Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling // Book Reviews

Hey hey!

As I’ve been rereading the Harry series, I’ve been reviewing it and it’s been so much fun! Today I’ve got a spoiler review for book Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince so we’re super close to the end. All the spoiler thoughts are at the end of the review so just in case you haven’t read this book yet, there is a WARNING before spoilers begin. If you want to know my thoughts on the series, I have a review for every book:

• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (#1)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (#2)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (#3)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (#4)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (#5)

And now, let’s discuss this amazing novel!

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Series: Harry Potter (#6)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: July 16th 2005 by Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages: 607
Source: Bought

It is the middle of the summer, but there is an unseasonal mist pressing against the windowpanes. Harry Potter is waiting nervously in his bedroom at the Dursleys’ house in Privet Drive for a visit from Professor Dumbledore himself. One of the last times he saw the Headmaster was in a fierce one-to-one duel with Lord Voldemort, and Harry can’t quite believe that Professor Dumbledore will actually appear at the Dursleys’ of all places. Why is the Professor coming to visit him now? What is it that cannot wait until Harry returns to Hogwarts in a few weeks’ time? Harry’s sixth year at Hogwarts has already got off to an unusual start, as the worlds of Muggle and magic start to intertwine…

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PLOT

This is such an emotionally rich novel. The suspense was high and had me second guessing the intentions and goodness of characters. Who do I trust??

As always, the story was gripping, balanced with great humour and disheartening events. The irony of the Half-Blood Prince situation was very amusing in this reread and just knowing. (The liquid luck scene was pretty hilarious).

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Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder // Book Reviews

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I’ve a short-ish review for Fire Study, book #3 in the fantasy Study series. It’s completely spoiler free for THIS book, but it may spoil you for previous books in the series. If you HAVE read those 2 novels, read on!

Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder

Series: Study (#3)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: February 19th 2008 by MIRA
Pages: 441
Source: Borrowed

The apprenticeship is over—now the real test has begun.

When word that Yelena is a Soulfinder—able to capture and release souls—spreads like wildfire, people grow uneasy. Already Yelena’s unusual abilities and past have set her apart. As the Council debates Yelena’s fate, she receives a disturbing message: a plot is rising against her homeland, led by a murderous sorcerer she has defeated before…

Honor sets Yelena on a path that will test the limits of her skills, and the hope of reuniting with her beloved spurs her onward. Her journey is fraught with allies, enemies, lovers and would-be assassins, each of questionable loyalty. Yelena will have but one chance to prove herself—and save the land she holds dear.

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

This was a bit of a disappointing read. It dragged longer than previous books in the series. The action was a bit delayed and I couldn’t really follow what was happening.

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas // Book Reviews

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I have a big review for you today: Empire of Storms, book #5 of the Throne of Glass series. This is a spoiler free review for THIS book, but it will spoil you for previous books in the series. You have been warned. I have reviews for previous books in this series if you’re interested in my thoughts:

• The Assassin’s Blade (#0.1 – 0.5)
• Throne of Glass (#1) [COMING SOON]
• Crown of Midnight (#2)
• Heir of Fire (#3)
• Queen of Shadows (#4)

And now, let’s begin!

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass (#5)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: September 6th 2016 by Bloomsbury Children’s Books
Pages: 693
Source: Borrowed

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don’t.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

In this breathtaking fifth installment of the New York Timesbestselling Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what—and who—to sacrifice if she’s to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart.

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

I’m conflicted about how I feel about this book because there were some really engaging parts, but then there were some aspects I can’t deny I hated. There are a lot of references to the happenings of the prequel novellas, The Assassin’s Blade, so I highly recommend reading them before tackling this one (also those stories are amazing). I wish there was more of a recap of what happened in the previous book, because it took me a while for understand what was happening and get into it. I have many thoughts. Some may be a bit unfair or blown out of proportion. It’s a bit of a negative review for a 3-star rating.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling // Book Reviews

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I’ve got another reread review for y’all today. It’s a spoiler free review for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, but you may be spoiled for previous books in the series. It’s a bit of a long review, but I hope you enjoy!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Series: Harry Potter (#5)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: 21 June 2003 by Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages: 766
Source: Bought

