Helpful Score: 12
Definitely fun and daring, but one of Rowling's darker ones. Harry's surely grown-up in this one - Hogwart's is never the same. This really sets things up for the final book and makes you question the loyalty (surprisingly) of Snape. Little Draco Malfoy surprised me in this one, too. He becomes more human, less bratty, stereotypical bully.
Also -- zombies appear in this one. How could you not love that?
Also -- zombies appear in this one. How could you not love that?
Alicia B. (AliciaInACoffeeShop) reviewed Harry Potter and the half blood prince on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
I loved it and hated it. It was a conjunction of life going right and wrong. Ambiguities abounded in my mind as I read this book and probably will in yours as well, but those ambiguities are what make the characters so realistic.
Helpful Score: 8
Although there was a lot of time elapsed since I read the last five, I couldn't put it down. And even though it is written for children, it gave me a nice break from a the heavier reading I had been doing. I think it also reviews nicely what happened in the previous books so you don't have to do a lot of re-reading.
Helpful Score: 6
This one will turn you all around and holding onto your seat. Now the entire wizarding community knows that Voldemort is back and Fudge has gotten the boot. There is a new teacher of Defense against the Dark Arts, and also an eccentric new Potions' teacher. I won't tell you who dies but definitely be prepared for a shock.
Helpful Score: 5
This book gripped me and didn't let up. I remember standing in line at Wal-Mart to get my copy. I read it later, but was fortunate enough to miss the mass amounts of spoilers everywhere (Thank GOD!!) However, when it came to that part, I was so upset I slammed the book shut and threw it against the wall...and then, immediately ran over to pick it up, check for damages, and finish reading it. I was heartbroken. This is what proves that J.K. Rowling is brave. She may not have hurt her central characters physically but there is no doubt that the students of Hogwarts have suffered.
Helpful Score: 4
It's all been said before, but the Harry Potter series opens the door to a world of wonderful imagination, and genuine humanity. Are we all so jaded that we are deeply thrilled to discover that fine children's literature is still being written? Not just for children, though, this series is every bit as captivating for the adults as the little ones in your house. Hooray for the Boy Who Lived!
Helpful Score: 3
Excellent. The British edition has some slight phrasing differences. Well worth obtaining this copy plus the american edition.
Nymphadora T. (nymphadora) reviewed Harry Potter and the half blood prince on + 95 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Book six in the series. Okay, let me just say that after waiting in line all night, I was a little bummed with the way this one ended. We had this great build up and then... tune in next time...
Helpful Score: 2
once again she has done it. alot of pages but well worth the read. better grab the kleenix because she does away with a main charcter.
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this book. It was so unsuspected! I laughed, I cried, I got angry. A wonderful roller coaster. Sorry but I can't part with my copy
Helpful Score: 2
In what is probably the best book of the series so far, all of Britain now knows the truth. Voldemort has indeed come back and Harry Potter was right all along. Harry and Professor Dumbledore work together trying to uncover clues about Voldemort's past and to try and find a way to stop him once and for all. What is a Horcrux? How is Voldemort still alive? Is Snape evil? And most importantly, who is RAB?
Helpful Score: 1
A wonderful read. This book is darker and sadder than the earlier HP books but it's fitting given where we are in the story. Harry's growing up and his eventual battle with Voldemort is close at hand.
Helpful Score: 1
WOW - the best Harry Potter yet!!
Helpful Score: 1
Sad they are nearing the end.
Anonymous reviewed Harry Potter and the half blood prince on
Helpful Score: 1
How can I say anything bad about Harry Potter. I cut mt fantasy teeth and these books. Have read the entire series who knows how many times. Love them all! Great reads for everyone! *****CAUTION: I would mention that the further up the Harry Potter series goes, the more mature the subject matter. Before giving this book to a child, an adult should preview it.
Helpful Score: 1
JK Rowling has done it again. Fantastic book. If you have read any of the others, check this one out. She just keeps getting better and better unfortunately only one more to go.
Helpful Score: 1
I must say this one definately made me cry!!
Claudine G. (darkhuntress) reviewed Harry Potter and the half blood prince on + 19 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
this is another great addition to the harry potter series. 2 thumbs up. don't want to give away anything so i'll end my review here great book.
Brittany Q. (notebook-junkie) reviewed Harry Potter and the half blood prince on + 81 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book was sooooooo good! As good as all the others (if not better). A little sad but so was number five.
