Well here it is. My second book review, because I love this book too darn much to wait to review it. Guitar Hero 5 coming very soon.
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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows review
Let's get one thing straight before I begin: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is quite possibly my most favorite book of all time. At least it's definitely my favorite Potter book. Yes, people have different opinions, but if you're like me you like to take the "A little less conversation, a little more action please" approach. And Hallows is full of it at every turn.
In Hallows, gone is Harry's endless help from Dumbledore, gone is a safe place to hide. Harry now has to fend for himself, albeit with a little help from Ron and Hermione. At the beginning of the story, after a bone-chilling foreshadowing chapter with Voldemort and his cronies, Harry needs to be moved from the Dursely's because the protective enchantment that keeps Voldemort out will break. Right off the bat, the book hits you hard with an action packed and thrilling chapter.
Two well-loved characters have died before the book slows down a bit for Bill and Fleur's wedding at the Burrow. Harry also finally comes of age. A lot of things have happened already, without a slow start. J.K. Rowling, it seems, really knows her stuff.
There's a lot happening in Hallows. For one thing, at the end of Half-Blood Prince we find out Harry will not return to the now unsafe Hogwarts and will instead search for the last four of Voldemort's Horcruxes. Ron and Hermione have agreed to drop school as well and go with Harry on this daring adventure. Their thrilling adventure changes very unexpectedly. The plot changes so well and smoothly it is generally impossible to put down.
The things they do and the places they go can prove very shocking. They infiltrate the Ministry and rob Gringott's, to name a few. And every time, they escape just barely. When you are reading, don't forget to breathe.
The book is not all action, however. On the contrary, it is very well balanced throughout in my opinion. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are not always braving Death Eaters and challenges and racking up the Horcruxes. In fact, we find that Harry really doesn't have much to go on, just Dumbledore's guesses. After obtaining the locket, they are at a stand still and the tension and drama rises between the three. Ron actually walks out on Harry and Hermione for awhile. In this way, Rowling excellently reminds you that becoming the hero isn't all fun and games.
Hallows has an interesting story. Halfway through we still don't know where the heck the title of the book comes from. When the story finally got to the Deathly Hallows, I was shocked but immensely pleased to see the story take such an interesting turn. Hallows or Horcruxes becomes the general and repeatedly pondered question.
This book does have everything. Action, tension, breakups, makeups, mystery, emotional struggles, tear-jerking moments. Harry, Ron, Hermione manage many narrow and thrilling escapes from danger, and then gear up for more like nothing happened. Harry's struggles externally and internally become apparent. Did Dumbledore really not care for his family and did he hate Muggles? Harry ponders many questions, and becomes obsessed with the Deathly Hallows. Rowling provides these many mysteries for us to ponder throughout the book, all the while tying everything in closer to the dramatic climactic battle for Hogwarts.
Rowling even fits some humor into a generally dark book. There are also a lot of welcomed light-hearted moments that remind us that everything is not going to hell. Again we see an incredible amount of balance in the story, reminding us again of Rowling's perfected storytelling.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the perfect ending to a perfect series. Everything is resolved. Snape's true allegiance and story is revealed. The battle is truly awesome, and Harry shows immense and admirable bravery. The ending is so thrilling. Once again, remember to breathe.
Even the Epilogue in my opinion was good. If there was one problem with Deathly Hallows, I would have to say it's this: it ends.
10/10