Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Starred review from July 25, 2005
Rowling's sixth book opens in the British Prime Minister's office after "a very long, tiring, and difficult week," words that cast an eerie light on actual events in London this summer. Yet from the first, the author has used the wizard world to offer insight into the goings-on in the real world, perhaps now more than ever. After the new Minister of Magic introduces himself to the Prime Minister, the scene shifts to Professor Snape's home, where Draco Malfoy's mother and aunt pay him a call, referring to a cryptic mission on which He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is sending Draco. Next, Dumbledore himself fetches Harry from the Dursleys, as the two begin a book-long quest to get to the heart of the dark wizardry impacting both the Muggle and magical worlds. Although You-Know-Who makes no appearances here, his henchmen gain momentum, and his past comes to light through multiple trips via the Pensieve; perhaps Rowling's most brilliant invention yet, the Horcrux, comes chillingly to the fore. Meanwhile, after winding up with a used copy of Advanced Potion-Making
with notes from a mysterious Half-Blood Prince, Harry aces his Potions class, taught by the new Professor Slughorn; Snape is now teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts—what can that mean? Readers will have to madly flip the pages to find out. Rowling spends a fair amount of time in the set-up but she accomplishes a great deal in this book, pulling together threads from all the previous titles and expertly poising readers for the planned finale. Old friends such as Lupin and Dobbin make reappearances, love interests and subsequent tensions unfold. Harry, now restored to popularity, nonetheless finds Ron and Hermione wary of his new obsession with Draco Malfoy's activities. The situation at Hogwarts mirrors world events: even Dumbledore finds it difficult to distinguish the good from those who would unleash terror at the school and society at large. If Harry grew up in the last book, here he becomes a man, learning the true impact of the last book's prophecy, and the importance of love as the antidote to fear. All ages.

sparklingirl - Harry Potter starts another year at Hogwarts, knowing it will never be the same. Voldemort's reign of terror is in full force. Dumbledore has been mysteriously leaving Hogwarts for personal business. And we have yet another Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. This time it's... SNAPE! Dumbledore has held Snape from teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts for a long time, but there is no other choice. Meanwhile, Dumbledore has recruited a new Potions teacher. Professor Horace Slughorn. Harry finds the old potions book of The Half-Blood Prince. With the new tips and tricks The Prince provides, he quickly becomes a potions whiz. The potions book not only holds tips for potions, but also made-up spells. Harry is brought with Dumbledore on a mission. A mission to find Horcruxes. Harry and Dumbledore come back, only to find Death Eaters in Hogwarts! What will happen next? You'll have to read the book to find out. I cried while reading this book. I LOVE HARRY POTTER!!!!! This book was absolutely stunning! This is my fourth time reading it, but my first time reviewing it. I love how J.K. Rowling is able to convey a story line that makes you think without getting you frustrated or confused. If the Harry Potter universe somehow came to life, I know Hermione and I would become instant BFF's. This book is great. Everyone should read it, especially if they like fantasy, but even if they don't they should give it a try!