books, even fans may have trouble remembering all the references. Most of the book is spent watching Harry learn -- about Voldemort's past, about new potions and spells, about Snape and Malfoy, and even about Dumbledore. The three heroes squabble and bicker, though Harry seems to have mellowed since his furious rampage through Book 5 -- and there's a lot more kissing.

As the protagonists age, so do the books, growing darker, more violent, more complex, and much more emotional. While young children will still want to read it, and will probably be enthralled, this is clearly aimed at older children. But the series remains compellingly readable, breathlessly suspenseful and exciting, and now powerfully emotional.

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