Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter #6

by J.K. Rowling, Jim Dale (Narrator)

The long-awaited, eagerly anticipated, arguably over-hyped Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has arrived, and the question on the minds of kids, adults, fans, and skeptics alike is, "Is it worth the hype?" The answer, luckily, is yep. A magnificent spectacle more than worth the price of admission, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will blow you away. However, given that so much has gone into protecting the secrets of the book (including armored trucks and injunctions), don't expect any spoilers in this review. It's much more fun not knowing what's coming--and in the case of Rowling's delicious sixth book, you don't want to know. Just sit tight, despite the earth-shattering revelations that will have your head in your hands as you hope the words will rearrange themselves into a different story. But take one warning to do not open Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince until you have first found a secluded spot, safe from curious eyes, where you can tuck in for a good long read. Because once you start, you won't stop until you reach the very last page.

A darker book than any in the series thus far with a level of sophistication belying its genre, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince moves the series into murkier waters and marks the arrival of Rowling onto the adult literary scene. While she has long been praised for her cleverness and wit, the strength of Book 6 lies in her subtle development of key characters, as well as her carefully nuanced depiction of a community at war. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, no one and nothing is safe, including preconceived notions of good and evil and of right and wrong. With each book in her increasingly remarkable series, fans have nervously watched J.K. Rowling raise the stakes; gone are the simple delights of butterbeer and enchanted candy, and days when the worst ailment could be cured by a bite of chocolate. A series that began as a colorful lark full of magic and discovery has become a dark and deadly war zone. But this should not come as a shock to loyal readers. Rowling readied fans with Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by killing off popular characters and engaging the young students in battle. Still, there is an unexpected bleakness from the start of Book 6 that casts a mean shadow over Quidditch games, silly flirtations, and mountains of homework. Ready or not, the tremendous ending of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will leave stunned fans wondering what great and terrible events await in Book 7 if this sinister darkness is meant to light the way. --Daphne Durham

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Begin at the Beginning

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
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Paperback Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
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Paperback Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
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Why We Love Harry
Favorite Moments from the Series
There are plenty of reasons to love Rowling's wildly popular series--no doubt you have several dozen of your own. Our list features favorite moments, characters, and artifacts from the first five books. Keep in mind that this list is by no means exhaustive (what we love about Harry could fill ten books!) and does not include any of the spectacular revelatory moments that would spoil the books for those (few) who have not read them. Enjoy.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

[image] * Harry's first trip to the zoo with the Dursleys, wh...

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Harry Potter, Magic, Audiobook, Childrens

Audio Cassette

First published July 16, 2005

About the author

See also: Robert Galbraith
Although she writes under the pen name J.K. Rowling, pronounced like rolling, her name when her first Harry Potter book was published was simply Joanne Rowling. Anticipating that the target audience of young boys might not want to read a book written by a woman, her publishers demanded that she use two initials, rather than her full name. As she had no middle name, she chose K as the second initial of her pen name, from her paternal grandmother Kathleen Ada Bulgen Rowling. She calls herself Jo and has said, "No one ever called me 'Joanne' when I was young, unless they were angry." Following her marriage, she has sometimes used the name Joanne Murray when conducting personal business. During the Leveson Inquiry she gave evidence under the name of Joanne Kathleen Rowling. In a 2012 interview, Rowling noted that she no longer cared that people pronounced her name incorrectly.

Rowling was born to Peter James Rowling, a Rolls-Royce aircraft engineer, and Anne Rowling (née Volant), on 31 July 1965 in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Bristol. Her mother Anne was half-French and half-Scottish. Her parents first met on a train departing from King's Cross Station bound for Arbroath in 1964. They married on 14 March 1965. Her mother's maternal grandfather, Dugald Campbell, was born in Lamlash on the Isle of Arran. Her mother's paternal grandfather, Louis Volant, was awarded the Croix de Guerre for exceptional bravery in defending the village of Courcelles-le-Comte during the First World War.

Rowling's sister Dianne was born at their home when Rowling was 23 months old. The family moved to the nearby village Winterbourne when Rowling was four. She attended St Michael's Primary School, a school founded by abolitionist William Wilberforce and education reformer Hannah More. Her headmaster at St Michael's, Alfred Dunn, has been suggested as the inspiration for the Harry Potter headmaster Albus Dumbledore.

As a child, Rowling often wrote fantasy stories, which she would usually then read to her sister. She recalls that: "I can still remember me telling her a story in which she fell down a rabbit hole and was fed strawberries by the rabbit family inside it. Certainly the first story I ever wrote down (when I was five or six) was about a rabbit called Rabbit. He got the measles and was visited by his friends, including a giant bee called Miss Bee." At the age of nine, Rowling moved to Church Cottage in the Gloucestershire village of Tutshill, close to Chepstow, Wales. When she was a young teenager, her great aunt, who Rowling said "taught classics and approved of a thirst for knowledge, even of a questionable kind," gave her a very old copy of Jessica Mitford's autobiography, Hons and Rebels. Mitford became Rowling's heroine, and Rowling subsequently read all of her books.

Rowling has said of her teenage years, in an interview with The New Yorker, "I wasn’t particularly happy. I think it’s a dreadful time of life." She had a difficult homelife; her mother was ill and she had a difficult relationship with her father (she is no longer on speaking terms with him). She attended secondary school at Wyedean School and College, where her mother had worked as a technician in the science department. Rowling said of her adolescence, "Hermione [a bookish, know-it-all Harry Potter character] is loosely based on me. She's a caricature of me when I was eleven, which I'm not particularly proud of." Steve Eddy, who taught Rowling English when she first arrived, remembers her as "not exceptional" but "one of a group of girls who were bright, and quite good at English." Sean Harris, her best friend in the Upper Sixth owned a turquoise Ford Anglia, which she says inspired the one in her books.

Reviews

[Jayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

(A) 86% | Extraordinary
Notes: A relationshippy respite, it’s Sturm und Drang defogging: all lovesick woe, observing foes, and problematic snogging.

*Check out progress updates for detailed commentary:

Progress updates:

06/24/2020 - 3%

(1) The Muggle Prime Minister would have been John Major.
- No wonder he lost the 1997 election in a landslide.
- Likely fictional, though, as Major wasn't elected to power, and his predecessor wasn't male.
(2) Fudge: "Is a man alive if he can't be killed? I don't really understand it, and Dumbledore won't explain properly."
- Well, horcruxes are forbidden knowledge.

06/25/2020 - 6%

(1) "A threadbare sofa, an old armchair, and a rickety table stood grouped together in a pool of dim light cast by a candle-filled lamp."
- How vampire-chic.
- Snape's house could use a woman's touch.
(2) "In her fury [Bellatrix] looked slightly mad."
- I guess she's always in her "fury" then.
(3) I never hear of wizard divorces... perhaps they make unbreakable vows?

06/26/2020 - 9%

(1) "Rufus Scrimgeour ... has succeeded Cornelius Fudge as Minister of Magic. The appointment has largely been greeted with enthusiasm."
- Appointment? By who? There doesn't appear to be any wizarding monarch or anything.
(2) J.K. Rowling does love giving animal descriptions to antagonists: Scrimgeour is "lionlike," Petunia has a "horsey face," Vernon has "piggy eyes," etc.

06/27/2020 - 13%

(1) We're introduced to the idea of inferi, which are essentially zombies. The lack of a full-blown zombie chase is one of the series' big missed opportunities.
(2) "The wandlight sparkled on [Slughorn's] shiny pate, his prominent eyes, his enormous, silver, walruslike mustache ..."
- Again with the animal descriptors.
(3) Gwenog Jones must be the Welshest name ever.

