Harry Potter and the Half blood Prince by J. K. Rowling (2005, Unabridged, Compact Disc)

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.

If you liked the others... You will like this one... Getting a little more not so childlike... Which I like!

Garry, KCebay.com
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The war against Voldemort is not going well; even Muggle governments are noticing. Ron scans the obituary pages of the Daily Prophet looking for familiar names. Dumbledore is absent from Hogwarts for long stretches of time, and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses.

And yet...

As in all wars, life goes on. Sixth-year students learn to Apparate-and lose a few eyebrows in the process. The Weasley twins expand their business. Teenagers flirt and fight and fall in love. Classes are never straightforward, though Harry receives some extraordinary help from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince.

So it's the home front that takes center stage in the multilayered sixth installment of the story of Harry Potter. Here at Hogwarts, Harry willl search for the full and complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort-and thereby find what may be his only vulnerability.

One thing that I loved about this book, is that she included so much writing about the characters life. Things that kids would discuss in school, like who is dating who, and that kind of things. I didn't care much how she keeps killing off characters. But besides that I would recommand the book, and if you haven't read the series, just watched the movies, I would recommand that you get the series. A lot of things will make a lot more since.

I wanted this set of books on CD because my family and I enjoy listen to books as we drive. My husband and I had read the book when it came out, but it is so great to listen to the book being read and hear what you may have missed. Jim Dale is an excellent reader and he really makjes the characters come to life. Ebay is a great place to shop for books on CD.

As an adult who has been reading since I was a child, I love the plot twists and turns Ms. Rowling takes within her books. I hate a book where I can read one or two pages and predict the entire story. The Half Blood Prince continues Harry's story, giving us new insight into Voldemort and some of the characters we've grown to love. I think mostly of Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom - the only two "D.A." members who answer the "call" for help. Also, of Dumbledore who actually shows his "human" side as opposed to strictly his "headmaster" side. Not to give away too much of the story line, I think this ranks as one of the best of the series, although I love the whole thing. I purchased the book on cd to entice a friend who is not a proficient reader to be able to enjoy the "whole" story and not just the little part shown in the movies. It worked and we've been able to get the entire series on cd -- here I must admit I am enjoying listening as well as reading!!

J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series is totally enchanting and refreshing. This series is for the new young reader as well as more mature readers. The characters are dynamic and endearing; maturing throughout the series as they encounter escalating dangers. This book like the others before leave you wanting more. The talking book format lets me re-experience the story with the added enjoyment of the narrator's different voice inflections. Jim Dale's narration is fantastic. He brings the characters to life with a very entertaining and amusing manner. I highly recommend this product to the uninitiated as well as the true Harry Potter fan.

I bought the audio of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for my husband He is a teacher and drives 84 miles a day. Like alot of teacher finding time to read something enjoyable is hard He has really enjoyed the Harry Potter CDs They are done very well and the person readings voice is unbelievable

Though this is considered a children's book and I have to go to the kids section in the library to get it, I am a 25 year old that loves this story!! I have a very long commute to get to work and I find myself looking forward to it just so I can hear the voice of Jim Dale puoring over the words to this excellent book. Jim Dale is great, I think he probably makes it a better listening experience than anyone else could. The story itself is great and I find myself waiting until I can read the next installment. I would recommend this book to any adult!!

While I enjoyed this story much better then the last one, it relies heavily on events that happened in the first five stories. There was many a time where I found myself saying, huh, I'll have to go back and reread that. (and that may be the point!) In general, I did not like the direction the story is going and I am sure there are too many loose ends to be able to wrap up in one final book (unless it is 3000 pages).

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.

Thank you--package was as described!! My husband enjoys listening to these books on cd. Shipping package also looked great!

This is a terrific book. I was really surprised at all the drama that unfolded in this one. I will try not to give too much away in this review. The book is full of surprising twist. Something fatal happens to one of the main characters. Someone earlier ruled out as being bad is now on Valdermorts side. When I read this book I couldn't put it down till it was over. I have never really got into any other series of books like this one. I Absolutly love it.