Helpful Score: 1
This was one of her best. Harry, Ron, and Hermaine are once again at Hogswart studying, fighting, falling in love. Harry will search thru Load Volenmort's boyhood to discover how he became the Dark Lord and what may be his only vulnerability.
Helpful Score: 1
This book definitely did not hold the same shock factor for me in this reading that it did 6 years ago. Knowing whats coming helped me actually focus more on the story instead of worrying about what may or may not happen. On the heels of Book 5 when Harry lost Sirius, I was dreading finding out who Harry would lose next. If Rowling could kill off Harrys godfather, then nobody was safe. Having grown up without his parents, unfortunately, Harry has become accustomed to losing the people he loves. After a long summer at the Dursleys, Harry is collected from Privet Drive by none other than Professor Dumbledore who takes Harry on an excursion to contact an old colleague and then escort him to the Burrow.
Harry, Ron and Hermione finally receive their long anticipated O.W.L. exam results and Harry finds himself in an advanced Potions class with a new professor, Horace Slughorn. Potions have never been Harrys favorite class, especially when Snape was the instructor. Harry acquires a potions book that belonged to someone calling himself the Half-Blood Prince and following the notes and tips provided within the book by the previous owner, Harry outperforms Hermione.
Harry is convinced that Draco is up to something sinister and spends a lot of time trying to figure out what it is. There are a few occurrences of students being cursed by unknown perpetrators that add to the suspense of the story. I enjoyed that Harry is made Captain of the Quidditch team and puts together a team that will hopefully win the House Cup.
The best part of the book, for me, are the private lessons Harry has with Professor Dumbledore where he learns what Dumbledore already knows about Voldemorts early years and family. Through Dumbledores memories, Harry witnesses Dumbledores first meeting with the boy would become the most evil wizard of all time. Harry is also tasked with finding out the true memories of one of the professors that had been tampered with. Harry has his work cut out for him in this installment and as with the whole series, I enjoyed every minute of it.
Harry, Ron and Hermione finally receive their long anticipated O.W.L. exam results and Harry finds himself in an advanced Potions class with a new professor, Horace Slughorn. Potions have never been Harrys favorite class, especially when Snape was the instructor. Harry acquires a potions book that belonged to someone calling himself the Half-Blood Prince and following the notes and tips provided within the book by the previous owner, Harry outperforms Hermione.
Harry is convinced that Draco is up to something sinister and spends a lot of time trying to figure out what it is. There are a few occurrences of students being cursed by unknown perpetrators that add to the suspense of the story. I enjoyed that Harry is made Captain of the Quidditch team and puts together a team that will hopefully win the House Cup.
The best part of the book, for me, are the private lessons Harry has with Professor Dumbledore where he learns what Dumbledore already knows about Voldemorts early years and family. Through Dumbledores memories, Harry witnesses Dumbledores first meeting with the boy would become the most evil wizard of all time. Harry is also tasked with finding out the true memories of one of the professors that had been tampered with. Harry has his work cut out for him in this installment and as with the whole series, I enjoyed every minute of it.
Helpful Score: 1
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was a book meant for Harry Potter fans. Definently not a place to start in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
It's Harry Potter what can I say. He teachs us about courage, friendship, respect, love, the importance of history and destiny. Read a dozen times and will read again.
Helpful Score: 1
What can I say? utterly absorbing. Things aren't always what they seem!
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent pacing of the book and it leads to a lot of thoughts on what will happen next. However, most of the book just feels like a set up for another book rather than a story in and of itself.
Helpful Score: 1
Another thriller in Harry Potter's life. You will laugh and cry and keep reading till the end!!!
Another amazing Harry Potter installment! There's nothing more to it.
Melanie A Wardlow (Mel) -
Helpful Score: 1
Over all this was a very good book. Again, the author writes another fairly dark book in some areas. Nicely done with explanations of the characters.
Helpful Score: 1
THIS BOOK WAS AWESOME. I READ IT IN A VERY SHORT TIME BECAUSE I COULDNT PUT IT DOWN.
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book more than any of the other books. Of course, you get everything resolved in "Deathly Hallows", but this book sets it up so well. The majority of the book felt lighthearted, and I was able to sigh with relief that Harry was enjoying life, school, and his friends, like a "normal" boy would. I guess you could call this the "calm before the storm". Big surprise ending.
Helpful Score: 1
Loved it!
