Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows - Book 18, 52 in 52

With Dumbledore's loss, Harry has only Ron and Hermione to help him search for the remaining horcruxes. As Voldemort takes control of the Ministry of Magic, the three friends suddenly find themselves on the run, forced into hiding by the price on Harry's head. At the same time, Harry's faith in Dumbledore is tested by the continual rumors regarding his life and his family. The friends find themselves in one jam after another, but they are still receiving help to find the sword of Griffindor and to escape the clutches of Voldemort's followers when captured. Finally, the friends turn their sights back on Hogwarts to find and destroy the 5th horcrux. There the teachers, students, their families, members of the order, and others band together to make a final stand against Voldemort.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a book full of surprising twists and turns. As the final book in the Harry Potter series, it does an exceptional job of tying up all of the loose ends. From the motives and actions of Snape and the mystery surrounding Dumbledore's early life to the strange connection between Harry and Voldemort, each piece falls in place over the course of the book. There is much to admire in Harry's determination and perseverance, his humility and concern for others, his willingness to risk and sacrifice himself for those around him, and his feelings of grief and responsibility for the lost lives of those who fight with him. I remember one use of the b***h word in the final chapter with the battle, and I believe their might have been one other that I can't place off the top of my head. Still the ending leaves a lot more to be admired than to be criticized, and Jessie is going to be thrilled when I give her the go ahead to start reading.

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