Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling 

    

      Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is another great installment in the series. Published in 2005, the story picks up after the revelation of the prophecy. Throughout the novel, Harry deals with being named "The Chosen One," all while going through the everyday motions of schoolwork, friendships, and love. This book differs from the rest, as it's a little bit darker. Rowling delves deep into Voldemort's past, which is very intriguing as readers are able to discover who and why he is the way he is. There's even some mischief that occurs with a certain student named Malfoy, and by the end of the book, Harry realizes who his true allies are.
     I really enjoyed this book in general. It was fun and enticing. Some of the best parts in my opinion are scenes with Harry just at Hogwarts. There's something so magical and mystical about this environment. I just love how it's the place Harry feels most at home. All of the situations Harry goes through this year are very entertaining, from love potions gone wrong, to finding real love with someone who was always right in front of him. I even like how Hermione seems to show her true feelings for Ron when faced with a threat named Lavender Brown. Some of these passages are sad, but very rewarding towards the end.
     Additionally, throughout the book, we find out more about Voldemort's childhood and his rise to power. These descriptions are essential in knowing who he really is and why he would ever choose a path of destruction in the first place. I also like the whole theme of destiny. Harry has heard the prophecy or his so-called fate. He learns that he is the only person that can destroy Voldemort. What's interesting though is the conversation Dumbledore shares with Harry. He basically tells him that it's his choice whether to fulfill this prophecy and that it is up to him. Harry can do what he wants and his future is not set in stone. After all, our lives can significantly change with one rash decision. This is a great message to send to readers. Rowling tells us that we can choose what to do with our lives and we always have a choice or a say. This fact really inspires me and I'm sure it provides tremendous inspiration to others too. Harry's "choice" is surely made by the end of the novel, after he and almost everyone else experiences a painful but perhaps necessary loss that solidifies Harry's destiny and changes his life forever. The ending definitely sets up for an exciting and suspenseful final novel, which I can't wait to read.
     Overall, I give this book 4 stars and would recommend it to anyone who wants to read something with a little adventure, but also something with heart. I would also urge you to see the movie adaptation that was released in 2009. It's very good and is faithful to the source material. Check out the trailer below: