Month: September 2007

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince[rating:5/5]

I’ve got to admit, as the Potter series continues, it only gets better. The Half-blood Prince grabs your attention from the start and unfolds into the darkest of the series. This book contains many twists and turns, most of which leave the reader wanting to find out more. What makes this book different from the others is that there are quite a few surprises as characters reveal personalities that may not have been fully unveiled previously and this, in turn, leads to a highly fascinating read. I’m afraid that I have to admit, I was about to put the book down before calling it a night, with about 100 pages to go and simply couldn’t – the story became so enthralling that I just had to go on to finish it! I don’t think that there is any question (at least in my mind), that Half-blood Prince, is the best of the series so far. As with all good series, this one left with a real cliff-hanger – I’m only glad that I waited until the Rowling finished the series – that way, I don’t have to wait for the next one to come out: I’ve already started the final book. Got to get back to my reading!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix[rating:5/5]

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was far darker than the previous book but kept my interest throughout. Many of the characters are either becoming more sinister or are displaying a great tenacity to fight evil. Overall, I enjoyed this book far more than the previous one although the Potter series, as a whole, still doesn’t strike me a “great literature” but rather an entertaining experience. I will say that as the plot progressed, I’ve become more eager to find out what’s going to happen next; therefore, I’m going to start book six tonight.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4)

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire[rating:4/5]

Well, I finally done did it! I had read the first three Harry Potter books, quite some time ago, and had simply fallen behind in keeping up with the rest of the remaining stories. Other than the fact that I enjoyed Goblet of Fire as a fun diversion, and give it five stars for its entertainment value, I remain somewhat perplexed at the popularity of the series – they’re great fun to read, the stories have interesting characters, and the ever-changing plot holds one’s interest. Just the same, the Potter series simply doesn’t strike me as what I would call “literature” even thought they have all been, so far, very enjoyable – and sometimes that’s what reading should be all about.

I will say that with this book and the next (which I’ve already started to read), I broke out of the mold and saw the movie versions first – that’s something that I almost never do: I’m sure I’ll finish the series before the next one comes out. Again, the Potter series may not be great “literature” they remain a very pleasurable reading experience.