My cassette tape version of this book was damaged so I decided to replace it. The bookstore price is $75 for CD's. As much as I like this book I don't think so. Therefore, I decided to purchase this audio book on EBAY. For Harry Potter fans this latest installment is the darkest and ends with the death of a beloved character. But it sets up the finale of the series with many qustions to be answered. How this final chapter can be written in less than two volumes remains to be seen. The narrator, Jim Dale, is an outstanding talent who creates a voice for each character. He is award winning voice artist who shines in the Harry Potter series. My personal opinion is the story is even better in the audio version. Your imagination is freed up to visualize the story and the voices enhance the experience. You can do other things while enjoying the book like get a drink, wash the dishes, make the bed etc. You are not tied down to reading the pages. If you have not yet experienced audio books or want a new way to experience the Harry Potter books I can not reccommend audio books and EBAY highly enough.

I love that my daughter is suddenly reading every chance she gets instead of playing video games or on the computer...g great book for all ages!

New or Used, this audio cd will make a great gift at a reasonable price! I bought this for my mom on e-bay so she didn't have to spend the 75+ dollars in the store! Again, a great find with a great price on e-bay!!

I bought Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince from mydogpete13 in early October. The merchandise was immediately paid for through Paypal but has never been received. A claim has been filed. I am a new user and I feel ripped off.

mr dale is the bomb. good voices and great story.makes a trip across country fly by. I like the way it is broken up on the cd's as well. Short mp3-able segments in each of the chapters.

good book, good cds, good thing rowling is not my wife or i would be spending all of her money.

I really LOVED this book because it kept you thinking and living Harry's life. It did not however follow the happily-ever-after path that some books or series tend to follow. I laughed and cried with this book. I loved it, my 11 year old son liked it, a few of his friends liked it, and I had students that thought it was good too. I am almost afraid to read the next book to find out what happens next. Losing Dumbledore in this book was heartwrenching. Through these Series we've watch Harry, Ron, and Hermione grow up. To lose even one of them would be tragic! Overall a super book. Lot's of background history about Dumbledore and Voldemort as well as the Metamorphisis of Harry into a man.

I have wanted this book on CD for awhile now, but at $75 at the local book store, it did not seem worth it. But I found it on eBay for a great price - nearly half what the book store charged! I waited a week and then1 I had it! I don't think i will every buy a book on CD from a book store again

Once again, J.K. Rowling has outdone herself. "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" exceeds expectations with plenty of suspense, peril, and adventure. Humor and romance are mixed in to lighten things up a bit, though the "snogging" was rather overdone. Otherwise, the well-crafted plot swirls and thickens like a cauldronful of perfectly brewed potion, bubbling ever nearer to the brim and threatening to boil over. Some old questions, rumors, and theories dissolve in the process, even as new ones rise to the surface.

Many original characters return in the "Half-Blood Prince," including Harry, Ron, Hermione, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Snape, and Malfoy. Old friends such as Lupin, Ginny, and Tonks reappear, and a few unfamiliar faces are introduced as well. Dumbledore continues to speak for Rowling, most often with regard to observations that are as relevant to our world as they are to Harry's: "Don't you see? Voldemort himself created his worst enemy, just as tyrants everywhere do!" "...the prophecy does not mean you have to do anything! ...You are free to choose your way, quite free to turn your back on the prophecy!"

The relationship between Harry and Dumbledore is more fully developed in this book, particularly their mutual loyalty. Harry himself has always been mature for his age, but in the "Half-Blood Prince," we get the definite sense that he has left childhood behind. At 16, Harry has grown into an admirable young man, determined to meet the challenge of taking his place in the war against Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

This transformation from boy to man underscores the wide appeal of Rowling's books among both children and adults. I have been as involved in the books as my kids (maybe even more so). It's been especially fun discussing this one with them. --Lana Jordan, author of "Journey to Motherhood" and "The Sleepytime Ponies Trick a Trickster"

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling in the audio book version is the best way to experience the adventure for a person on the go.
I couldn't wait to go somewhere just so I could get to the next chapter.
Great buy.
Thank You,
Tawnie

I did not get this book because the seller canceled this auction because of a fire in their house. Seller refunded me all of my money no problem. Seller was very sorry about the accident. But I did get a nother copy and I loved the book. I can't wait for the next chapter of her book. Jim Dale is an excellent story teller and does the voices by far better than steven fry.