Well, it took me all day but I managed it. I had to get some sleep before writing this but here I am letting you know what I think.
Story
The story was unusual - it was very different to the first 6 in that Hogwarts, and a lot of the characters, were only mentioned briefly. In fact it was all a bit of a mystery as Harry, Ron and Hermione all rush around trying to solve the mystery of the Horcruxes and the titular Deathly Hallows.
It all starts off at a terrifying pace, there's an evil meeting, and then Harry leaves the Dursleys for the final time. There are a number of deaths in the first few chapters, at least a couple of which will surprise (they surprised me at least). After the third chapter things slow down for a while as we are reintroduced to some of the characters and given some extra details that will be required later.
Speeding through the book, the trio visit places that we had only heard of before and meet a number of people that have only been mentioned in passing.
Throughout the book, and with the help of Rita Skeeter, we find out a large amount of back story for Dumbledore, and it's not necessarily the sort of back story you would imagine. However, as with the rest of the book, it fills in the details nicely - and leaves a more complete ending for Dumbledore than I had expected.
It all ends with the finale we have been waiting for, good versus evil, Harry against Voldemort, but who wins... I'm not going to give anything away.
The book ends with an epilogue which wraps things up nicely... and clearly shows that there will be no future Harry Potter books - sorry to all the people hoping for a book 8. JK has said all along that this would be the end, and it is. I doubt very much that she will change her mind.
Theories
I'm pleased to say that a lot of the theories that have been expressed on Binary Moon have come true. Hoorah!
It will be no surprise to the majority of you, that the theory that made my site popular (RAB = Regulus Black) is correct, but there were a number of others that also turned out to be true. I'm not going to say which ones they were as that may spoil things, but I am quite pleased with myself and impressed with the thoughts of the people who comment here 
You should all give yourselves a pat on the back.
Conclusions
The book was really very good and finished the series nicely. There were a few things I wasn't sure about though - Pettigrew didn't get the end I expected, and a couple of people died who didn't deserve to, but overall it was fantastic - a wonderful end to a wonderful series.
Where next?
It all feels a little funny now the books are over. I feel strangely like a part of me has been removed. Over the last 4 or 5 years Harry Potter has become quite a large part of me, with the books, my website, and the community that has grown around a shared passion. I've loved seeing the comments on my theories growing and growing, and I hope that the you will all stick around here - maybe we can find another series we are all so passionate about?
Comments
I know that it's tempting but I'll ask that you keep spoilers out of the comments. I want to keep the site spoiler free for at least a week or so, so that people can catch up with us speedy readers. That said I'd love to know what you think so please do speak up.
i didnt like pettigrew's end either-it was kinda silly, too many ppl died, but on the whole
The book ROCKED!
but jkr can add a new series of the perosns mentioned in the epilogue, no?
July 22, 2007
I really enjoyed the story but I was a little dissappointed with the last chapter, I would rather have had a chapter covering the immediate aftermath. The new characters were confusing, who was Victoire?!! Is she Fleur and Bill's daughter? After a gripping adventure with all the characters we have grown to love I would rather have found out how they coped with the deaths of loved ones and pulled their lives and the magical world back together.
July 22, 2007
I really am not sure about this book...I love the other ones so much that obsession is the only word for it. but i couldn't hold off the feeling, as I read the last hundred pages or so, that i had read it before...it seemed like it was out of another book.
July 22, 2007
I feel the same way, a part of me is over. This book is definitely different from last six. I was very much on the edge of my seat from the start. Good job to J.K. !!! I cried my eyes out that at the ending, I wished some were still alive after though.
I loved the way the relationship between Snape & Dumbledore was explained. I kind of knew there was more to it.
I would love to get more info on the some of the additional characters, what their future holds for them.
July 22, 2007
'I feel strangely like a part of me has been removed'
Agreeeed!
It took me 17 hours straight, to finish the book! I only stopped a couple of times to eat and get coffee haha! I think the ending was amazing.
There was quite a few unexpected things that happened too, I thought.
And I admit I cried at some parts, haha!
July 22, 2007
I was scared to read your review. I just picked up my book this morning. Only on chapter 6 and the action so far has been intense. WHEW!
July 22, 2007
IT WAS GREAT I REALI LYKED THE DIFFERENT WAYS IN WHICH JK DONE THE DIFFERENT SCENES AND HOW THE WHOLE HARRY VOLDERMORT CONECION MATERIALISES AND IS USEFUL.
IT WAS GREAT AND I WANNA READ IT AGAIN!!!!
July 22, 2007
Wonderful, spoiler-free review! I thank you for this brief glimpse into Deathly Hallows. The UPS man did not deliver mine on Saturday so I guess I will get in on Monday!