Helpful Score: 1
The older wiser gang (Harry, Hermione, and Ron) are finally growing up (in my opinion) as 6th years at Hogwarts. This book is by far the best in the series because you finally get to learn about just who Lord V is and his past and why he is so evil and powerful. Some of the other characters have major roles as well, so it doesn't focus mainly on Harry anymore, but you know by the end of this book that "The boy who survived" is going to have a big nasty battle to tackle before this series is over. And there's a pretty shocking ending. I read this book every chance I got until I finished it--- I definitely rec. this Harry Potter book.
Brandon J. (bran-flakes14) reviewed Harry Potter and the half blood prince on + 72 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A far more personal installment in the Harry Potter series, and a somewhat unexpected premise, turn the tables for readers of this saga as J. K. Rowling reaches a pinnacle of emotional storytelling. As the book flap says, this 6th volume takes place almost entirely at Hogwarts School as Harry, now 16 and dealing with tragic past losses and an almost overwhelming hurricane of hormones, is guided to understand the murky and dark past of Lord Voldemort in a desperate attempt to learn Voldemort's final undoing. This book is probably the funniest of the series, with many passages devoted to detailing the romantic entanglements of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, but the book also deals with themes of sociopathology, greed and hatred, and the virtuous practice of doing what is right instead of what is easy. With this penultimate volume, J. K. Rowling reveals key points that will help Harry defeat Voldemort once and for all, while also illustrating even more losses amid a host of hellishly dark, even psychologically disturbing, set-ups. "Half-Blood Prince" is one of the best in the series, and could be considered Part 1 of a whole story that is finished in the seventh, and final, volume in the Harry Potter series.
Helpful Score: 1
While most avid Rowling fans enjoyed the last book the most, I found THIS book to far surpass the others in every single aspect. Well written, captivating, enthralling, thrilling, descriptive, dramatic, and poignant. From an attention-binding beginning, to a climactic and solid ending, this book encompasses the true intelligence, wit, humanity, and ingeniousness of Rowling. Perfection at the utmost.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book, as I did all the Harry Potter books. The characters are all interesting, the plot was good (and not too easy to figure out). If you liked the other J.K. Rowling books or liked the movies then you will enjoy this book.
Helpful Score: 1
So much better than the movie. I love this series. I enjoy the movies too, but nothing beats reading the books!
Helpful Score: 1
This is the darkest of the Harry Potter series so far and also the best in my opinion. I have enjoyed them all, but this one has got me so ready to read book #7 to see what happens next!
Melissa R. (Artemis-Mama) reviewed Harry Potter and the half blood prince on + 101 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Perfect Potter ... leaves you breathless with anticipation for book 7!
What can I say, Harry Potter. They are all excellent. The only disapointment I had was waiting till the next book came out to find out what happened in this books "cliff hanger."
Ashley M. (vanilla-sparkle) reviewed Harry Potter and the half blood prince on + 11 more book reviews
IMO, the best book in the HP series. I too laughed and cried while reading this book. I can't wait until the 7th!
This is one of my favorites in the HP series, I have read it so many times, I lost count. It is dark, suspenseful, and sad. We really watch Harry grow up in this book(as if we haven't watched this through all of the books). He has had to deal with so much in his young life, and there is still more to come! We lose one of our most near and dear characters(I had to read it over and over again, and then cried for a full 20 min before I could finish the book), and, as always, root for good to prevail. Harry even gets his first real girlfriend! Spectacular read, wonderful detailing, and really takes you into this wonderful world of witchcraft and wizardry, making yyou(if only for a little while) believe once again, that magic truly does exist!
In this book things come to boiling point, as Harry works with Professor Dumbledore to discover the secret to Voldemort's immortality, all the while dealing with high pressure exams, tense friendships, and first true love.
With people Harry cares about seeming to die all around him, the reader will be on the edge of their seat praying Harry makes it through.
With people Harry cares about seeming to die all around him, the reader will be on the edge of their seat praying Harry makes it through.
The ending was...WOW! If you are one of the very few who don't know the story yet lock yourself in your room and enjoy.
#6 in the Harry Potter series. This particular volume is the UK edition.
HBP is a very 'dark' story and involves more mature aspects of Harry's world. He inherits a house as well as a house elf to go with it, is inducted into the "Slug Club," finds a mysterious book to aid him in a difficult class, begins a new "adventure" in finding horcruxes, and buries a beloved mentor. The book is fairly long but grabbed me from the very beginning. This was the first I read in a very short period of time (only 3 days) because I couldn't put it down.
