This is a good book, does involve a bit of drinking and a few sexuall ineuendos in the book and movie. Lots of kissing and sexual tension/relationship tension between ron and hermione. As well as harry and ginny. Lavendar brown is protrayed as love obsessed, but in the end was poked fun at and deemed unhealthy which was good. The books are growing more intense and violent as they go. They are getting quite dark.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
(2005, Fiction - Fantasy, Illustrated by Mary Grandpré)Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
| 100% | of parents say the sexual behavior isn't age appropriate |
| 100% | of parents say it's too violent |
Have you read it? 
Most Recent Reviews
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
12+
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Great book!
Different from the others, but its lovely! More romance, its a lovely read! although one major death..
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
I love this book- and so do my kids.
How does she do it? This is a truly fantastic book. Parents need to realize that as Harry gets older, more adult issues will be adressed. Of COURSE Harry's personality is changing. Did any of YOU act the same way at age 16 that you did at age 11? The entire series focuses on good vs. evil, and so far, throughout the series, good has triumphed. Dumbledore's death is a shocker, and depressing, but i'm sure Mrs. Rowling would not have done it if it were not vital to the story.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Another great book by Rowlings (but not for kiddies)
I personally loved this book. I think from beginning to end it sent a good message out about fighting evil with good. I liked the fact that we finally saw the human side of Voldemort, that he was not born some evil entity. Also a wonderful testimony by Fleur Delacour at the end about real love for one's spouse (or future spouse in this case). More violent than any of the last books, and flocked with some hair raising scenes, this one is not one for the kiddies, but a good read for older teens and adults.
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
11+??????? I don't think so!
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
An amazing book in an amazing series!
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
disturbingly sad!
I think this book is disturbingly sad, because one of the main characters is killed. There is alot of violence. Alot of pre-occupation with boyfriends/girlsfriend, kissing etc. The only reason I like the book is because I want to know how the series ends!
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Good Book
Interesting, best book in series. It is well-written and good for kids over the age of 10.
I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give itkids who love fantsy will love this
i love harry potter he is a great book
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Ties up some loose ends.
For me this book didn't have the same tone and fun that the others have. Harry seems to be a bit short with people that he never has been before. He also seems to be a bit single minded in the is book, especially toward Malfoy and Snape. I didn't like all the death in this one even though I understand why. It does tie up alot of the unanswered questions of the past books but leaves just as many still to be answered.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Long Live Harry!
All of Rowling's books have been excellent and this one is no exception. I was a bit surprised at the amount of alcohol use (by adults).
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it
Excellent Book
But as has been said, darker than the others. I didn't have a problem with the "snogging" or butterbeer (which does not appear to be an alcoholic beverage) or with the fact that adults do indulge in alcohol. I think, though, that the darker themes, increased violence and more complex personal issues do make this book better suited to kids 11 and up.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
JKR is a good author, but...
This book, while a fantastic read, is definitely about coming of age. If your child has been growing up with Harry, they may understand what he's going through. I find the idea getting more violent, was disappointed with the main characters' choice at the end of the book, and am hoping that good prevails in book seven!
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
great books
these are great books for the imagination, there is nothing harmful or bad about them
- I rate this title on for age 17 and give it
more dark and emotional than others in the series
This was an exceptional read for my husband and I (and we're reading it to our 7 year old). I have to say that it was so much sadder than the others and the reality of Harry's future fate is thrown right in your face. It's on the verge of depressing (emotionally), but the story keeps you interested and just dying for the next book. Not the action/adventure book that the others were, but a much more mature storyline leading us to the next book.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
COMING OF AGE BOOK! - be careful
Rowlings is really amazing to me as she creates a fantasy world that feels very safe to identify with. At the end of Book 4, there's the intellectual understanding that it's not so safe. By the end of Book 5, there's an emotional understanding that it's not so safe. But in Book 6, the kids really come of age. If your child feels that Harry is like an adult, this book might be okay (though I don't think they'd understand a lot of it). If your child feels like Harry is HIM, you might want to pre-screen. The book hurts.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Great but not for the younger kids.
I loved this book it was excellent, but unlike the first 4 this one was deffinitely not for kids. I think the plot and content would be way over any kid under 12's head anyway. Too much random make out sessions for kids, and it taught many 8 year olds the word slut. Not to mention the book is too depressing for the kiddies. Great book but not for yougsters.
Parent & Educator Reviewers Say | Kid Reviewers Say
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A little dry, but is still a great addition to the series.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is definitly is the weakest Harry Potter book. It tells a lot about Voldemort, and is shows how Harry really feels about fighting Voldemort in the end. Even though a major character dies, (I am not revealing who, since it will spoil everything!!!) It is a great book. It was not as fast paced than previous books, and it can get a little dry, but is is still good. The movie, (If innacurate) makes the book look good. I would reccomend this book to anyone 8 and up, because unlike other books, there is hardly any violence.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
This is a beautiful fantasy book with a genius plot and completely unexpected and in my mind brilliant end. A must read.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Unbelievably Great Book!
