Half Blood Prince-surprisingly fulfilling

[swordmage]

I'll admit, I didn't have the highest hopes coming into the book. Order of the Phoenix, while good wasn't my favorite, and I was tempted to say that the series peaked at some point during the course of Prisoner of Azkaban and Goblet of Fire.

However, I was proved wrong. Half Blood Prince ended up being very good.

First off, I really liked reading about Riddle and Snape. It made for some very interesting sections and a better idea of their characters. Character development is usually something I enjoy and I found it well-done and engaging here. Also seeing more of Harry maturing was nice. Blaise was/is a fascinating character and it was cool to see Malfoy act as something other then the spoilt little rich boy.

The Horcuxes were an interesting side-plot and one I'm now very interested in seeing what happens with. Likewise what happens next year at Hogwarts. While I don't think it will close, it's certainly going to see a change from what it's been in the six books published so far. With McGonagall as Headmistress certainly some things will change, and I hope for the better. She's not as trusting, but that shouldn't be a problem and will work in her favor.

I actually liked Tonks more here. Not sure why, but I did. Was actually rooting for her and Remus. While Fleur may have been a bit annoying at times, she was still an alright character and I again found myself liking her more here.

Dumbledore's death and Snape betrayal... wow.

Not very long, but it's all I can think of right now.

More later.

Comments

[charliesmum.livejournal.com]

I'm not convinced Snape 'betrayed' Dumbledore. I think Dumbledore knew Snape made that vow, and I think Dumbledore really wanted to protect Draco. I think the 'Severus please' at the end was him pleading to remember that Dumbledore told him to kill him if it came to that. There's a bit where Snape and DD are arguing and Snape said he wanted out and DD said no.

Anyway, that's what I think. But I've been wrong before.

I also (I'm on my 2nd reading) think that Bellatrix knows where one of the horcruxes is. (see my post)

I really did enjoy this book overall. I think Harry matured nicely.