July 22, 2007
this book was good as it tied the series up very nicely. Yes this is the end of the Harry series but how about continueing with Hogwarts. Please dont end this magical world . I finished this book in a 9 hour read and am still flying high
July 22, 2007
Any idea what the "stuff" was that Harry got from Snape in the end??
July 22, 2007
Loved the book. Can't believe that I read the first one ten years ago while my children lay in their cots and spent yesterday trying to wrest Book 7 from my son who had locked himself in the bathroom with a copy. Couldn't put the story down until I had finished - as always Rowling creates a page turner. On the whole, I was pleased with how everything panned out, but I thought Moody, Lupin and Tonks needed more detail as major characters. Today we all went to see the latest film- Harry has been part of our lives for so long now. it's been fun.
July 22, 2007
the book was brill ad there was a lot of unexpected twists making it hard 2 put down! I think J.K Rowling has ended the series perfectly!
July 22, 2007
I have to agree that this was the perfect ending for the harry potter series. I feel kind of empty and sad as well now, but i'm glad jk ended the story like she did.
July 22, 2007
Great story, Just finished it this morning. The battle for Hogwarts was an absolute slaughterhouse. The entire series was woven together nicely with an excellent ending. This leaves it open for a new series, perhaps-- "Hogwarts, the next generation."
July 22, 2007
I wish she had mentioned the Dursley's in the end
July 22, 2007
I got my copy at 5.20am & apart from doing the hoovering & cooking meals I didnt put it down(yes I am a sad 39 yr old!!). I have read many books in "my time" but I have to say that this is 1 of the best I have ever read. It just was brilliant-it answered all the unanswered questions & just had me gripped. My husband couldnt understand why I was crying my heart out-but he's not a reader of any type of book-so he just didnt get how I felt. As I read the last word I felt so sad.....No more Harry Potter books. I will just have to start them all again--not like I haven't read them all loads of times!!!! Happy Reading to those who havent finished yet!!
July 22, 2007
I LOVED the book !
It was a perfect last book ! I cant believe its all over now ! I have growen up with them ........ starting when I was 11 like Harry and ending them at 17 like Harry !!!
It was a page turner from the beginning to the end and I did have tears in my eyes on many occasions !
I found a few things were left unanswered ...... but its nice to be able to have your own individual opinion on everyones future !
Im off to start on book 1 again !
July 22, 2007
I was absolutely positive that Harry was going just so that nobody but J.K. Rowling could end the series the way she had intended it to happen. I am however not complaining that he didn’t die. I also felt like my small world that Harry Potter was concerned was going to fall completely to pieces as I read late into the morning. Once again she did a magnificent job in writing this book so that it didn’t happen. I also had imagined that Albus would return someway or another and I glad that also happened. I am fully aware that the only way for me to answer the questions I have remaining will need further exploration through the entire series on my own. I am also happy that she left some questions unanswered so that if she feels she must write of the epic tale of Harry Potter can continue at her will. I also am hoping that is this one book that does not become a movie because the movie would have to have so much detail that it would be impossible to capture the book n a 2-3 hour movie. If it was to be come a movie it would have to follow the book in order and I don’t think that would be possible. I believe that is the best she has written and i didn't cry as much as i expected but i still cant help feeling that a part of me died with all the other people that died in the fight to for good to conquer evil. Remeber dont dwell on dreams and forget to live, and when the choice comes between good and evil follow your heart and not your fears of the evil. Fear of a name only increases the fear of the object (or something like that) but the point is u what u have do and u should just do it
July 22, 2007
where did the pics come from on the page? The match greatly
July 22, 2007
Just finished and when my family have all read it then i will be vindicated for always protesting the innocence of a certain character!!! I knew he wasn't all bad!! Molly was great at the end!!
July 22, 2007
Excellent book, i think the ending was perfect and feel any more know would just ruin the appeal for future generations! i read the book in just under 16 hours and i can tell you i have never felt more sad.
July 22, 2007
i dont know about this book, it was thrilling with all the battles yes but then ending was left a little too..open and my god that epilouge....it should be forbidden harry potter has his choice of women and he chose...that!?
July 22, 2007
great book overall-hoping there will be another series even if its not harry related(at least wizardry related though) great ending-but theres definitley a part of me missing with it over though
July 22, 2007
finish the book in six hours, on my seat waiting sadly for the end of it all yet excited all at the same time. this book was an excellent way to end the series, completely excellent. I love JKR and hate her just the same for this.... definately a book that will go down in history.
