Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Book 6

Twists, turns and shocks!

This is the sixth of the magical seven, each developing the story and leading to the climactic finale in The Deathly Hallows. JK Rowling uses The Half Blood Prince to further ensnare the reader into the twists that are to reveal themselves in the final conclusion of the story.

Part of the skill really is that these characters genuinely grow as they progress through their school years. As in real life with that growth comes responsibility. Once again Harry is pitted up against his now traditional enemies. Increasingly he starts to see shades of grey rather than simple black and white issues while the stakes become increasingly high.

There are twists, turns, surprises and shocks including for anyone who doesn’t know the stories a huge one at the end which I certainly wouldn’t reveal as it really is a huge development. This is something that continues into the final book so be prepared to constantly re-evaluate characters. The identity of the Half Blood Prince I found particularly intriguing and on first encounter with the stories didn’t see it coming at all.

The depth of the mysterious plot is increased by the beautiful marriage of the antiquities of the wizardly world and the seedier side of modern society such as government corruption and the modern media. The latter most ably represented by the brilliantly presented Rita Skeeter, a journalist so awful she could grace any of our tabloids!

I’m very glad that the author took the longer form for the final few books. This story and its characters needed that depth and the genuine cleverness of this book should not be fully judged in my opinion until the final book, The Deathly Hallows has also been finished. I’ll say no more.

The narration of course, the Master Fryer, little need be said other than a quick “Bravo!”.

One small note. I see all of these books listed under “Children : 8-10”. I would never seek to advise any parents on what their children should or should not read (within reason) and I was happy to let my daughter read these at age 10 when she asked. However, the books changed quite distinctly with the ages of the main characters. A line or two is bound to have been crossed so some parents may well want to review a plot synopsis or research these later books before making a decision on them. Not my call but I suspect some parents might just draw the line for a sensitive 8 or 9 year old.

31 people found this helpful

Excellent performance by Stephen Fry

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, yes, yes - an excellent performance by Stephen Fry of an enthralling, and well told story. Recommended for children of all ages.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Book 6?

Oh so many - when Harry realised that the Half Blood Prince was Snape, the fact that Hermione got annoyed that Harry was doing better than her in Potions, Harry's fight with Malfoy - just to name a few.

Which character – as performed by Stephen Fry – was your favourite?

All of them

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Neither - just enjoyed it.

Any additional comments?

Somewhat different to the film - so should be read first.

8 people found this helpful

Harry and the half blood Prince

This Harry potter book is so full of excitement and it makes it Silk good.

9 people found this helpful

GOAT PART 6

Right then you want a fifteen word review then do you? Once upon a time

2 people found this helpful

couldn't put is down

got to be one of my favourite books economic very cheaper got better than the last.

2 people found this helpful

Omg it’s amazing

It’s really calming and it’s just amazing I have nothing bad to say a bout it amazing story as well thank you sooo much 😘

1 person found this helpful

Brilliant

Stephen Fry what a brilliant narrator he has transported me to Hogwarts and feel invested with the characters .

1 person found this helpful

Brilliant!

Having now listened to all of the Harry Potter books read by Stephen Fry, I have reached some awareness of just how much of a performance this is. Fry is just brilliant - surely an Oscar-worthy 'reading'! How does he get all the voices right and so consistent throughout the series? I can identify which character is speaking every time, which is just amazing. At one climatic point, I had to cheer and clasp out loud, to the amusement of those around me! Exhausting by the end but SO enjoyable. Next!

1 person found this helpful

Best book of the series

Stephen Fry is fantastic! I think this is the best book in the series. It’s Harry Potter! Love it or hate it...

1 person found this helpful

Harry potter

It was amazing! And me and my brother loved it! Thank you! We love Harry Potter!

1 person found this helpful