Fantasy, 7/10 – July 2005
It’s Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts and the plot follows the usual mould of the Hogwarts school year (Hogwarts Express, Sorting Hat, Quidditch, appointment of replacement teachers, etc). Lord Voldemort’s past is explored in much more detail than previous books in the series, but we don’t actually get to meet him this time round. |
I was disappointed that Harry’s power or intelligence didn’t advance. I wanted to watch his abilities grow but he’s still nothing special – He’s brave and outspoken but his magic is no match for any adult.
I’m not a fan of unhappy endings and this has a very unhappy ending. To me, the book seems to finish half-way through a proper story. I got the feeling the author released it too early because she was under pressure. It seems to be only a bridge to the next book, it opens up so many new questions.
My guessing about the future books:
- The Prophecy says “either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives”. What would happen if Harry himself is one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes?
- Perhaps Snape is still a goody. By killing Dumbledore, he gains the trust of Voldemort and could split his soul and store it in a Horcrux, thereby becoming powerful enough to be a match for Voldemort.