Harry Potter is due to start his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His best friends Ron and Hermione have been very secretive all summer and he is desperate to get back to school and find out what has been going on. However, what Harry discovers is far more devastating than he could ever have expected…

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PLOT

This book gets dark and the events that take place in this novel are disheartening. It was a huge emotional rollercoaster and there were so many feels. Despite Harry’s pretty down but dynamic mood throughout this book, I found it pretty humorous. I love that the school (like the fandom) has a mutual rage and agreement that Umbridge needs to go, and everything must be done to end her rampage at Hogwarts (even the staff riot). The sass, the pranks, making efforts to defy every new stupid decree Umbridge enforces.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling // Book Reviews

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I’ve been making some progress with my 2017 reread of the Harry Potter series and today, I have my review of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This review is mostly spoiler free with a spoiler section at the end if you want to know may feelings about the ending. Let’s begin!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Series: Harry Potter (#4)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: 8 July 2000 by Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages: 636
Source: Bought

The summer holidays are dragging on and Harry Potter can’t wait for the start of the school year. It is his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and there are spells to be learnt and (unluckily) Potions and Divination lessons to be attended. But Harry can’t know that the atmosphere is darkening around him, and his worst enemy is preparing a fate that it seems will be inescapable …With characteristic wit, fast-paced humour and marvellous emotional depth, J.K. Rowling has proved herself yet again to be a master story-teller.

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

As much as I love tournaments and dangerous competitions, I didn’t enjoy this instalment as much as the other books the FIRST-TIME round. This was my first reread of this book, I enjoyed it so much more this time.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling // Book Reviews

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Apparently, I have MANY thoughts the third book of the Harry Potter series. Short story: it’s great and the whole universe should read it. Long story: read ahead!

WARNING: this is mostly a spoiler free review but I do have a spoiler section at the end of the review. And NOW proceed!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Series: Harry Potter (#3)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: Date by publisher
Pages: 317
Source: Bought

Harry Potter, along with his best friends, Ron and Hermione, is about to start his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry can’t wait to get back to school after the summer holidays. (Who wouldn’t if they lived with the horrible Dursleys?) But when Harry gets to Hogwarts, the atmosphere is tense. There’s an escaped mass murderer on the loose, and the sinister prison guards of Azkaban have been called in to guard the school…

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

I remember being mildly confused the first time reading this book because TIME TRAVELLING!  My biggest problem (like many others) was with the time travelling plot holes. But the adventures with time are so fun and the book was phenomenal.

“Shh! Listen! Someone’s coming! I think — I think it might be us!”

#timetravellinglife

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling // Book Reviews

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This is a mostly spoiler free review of my rereading experience of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. I do have a spoiler section at the very end of the review, but there will be a warning before that starts if you haven’t read the gloriousness of this book and somehow haven’t been spoiled (I’m totally not judging you people right now).  I will say this review is a complete blabbering mess but enjoy!

A little irrelevant sidenote: I’m still not completely back to my regular posting schedule but thanks for dealing with me so far.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Series: Harry Potter (#2)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication: July 2nd 1998 by Bloomsbury Publishing
Pages: 251
Source: Bought

Ever since Harry Potter had come home for the summer, the Dursleys had been so mean and hideous that all Harry wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he’s packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature who says that if Harry returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

And strike it does. For in Harry’s second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor and a spirit who haunts the girls’ bathroom. But then the real trouble begins — someone is turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects…Harry Potter himself!

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GENERAL THOUGHTS

As always, this book was so fun to read. I know a lot of people has this one as their least favourite of the series but I still love it. Surprisingly, I’ve reread this book more than any other in the series (young me absolutely LOVED flying cars – flying anything to be honest). It’s not my favourite out of the bunch but it was the only book I had and you know how it’s like. Sad? Harry Potter. Bored? Harry Potter. Frustrated with the world? Harry Potter. I don’t think any review can express how great these Harry Potter books are so, this is more of a mess of emotions and thoughts I had reading this book.

THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR, BEWARE.