ISBN: 0439784549

The following review was contributed by: John Walsh & CLICK TO VIEW John Walsh's Reviews

The annual launch of the new Harry Potter episode is now of major international significance as people around the world are united in a cultural celebration of storytelling and the triumph of hope over despair. It is a time to bring families together as parents and children can enjoy the same book and film. No matter the stylistic limitations or the foolish people bringing shame on their own heads by claiming Harry is somehow evil, the publication is a time for happiness. This edition, the sixth, means that there should be just one more to go before Harry reaches the end of his long journey.

In Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, the atmosphere is somewhat darker than before, with both magical and real-life terrorists walking the streets and people, wizards and non-magical muggles alike, forced to decide on their personal response to the danger – carry on before or hide away in supposedly secure locations. Meanwhile, life must perforce continue and Harry is coming to the end of his time at the Hogwarts School that has been his real home for six years. Exams have been taken and a further year of study is required before being able to leave school with final qualifications. Yet the threat of the dread magician Voldemort still remains in the air and Harry, together with Headmaster Dumbledore, are obliged to face the threat personally. The final confrontation is yet to come, of course, as it has been made clear that the seventh episode will be the last. Consequently, the author is required to build up the action to a high pace while not raising expectations that everything will be finished at the end of the 600 pages. This is achieved with some skill and there are sufficient distractions along the way in terms of side stories, vivid characterisation and the thought of Rom, Hermione and even Harry snogging suitable partners to keep the reader going to the end. And, yes, there is the violent death of a central character.

Once again, Harry is obliged to juggle as best he can the duties and obligations of mundane life together with his extra-curricular activities and the changes in his personality and relationships that come with growing older. As usual, he muddles through with a mixture of dedication, hope and a little help from his friends. This is of a similar standard to the previous Harry Potter stories and recommended to anyone who enjoyed them or who is prepared to welcome a little magic into life.

John Walsh, Shinawatra University, July 2005