Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince: A Review

I don't even know if this should be called a review, let's just assume that this is just another write-up on Harry Potter 6.

***

Undoubtedly, Harry Potter has become a worldwide phenomenon striking kids, teens and adults alike. On July 16, 2005, the most anticipated book of the year, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was 'released' and the overwhelmed readers were finally able to continue their quest alongside Harry Potter in his sixth year at Hogwarts, the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The story opens with a scene at the President's office, where Mr.President is contemplating the damages and several deaths that have mysteriously occured and seem to be impossible to be accepted by any Muggle's rational faculty (excluding those of the likes of Hermione, who has some background and hands-on experience in the wizarding world).

Unfortunately, I find the opening to be quite flat, and uninteresting. I have heard of many criticism towards this new book, thus I thought I should do justice to it and read it till the end before making any conclusion. Yet, after finishing the very last line of the sixth book of Harry Potter, I still feel that it lacks the essence of the previous books; the excitement, the curiosity, the suspense, the thrill, the fun, the laughter...All these could only suggest that matters are getting even more serious now, hence, should be handled in a serious manner as well.

I have to say that I am pretty upset with the death of yet another distinct character in this book - I will not spoil your day, for those who haven't read it to the end. However, I believe that the death will give a more solid ground for Harry Potter to fulfil the prophecy, though Dumbledore has time and again reminds Harry of the fact that it's not the prophecy that motivates him to hunt Voldemort down, but it's his love for James, Lily, Sirius, and many others.

In my opinion, the death of this character proves that Harry is expected to be more independent in the next book, and perhaps become a wiser, more experienced and stronger character as a whole.

Going back to the discussion of Rowling's style of writing in the sixth book, I guess flat is an appropriate word to sum the work in total. Not much of adventure, lack of excitement - although Harry and Dumbledore have journeyed through other beings' memories, the grip is not tight enough - except the very last part of book which comes to a conclusion with the death of another great wizard. The flatness does in many ways portray the dull, unpleasant and empty feelings stirred by the Dementors who have now joined forces with Voldemort. The flatness could also be a metaphor suggesting of a mournful event that would take place later in the story.

On whole, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince might not be as exciting as the previous books, but it has a dark twist to it and foresees an alluringly dangerous journey lies ahead for Harry and his friends.

***

I hope Rowling will come up something 'grand' and 'untypical' for the finale! Hah, can't wait to lay my hands on the seventh book...if only she could write and finish the book faster, but then again, 'the longer the wine is brewed, the better it tastes" - but I don't drink any sort of alcoholic drinks - haram!!