06/28/2020 - 17%

Harry and Ginny be like, "I shouldn't have been so happy about that hug."

(1) Two weeks since last book and Hermione's already at the Burrow when Harry arrives? Poor Hermione's parents.
(2) "Hermione flashed a warning look at Ron, and Ron changed tack at top speed."
- Already giving each other married couple signals.
(3) Hermione: "I know I failed everything!"

06/29/2020 - 20%

(1) Fred to Ginny: "Moving through boyfriends a bit fast, aren't you?"
- Well, one per year's not so fast. Though, compared to the other Weasleys, I suppose.
(2) '"Our Decoy Detonators are just walking off the shelves, look," said Fred, pointing at a number of weird-looking black hooter-type objects.'
- I presume "hooter" means something different in British English.

06/30/2020 - 23%

(1) '"She has let 'erself go, zat Tonks," Fleur mused.'
- Sounds like Fleur's finally cottoned onto Molly and Ginny's cunning plan to get Bill to dump her for Tonks.
(2) In the books, Luna's Spectrespecs are a kind of snake oil novelty. In the film they actually work! Film Luna is treated as more of an eccentric than the books, where she's sort of a lovable gullible.

07/01/2020 - 26%

Ginny be like: "Get a room you two."

(1) It's a mark of Ron and Hermione's closeness that she's comfortable enough to hit him repeatedly with a book, and he's comfortable enough to let her.
(2) Nearly Headless Nick: "I would rather die than betray [Harry's] trust."
Ron: "That's not saying much, seeing as you're already dead."
- Ron again with the common sense.

07/02/2020 - 29%

Finally! Book-accurate bushy hair!

(1) Snape: "We are practicing nonverbal spells, Potter."
Harry: "Yes."
Snape: "Yes, sir."
Harry: "There's no need to call me 'sir,' Professor."
- New levels of reckless sass.
(2) Harry smells something flowery in the love potion. Just 10 pages later, Harry smells something flowery and turns to see Ginny.
- Not exactly subtle.

07/03/2020 - 33%

(1) The House of Gaunt has a very Craster's Keep vibe to it.
(2) Merope seems right out of a Jane Austen novel.
(3) Dumbledore: "The Gaunts [were] noted for a vein of instability and violence that flourished through the generations due to their habit of marrying their own cousins."
- Not so different than European royals, then... and a fair bit better than Egyptians.

07/04/2020 - 36%

(1) Ron gets attention from Lavender, Hermione gives him the cold shoulder. Hermione congratulates Ron, Lavender walks off grumpy. Meanwhile, Ron's totally oblivious.
(2) Harry: "But wasn't that dishonest, Hermione? I mean, you're a prefect, aren't you?"
- Hermione gets a taste of her own medicine here, seeing as she says this to Ron all the time, albeit less polite.

07/05/2020 - 39%

Callback/Mirroring: You've got something on your face.

(1) Harry: "The Prince had proved a much more effective teacher than Snape so far."
- Oh the irony.
(2) Hermione: "Ron, what are you staring at?"
Ron: "Nothing."
Hermione: "I expect 'nothing's' in the back getting more firewhisky."
- Ron crushing on Madam Rosmerta and Hermione being jealous never gets old.

07/06/2020 - 42%

(1) Wonder if Caractacus Burke was named after the Briton chieftain or the dad from Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang?
(2) Orphanage matron: "He was to be named Tom, for his father, and Marvolo, for her father — yes, I know, funny name, isn't it? We wondered whether she came from a circus."
- Hmm... The Great Marvolo!
(3) Young Voldemort owning a harmonica is just plain funny.

07/07/2020 - 44%

(1) Harry: "What if Ron and Hermione started going out together, then split up? Could their friendship survive it?"
- Depends how much they enjoy bickering... it's kind of their thing.
(2) "What if they didn't split up? What if ... it became excruciatingly embarrassing to be in their presence, so that he was shut out for good?"
- Classic third-wheel talk right there.

07/08/2020 - 46%

(1) Harry: "Ginny, don't call Ron a prat, you're not the Captain of this team."
Ginny: "Well, you seemed too busy to call him a prat."
- Can't fault the logic.
(2) Ginny teases Ron for "never snogg[ing] anyone in his life." She also tells Ron "Hermione snogged Viktor Krum." Enraged and shamed, Ron snogs stalkerish Lavender Brown. Ergo, Ginny's to blame for that mess.

07/09/2020 - 48%

Ron makes Hermione cry on stairs a lot.

(1) Ron: "She can't complain ... She snogged Krum. So she's found out someone wants to snog me too ... I haven't done anything wrong."
- Ron's not wrong, but misses the point.
(2) Hermione: "He's at perfect liberty to kiss whomever he likes ... I really couldn't care less."
- She sure talks about it a lot for not caring.

07/10/2020 - 49%

(1) '"Are you going out with [Cormac], then?" asked Parvati, wide-eyed.
"Oh — yes — didn't you know?" said Hermione, with a most un-Hermione-ish giggle.'
- I doubt there's even a Hermione-ish giggle. Mostly she blushes.
(2) Harry: "Serves you right for coming with [Cormac]."
Hermione: "I thought he'd annoy Ron most."
- I expect no less from a jealousy-fueled romance.

07/11/2020 - 51%

(1) "Harry ... was still trying not to think about Ginny any more than he could help, despite the fact that she kept cropping up in his dreams in ways that made him devoutly thankful that Ron could not perform Legilimency."
- Hopefully those dreams aren't Voldemort's doing.
(2) "Harry was left to ponder in silence the depths to which girls would sink to get revenge."

07/12/2020 - 53%

Harry and Ginny be like: Not cool bro!

(1) Kreacher gifts Harry a box of maggots. Not useful, but it's the thought that counts.
(2) '"Harry, you've got a maggot in your hair,' said Ginny cheerfully, leaning across the table to pick it out; Harry felt goose bumps erupt up his neck that had nothing to do with the maggot.'
- Most romantic maggot scene in fiction?

07/13/2020 - 56%

(1) "Abstinence" is the new common room password. Sneaky, having students recite it repeatedly.
(2) Harry: "Hermione, can't you [make up with Ron]?"
Hermione: "No, I can't... So don't even ask."
- Can't or won't?
(3) "The contents proved difficult to empty into the Pensieve, as though they had congealed slightly; did memories go bad?"
- Eh, only the regrettable ones.

07/14/2020 - 58%

(1) Hermione: "Oh, well, if Won-Won thinks that, you'd better do it ... After all, when has Won-Won's judgment ever been faulty?"
- It's contagious! Now Hermione's saying "Won-Won." Sarcasm, yes, but "Won-Won" regardless.
(2) "Friends they might be, but if Ron started calling Lavender 'Lav-Lav,' [Harry] would have to put his foot down."
- The buck stops at "Lav-Lav"!

07/15/2020 - 60%

Poor Lavender :(

(1) Hermione: "Golpalott's Third Law states that the antidote for a blended poison will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components."
- That makes no sense! How can something be equal to more than a sum? It would just be greater than it!
(2) The gif never happens in the book, but it's my favorite scene :)

07/16/2020 - 62%

(1) "[Harry] was now being dogged wherever he went by Cormac McLaggen and Lavender Brown. He could not decide which of them was more annoying."
- I vote Lavender.
(2) "Harry's imagination zoomed into overdrive ... Ginny, weeping over his lifeless form, confessed her feelings of deep attraction to him while Ron gave them his blessing."
- Pretty passive ambition there.

07/17/2020 - 64%

(1) Lavender: "Is Hermione Granger still visiting [Ron]?"
Harry: "Yeah, I think so. Well, they're friends, aren't they?"
Lavender: "Friends, don't make me laugh ... She didn't talk to him for weeks after he started going out with me! But I suppose she wants to make up with him now he's all interesting."
- Now we know what Lavender looks for in a partner. Interesting.

