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.

41 persone l'hanno trovata utile

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.

16 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Harry and the half blood Prince

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

14 persone l'hanno trovata utile

4 ☆

“The thing about growing up with Fred and George," said Ginny thoughtfully, "is that you sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve.”

The lack of Fred and George in this book was awful. I missed them so much, but it was nice getting to see a little more of Ginny in this one.

My favourite scenes in this book were definitely the Tom Riddle moments. I absolutely loved getting that insight into his early years, I just wish we got more.

It was also nice having a little extra time with Dumbledore in this one. My heart is heavy right now because of how it ended, I might take a break before listening to the next one. I haven’t decided yet. I’m not ready for all the pain.

My favourite character in this was definitely Horace Slughorn. I hate the changes made to his personality in the movies. In the books he shines as a true Slytherin, and I love his character.

I loved the scene at the start with the other Minister.

I didn’t like how sulky Harry got when Snape gave him detention for what he done to Malfoy. Or the lack of faith that his friends had in him for what he was saying in regards to Malfoy.

I didn’t particularly enjoy all the ‘love’ drama in this. It dragged on for too long.

Ohhh, I loved when Fleur told Mrs. Weasley off for saying her wedding wouldn’t be going ahead. I thought they treated her rather terribly up until that point.

So much happened in this one. I could prattle on all day but I’m going to leave it there.

Audio
5☆

Stephen's voices were a lot more distinctive throughout this one. I particularly enjoyed his Tom voices that changed as he got older.

“Time is making fools of us again.”

12 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Brilliant

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

9 persone l'hanno trovata utile

GOAT PART 6

Right then you want a fifteen word review then do you?

Once upon a time

8 persone l'hanno trovata utile

IT HAS SWEARING IN IT >:( I AM A CLEAN PERSON IT HAS THE P WORD AND THE H WORD

SWEARING ❗️❗️❗️❗️ ONLY LISTEN IF TEENAGER
ITS PK IF YOUR A TEEN BUT NOT IF YOUR A KID ITS GOOD OC YOUR ADULT THE MOST DANGEROUS ONE IS FINLE IT HAS THE B WORD

7 persone l'hanno trovata utile

well read

Well narrated by Stephen Fry - great use of different voices and accent for different characters and not at all monotone or mundane

6 persone l'hanno trovata utile

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 😘

5 persone l'hanno trovata utile

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...

5 persone l'hanno trovata utile