Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

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Brilliant action-packed finale - Rated
At last, the final book in paperback.

I first read the story inside 2 days when it came out in hardback last year and only revisited the book now, a whole year later. On this occasion, I am taking my time and finding it more enjoyable (even though I know what will happen). The action is virtually non-stop, explaining why the 7th movie will be made in two parts.

A rough summary: Harry, Ron and Hermione do not attend Hogwarts for their final year. Instead, they set off to search for Lord Voldermorts secret horcruxes - magical objects that each carry a piece of his evil soul. While two have been vanquished in the earlier books, at least four still remain. One by one, Harry must locate them and destroy them before facing the dark lord. It seems a daunting task as school headmaster Dumbledore is no longer around to help him, but Harry has finally learnt to control his thoughts and, through his mysterious connection with the dark lord, is able to see what Voldermort is doing.

Meanwhile we finally see what the wizarding world was in fear of as Voldermort takes over. His minnions are now running the Ministry of Magic and are hunting for Harry. Snape is also the new Headmaster at Hogwarts and Death Eaters are teaching the Dark Arts (instead of Defence against the Dark Arts). This gives the book a very dark feel and some of the passages in the Ministry of Magic are quite chilling and a vivid depiction of a Fascist state. You often forget that this is a childrens story!

Against the backdrop of the main continuing plot, JK Rowling introduces a parallel story of the Deathly Hallows. This is an absolute master-stoke as it reveals many things from Dumbledore's past, including the legendary duel with the evil wizard Grindelwald, and Harry's invisibility cloak. We also learn about the true loyalties of Snape, a most intriguing character that Rowling has teased us with for so long. The book wraps up this and many other loose ends with the ultimate victory of good over evil. However, this comes at great cost as many characters die in the struggle.

My only gripe is the ending. This seemed to be a tactic to discourage future attempts at continuing the story. It was a very rushed chapter and I was asking more questions than I thought would be answered. Still, Deathly Hallows is fully worthy of 5 stars and most highly recommended. It brings some sadness that the story has ended but that is the case with all good things.

The masterpiece is finished...What to read next - Rated
Yes the Masterpiece is finished and what more can we do but wipe back the tears, take a deep sigh and think: when can I start reading them again. I loved the Deathly Hallows, some people said the ending was 'too well-rounded', but remember the series is essentailly about good and evil and we all know what has to happen - if it hadn't we'd have only complained. JK is imaginitive, humorous and best of all knows all the 'rules' of a good story, so if you've read it: read it again, if you are cutting your own nose off and saying things like "I read the first one and they are poorly written..." Well just stop it (you wre the kind who prenteded not to watch telly in the eighties because it was not intellectual enough and think by hiding your matalan bags we don't know you pop in every once and a while, everything has a place and let it revel there, there is more bucket than of Bouquet about people like you).
For those that did love it, get yorself a paperback to take to the poolside on your holidays so the hardback dosn't get confiscated at the airport as a terrorist weapon (you could do a lot of damage with JK's hefty tombe).
Below are some other books I would recommend you read when you have finished the Potters and are desperate for more:
The Elements of Lore, Volume One of the Books of Lore
The Elements of Lore - Volume 1 of The Books of Lore: 1
Truly excellent start to a series that I think wil be just right for those wanting more Potter - a boy finds out the truth about the Elemental magic of Lore, has a fantastic adventure and sets up for an awesome series...very dark in some places and hilarious in others...need I say more. Think second one is due out next year sometime on the website???

The Spook's Apprentice
The Spook's Apprentice: No.1
Oooo A little bit scary Delaney starts a fanatstic series, like potter they get better with each book, I am now onto the last one and am already getting cold sweats for the nest.

The Amulet of Samakrand
The Amulet of Samarkand (Bartimaeus Trilogy)
Funny, funny, funny all three already out so no waiting on the hyp-train