07/18/2020 - 68%

(1) Lavender to Ron: "Why didn't you tell me you were getting out today? And why was she with you?"
- I suppose a condition of being Lavender's boyfriend is having to cut loose all your female friends.
(2) Voldemort: "You are omniscient as ever, Dumbledore."
Dumbledore: "Oh no, merely friendly with the local barmen."
- That's some stealthy foreshadowing there.

07/19/2020 - 71%

(1) Ron: "I love you, Hermione."
Hermione: "Don't let Lavender hear you saying that."
Ron: "I won't ... Or maybe I will ... then she'll ditch me."
- Essentially, that's what happened in the film.
(2) The Imperius Curse = Temporary insanity defense.
(3) Harry supposes Tonks was in love with Sirius, which no one thinks is weird. Wizard views on incest are oddly casual.

07/20/2020 - 73%

(1) Ron: "Quick, hide me!"
Hermione: "It isn't Lavender!"
- If it were Lavender, I think hiding behind Hermione would make things much worse.
(2) Harry hesitates to use his vial of Felix Felicis, having saved it to break up Ginny and Dean. Luckily, that happened as a side effect of his Slughorn mission. So, bonus points.
- Incidentally, Harry's low-key a homewrecker.

07/21/2020 - 75%

(1) '"What were you doing up there with her?" shrieked Lavender Brown, staring right through Harry at Ron and Hermione emerging together from the boys' dormitories.'
- Lavender's suspicions confirmed!
- Lucky all around... except Lavender.
(2) Slughorn: "Had a house-elf taste every bottle after what happened to your poor friend Rupert."
- I see what she did there :)

07/22/2020 - 78%

(1) '"You have [uncommon skill and power]," said Dumbledore firmly. "You have a power that Voldemort has never had. You can —"
"I know!" said Harry impatiently. "I can love!" It was only with difficulty that he stopped himself adding, "Big deal!".'
- I had the same reaction as Harry to the ending of "The Fifth Element." "Really? Love is the greatest power there is?"

07/23/2020 - 82%

(1) Flitwick: "A little less talk, a little more action."
- Wasn't that an Elvis song? No, wait, that was "A Little Less Conversation."
(2) Harry's mind: "She's Ron's sister. But she's ditched Dean! She's still Ron's sister. I'm his best mate! That'll make it worse. If I talked to him first — He'd hit you. What if I don't care? He's your best mate!"
- Ron, Ron, Ron.

07/24/2020 - 85%

(1) Ginny: "All Romilda Vane does is ask me if it's true you've got a hippogriff tattooed across your chest ... I told her it's a Hungarian Horntail ... Much more macho."
- Harry's already kinda got a lightning bolt tattoo, and on his face too! I'd guess that's be even more macho.
(2) "Rage and resentment fought shock and excitement."
- Fight it! Angst was so Book 5.

07/25/2020 - 86%

(1) Perhaps Harry's grown too used to magic. He's fine charging headlong into danger, but a short swim in cold water totally freaks him out. Who is he? Film-Ron?
(2) "Harry had long since learned that bangs and smoke were more often the marks of ineptitude than expertise."
- I wonder if he's referring to Seamus, who's gimmick is he often accidentally blows things up?

07/26/2020 - 87%

(1) How is Harry shocked that blood magic is a thing? Voldemort was revived by his blood!
(2) Dumbldore: "You are underage and unqualified. Voldemort would never have expected a sixteen-year-old to reach this place: I think it unlikely that your powers will register compared to mine."
- So... Harry should be glad the alarm can't detect his negligible amount of magic.

07/27/2020 - 88%

(1) Harry needs blood to open the archway. Luckily, he was already cut whilst fighting Inferi. Even zombies have a silver lining.
(2) '"It's going to be all right, sir," Harry said over and over again ... "Don't worry..."
"I am not worried, Harry," said Dumbledore, his voice a little stronger despite the freezing water. "I am with you."'
- Hits me right in the feels.

*character limit

Click here for the rest

[Jayson · Rating 5 out of 5]

(A) 86% | Extraordinary
Notes: It dwells on the delightfully mundane aspects of the magical world, and adds new dimensions to familiar characters.

[Whitney Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

i dont want to talk to anyone
dont even look at me
i was expecting it and i still cried for like 30 minutes

[Nikola · Rating 5 out of 5]

2023: Jak co reread, to mój ulubieniec.

2021: Wiedziałam czego się spodziewać, a zakończenie i tak złamało mi serce.

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure why, but this one took me completely by surprise. I was expecting this installment to be mainly filler to get us to the Deathly Hallows, but so much happened here that I must have forgotten from the movie. The Half-Blood prince was considerably darker than the previous 5 books, and I just adore how this series has progressed and grown just like most of its readers have. Obviously I knew what the big reveal was prior to finishing the book due to my viewing the films before, but it didn't take away from the experience the novel had to offer. I have this nervous lump in my throat knowing that the next book is the final one, but am simultaneously excited to finally read what the films surely have left out surrounding the conclusion of the series.

[Tharindu Dissanayake · Rating 5 out of 5]

"5. Should you feel that a family member, colleague, friend, or neighbor is acting in a strange manner, contact the Magical Law Enforcement Squad at once. They may have been put under the Imperius Curse."

Time for interesting little subplots is over. We've arrived finally, where everything is closely tied to the core of the story and progressing fast. It's always delightful to see, everything that was great about the series still remains the same, if not better. However, disappointments, sorrow and hardships are what the reader is going to encounter for the most part. As I finished reading Half-Blood Prince, more than ever before, I feel being trapped in a hopeless situation filled with nothing but forebodings.

"Destination...determination...deliberation..."

One would imagine, we're beyond being accommodated with new characters, but the author will quickly convince you otherwise, and introduction of new and interesting characters continues. It's great to see how Rowling keeps outperforming herself with each new book . Harry's ill-tempered nature and suspicions does not end with the last book as I hoped it would, but the results are quite the opposite this time around. Honestly, I did not anticipate the way how things turned out right till the last three chapters.

"To friendship! To generosity! To ten Galleons a hair!

We've been somewhat used to happy ending in the first four books (relatively) with 5th being a bit disappointing but this one, it was the most depressing ending for me yet. It probably comes down to reinforcing the suspense toward the final book but, it's a difficult place to be in - especially if you had to wait for a year..

"Eet 'as been too long!"

[Kai Spellmeier]

“I am a wizard, not a baboon or a transphobe.”
- Not JKR

Mermaids UK

The Trevor Project

Black Visions Collective because Black trans lives matter.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to my re-read of the phenomenal series “Harry Potter”. 🤓⚡️I'm reading the books, listening to a fun (adult) podcast and watching the movies. ❤️📚🎧🎬

⚠️This review contains spoilers⚠️
If you don’t yet know:
*why the elf made wine is the one to try tonight
*why the dragons blood is a bit dusty
*why Hermione’s confiscating fanged frisbees from 4th years
*why the mouth organ was always just a mouth organ
*why we hide sherry bottles
*why it is our mercy that matters now
*why we’re reaching into the lake for water
——-Then proceed with extreme caution!——-
Spoiler Credit: Podcast: Binge Mode (listen on Spotify)

Personal Opinion Note: I’m terribly sad for you, if you’ve never read the books (or at least watched the movies). 😉📚🎧🎬 You really should jump on the Hogwarts Express with me!

I’ll be making notes of my favorite part of each chapter/podcast as I finish.

📚Chapter 1: The Other Minister
Fudges resignation.

📚Chapter 2: Spinner’s End
Draco’s mother begging Snape to protect him.