This book was amazing!!! I just finished it and Rowling lets a lot out in this one.
My daughters love this book. Great read, couldn't put it down.
Such a great read, even for an adult! A little darker than the other Harry Potter books, but the storyline is still excellent, and Rowling's writing is still superb. Will keep you on edge until the end.
I give four stars for the young but I give it ony three stars for older readers because it seems drawn own and wordy. Why it took me so long to read this series I do not know. However, I have totally enjoyed every one, even this one. He Who Must Not be Named (Voldemort) has indeed come back. Harry Potter and Professor Dumbledore work together to try to uncover clues about Voldemort's past and find a way to stop him once and for all. Yes, this one is darker and sadder than previous reads but as we are nearing the end of the series and Harry is growing up this is probably appropriate. I do feel that it could have been more heavily edited to make a better read. Nevertheless, the exciting ending prompts readers to hurry out for the novel in the series.
Great book!!!
J.K. Rowling is absolutely amazing! All of the Harry Potter books are pure poetry.
love the whole series.
this is one of the darker ones... rowling is in top form...
one of the best yet
Excellent continuation to the series. I couldn't put it down.
Loved the story, JK does a nice job.
Weakest novel in the series in terms of plot (relies heavily on flashback scenes), but the storyline is well executed. Rowling was right when she described books 6 and 7 as two parts of a whole. There is a lot of exposition leading up to "Deathly Hallows" here. Balances the comical with the creepy very well. One of the funniest books in the series. Recommended!
Melissa B. (dragoneyes) -
I've enjoyed all of the Potter books so far. This one was just as good as the others. The ending was a little depressing and was very upset by it but I feel it was part of Rowling's plan so I have dealt with it. Can't wait for the next one!!!
The Harry Potter series was definitely one of the best I've ever read... I had so much fun standing and waiting in line each time a new book came out, I'm really disappointed that the series is over, but it had a fantastic ending.
Another one of my favorites from the series!! This books gives a lot of backstory on Voldemort. Loved it!!
great unabridged audio book. 17 CDs. Loved it
I'm glad I waited as long as I did to read this. All of the spoilers and speculations I recall hearing at the time had completely slipped my mind when I finally picked up my copy to read. The characters have matured and the plot has become more complex without failing to persue the original storyline of Harry vs Voldemort. I'm looking forward to the 7th book as soon as it comes out in paperback!
A more complex book than those that preceded it in that much of the "action" is reflection and planning. However, it is captivating. You would have to have read the earlier books to really appreciate this one.
Elaine
Elaine
Jim Dale does a fantabulous job reading this story. I am endlessly impressed with J. K. Rowling's imagination and her ability to believably create an entire world. These books have been a wonderful escape for me.
Great Book ! A must read !
Katie S. (JeffersonsAmbrosia) reviewed Harry Potter and the half blood prince on + 98 more book reviews
Another chapter in the story and life of Harry Potter. And the books and the story keep getting darker and more adult. I am not sure I would let a child continue to read the story at this point, but that it my point of view. Harry and his friends adult and children are once again back and Hogwarts, and once again fighting the evils of Lord Voldermort.
But this time the Dark Lord seems to have gotten himself a new recruit, at least Harry is convinced so while no one else seems to share his suspicions against Draco Malfoy. We see more torture, dark arts and death in The Half Blood Prince leading us down a dark maze of things in the wizarding world. A war is here, and the book does not hold back those facts.
Despite my reserves at this being a book I would actually call young adult I did enjoy it. The story kept my attention, and while some of the plot was blatantly obvious from the get go it still made me curious as to what exactly was going to happen. There defiantly points in the book where I thought she had run out of story, but it did recover well enough for me to continue and be entertained by what was going on. Over all not a bad Chapter in the series.
But this time the Dark Lord seems to have gotten himself a new recruit, at least Harry is convinced so while no one else seems to share his suspicions against Draco Malfoy. We see more torture, dark arts and death in The Half Blood Prince leading us down a dark maze of things in the wizarding world. A war is here, and the book does not hold back those facts.
Despite my reserves at this being a book I would actually call young adult I did enjoy it. The story kept my attention, and while some of the plot was blatantly obvious from the get go it still made me curious as to what exactly was going to happen. There defiantly points in the book where I thought she had run out of story, but it did recover well enough for me to continue and be entertained by what was going on. Over all not a bad Chapter in the series.
Great book in a great series.
I'm afraid midway through this book is where I left off reading the series.
Great for older kids and adults!
