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

What can I say? J.K. Rowling has outdone herself with the 6th book in the Harry Potter series. The 6th year at Hogwart's offers new plot twists that keep the reader asking such questions as "Is Snape on our side or isn't he?" "Will Ron and Hermione get together or won't they?" "Will Harry ever learn that he should tell Dumbledore EVERYTHING that happens to him??"

Ms. Rowling's genius for writing is particularly illuminated in this latest installation as we are given pieces to the puzzle that we’ve been working on for YEARS. She tickles your mind with crazy possibilities (could Neville Longbottom really play an important role in the fight against Voldemort?). She provides just enough tidbits for us to imagine how the big picture might really look. While the cast of characters is as familiar to us as the golden snitch is fast, Rowling starts to show us a greater depth and possibility in them that we haven't seen thus far (with the exception, perhaps, of Peeves the Poltergeist who continues with his usual antics).

All in all, I would rank this book my favorite in the Harry Potter series. While it spends perhaps too much time on "who likes who" (although as a teen, what other topic is there?), it is a very entertaining page turner. In the end, you are left with the feeling that Harry is more a young man than a boy - that in the much anticipated 7th and final book he is going to step into the role that Dumbledore has been preparing him for during his time at Hogwart's. The anticipation is killing me!!

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.

The long awaited next book in the series lived up to my expectations.

The twists and turns and the surprises keep coming (especially in the 2nd half of the book)

I thought the first half of the book was a bit slow to develop but man the 2nd half - I could NOT put the book down.

The book keeps in line with others as Harry's stubborness to not disclose everything to Dumbledore causes problems as usual. This book is darker and a bit more advances as it digs into Voldmort's dark past. It has a lighter side of love interests for Harry and Ron (well sort of for Ron but you will see).

Harry's old rivals are back - Snape and Malfoy but this time they play much bigger roles and actually have a central plot around them (the ending is surprising - I kid you not)

Rowling spends more time on plot points and story lines than she does misc. stuff like Quidditch and has an ending that you would not expect. A bold move on Rowling's part.

As far as the best in the series - yes so far it is.

One thing that this book also does is set you up for great conversations on how the series will end. J.K. Rowling really has her readers guessing now with all the curve balls she threw at us in this book. Will the next one be fit for a King?

My only question is - what will they pick and choose to include in the movie for this whopper of a story and ending?

Disclaimer: I am an eBay employee and this review is my own opinion and is not written on behalf of eBay. This review does not reflect the views of my employer nor is it endorsed by them.

This book from cover to cover was so great i took my vacation from work to devote the proper time to it. I got started on Harry Potter when book four was released. I bought up the first set of books and i've never looked back. The stories are always right on the money, fantastic and at sometimes incredible. This book was the best by far, which i didn't think possible after the last book, but time and time again she has out done herself. The story was awesome bringing all the other books together as far as relationships go along with the well anticipated duel of good VS evil. Buying this is a no-brainer, A must have for all harry potter fans and a story that will leave you begging for more.
And now for my dislikes: not long enough (with something so good you never want it to end), this is book six ( being book six of seven it means its almost over)and last the movie ( they are so pressed for time like the others they will leave some really important and great stuff out).