Book Review #2: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Book Synopsis

As the novel begins, Harry, Ron and Hermione are on the run from Lord Voldemort, whose minions of Death Eaters have not only taken control of the Minister of Magic but have begun to systematically -- and forcibly -- change the entire culture of the magic community: Muggle-born wizards, for example, are being rounded up and questioned, and all blood traitors are being imprisoned. But as Voldemort and his followers ruthlessly pursue the fugitive with the lightning bolt scar on his forehead, Potter finally uncovers the jaw-dropping truth of his existence.... (from goodreads)

Bec's Rating

Bec's Review

The last book in the series was a bittersweet experience for me, and I’m not even referring to the many characters who lost their lives in its pages. Rather this was the book I read, knowing that it was the last book ever, that for better or worse this was it for Harry Potter, this is where it would all end. I was determined to savour the experience and yet, on opening the book could not help but to continue reading page after page and chapter after chapter well into the night. Rowling once again displayed a talent for drawing the reader in, for making them want to know so much how the story ends that they have to keep reading.

Never before have I cried so much in reading a book. This is the book that makes it clear that this is war in the wizarding world, and not some minor conflict that can easily be resolved. It is a true war, and as such characters die, defending their families, their cause, and themselves. Among those characters were some particular favourites of mine, characters which I still wonder why they had to die. I always have to remind myself that they didn’t have to die, that they died in war, and in war there is no rhyme or reason to death, a point Rowling makes clear with her choice of victims.

I was amazed at the way Rowling wrapped this all up, at the triumphs and defeats suffered in the pages, at the way characters proved themselves for their cause, even in the smallest ways. This is the first and only book in which Harry did not return to Hogwarts, and so there is no quidditch, no rivalry with the Slytherins. Instead there is a hunt for Horcruxes, for those items which, when destroyed, will allow them to finally do away with the deadly power that has been threatening their lives for so long. It is good versus evil, and so you keep reading, determined to find out if good shall once again triumph.

The epilogue has always proven to be a controversial thing among fans, and one that is often either loved or hated. As a person who, when finishing the book, always wants to know what happens next, whether a couple stayed together, if they had kids and what their names were, what jobs the characters did and who ended up with who, I loved the epilogue. It showed a future for the characters and left me satisfied in my questions, and neatly and tidily wrapped up this life changing series.

Disclaimer: May not be appropriate for children due to violence.