I got this book for my grandson and he has not read it yet. He is in 4th grade and it takes his a while to get through on of these. He is looking forward to it though.
The story line is getting darker, but with the lead characters growing older, it works fine. I love this series and have enjoyed listening to the audiobook version.
loved the book! and now reading book 7!
What a fabulous book! Can you believe this series is on the banned books list? I was curious about why thats the case, so I did a bit of googling and found this site, which goes into more detail about the ban.
My favorite reason? That people believe witchcraft is real (did we not learn from burning witches in the old timey days?), and further, that the Harry Potter series is going to convince children that witchcraft is fun instead of evil.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=3045
My favorite reason? That people believe witchcraft is real (did we not learn from burning witches in the old timey days?), and further, that the Harry Potter series is going to convince children that witchcraft is fun instead of evil.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://www.dorolerium.com/?p=3045
Great read! Hard to believe these are children's books.
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed Harry Potter and the half blood prince on + 1726 more book reviews
Must read series for any age. Great story and wonderful fun characters that become family!
With Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters wreaking havoc on both the Wizarding and Muggle communities, Harry Potter is ready to start a new year at Hogwarts. But this year is different. Professor Dumbledore has promised to give Harry private lessons. Using the pensieve, Dumbledore and Harry learn of Voldemort's past, hoping to discover a way that they can defeat him. Harry is also concerned about Draco Malfoy, who he believes has become a Death Eater. Another worry is Professor Snape who seems to share a secret with Draco...a secret that could change everything.
The sixth book in the Harry Potter series is the darkest to date. Harry seems to be growing up fast, dealing with both school work and the ongoing battle with Voldemort. He has also discovered a book of potions with notes in it from someone who called themselves the Half-Blood Prince. The last few chapters of this book are shocking and leave me wanting to jump right into the final book in the series. My rating: 5 Stars.
The sixth book in the Harry Potter series is the darkest to date. Harry seems to be growing up fast, dealing with both school work and the ongoing battle with Voldemort. He has also discovered a book of potions with notes in it from someone who called themselves the Half-Blood Prince. The last few chapters of this book are shocking and leave me wanting to jump right into the final book in the series. My rating: 5 Stars.
As always wonderful book!
Gave to my grandson
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed Harry Potter and the half blood prince on + 1726 more book reviews
Must read series for any age. Great story and wonderful fun characters that become family!
Fantastic! Can't leaves you panting for the next one!
Loved it as I have loved all the Harry Potter series!
This was a wonderfull book with quite an ending. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Thomas F. (hardtack) -
The book was a little drawn out at the end, but I guess this is required when you kill off a major character. And I thought the hiding place of the Horcrux in the cave was a bit over the top. And I think some of the male and female characters in the book were still a bit emotionally young to settle on their 'loves.' Ron's "love interest" definitely had a juvenile reaction to their ups and downs.
However, the pages in the rest of the book just flew by.
However, the pages in the rest of the book just flew by.
Absolutely love all the Harry Potter books. Can't wait for the last one to come out.
IT IS A GOOD BOOK
Incredible! That is the word that comes to mind when I describe this book. I couldn't put it down. It had me on the edge of my seat. Though by the end of the book I was so mad that I wanted to throw it. I can't wait until the next one.
Another good Harry Potter story
Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed Harry Potter and the half blood prince on + 1726 more book reviews
Must read series for any age. Great story and wonderful fun characters that become family!
Read it in 4 days! One of the best Harry Potter's that I've read
It's Harry Potter....J.K. Rowling is a genius.
A good book--the sixth in the Harry Potter series... I can't wait to find out the ending in book seven!
Amazon.com
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 simple: 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 heart: 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.
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 simple: 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 heart: 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.
love this series
I did not like this one as well as the one right before it. The ending is dissappointing and the twist (that is not revealed) is pretty predictable. I think she could have done better with the love story part of it too, but perhaps it is the way it is to emphasize how the series is maturing.
It's Harry Potter, what else can I say?
a great read!
I laughed, I cried, and yes, I LOVED IT. I can't wait for the next one, and I hope that it continues on past it.
Book 6 in the Harry Potter series. It was good, but quite frankly J.K. Rowling's books are getting a bit too dark for my taste.
excellent! one of my favorite Potter books!
I love the Harry Potter series. Hate to see it coming to an end.
The fifth book in the Harry Potter series. It keeps the suspense and action rolling!
It doesn't have the paper sleeve, but in perfect condition.