🎧Podcast: Binge Mode: Chapters 1-2
***Warning: Binge Mode contains adult content***
Snape insights and how he embeds himself in Voldemort's camp.

📚Chapter 3: Will and Won't
Dumbledore calling out the Dursley's on their treatment of Harry throughout his life.

📚Chapter 4: Horace Slughorn
Dumbledore admitting that it was cruel for Harry and Sirius to have such little time together.

📚Chapter 5: An Excess of Phlegm
Ginny's expressed dislike of Fleur.

📚Chapter 6: Draco's Detour
Fred and George’s shop lighting up the street in Diagon Alley and their joke about ‘you know who, versus you know poo’ and Mrs. Weasley being worried they’ll be murdered in their beds.

📚Chapter 7: The Slug Club
Groups of girls asking Harry to join him in their compartment on the train and Harry declining saying he'll sit with his friends (Luna and Neville).

🎧Podcast: Binge Mode: Chapters 3-7
***Warning: Binge Mode contains adult content***
The history of the Hogwarts Express.

📚Chapter 8: Snape Victorious
Hagrid’s waving at Harry from the head table, with McGonagall shaking her head at his unprofessionalism.

📚Chapter 9: The Half-Blood Prince
Harry’s perfect potion and Hermione’s reaction.

📚Chapter 10: The House of Gaunt
Dumbledore’s slowly opening the curtain, for Harry to better understand, Voldemort’s past, present and future.

📚Chapter 11: Hermione’s Helping Hand
Harry’s calling out Hermione on spelling McLaggen to miss a goal at keeper tryouts, pointing out that it was dishonest of a prefect to do.

🎧Podcast: Binge Mode: Chapters 8-11
***Warning: Binge Mode contains adult content***
The Ginny/Harry foreshadowing. Also, the added insights into the Gaunt family (Slytherin descendants).

📚Chapter 12: Silver and Opals
Harry’s relentless insistence that Malfoy is a death eater.

📚Chapter 13: The Secret Riddle
Harry’s not shy about asking Dumbledore the hard questions.

📚Chapter 14: Felix Felicis
This is the point where Harry really starts to recognize his real feelings for Ginny. But it’s also the angst of Hermione’s true feelings about Ron. Ahhhh… teenage hearts and jealousy.

📚Chapter 15: The Unbreakable Vow
I love that Harry chose Luna to go to the party with him.

🎧Podcast: Binge Mode: Chapters 12-15
***Warning: Binge Mode contains adult content***
History and process of potion making and the hilarious jokes about Ron being a virgin.

📚Chapter 16: A Very Frosty Christmas
Mrs. Weasley continually turning up the volume on the radio over Fleur.

📚Chapter 17: A Sluggish Memory
Whawn whawn… and the pensive Voldemort bits.

📚Chapter 18: Birthday Surprises
Harry honestly asking Slughorn about horcruxes and admitting that Dumbledore shared his memory.

📚Chapter 19: Elf Tails
Ron recovering in hospital saying Hermione’s name.

🎧Podcast: Binge Mode: Chapters 16-19
***Warning: Binge Mode contains adult content***
Jason’s impression of Fleur commenting on Mrs. Weasley’s music had me rolling.

📚Chapter 20: Lord Voldemort’s Request
Back into the pensive... Dumbledore refusing to hire Voldemort for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post.

📚Chapter 21: The Unknowable Room
Harry scaring Goyle as he was guarding the room of requirement disguised as a girl.

📚Chapter 22: After the Burial
Harry getting Slughorn and Hagrid trashed at the funeral.

📚Chapter 23: Horcruxes
Diving into the pensive to finally see Slughorn communicate with Tom.

🎧Podcast: Binge Mode: Chapters 20-23
***Warning: Binge Mode contains adult content***
All of the insights into horcruxes.

📚Chapter 24: Sectumsempra
Finally! Harry and Ginny!! Harry and Ginny!!

📚Chapter 25: The Seer Overheard
Trelawney trying to hide her booze.

📚Chapter 26: The Cave
Man, this chapter was rough- but that last sentence uttered my Dumbledore- “I am not worried Harry, I am with you.”

🎧Podcast: Binge Mode: Chapters 24-26
***Warning: Binge Mode contains adult content***
Dumbledore’s history and his passing of torch to Harry.

📚Chapter 27: The Lightning-Struck Tower
Dumbledore’s belief that Malfoy would choose the right side, all the way to his end.

📚Chapter 28: Flight of the Prince
Shapes refusal to kill or fight Harry.

🎧Podcast: Binge Mode: Chapters 27-28
***Warning: Binge Mode contains adult content***
Cry fest episode… all heart wrenching.

📚Chapter 29: The Phoenix Lament
Fleur and Mrs Weasley’s bonding over Bill.

📚Chapter 30: The White Tomb
Harry loving Ginny enough to let her go. Plus, Ron and Hermione’s unwavering friendship.

🎧Podcast: Binge Mode: Chapters 29-30
***Warning: Binge Mode contains adult content***
All about Dumbledore… my heart aches.

🎬Movie #6
I have a hard time with all the liberties taken in the film adaption- but the casting of Lavender and Luna is really great.

🎧Podcast: Binge Mode: Movie
***Warning: Binge Mode contains adult content***
They put into words all the things I felt about the movie adaptation. So, spot, on.

This concludes my re-reading/listening/watching of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I’m sad that I’m so close to the end now. It’s been such an amazing adventure.

[Sean Barrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m yet to mention one of the most important characters in this series in a review. I’m, of course, talking about Severus Snape.

Severus, the unsung hero.



Severus, who sacrificed his own soul.



Severus, who loved another more than life itself.



Severus, the half-blood prince- the truth about his character was, and will likely always be, one of the most surprising twists I’ve ever read in fiction. The set up is all in this book.

[Melissa ♥ Dog/Wolf Lover ♥ Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could revisit this world over and over!!

Mel 🖤🐾🐺

[Aloysius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was first introduced to Harry Potter in a Children’s Lit class in college. I had resisted this popular phenomenon until I was forced to pick it up for a grade, and Book 1 was short enough that I could read it in the course of 2 hours. I have to admit I wasn’t impressed to any extent, nor did I dislike the experience, but I was critical on grounds of its being derivative, even if reading the first led to reading the second. After all, if I was bored and looking for something light, I could do worse than a fantasy about a child wizard who fights evil with his friends. But it was really the third book, with its increasing darkness, that took me in and made me a fan.

With a movie coming out for Order of Phoenix and Deathly Hallows on the horizon, I decided I would reread Half-Blood Prince. I figured it would take four sittings, of course, with its 600 pages, but time does fly when reading this one, and I’ve come to the conclusion that this is my favorite so far. What I wouldn’t have been willing to admit in college that I’m perfectly comfortable saying now is that J.K. Rowling is a fantastic storyteller; she writes with great clarity, wit, and humor; and she’s created a cast of loveable characters with whom most people, due to the common experience of growing up, can relate closely.

That said, the reason for my preference for the 6th book is that it’s the most emotionally rich in the series. Here we get the backstory of Voldemort (*spoiler alert*) through a series of flashbacks (coming in HP by way of magically extracted memories), and in this way, we come to understand the villain’s similarities and differences with our hero. After all, the villain has to have reasons for committing heinous acts, and until now, we don’t know what these are.

Voldemort is from a once-powerful wizard family reduced to poverty that lives in a dilapidated hovel on the edge of a small town, wary of outsiders, and their main point of pride is their pure blood, the lineage having cross-bred for generations so as not to pollute the line. Voldemort’s mother lives with her father and brother and yearns for the love of a nonmagical man (“muggle” in this world) and when her father and brother are arrested, she uses the opportunity to bewitch her beloved and run off. She ends up pregnant, the man deserts her, and she dies while giving birth to her half-wizard, half-muggle son, thus making him an orphan (like Harry).

(Faulkner anyone?)

But whereas Harry comes to Hogwarts and befriends Ron and Hermione creating unity and strength through positive emotions, Voldemort, when growing in the orphanage shuns other children, torturing them at times (without the awareness of adults) and stealing their possessions. What fuels him is his hatred of his beginnings, his mother’s weakness at having died like a common person despite being a witch, and the “muggle” blood inherited from his father. Over the course of his time at Hogwarts, Voldemort, charming as only evil can be, learns to win over people as a means to an end and disguise his insidious purposes, but he never befriends anyone. He moves, through his hatred, further away from many of the emotions that drive Harry, namely the desire to protect the people he loves and avenge his parents’ death.

With Dumbledore’s help in exploring Voldemort’s past, Harry begins to understand that he’s come to be where he is through the choices he’s made, that his greatest strengths are an alliance with his friends, and that this might hold the key to destroying his enemy, a fact that’s made all the more poignant when Dumbledore, in an all-out assault on Hogwarts by Voldemort’s Death Eaters, is killed at the end. The stakes are higher than before, the action and pace increase as the conclusion draws near, and things are looking darker than ever, which is the setup that any fan wants when the end is looming and it leaves us with the question: How will our hero prevail?

[emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminder that all of my Harry Potter reviews contain unmarked spoilers, and lots of ’em. If you’re one of the two people on Goodreads who hasn’t read this series, this review is not for you. So, my dear underside-of-a-rock-residing friends:



https://emmareadstoomuch.wordpress.co...

This review will be interesting, because this book was far (far, far) from perfect, and yet I am utterly determined to give it 5 stars. (Which I have only given to the first book in this series.)



God, how do you talk about this book? It’s really amazing. It is really hard for me to feel anything while reading a book or generally living my life. For example, I felt nothing when Sirius died. Nothing throughout most of this series, actually. And nothing in this book, because nothing happened and everyone survived and everything is sunshiney and joyful!



Ugh. I tried. The last hundred-ish pages of this book really tore me apart. Okay, even that’s not true. I’ll just come out and say it: I’m really f*cking sad that Dumbledore died. I love him so much. He’s high up in my top 5 characters. (Do I even have a top 5?) I’m devastated, which makes me even more upset, because I have a life to live today and can’t just lay around and wallow in fictional pain.



I’m going to move on in the hopes that I just. Forget. Because I don’t like this at ALL.



Here, we see Harry Potter - who, I think few will argue, has been a fairly mediocre character up to this point - become AMAZING. He’s motivated solely by his need to work against injustice and evil. He realizes his parents’ legacy within himself. He denounces the sucking up of others. He works hard in school! He is a good friend even when his two BFFS are being childish to one another plus refusing to believe him. In short, he’s really, really, five-star-level great here. Gorgeous character development in 650 pages.



I didn’t think I liked Ginny much, because I didn’t remember this book well...like, at all. But she is so great! So funny. I wish there was more of her in this book.



Also, I’ll fight anyone who says Dumbledore is ~the real villain~ of this series. He’s really not. (Cough, Snape is, cough.) AND YOU'RE NOT EDGY, PEOPLE WHO HATE DUMBLEDORE BUT LOVE SNAPE. YOU'RE JUST DUMB. I fell deeply in love with the guy. (Dumbledore, not Snape. BLEH.) AND I F*CKING MISS HIM. Goddamn it. Trying to forget didn’t last very long. Anyway.



I missed Hermione and Neville. Hermione was absolutely not well-represented here at all. Maybe it’s a good thing she’s not a Ravenclaw (#RavenclawPride) because she works fully against logic throughout this book. And when she’s not she just, like, refuses to believe Harry.



Ron is soooooooooo annoying! Is he anyone’s favorite character? He’s like, Fred or George if one of them was totally childish and attention-starved and mean. In fact, Ronald is a pretty impressive character for the number of gross character traits he embodies despite being supposed to be a good character. Mean, immature, rude, jealous, definition of an inferiority complex. Bleh.



Harry and Ginny I’m totally for, BUT THE OTHER RELATIONSHIPS IN THIS BOOK ARE SO BORING. Can we do Hermione and Fred instead? Ron and Luna would be cute. Or, God forbid, some LGBT representation? WE KNOW YOU’RE A SUPPORTER, JOANNE. Don’t even get me started on Lupin and Tonks.



Speaking of supposedly-good characters’ downfalls: I’m no longer a Hagrid fan. It started with the last book and came fully around here. Like, at a certain point, the man needs a character trait. Liking weird animals, making bad food, and being humongous don’t count. Harry and Hermione’s constant stubbornness is annoying. Plus makes the plot repetitive once in a while. Also, Tonks. You know what, I guess I AM going to get started on Lupin and Tonks! She was a hilarious badass in the last book, totally depressed and weak in this one. I know I sound like a total emotionless asshole here, but that’s who I am, and she’s annoying in this book. AND IT’S TOTALLY FINE BECAUSE SHE’S JUST BEING A SPINELESS IDIOT OVER SOME DUMB SHABBY MAN. Kill me, please. Then I can see my beloved Dumbledore again.



Too much Snape. (Cannot WAIT to write the rant on him.) Too much Draco. (Why do people romanticize that little weirdo so much? I guess I get the temptation, but he’s a bully at best and a spineless traitor at worst.) I hate Kreacher and I hate Dobby...I hated Winky, too...I might hate house elves. If that makes me racist against a species of fictional character, SO BE IT, I GUESS.



I miss Fred and George, and the fun people from the Order (if they existed), and Hermione and Neville aren’t here nearly enough. The price of Harry’s amazing and concise character development is WAY too many bad characters, not nearly enough of the good ones. EXCEPT DUMBLEDORE. UGHHHH. I’M SO SAD. (I think my inability to cry is making this worse. Maybe if I just creepily sobbed in front of my roommate for a few minutes I’d feel better. Damn you, my lack of emotions! Just kidding love you.)



But I want to give this book five stars more than anything. It was so compulsively readable, more than any other book since the first for me. And it’s the last book where our pals are attending Hogwarts. That makes me so sad. It’s such a gorgeous setting and I’m going to miss it so much. WHY IS THIS BOOK SO SAD?! If Deathly Hallows is any sadder I’ll be seriously impressed. And also seriously screwed.



And, okay, even though I was a harsh critic of these books...I’m really going to miss this series. I’ve been rereading it on and off (obviously) for three months, and it’s been a fun ride. This is one of the greatest settings of all time. And since I’m rereading it after 10 years, it’s like saying goodbye twice. AND I HATE ENDINGS.



Bottom line: Okay, THIS is my favorite Harry Potter book. (Anyone else’s?) Unreal character development + tragic and lovely adieu to a gorgeous setting + ability to make me feel real, deep emotion + compulsively readable? An absolute dream.

----------ORIGINAL REVIEW---------------

Ron and Hermione's will-they-won't-they is a total snoozefest. I propose Fred & Hermione and Ron & Luna instead. Also seven more books!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since pretty much everyone I know has read these books, I figure reviewing them is pretty pointless. But with the new book coming out in a couple of days, I have to go through them beginning to end. To make the reviews more entertaining, I will be doing them in a variety of unexpected formats. For this review, I will be writing as a power ballad.

(Intro: Piano and strings)

You were always by my side
You will always be my guide
But the road I'm on
Goes on and on
And I've left you beHIIIIIND!

