Book 6
It’s been a while since I’ve had the time to sit down and write a thoughtful review of the books we’ve read together as a family. We finished this book (and its sequel) by J.K Rowling last month, though the joy of it remains strong and memorable.
My kids (9, 11) and I all agree that this book is our top favorite in the series, beating out even Book 4, The Goblet of Fire, and the concluding Book 7, The Deathly Hallows. While this sixth installment certainly adds mystery to the series, it also answers an incredible number of riddles and gives us the grounding we needed to move forward.
This book begins strong and stays strong throughout, from the very first pages with the new Prime Minister and then later with Snape and Beatrix, throwing our opinions of certain characters into complete disarray. In fact, I had to stop the book abruptly early on and take a vote to see where each thought Professor Snape’s loyalties lay. We did the same for Malfoy later on.
The book has three main storylines that keep us readers guessing throughout. One is the relationship and mission assigned to Draco Malfoy—and Snape’s possible involvement in it. Two is the textbook that Harry Potter happens upon in his potions class, an old textbook filled with handwritten notes and signed by “The Half-Blood Prince.” And Three is the mentor-mentee relationship between Dumbledore and Potter that involves liberal use of the pensive and sneak-peeks into the past as they each seek to unravel the mystery that is Lord Voldemort.
I suppose there’s a fourth storyline, Ginny and Harry’s budding romance, but my son wasn’t a fan of those snogging scenes, so I’m not allowed to write about them. Maybe in a few years.
I didn’t write down too many quotes as we enjoyed this book, but I did highlight two extraordinary lines from early on:
Snape shares his low opinion of Harry Potter with some witches, calling him “Mediocre to the last degree.” (ch.2)
Then in the next chapter, Dumbledore shares an invitation that probably best highlights J.K. Rowling’s influence on the past several generations: “Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.” (ch.3)
We can hardly believe that we’ve buzzed through this series in just 7 months, and we’re not yet sure where to go from here. Any recommendations of great series that you like as well that you can’t find on my blog, by all means, let me know!
©2022 E.T.
Read More from J.K. Rowling:
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (1997)
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling (1998)
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling (1999)
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling (2000)
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling (2003)
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling (2005)
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J.K. Rowling (2007)
* Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling (2016)