This Harry Potter was a very exciting, surprising page-turner. There was much action and a little violence but definitely a really great book for kids and adults all the same.
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
INCREDIBLE book puts into perspective just how desperate the struggle against Voldemort really is.
Relationships bloom, the stakes are raised, and we begin to learn more about the enemy, while at the same time losing allies and gaining new and dangerous foes. What more could you ask from the penultimate book in the series? Nothing, as far as I am concerned. I could go on and on, but CSM has already said enough for me. This is a simply incredible book that I reccomend to everyone, so long as they've read the other 5. Read them. You won't regret it.
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
The Best book for 11+
I think that this book is one of the best books in the Harry Potter series. It my even be THE best.
- I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Good values and nothing very innapropriate.
Yes it is fairly violent, and there is some alcohol, and they are kissing each other a lot, but it has a very good message. It talks of courage, bravery, and friendship. Parents need not worry about this book, if 7 year olds decide they need to make out with someone, I would blame the parent.
- I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
#1 Harry Potter Fan!
I did not like this book as much as the other one's, since it did not involve Voldemort, except in the memories. I thought it didn't have much action, except when Harry and Draco were in the bathroom battling, and in the cave. I feel bad for Harry because in the past few years, he has suffered many terrible losses. I was pretty sad that Dumbledore died, but he planned his death months before he died. I liked the part in the end with his funeral, I found that very touching.
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
good for anyone who can understand it and who can read avidly
this is from my favorite series I read this when i was 7or 8 but still think it would be good for 7 year olds the only reason i dont think it would be good for younger is that i dont think some 6 year olds can read that good
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Go Half blood Prince!
It is one of the best books I have ever read. But of course all the Harry Potter books are the best. They are my favorite books ever. The Half Blood Prince just makes you fill so excited no matter how many times you read it. Read it up!
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
perfaect for young adults and older!!!!
the book is fantastic but i wouldnt recommened it to be introduced to kids that are 10 and under.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
It's awesome!! I can't wait for the movie-my mommy is gonna take me to it on Tuesday
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
Best out of First 6
OK. I know i'm just a kid, but just kids read these books and think they're great. I looooove this one. I think it is the best out of the first 6 books, but the seventh in the series is definitely the best!! Read it!! chatterbox97
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Not the Best Harry Potter book but certainly up there
I am currnetly reading this book, about 2/3 through. It's very informational about Lord Voldemorts past.
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
a first grader read it, it's not so bad
This book was an amazing hit, and is one of my favorite out of all the Harry Potter series, it may be a little violent, but it explains a lot, and their is a lot of explanations in the Deathly Hallows. Books just have to have good, fun, and action explanations, not some dull kind where nobody dies or a very happily ever after ending, that's boring! I'd say this is age appropriate for any child who'd want to read books like the Harry Potter series, it's the childs' choice, not the parents, unless their over-protctive. Still, you should really, really, really, read this wonderful book!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
harry potter and the alf - blood prince
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Worst of the books but still good
Lots of cool and romance but some boring parts
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Amazing... as can be expected for Harry Potter!
MAJOR stuff happens in this book involving Harry's imminent defeat of Voldemort. This book is amazing and enthralling (as are all of the Harry Potter books). Every moment is entertaining and you want to read straight to the end. The book seems to gain momentum as Harry discover's more about Voldemort. Sexual content: tons and tons of kissing, but nothing any more serious than that. Drugs/alcohol: Slughorn and Hagrid get drunk (but it's a very funny scene). Violence: a lot near the end - such as Inferi, a potion that shows people their worst fears, wizard dueling, a character left scarred by a werewolf. Message: typical Harry Potter - very good message of love, friendship, and responsibility. CAN'T WAIT FOR MOVIE 6 <3
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
the BEST book so far.
this book kept me on the edge of my seat. so many twists and turn. A MUST READ BOOK!!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
BEST OF THE HARRY POTTER BOOKS!!
This is a great book. I loved it. I can't wait for the movie to come out!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
the best twist of plot to me
You would be suprised who the half blood prince Is. You might think it is one person but it is someone completely the opposite of that person.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
She is still going!!(j.k)
This book is one of the best bookes in the seaires! Others may diagrie but i like it the best although the 4th and 5th were good! I am still wating for my mom to finsh the 7th one! But u just have to read this one! I will garente this will be good!!
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
ok
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
RonLIcious
This book is great esspecially the parts with Ron For my age but mabye not for young readers like the snogging but it is great for teens but the whole book is good for 10ish and up
