Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
J.K. Rowling
Reviewer: Anastasia
Harry Potter elicits great interest and anticipation, even if you hate him. In one sentence, the purchase of this book was a waste of twenty bucks and six hundred fifty pages. Honestly, I was disappointed in this new release, because Rowling’s did not live up to her potential in many ways. Although I have read the entire series to date and I am not a Potter fan for a number of reasons, the previous books in this series were at least entertaining.
My issues with this particular book include the fact most important fact that Half-Blood Prince was a difficult read without an end in sight. Although I frequently skip or skim over pages in a book, the fact I was tempted to do so with this book due to the sluggishness and transparency of certain sections is reprehensible given the reputation and popularity of this author and series. I believe this book is unnecessarily dark and displays an inappropriate amount of disrespect. Additionally, Rowling did a poor job depicting interpersonal relationships while maintaining the plot line, which left a continual dragging feel to the book. Additionally, I hold great dislike for her pedestal-like treatment of Potter. The only redeeming value for this series may come from the next book in this series if Rowling heads in the direction I believe it appears she is heading.
Although the Potter craze is in full swing and unlikely to diminish in the near future, I maintain the belief this series continues to be geared toward an inappropriate age group and standard classics are the best reading materials available especially for impressionable children and young adults alike. In my mind, the Harry Potter series does not come close to the standards set by Lord of the Rings by Tolkien and The Chronicles of Narnia by Lewis. I have many issues with the entire Potter series, which I will not delve into here, but will endeavor to post later.
© 2005 Anastasia