Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling (2005)

This much anticipated and long awaited book is the sixth in J.K. Rowling's series which have captured the imagination of children and adults alike across the globe. It's definitely worth the wait and is as engrossing as the five previous books in the series!

Now I'm not -- and my kids aren't ... yet perhaps ... -- like many of those other Harry Potter fans who dressed up and waited all night in front of some bookstore to buy this new installation. Rather, we bought it on eBay for 50% off and got it nearly as fast without the drama. Nonetheless, we've been drawn into the series in much the same way. I have a nine year old who has been listening to me read the books for the past few years and is just starting to read this latest edition on his own (although he has trouble with some sections, so it's probably still a bit ahead of his level). Rowling again delivers a lot of action, mystery, intrigue, and plenty of creativity to keep you turning quickly through the 675 or so pages.

"Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" is packed with twists and turns. It's definitely a good bit darker than the previous editions as it follows our favorite trio Harry, Ron and Hermione into their sixth year at Hogwarts Academy of Wizarding and witchcraft. While I don't want to give away any of the secrets, here's a quick synopsis. At age 16, our heroes have clearly entered adolesence where petulance and crushes abound. They have just finished their O.W.L.s (a smart play on the English O-Level exams which are sort of like pre-SATs in the US) and in addition to various romances are consumed with what careers they want to pursue upon finishing school. All the while, the wizarding world is in turmoil over the war with Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The central villain, who is also known as the DarkLord or "He who must not be named," is unquestionably alive again and is terrorizing both the wizarding and muggel/non-wizarding worlds. And Harry has gone from misunderstood and maligned teenager to the yound adult who may have been prophesized to bring balance.

There are also many of other villains inluding Harry's nemesis at Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy and his crew of bullies in Slytherin. In addition, Belatrix Lestrange and professor Snape (now a Death Eater again). And, there are also some new characters including new Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions teachers. In addition to many other twists and turns, one of the central characters dies in the end which is as surprising as it is sad. And at least so far in the series, this isn't one of those "supposed" deaths like Dumbeldore's "disasppearance" or Ron's Boggert-inspired imaginary death in previous editions.

The only drawback I can think of is that you might have to read the first five books before reading this sixth edition to fully get it. And what better way to get ready for the film version of Harry Potter four, "The Goblet of Fire" which will be in theaters in November than to read this final edition. It's a great read from start to finish and will be enjoyed by all.

This is an excellent book that continues the life of Harry Potter. Having followed his adventures since the beginning of the series it was interesting to me to see how he handles the magic he possess in a magical world as well as the non magical one. I have enjoyed watching Harry grow and mature and look forward to reading the last book in the series. I recommend this book to everyone.

My kids enjoyed the book and the movie. I also like the book, my husband doesn't get the chance to sit and read so I thought the book on cd would be a great idea. It has turned out be an awesome idea. We all share it! Being able to listen when we drive has been great. You get lost in the book and don't realize that you've been in the car for hours.

After reading the book and seeing the movie, I find that I enjoy the books on cd more. Jim Dale dones a wonderful job with the voices - everyone seems to 'pop' into life!

I work from home and I find that I'll put the cds on just for the background noise - and find that the whole day passes more quickly!
Books on cd are a must have for anyone!

I bought this to have something to listen to at work instead of radio all the time. The movies and books were good, but listening to these has given a new perspective on the Harry Potter experience. It sticks to the books, whereas the movies do not. So you can to experience the adventure that you had previously only read about. One man does a wide variety of voices to bring the characters alive.

The reading relly gets you into the excellent plot! I have read and listened to all of the Harry Potter books!

Having read the books, enjoyed the adventure!... intensely focused on all of the twists and turns....I must admit that hearing the unabridged Half Blood Prince by J.K.Rowling and told by Jim Dale was an incredible pleasure! Ah, Tom Riddle, you certainly were a dark character that needed to be analyzed by J.K.Rowling so expertly in her writings....and it needed to be brought to life through the talented Jim Dale! I recommend that everyone who has read the books...take the time and experience the unabridged audio presentation performed by Jim Dale! Naturally, we haven't seen the screenplay or movie yet, but, the quality of the presentation was so "magnificent" that it was as if I had a "full movie screen" in my head and Mr. Dale outdid the DTS surround sound! What a wonderful prelude to the 7th book! You made it easy for this grandfather to "freshen up" on all of the Harry Potter books, quickly, on trips, at home and at my computer! "Brilliant!" as it has been said so many times! "...bloody brilliant!..." This granddad just wants to say Thank-you!!With kindest regards, Theoden.

The kids and I really enjoyed listening to the story. Every night we would listen to 1 cd. We couldn't wait til the next night to listen to the next.

It is an outstanding story, excellently written book and the CDs make it easy for the younger listeners/readers to understand every detail.

HARRY POTTER IS THE BEST!!!!!!!

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I don't really have to say much, people familiar with the Harry Potter series know what the books are like. This audio book was very well read, much family fun. Pretty much from book 4 on they start to get more of an adult or older child read! We started the series when my son was in 4th grade and read them all along, once he hit 16 the books became age appropreate. I would never let my 4th grader read the last 3 until he was progressively older. Very well written and read on the CD.

It took a long time to arrive but it was exactly what they promoted. Great seller. Product was in great condition just like they adverticed

My son has a learning disability. He is 12 and only reads at a 3rd grade level. He really wants to read the Harry Potter series himself. This has been wonderful for him to listen and follow along in the book. It helps him improve on his reading and allows me a chance to relax a little. I have to help him with all of his homework. So, I have loved having him read a good book with the assistance of the CD. The narrator has a fun voice to listen to.

