Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Book 6 in the famed Harry Potter series will stand apart from all the others (including the upcoming 7) for many reasons.

First of all, this is the first book in the series to be shorter than its preceding entry. Six stands at 652 pages, and like all the other ones it is a very quick read. Technicalities aside, HP6 is the most mature and satisfying tale yet. Of course, as Harry grows into a young man the story will have to stay on par with him. Author J.K. Rowling doesn't pull any punches with her very real feeling plot twists.

Of course the standard Rowling detective elements are still there, but they some how feel less conveniently placed than in previous books. This culminates in, what I believe to be, the best book in the series thus far. Anybody disappointed by the slightly long-winded, but still excellent, book 5 will appreciate the story getting back on track before heading into the home stretch.

There will be obvious speculation as to what book 7 will hold. Forgive stating what would appear to be the obvious, but given what we've had so far 7 will stand as a very complete story. Yes, it's the ending of the entire series, but I mean it like I mean 1, 2, and 3 were very complete. Each of those books seemed to be separate tales in an overarching story. The standard Harry goes to school, has an adventure, everything works out, repeat formula. Four started the same way, but ever since its twist ending there has been a clear three act story at work. Harry's adventures in the first three novels were neatly packaged and ended with no loose ends. In order to remain fresh over so many years and to leave us always wanting more Rowling cleverly kept 4 and 5 rather open ended. Six stands as the last act in this story arch. It has ended Harry's travel into adulthood and also prepared us for the final battle.

As such, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is a recommended read, though it's narrative is deeply rooted in previous installments more so than any other. Of course, if you cared to read this you've probably read 1 through 5 already. Let me know what you think.

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