Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter #6)

Reader reviewed by Adriana

I've been reading these in sequence before each of the movie versions come out, so I haven't gotten to reading the last and seventh book.  For this one it was nice to see Harry a bit more evolved, but it was also sad to see some of the things that happened.  Far less sugar-coating, but I loved all of the action and the answers that were divulged about Lord Voldemort.  It kept me guessing until the end, and I haven't seen the movie yet, but I hope they captured all of the important parts.

Reader reviewed by Matt Hill

In this epic novel of the Harry Potter Series, Harry actually takes on an active role in the defeat of Lord Voldemort. He actively studies with Prof. Dumbledore to learn about Voldemort's Past, so that he can better defeat himlater in life. He also goes to destroy a Horcrux, part of Voldemorts's soul, but things don't go quite as planned... Read this wonderful novel for exciting twists and turns, as Rowling gets better at working the smoke and mirors to hide the real Half-Blood Prince!

Reader reviewed by Missy

This year at Hogwarts is a whole new adventure, with a new teacher, old friends, and a new danger. THis book is filled with adventure and suspense it will leave you wanting more.

Reader reviewed by Fiona Flamingo

The sorceress of storytelling, J.K Rowling, has cast her spell upon readers in her narration of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth instalment in her phenomenal series. Now muggles everywhere can accio the book and devour this sumptuous tale! The Half-Blood Prince knots together the many plot strands from the previous five titles, yet it is deliciously dark and shockingly sinister. This is a sequel that seizes the mind and ensnares the senses of readers of all ages.
As the prospect of a second war descends upon the magical world, the realisation of the feared Lord Voldemorts return is met with trepidation and terror. Harry Potter, about to attend his sixth year at Hogwarts is increasingly isolated and well aware that he is the Chosen One; the one who will wage the final battle with Lord Voldemort. The plot hurtles along faster than the Hogwarts Express; a thrilling journey packed with mysterious names, revelations from the past, strengthening bonds, brutal betrayals, and ultimately, difficult choices. The book concludes on an agonisingly poignant note. Here, the chess board has been set. Now Ms. Rowling has to make the final moves, and the readers to wait and see what will happen next&.
The second war is reminiscent of World War 2; a looming thunder cloud of death and violence over the world, streets in turmoil, panicky people and wreaking vengeance. Lord Voldemort reminds me of Adolph Hitler, whose chief concern is purging the magical world of muggles, just like Hitlers obsession with the extermination of Jews, to create a super race.
In my view, the Harry Potter books bear resemblance to C. S Lewiss Narnia Chronicles in its other realm fantasy and battles and Philip Pullmans His Dark Materials in the depiction of soul sucking spectres. Ms. Rowling has shown her talent as a skilful artist in her use of unique colours and brush strokes in creating endearing or repugnant characters and has breathed life into everyone of them. The wise, Dumbledore, secretive Snape, brave, modest Harry, cold, calculating Voldemort, resourceful Hermione, witty Ron and larger than life, bumbling Hagrid, lure us into their world and increase our curiosity and concern to know more about them. The character I feel closest is to Hermione, although brilliant and bossy, she shares my love for books and reading.
This volume is abundant in rich imagery, fantastic devices and tantalisingly intricate plots and the pages are laced with humour, romance and scintillating dialogue. The only the thing I would alter is the way Dumbledore died, weak and pleading. Its not the end Id envisaged for such a noble figure-my version would be more peaceful and honourable.
The Half-Blood Prince has been brewed with a rare magical substancea potion any reader would willingly succumb to and escape into a world of fantasy. It is an engrossing book for older readers who like humour, fantasy and suspense. Readers anticipate the phoenix of Ms. Rowlings fiction to resurrect itself in a final volume.

Reader reviewed by chardiddlyarlie

In this book we see how much Harry and his friends have grown up. Harry has matured a lot and with this comes a lot of new angles to the book including a good deal of romance and conflict. This book was very enjoyable and again harry shines. Though i was disappointed with the ending i still enjoyed the majority of this book and would definately recommend it.

Reader reviewed by linda

The long awaited sixth book is finally here and it was worth the wait. If you are a long-time Harry Potter fan then you will know the gist of the story: Harry is at Hogwarts with his friends, preparing to do battle with You Know Who. Harry doesn't actually confront him in this book but with the help of Dumbledore he realizes the secret to defeating him. Who is the Half-Blood Prince? Well you'll have to read this fantastic book to find out!

Reader reviewed by Bookworm9

As Harry enters his sixth year at Hogwarts, he's got plenty to worry about-- namely the war with Voldemort and the fact that he knows nemesis Draco Malfoy has something up his sleeve. But he also has plenty to feel good about, like the fact that Dumbledore has taken him into his confidence, and the notes that the Half-Blood Prince left in his potions book, which have saved Harry's bacon on more than one occasion. But what he does with his new found knowledge is another matter all together...

This is typical Potter, with plenty of mayhem, near-tragedies, quidditch, "growing-up problems," and suspicions for the first three-quarters of the book, and a full-blown battle at the end. Although it doesn't surpass Book 3 for my all-time favorite, Rowling did turn the intensity up a notch, and left more things up in the air than usual, setting up for what will certainly be an anticipated finale.

Reader reviewed by Megan

This book was so awesome. I wanted to read more and more of it every second. The penseive is the one thing that I wanted to know more about and I did. It really left me hanging though. But it did give me a big enought clue of what the 7th book is going to be about. I just don't know what's going to happen withought dumbledore not being there to help. It was a great book and waiting till midnight just for it wasn't a waste of time at all.

Reader reviewed by steevi

umm i thought this was a top book and got a bit scary in the last 200 pages i loved it but i hated who died and how and also who the half blooded prince and hermione always figuring or at least half figuring stuff out