Currently Reading: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

I just finished reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the sixth book in the series. Having stopped at book three but also having just seen Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in the theater I had an idea of what I was in for: a fantasy book for adults.

I thought it was well-written and I enjoyed as ever reading the descriptions of magical objects and events. Rowling has a terrific imagination. But some of the scenes were filled with as much gore and terror as an R-rated movie. This is not to say that I think it’s a gratuitous use of violence and horror. On the contrary I think the realism is necessary. It’s a crescendo to the final showdown of what will most likely be a great and terrible battle between Harry and Voldemort. I just don’t think I’ll let my children read it until they’re 21.

The most exciting part for me in this book is seeing the true nature of the characters revealed. Harry becomes more loving, brave, and a little arrogant. Dumbledore becomes wiser. Malfoy becomes more confused, weak, and oppressed. Snape becomes more Snape-ish (I am still puzzled by him). I think a lot more is to be revealed about Malfoy and Snape and I predict there will be at least one moment-of-death apology in the next book.

So, final score: 4/5. I don’t read much fiction these days, but I’m glad I read this one.

J.K. Rowling’s word of the day: surreptitious.