July 22, 2007
I have to agree with you. I tried not to read the book in one go simply because I didi NOT want it to end...knowing that there will be no more. Loved every minute or it. BEST ONE YET.!!
July 22, 2007
Contrary to everyone else, for me, the book was a huge disappointment. There I've said it.
After the last three, I found it boring and the slabs of narration telling us all about those two characters and their motivations at the end most painful of all.
I also didn't like that one of the main characters disappears for a section of the story (and the point of that was?) and most of the characters we'd been introduced to and become attached to since book one were practically only given a byline.
I finished the book still waiting for the story to take off. I was really disappointed.
July 23, 2007
Magical day for me Saturday with HP et al. under the apple tree. Haven't been able to stop thinking about the gripping ride the book gave me and the range of feelings it evoked. I somewhat envy the slower paced readers who still have the story before them. It was everything I could have wanted and more. WOW.
July 23, 2007
hey for post #10 it was a memory hence Harry put it in the Pensieve and saw wat happened....
July 23, 2007
srry post #10 that souned a little rude as i read over it
im kinda tired from readin the book all hours into the night and I hope you didnt take offense to my first post
Happy Reading and wishing for 'Hogwarts: The Next Generation' lol
July 23, 2007
Having just finished the book, I was utterly at a loss as to what to do with myself......hence....this site and my comment. The entire series has become a part of me, almost like a memory. I loved the finale. It was gripping, heartfelt, utterly scary and intense, and completely satisfying, once I got over the initial shock that the series is finally over. Of course, there are more things I would love to learn about, but with characters like the ones that J.K Rowling has created, I don't think it would ever be enough. I have a lot of respect for her for ending the adventure the way she did, on her own terms, and with her readers cheering, crying and laughing until the bittersweet end. One word to describe it......MAGNIFICENT!!!
July 23, 2007
I started reading these books to my daughter several years back and we have loved them. Now she reads them herself and we fought over this last one. I won though because she still has a bedtime and I read all through the night. I t was just magical and I look forward to reading it slower next time. I am bereft at the idea of this epic tale ending but it must end so that it can remain perfect. Ms. Rowling has taken these characters to such heroic places tha tnow there would be too much to live up to. I shall miss it and always wonder about these amzing people. And that is as it should be.
July 23, 2007
i agree that molly was awesome at the end her and belletrix(sp?) were awesome!!!!!!
July 23, 2007
I think the best way to describe the book would be very emotionally intense
I was actually in quite a mood once I'd finished just because of the otrrent of emotions it sent me through...
And all in all, those multitude of characters, or at least a multitude of characters, because it shows you exactly how evil the Death Eaters and Voldemort truly are, no remorse, no discretion, just dealing deaths of those who defy or don't acknowledge them. All in all, an appropriate way to end it, and I will have to read it again, a bit slower than last time.
July 23, 2007
BRAVO BRAVO!!!! What a book! Excellent final duel and duelling arena. Very good adventuring, explanation of the deathly hallows and horcruxes. Althouogh, if this book was made into a film it would have too much talking....but excellent true genius that JK
July 23, 2007
Dwayne, post #27 and #28. Thank you for your answer. No offense taken. Thank you for answering my question. In my hurry to read the book inbetween work, I missed that one important sentence. Now, I had time to reread it and it makes more sense.
The ending was amazing and could not have ended it any other way. I absolutely loved this book and loved JK for the ending (pre-epilogue) that she gave. I loved her for all the happiness and the tears she gave along the way. I leave the series happy with all the answers given by this last and wonderfull book.
I'm glad there was a website were we could comment on the best book I have ever read.
July 23, 2007
I will never be whole again. JKR brought Harry Potter to life...I feel like I have lost something and will never be able to get it back...JKR had me completely fooled...I thought that all the things that I wanted to happen were at a loss because if happened so late in the book, but she made me a happy person in the end...the battle was spectacular.
July 23, 2007
Overall, I was pleased with the book. I'm a little ashamed to admit that as I was reading it, I kept thinking, this is going to be a rockin' movie (especially the Hogwarts parts). Still, I am pleased with the ending. I was especially pleased with how she handled Snape and Dumbledore. I was less happy about Neville's place, although he did have a brief moment to shine; I always thought he would figure more prominently in the last book, so it was a little disappointing that he didn't show up until very late. Anyway, there are always going to be disappointments in a book like Deathly Hallows, but overall I think JKR did a good job of wrapping things up. Well worth the wait.
