Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J. K. Rowling
Published by Published by Arthur A. Levine Press
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Bob Pike CSP, CPAE
Harry Potter is back for his sixth year at Hogwarts and he's captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. But Quidditch, though important, is only a game. And Harry once again becomes entangled in a bigger game—a game of good versus evil.
Lord Valdemort and his Death Eaters are stalking the land. And Professor Dumbledore, with Harry's help, must find a way to stop him. Is there a way to kill the seeming immortal? Dumbledore thinks so, but plays it close to the vest. But for Potter to help him he must learn all he can about who Valdemort is and where he came from.
Classes and classmates sometimes seem to get in the way—especially in Harry's Defense Against the Dark Arts class with Professor Snape. But in his potions class Harry is getting some help from the Half-Blood Prince, whoever that may be. Harry's potion book was ruined on the first day of class and a used copy found in the potions classroom is filled with notes that help Harry become the toast of the potions professor, Professor Slughorn, much to Hermione Granger's dismay. And his new knowledge of potions may save lives.
The sixth year at Hogwarts is full of love and love unrequited—with Harry in the middle of it most of the time. And his old nemesis, Malfoy, now prefect of Slytherin House, is up to no good. Has he really committed himself to the dark Lord Valdemort or is it a play for attention? And why does he keep disappearing?
And all the while Harry and the other sixth-year students are trying to learn to apparate—disappear in one place and appear in another—a skill Harry will soon need. Old friends turn out to be enemies, turned to the dark side by Valdemort, but who can tell? And an old and true friend must die, that others may live.
Armchair Interviews says: Harry Potter fans will love this sixth installment as much as the other five. And the movie should be fabulous!