(Big crunchy electric guitar)

(DUMBLEDORE!)
I will never forget the strength you showed!
(DUMBLEDORE!)
I will never forget the debt you're owed!
(DUMBLEDORE!)
And when I face the final hour
(DUMBLEDORE!)
I will call on all your power!

(Guitar solo)

There's no way back again
But if I can find a friend
To see me though
And remember you
I'll make it to the EEEENNNND!

(DUMBLEDORE!)
When I finally catch that snake in the grass
(DUMBLEDORE!)
You will be able to rest at last!
(DUMBLEDORE!)
You know he never will escape
(DUMBLEDORE!)
I'm comin' for you SNAAAAAAAAPE!!!!

(Guitar solo)

(Guitar solo with children's choir singing "Run, Snape, Run!")

(Guitar solo with fireworks)

(Drums explode)

EDITOR'S NOTE: Yes, I know, it's horrible. I'm not proud....

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a long time this book had a special place in my freezer with my favorite ice creams and frozen food I was banned to cook (I eventually burn them when I defreeze them. I was born with non-culinary skills!) I repeated what Joey Tribbianni did because after finishing this book I cried so hard,
I cursed nonstop, I screamed till my local cords declare their uselessness and I tried to throw the hardcopy out of the window but I changed my mind because an innocent kid may have found the book at the outside and started to read and cry nonstop! So instead of throwing away or burning the pages( which is so harsh punishment because this book is still a classic and it’s one of the best ones of the series)freezing the book and never forgiving the author for killing one of my favorite characters were the best choices I’ve had.

As my new weekend quarantine habit: I started retro weekend tradition and reread my favorite series. Even though this book broke my heart more than a decade before, at least this time I prepared myself with lots of tissues and golden toilet papers( they’re so precious things and I hang them on the walls with hand sanitizers as if they’re historical artifacts.) and I bottled up my happy memories inside my head to protect my heart tear apart.

This is sweet 16 adventures of Harry: the girl crushes, secret smiles, hormonal and characteristic changes, seeing the world from different aspect! If I didn’t get so sad with the unexpected ending, this might be second favorite HP book because JKR- wizard of the words reflected the emotional and psychical changing as they grow up more and realize the biggest danger out there to steal their best times of their lives.

I never get bored to reread any HP books or anything JKR writes. (instead of shopping list. Lately they made me sleep!) So I had quite great time with my nostalgic journey to the past and realize I will find myself reading these books a decade later and I will still get the great taste of literature and have quality time. That’s the magic of skilled writing and gifted talent!

[Reynita ★ The Night Reader ★ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Reread Review:


REVIEW TO COME SOON

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
5 GLOWING MAGICAL STARS!

'Dumbledore says people find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right,' said Hermione. 'I heard him telling your mum, Ron.'

I'm really enjoying this series so far but this series gets darker and darker. the first three of this series were so funny and cute even though there were sad scenes on them and the fourth, fifth and sixth books contained so much pain and I even shed more tears for these book than I did for the the first three. I have lost a favorite character that always made me laugh and smile. this character is Sirus Black. I even still can't get over his death. but let's admit it that maybe there's a death of character that we will never get over.

*takes deep breath* okay let's talk about this book

・。・゜★・。・。☆・゜・。・゜。・。・゜★・。・。☆・。・゜★・。・。

PHLEGM

I have never liked Fleur Delacour very much since I first saw her on the book four and then I saw her again on the book four as Bill's girlfriend or Fiancee and I also laughed when Ginny called Fleur Phlegm. I also still don't how Bill fell in love with her but yeah, she is pretty but I thought Bill deserved someone better than her. I like Bill so much. he is so cool with his red long hair. maybe I didn't like Phlegm because I was jealous hahahaha okay it is not maybe, I was jealous. but look at this scene :

''E is always so thoughtful,' purred Fleur adoringly, stroking Bill's nose. Ginny mimed vomiting into her cereal behind Fleur. Harry choked over his cornflakes and Ron thumped him on the back.

ugh ... how could I like her if she acted like that?!?



that was really annoying and Ginny also found it disgusting. Hermione and Ginny didn't even like her. but she changed my mind on the the end of this book because when Bill was attacked by ... that werewolf guy who bit Remus when he was a kid. Bill is no longer as handsome as he used to be but Fleur still loves him. she doesn't care about how he looks and I even thought she would leave him after he was attacked but she didn't and that time I changed my mind about her. She is the right girl for Bill, even though I am a little bit jealous hahaha xD

Ron and Hermione

I ship these two so much and I really really like Ron. Ron and Hermione are always funny. they always bicker about something and I think the first time Ron fell in love with Hermione was on the book four because he was so angry when he knew Hermione went to the Yule Ball with Viktor Krum and in this book Ron hurt me so much. He thought that Hermione kissed Krum and he was so angry and jealous because of this and he kissed Lavender in the common room that was full of people and it also broke Hermione's heart.

Harry looked into the corner she was indicating. There, in full view of the whole room, stood Ron wrapped so closely around Lavender Brown it was hard to tell whose hands were whose.

And I was so angry in that moment



'Er - my - nee,' croaked Ron unexpectedly from between them.

but all my anger was gone when he was poisoned and he said that while he was asleep. I think he was trying to say Hermione, so that meant he dreamt about her and I forgave him that exact time and he also didn't really like Lavender anymore since then. he even pretended to be asleep when Lavender came to visit him in the hospital wing. so that meant he didn't like her anymore and I don't think he actually liked Lavender before he was poisoned. I think he just kissed Lavender because he wanted to make Hermione jealous and feel hurt, which he successfully did.

Harry And Ginny

have you ever thought why Ginny had relationship with quite many guys? wait ... not many guys because she just dated two boys, Dean and Michael. But she always got a boyfriend as soon as she split up with her ex and my thoughs about this is probably right because Ginny said this to Harry on the end of the book

'I never really gave up on you,' she said. 'Not really. I always hoped ... Hermione told me to get on with life, maybe go out with some other people, relax a bit around you, because I never used to be able to talk if you were in the room, remember? And she thought you might take a bit more notice if I was a bit more - myself.'

I think Ginny always dated a guy as soon as she split up with her ex because she always tried to forget Harry, so maybe if she had a boyfriend, she wouldn't love Harry anymore. But according to what she said she never really gave up on Harry so that means she has always loved him.
I was a bit sad when Harry said they can't be together again because Harry was afraid if something would happen to Ginny if they kept seeing each other. he was afraid if Voldemort used Ginny to get him. but I didn't angry with him because this just proved how much Harry loves Ginny and I am sure they will be together again. I hope so ...

Dumbledore's death

I admit that Dumbledore is not one of my top favorite characters in this series but I always found him funny and a bit weird, in a good way, of course. But his death left me in shock because he was actually pleading to Snape but Snape killed him with The Avada Kedavra curse and I thought Snape was on the good side. What will happen now after Dumbledore died?! He is the only one Voldemort is afraid of.
I have this feeling that I'll to lose my favorite characters again ...

thank you so much for reading and liking my review. hope you all have a great weekend, guys!

[Kassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It seems like by now, everyone would realize they should listen to Harry..
Such a sad end :( I knew that was going to happen before starting the series, but didn't know when. It still got me in the feels, though.
The book as a whole was really fun and entertaining. I love the mystery and learning more about Voldemort. The romance drama was funny as well.
I can't wait to see what adventures the next book brings and how it all concludes..

[Alex.andthebooks]

Z każdym kolejnym czytaniem/słuchaniem odkrywam zupełnie nowe szczegóły, zachwycam się innymi wątkami. Nie mogę uwierzyć, że kolejny raz jestem już prawie u celu tej przygody.
Harry Potter to mój totalny comfort read, a jednak im bliżej końca serii tym trudniej mi się z nim rozstać, kolejny raz.

