Comment

Aug 10, 2020
This book lacks the Harry Potter magic found in the other books of the series. It is the 'calm before the storm' in a way, making it rather boring. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone new to the series as the other books would provide a much better read. That being said, I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the book and how Rowling darkens the narrative with each book ending. Ironically, Half-Blood Prince is my favourite Harry Potter movie. This is the rare occasion of the film being better than the book. Personally, I would have enjoyed the book more if it featured the same level of teenage angst and humour that the movie had. Overall, this book is missing the adventure, action, and message of the Harry Potter series. 3/5-@beachreader of the Hamilton Public Library's Teen Review Board Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, is the second last installment to the Harry Potter series, having in my opinion, some of the best and most complex showcase of humanity and the characters growing and evolving to something beyond that which they are already known to be, and containing, in my opinion, the biggest plot twist not only in Harry Potter, but one of the biggest in fiction of all time. A fun read, that deals with themes such as loss, depression, guilt, and more in a mature manner without losing the magic and light heartedness of Harry Potter, making the tone serious, but never depressing. Many criticize the book as a “set up” for the next, lacking its own self contained plot, however I disagree and think the mystery of not only on the identity of the Half Blood Prince, but Malfoy’s ongoings and possible status throughout the book entertaining enough, let alone the tasks Harry is given to investigate the new character Slughorn, but most entertaining of all is the exploration of Lord Voldemort and or Tom Riddle, expanding on the character and even the lore, that not only reaches back to flesh out the world, but is foreshadowing for the next book. Personally my second favourite book in the series, which I rate 5 stars out of 5! @Ace of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library This is my all-time favourite Harry Potter book by far! It includes Horcruxes, death eaters, romance, and Voldemort is as powerful as ever. Even Hogwarts, a place that was always a home to some students, isn’t even safe anymore. If all of the Harry Potter books were one whole book, this book would definitely be the climax. Everything everyone does in this book is suspenseful because you have no idea who to trust. There is not a single dull page and I could read this over and over again. There’s suspenseful moments, happy moments, cute moments, and also the most saddest moments you’ll experience in the series. If you decide to read any Harry Potter book, it should be this one. 5/5 stars @avacadojai of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library