The opening of this sixth Harry Potter book has the head of the Ministry of Magic meeting up with the British Prime Minister in London to discuss how the magical world is now influencing the non-magical one, with the terror and real danger affecting everyone. This is a brilliant move: it brings realism to the Potter world even more than it did before so readers can relate to the situations more. The world is becoming much darker with higher security and curfews becoming the norm.
The second chapter continues with the solemn dreariness as it is set in Spinner's End, the industrial street in the fictitious grim town where Professor Snape grew up. The atmosphere is tense, cold, foreboding and altogether darker here and throughout the book, besides a brief section at the Weasley's house. The whimsy is pretty much gone with a strong sense of impending doom. At Hogwarts school, Harry is now in his sixth year and studying the subjects he was successful in the exams. However, one text book has lots of additional notes that help make him top of the class, being owned previously by someone who called himself 'the Half-Blood Prince'. Of course, by the end of the book the identity becomes known. There are several other secrets to be discovered that are actually more important than who the Half-Blood Prince is, including the background of the Dark Lord, Harry's enemy, and where the Horcruxes are hidden. This is the book of deep mysteries. The themes focus on sacrifice, loyalty, friendship, duplicity, death and the many types of love that exist, including romantic, where the teenage crushes give way to something more stable and serious, but still manage to have some lightness and humour. The pupils are becoming adults and it is something that Harry is very much aware of, as he realises that there will soon be no one guide him and he must face decisions as a man. His childhood ends here. The character development focuses on the bad guys: the archenemy, the hated teacher and the personal bully. Their stories ensure that the characters are fully formed, with intense empathy and clarity. All this leaves the space for the climax of the series, the last book where Harry Potter faces his final battle, supported by his friends but ultimately alone. Dark, bright and brilliant, Harry Potter takes over your soul.
Published by Bloomsbury on 16 July 2005.
Winner of the British Book of the Year
Winner of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Seal for Notable Book Winner of the American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults Winner of the Quill Award for Best Book of the Year and Best Children's Book
Collect the Series
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