[Tina➹ lives in Fandoms · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Golden Stars

92%

yeah, it was dark, but probably the most Hilarious book of HP; it IS a Comedy! I was rolling in laughter! Hilarious Ron, sassy Harry & Hermione's wittiness & the unique fun in the writing style, the impression, the descriptions, the comparisons.

anyway, don't get mad at me, but this book is my least favourite in Harry Potter series. it was kind of disappointment for me.
3 years gap, reading the other fantastic books many times, guessing & after that shocking end in book 5, looking forward to this one, to be greater than others as we are close to end...
in one sentence: I was not satisfied after reading it. (IK the book was the calm before the storm, but still.)

& don't get me wrong; it was a disappointment Only compared to other HP books.

Boring start. (2 chapters without anything related to Hogwarts or the golden trio)

Harry was obsessed with what Malfoy was up to, the whole year & for the first time, I found Harry annoying. risking for no good reason, only his hunch. maybe this is the main reason I didn't like this book. (I hate 'Sectumsempra' chapter , always get mad at him.)
always yelling:
Don't!
No!
you idiot, Harry!

because he is my favourite character...
(though now after many times re-reading, at some points, I found those parts hilarious too, )

at the end, he was right though.

also, lack of funny sarcastic retorts between Harry & Draco :(

almost whole events were like side-jobs (except the... you-know-what)
A.K.A the Slug club
truth: I don't care about Slughorn either. those chapter he just talked & talked about celebrities once-were-his students... ughhhh.

Adrenaline peak parts were not satisfying & not enough (amounts). the whole story was a bit ordinary & nothing happened in the whole school year, in particular. (like school wasn't at an immediate, solid grave danger (book 2, 3, 7 & maybe 5), the golden trio wasn't solving mysteries (1, 2, 4, 5, 7) or something as intriguing as these. they were just attending classes, boring parties, slug club & these normal stuff.
though I like the classes & the Hogwarts routine, justt ass I enjoyed in book 5. whenever I missed Hogwarts this book, along with 5, is my go-to.
just the Slug club ruined it a little.

but in total, other parts (except Malfoy & Slug club); maybe not high peak of adrenaline (as I said), but interesting, & funny; we all wanted to know who the half-blood prince was, Quidditch was great as always & the parts with Dumbledore were fascinating.
I liked the second half of the book more, like finally this book stepped into action!
& that end was the "Beginning of the End"!

But main reason: his obsession with Malfoy; 'OMG! Harry, just come off it!', therefore Harry being annoying, therefore lack of Harry's sarcasm comebacks with Malfoy, lowered this book to my least favourite.


However....
on the bright side, there are parts I love too:

❤ sassy Harry was the best!


There's no need to call me "sir", professor.



Bless you JKR!
Bless you Harry Potter!
one of the sassiest comments in the history of sass masters!


my first reaction when I see this, was: whaaaa!?... then "omg! Harry! did you just...!?" & re-read the sentence to see if I got it right & then... putting the book down ("Hail Harry Potter!") & burst out laughing!
& that's that, ever since!

although there was no sarcastic comebacks between Potter & Malfoy, but this book had many funny moments by other characters.

"Well, you can’t break an Unbreakable Vow..." (Gee! Thanks Ron!)
"I’d worked that much out for myself, funnily enough!”


& Harry was not just being sassy & sarcastic, but also being funny & clueless too, which was laughable.

Ron's jokes with ghosts always made me choke with laughter!


❤ Friendships
Harry & Ron's friendship (always one of my favourite brotps) funny, great, looking after each other. always love it, in all books.

Roonil Wazlib!

also Harry & Hermione's. (especially after Ron & Hermione's bickering), beautiful, caring, protective. again, I love it in all the books.

I actually noticed after years of rereading, now Romione has lowered in its place for me & I ship these two more. they care so much for each other.
(I'm thinking it's probably also a brotp. well, it's complicated to decide if I want to accept the canon (because I do love canon too) or my mind. the point is, I love the moments with these two together :)

❤ the writing style is just Unique & perfect & funny!

❤ my favourite chapters are "the Cave" & "Horcruxes"; awesome, exciting with unexpected amount of surprises. I actually loved them.
I loved the main-stream parts with Dumbledore.
I loved how Harry, at some points, admired Tom.
& how he unfolded this story & also sympathized with other characters.

❤ I liked Dumbledore in this book.

❤ at least after that terrible mistake (mentioned above), the chapter ended beautifully; my favourite part, that magical romantic moment, how well described, what a glamorous scene. My first ship finally sinking!


"... After several long moments, or it might have been half an hour-or possibly several sunlit days- they broke apart.
The creature in his chest roaring in triumph."

(& I was really angry when the movie CHANGED this scene! actually I really loved the first 3 movies (they were so similar to the books) & 5 too (tho it was a bit different & they mostly deleted the humor parts), 4 was similar enough, just darker than my imagination. but movies 6 & 7 just had the same quotes (almost) & changed or deleted scenes a lot, therefore those completely disappointed me. :(

❤ & I was proud Harry became Team Captain!

Quidditch were funny, especially the first one (You Clever Harry! XD). except not the commentator, but Harry made a funny moment of that too ;)

❤ Don't forget how Gracefully this book was written. (& how delicately Rowling chose to show they were swearing without any direct swears. I love it. it doesn't make me apprehensive, on the contrary, it makes me laugh very hard & respect the pure talent.)
Hail Queen!

10th read; November 2019: I could've given 5 Stars because of Sassy Harry (I mean, Harry just being savagely Sassy this year! XD) & beautiful, magnificent choices of the words & compare to a few of my 5 stars this book definitely deserves 5; but I'm not satisfied with it (still things that annoy me) so I probably won't. Although there's a progress, the rating score has risen to 4.5 now.
13th read; June 2022: never have read this book this quick! thanks to BR with my new Potterhead! (slow down girl!

[Teodora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you know what is better than this book (this book being already amazing)? This book narrated by Stephen Fry.
I swear, this was my second attempt EVER to listen to an audiobook and the narration was so good I actually enjoyed it so much. And I hate listening to audiobooks!

[Luffy Sempai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book many times, although the penultimate one was years ago. Let's say that this was the first time I've read them in e-book form.

The reading was marvellous. There were things I'd forgotten, e.g. how late Harry and Ginny got together. I'd also forgotten about most of the funeral. I'll say no more, spoilers oblige.

What this book tells me is that sadly the more conservative of readers, grammarians etc will place so many books above Harry Potter #6, none of which is worth mentioning in the same breath as Potter lore.

To me this series is special. Nobody else will undertake waiting for each book to come out and lay our hands on them. The Potter universe will belong to our descendants forever. But it was we who helped create this fervor and unmatched popularity.

[Luca Ambrosino · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENGLISH (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) / ITALIANO

«It was nearing midnight and the Prime Minister was sitting alone in his office, reading a long memo that was slipping through his brain without leaving the slightest trace of meaning behind»

Due to numerous attacks of Death Eaters, the new Minister for Magic Rufus Scrimgeour, duly appointed, decides to meet the muggle British Prime Minister... It's the first time that the Muggle world and the magic one come bluntly face to face. J.K. Rowling chooses that the first chapter of this novel is the right time for this interaction, highlighting the dramatic situation and the necessary cooperation to stem the enemy of all: Lord Voldemort.

The bedtime reading for my daughter became less lighthearted and more serious by now. Luckily, for some difficult questions Dumbledore bails me out every time:

«It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more»

We're almost there, the end of the journey is close. Unfortunately, it will never be the same.

