Review Detail

In the latest installment in the Harry Potter series, author J. K. Rowling brings Harry back to us with vengeance. Gone is any timidity or humility or shyness (except when dealing with love interest Cho Chang, but thats more due to misunderstanding i.e. Harry not understanding girls, which is pretty typical of any teenage boy...). This new older and wiser Harry is tired of always being kept in the dark by the adults in his life.

Can you blame him? As an adult, I sometimes found myself reading and shaking my head. Id liked to warn him to have a little patience or to think things through. But, would Harry be an accurate teenager (or person, for that matter), if he did? Harry isnt perfect, and this book shows that more than the last four.

Besides being constantly frustrated and angry with Dumbledore and the other adults in his life, Harry often takes out his anger on his best friends, even when they havent done anything to deserve it. Its very honest and very natural and makes the characters more real.

This book, besides introducing us to angry Harry, also incorporates some new characters and expands upon some old favorites. If youre a fan of Nevilles, youll be very happy as the young Mr. Longbottom starts growing into his own shadow. Keep an eye out for some interesting news about Neville as well; something that were likely to see expanded upon in the remaining books.

The nastiest new character is Professor Umbridge, a nasty underling of Cornelius Fudge. Harrys detention punishment (and he receives them frequently from her) is just too terrible for words. Lets just say that Umbridge gets along well with Draco Malfoy.

Another great new character that I hope to see more of is Luna Lovegood. Shes so batty and silly that you cant help but like her. Youll spend this book wondering what shell say next.

Harry and Sirius also spend more time together in this book and the reader begins to develop a better picture of their relationship, as well as what Harrys father was like. We also learn a great deal more about Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall (the consensus in the forum is that we all love Professor McGonagall; shes just a formidable wonder).

As you likely already know, someone important dies in this book. And no, I wont tell you. Youll just have to read it yourself. For those of you that have already read the book, come join us in the Forum for the Harry Potter Spoiler Discussion.