In her 6th book, the school of Hogwarts and past friendships begin to disappear as so much background noise as Harry starts to come to terms of what must be done to defeat Voldemort. Professor Dumbledore himself guides Harry in this new education.

Voldemort's artificial immortality was created by putting parts of his soul into powerful artifacts called horcruxes. As long as one remains, Voldemort can not truly die. Harry destroyed one, Tom Riddle's diary, in the 2nd book. Sharp readers will quickly guess that Dumbledore destroyed another one before the story begins.

The suspense builds up nicely as Harry is invited to go with Dumbledore to find and destroy a 3rd, but someone beat them to it and a fake has been left in its place. Greatly weakened by the ordeal, Dumbledore is rendered helpless by Draco Malfoy, who has been charged by Voldemort to kill the headmaster. Draco can't bring himself to do it, but Professor Snape does.

While it is not normal for me to tell how the book ends in my reviews, I am making an exception here because the ending is the most fascinating part of the series as a whole. The greatest appeal is how it leads into the 7th book.

The biggest question of all was the motives of Professor Snape. Dumbledore was obviously dying as the result of destroying the 2nd horcrux. Was it a mercy killing? Looking back in past books does not seem to help. We constantly find Snape in questionable circumstances but he always has an excuse for his motives. Ironically, the death eaters in the first chapter must likewise decide for themselves just how much circumstantial evidence and excuses are proof of his evilness.

The other great mystery to come from the book were the horcruxes, of which there are 7. 1 was the journal and the Riddle family ring was another. It seems obvious that artifacts from each house (except Griffendor) are being used (3 more) and that Naja, Voldemort's serpent, is the 6th. So what is the 7th? Since Voldemort has a similar connection with Harry as he does Naja, could it be that he might be the 7th? If he is, then does he have to die to destroy Voldemort?

Despite having so many important questions left unanswered at the end, this book does not suffer from the "middle book funk". The mega story has built to a major turning point but the mini-story has a definite end with successes for the protagonists. The most obvious is that Harry now knows what must be done and how big the task is. Less obvious is Harry's rite of manhood. I've mentioned in other reviews that Harry has matured past his age. Despite being capable (and indeed, usually operating) on his own, Harry still used adults as a safety net. At the end of this book he cuts this final tie of childhood and declares he will hunt down and face Voldemort alone.

In conclusion, JK Rowling has done more than just wrote a great novel. She has brought all the mysteries together and leaves us satisfied that Harry can finish the job he is given. The loss of Dumbledore and the apparent betrayal of Snape were high prices to pay, but they were necessary for Harry to grow into the man he was prophesized to become.

John Holland-author of Necklace of Terrersylvanous

absolutely love it, rec'd in orderly fashion. very much pleased. I'm a die hard HP fan and was able to listen to this book before the latest came out. If anyone isnt interested in harry potter on audio cd, they should greatly reconsider when it comes to harry potter on cd. The Narrorator is positively exquisite. Item was in brand new condition. again, very pleased.

Very dissatisfied! I have not received my purchase yet. I have e-mailed the seller and have received NO response. You have my money but I do not have my CD's. Hopefully you will read this and finally respond. Either get my my stuff or give me my money back!!!!

JK ROWLING CONTINUES THE HARRY POTTER SERIES WITH ANOTHER GREAT BOOK OF HARRY IN HIS 6TH YEAR AT HOGWARTS. THERE ARE A COUPLE OF GREAT SURPRISES IN THIS BOOK AND IS A *MUST READ* AS A NEW POTTER BOOK IS COMING OUT!

I'm one of those literary snobs who had to eat their hat because I doubted the masses. I didn't want to read Harry Potter, and I certainly didn't want to like it. Now I find myself a willing follower of an orphaned boy trying to discover who he is during the hormone infested teen years as well as defeating the epitome of evil. I've also discovered the joy of having someone else do all the work while I sit back and savor Harry, Hermione and Ron's adventures. How I love the Weasley Twins!!! I really enjoyed this book particularly because I'm so fascinated by human nature. How does one become a serial killer? Why is Voldemort so evil? How did he develop, and why didn't anyone see it coming? CSI fans will love it!

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I love the story as I have all of the previous books
and the narrator does a great job of changing his voice
to be all the different characters.

This item was a nice present from my son. He knows that I enjoy listening to stories while I am traveling. He also knows that I like the Harry Potter series. I have the rest of the series on cassette tape. It is mush nicer to have the CD's, most cars do not have cassette players in them any more. I have listened to the whole series and all the CD'S were fine.

I love the book-on-tape "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" by JK Rowling, because the narrator is Jim Dale. Jim Dale does hundreds of different voices throughout the book, and he does an excellent job of it. I highly recomend it to anyone.

I bought it as a christmas gift for my bosses child. She enjoys reading and she loves these books but some of the words are alittle hard for her to decifer so this alows her to read the book when ever she wants and doesn't need her parents right there in case she gets stuck because she can read along with the voice on the cd. She loves it because it makes her independent.

Only dislike was that it took alot of time to put on my IPOD. Other than that I loved it and enjoyed the narrator too.
I love audio books.
Especially Harry Potter and the like.

This book on CD is read by one of the best narrators, whose life experience comes from the stage in England. He uses a different voice for each character and brings the book to life. Listening to Jim Dale read this book on a long road trip keeps the listeners at full attention. Everyone in the car is tuned in and engages in the same topic. Everyone is listening for clues in understanding the characters of Harry Potter and trying to anticipate what is to come in the last and final book.

Oh I just love this author. She has a way with her subjects that keeps you enterained throughout the whole story. I can't wait for her next book.