Vote: 9

«Era quasi mezzanotte e il Primo Ministro stava seduto da solo nel suo ufficio, a leggere una lunga relazione che gli scivolava via dalla mente senza lasciare la minima traccia»

A seguito dei numerosi attacchi dei mangiamorte, Il nuovo Ministro della Magia Rufus Scrimgeour, fresco di nomina, decide di incontrare il Primo Ministro britannico babbano... E' la prima volta che il mondo babbano e quello magico si trovano ad interloquire senza mezzi termini. J.K. Rowling decide che il primo capitolo è il momento giusto per questa interazione, a sottolineare la drammaticità della situazione e la necessaria collaborazione allo scopo di arginare il nemico di tutti: Voldemort.

Oramai la lettura serale per mia figlia si è fatta decisamente meno spensierata e più impegnata. Per fortuna, per alcune questioni spinose c'è sempre Silente a togliermi le castagne dal fuoco:

«È l'ignoto che temiamo, quando guardiamo la morte e il buio, nient'altro»

Ci siamo quasi, la fine del viaggio è vicina. Purtroppo per noi, però, non sarà più come prima.

Voto: 9

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always been my favorite out of the seven.

[chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

3rd read: August 2018 - audiobook
I will never get over Stephen Fry's narration. It's simply magical ✨

2nd read: Jan - Feb 2018
ROONIL WAZLIB

[Hamad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.25 stars

This review and other non-spoilery reviews can be found @The Book Prescription

Why did Professor Snape stand in the middle of the road?
So you’ll never know which side he’s on!!

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a war is being fought NOT in plain sight, it's up to Harry and co. to investigate Voldemort's past for any vulnerabilities. Am I allowed to say that this the pen-ultimate book of one of the most popular serials ever written, has a slow start, a slow middle, but a thrilling final 200 pages! It took me nearly six months to wade through!

2016 read

[Warda · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It is the unknown we fear when we look upon death and darkness, nothing more.”

This brought my right back to my 14-year old self, who was cooped up in bed, shedding tears for the first time over a book, because of the ending.
I remember how I lay in bed, I remember the sun shining through the blinds and how wounded I felt that we lost one of the greats.
This still remains my favourite in the series alongside Deathly Hallows.
I’m glad this series has resonated with me for so long, is still stuck with me and will continue to do so always.

———————————————


I read this many times when I was younger. But this is the first time I’m picking it back up in over a decade.



Buddy-reading with two questionable characters: Snape’s wife and his brother. 😬

[April (Aprilius Maximus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

1.) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone ★★★★★
2.) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ★★★★★
3.) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ★★★★★
4.) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire ★★★★★
5) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ★★★★★
6.) Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince ★★★★★
7) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows ★★★★★
8.) Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ★★

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[Aj the Ravenous Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buddyread with the cutest Trixi.



*sniffs* I have actually finished this several days ago but I spent those days mourning for the loss of one of my favorite characters of all time and before I start bawling my heart and eyes out again, let me straight away proceed to the random thoughts while and after reading the book. *sniffs*

1. *Gasps* Professor Snape???
2. Harry’s Quidditch Captain! Yaaas!
3. Weasleys’ Wizzard Wheezes (Say this ten times)
4. Malfoy’s head on Pansy Parkinson’s lap and Pansy stroking his head. *shudders*
5. Slughorn’s belly preceded him out of the door. Bahaha
6. Potions class has never been this cheerful. Thanks Grampy Sloghorn and Harry has never performed better. Thanks to cheating. Lol.
7. Ron, you bollocks! Stop being an idiot, WonWon!
8. Voldemort as a student seems to me even more sinister than the Dark Lord he already is. *shivers*
9. Like Harry, I am Dumbledore’s man through and through. Take that, Rufus!
10. I’d go back to school anytime if it meant having Professor Dumbledore as a teacher.
11. Aherm! Why do you keep looking for Ginny, now Harry?
12. There’s a reason a Dark Arts teacher stays only for a year. It’s all clear now.
13. Who would have thought that the once timid Ginny will blossom into a confident, beautiful, charming, funny and best of all, snarky girl?
14. Chapter 24 will particularly make you swoon! Gaaah! I ship Harry and Ginny! <3
15. RIP, Aragog.
16. For the first time, I solved the mystery! I have guessed early on in the story that the Half Blood Prince was Snape! Yaaas!
17. I knew there was a reason Harry spent so much time with Professor Dumbledore. I can’t…*sobs*



Some of the things/characters missing in the movie:

1. Kreacher and Dobby
2. Bill and Fleur
3. Dumbledore’s Army and the Order of the Phoenix putting up a fight against the Dark Eaters.
4. . Harry breaking up with Ginny which reminds me of Peter Parker and Mj.

Finally, as a simple tribute to the wisest, kindest, most revered and one of the most powerful wizards (whose death out of the many deaths hurts me the most that I cried so much, I may have cried harder than Hagrid), the following is a collection of a few of his great thoughts and words that’ll be forever etched in our hearts. *sniffs*


“In fact, being-forgive me- rather cleverer than most men, my mistakes tend to be correspondingly huger.”

“People find it a lot easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right.”

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”

“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it."

“The pain is part of being human. The fact that you can feel pain like this is your greatest strength.”

“To the well organized mind, death is but the next adventure.”

“It’s not really goodbye after all.”

On a lighter note, it's beautiful Katerina's birthday today, let's spare a few moments to greet her a HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY! Even though you're quite busy for Goodreads and reading atm, I hope you're doing something that's making you happy today! Enjoy! <3

[Lisa of Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last night, I was sitting on the couch, listening to the full-cast audiobook of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Suddenly, I look up, only to find that I am not alone. A family member has unexpectedly appeared out of thin air with his copy of Harry Potter in hand.

After 6 books, JK Rowling finally learned to quickly rush through the overly worn plotlines which have historically been part of the Harry Potter formula. For example, at the beginning of the book, Harry spends less than a chapter with the Dursleys. Rowling also quickly pushes past the sorting hat and other beginning-of-year activities.

An abundant use of dialogue propels the story forward, and Rowling magnificently crafts backstories for the characters in HP, not too much where the reader is overwhelmed but not too little as to render the characters forgettable.

Some of the topics in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince are timeless such as wanting to be included or excluded from an exclusive club or organization or difficulty/self-doubt when knowing who or what to trust.

The stakes felt high in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, almost like Rowling was just waiting to get to this point in the series.

One of the best books in the set!

The Green Light at the End of the Dock (How much I spent):
Softcover Text – Free borrowed from family
Audiobook – Audible – 1 credit (Audible Premium Plus Annual – 24 Credits Membership Plan $229.50 or roughly $9.56 per credit)

Connect With Me!
Instagram/Threads: @lisa_of_troy
Blog: lisaoftroy.com

[Natilie Bell]

ummmmm so there is no way dumbledore is actually dead right


₊˚⊹♡ reading log

♡ 15/04 7:49am
this has been so much more enjoyable so far, it feels like the writing is almost different i cant quite put my finger on it

♡ 13/04 5:14pm
right so who is the half blood prince (don’t actually tell me)

♡ 11/04 9:48am
so we're sick with the flu, exam on tuesday

♡ 10/04 7:58am
i fell asleep to the audiobook whilst having my lashes done and then i fell asleep again whilst my bf was reading it to me - i have no idea where i'm up to

♡ 9/04 1:11pm
this one is already 10x better than the previous one, so much more enjoyable and i do feel a bit more emotional around neville/luna/fred & george

let's get this show on the roadddd, is this one better than the last?

─── ୨୧ ✦ pre-read ✦ ୨୧ ───

┆ ⤿ 📖 ₊˚ title: harry potter and the half-blood prince

┆ ⤿ 🌊 ₊˚ started: 07/04/2026
┆ ⤿ 🫧 ₊˚ anticipated finish: 11/04/2026