July 24, 2007
I agree with most of the above. The final book did bring out varied emotions, and yes, I had a little cry at certain points. I felt some characters didnt get their share of the story enough. I think if JK Rowling had gone into all the characters, the book would have been twice as thick (not that I would have complained at all.) A fantastic ending, but so very very sad to know that Harry, Ron and Hermione wont have anymore adventures, but hey, there's always the 'juniors'.
Just because Harry's story has come to an end, doesn't mean there can't be anymore adventures at Hogwarts. Can there?
July 24, 2007
like ive said a comple times already
'Hogwarts: The Next Generation'
Just cuz Harrys adventure is over doesnt mean all adventures in Hogwarts has to end...
July 25, 2007
she definately shouldnt come back to it now. it was an excellent finish and it would ruin it. i think she should have added more about what happened to hogwarts after and who the new head is. still great book though
.
July 25, 2007
I loved the book though reading some of these messages I can't help but agree. Hagrid for example, such a major character in the first books was barely mentioned, and I really wanted to know what happened to the twins in the epilogue and the instant afternmath.
When I was about half way through the book I felt all battered inside, it was so fast paced and the storyline kept changing-I didn't know what to think. But when I read the last few chapters at Hogwarts I felt that the circle had been completed and felt at home reading them-twas bluddy great!
July 25, 2007
i agree. when i was reading the book, there was a feeling of finality to it. it was like: wow; no more private drive to hate or come back to. but i was on the edge of my seat from the start, so congrads to J.K for that!! i felt that the end, when harry faced riddle was a sort of anti-climax, but overall, it was a great book!! a fantastic end to an amazing story. all thats left to say is: WHAT DO WE DO NOW!!!
July 25, 2007
The book was mesmerising as we all expected it to be. However there are some really obscuring points towards the end concerning 1. the Dursley's, 2. Victoire (who the hell is she?) and 3. the 19 years that have gone by.
We could at least wait for the next book 'Harry Potter and the Lost Years' but I guess that's just wishful thinking!
July 25, 2007
On the whole I loved it - Would have like to have found out the immediate aftermath, like many of you. Didn't like the Draco personality transplant and Ron's comments to him in the middle of the Hogwarts slaughterhouse - seemed very contrived. Shocked b y George's death and also Lupin and Tonks deaths - who looked after Teddy? Found the names in the epilgue a bit too complicated which confused me - which kids were whose? Like Dudley's turn-a-round would have liked Harry to confront Aunt Petunia. Will read all again as I read it 7 hours straight Kirsty
July 25, 2007
Jessica #18 the pictures at the top of the page are taken from the childrens and adult U.K book. Fab book. Feeling sad and empty now its over.
July 25, 2007
completely agree with most comments.. ...
i was desperate for the answers to questions ive had for 2 years but hating the fact that the more i read on the closoer it came to the ending...
i was sorry the jk decided not to go through more detail in the aftermath of hogwarts battle with the funerals and the rebuilding of the wizarding world and that but i suppose that would of dragged the book out in jk's eyes.
July 25, 2007
I absolutely loved it. I started reading the books to my son years ago and now that he is 11 it is first time that we have bought two copies and I was able to read it to myself. However, I have so many happy memories of reading Harry to my son and I now feel desperately sad that it is over. I went through so many emotions whilst reading and the part about Snape being the bravest man still brings a tear. I knew that there had to be more to the Snape/Dumbledore relationship. My favourite book of the series. Now reading the Philosopher's Stone as I want to relive the adventure again!!
July 25, 2007
Please, can someone explain how Gryffindor's sword came out of the hat (again!) Didn't Griphook have it? How did he lose it? Confusing, but nice to see Neville come of age as a result.
July 25, 2007
To Ruth:Victoire is is Lupin and Tonks daughter. Harry Potter is finished what a sad time for us all. I loved the epilogue. and it made me smile after the tears.
July 25, 2007
Fab fab fab .. loved it .... ended as I had hoped...
#44 you r giving to much away.... Shhhh! If u re read last bit am sure u can't be confused or think it complcated???
Hope JKR changes her mind and does someday write a follow up.
July 25, 2007
we were brought up with harry potter. i always wanted to know the end of it. and now that i've finished reading i can do nothing but crying for what i loved more than anything. Thank you very much JKR for all these great moments thank you
July 25, 2007
Hi I thought 'Victoire' was Fleurs daughter and Tonks had a son 'Teddy' ... perhaps I read it wrong?
Will happily go and re read......
Julie
July 25, 2007
After growing up on The Lord of the Rings, I thought nothing could ever equal it. Although the Potter books are a great read, there is nowhere near the depth to them as LOTR books. However, the HP books work on many levels for different ages. I loved the last 2 books. I was concerned that they were too dark for younger readers, but as long as they get the real message JKR has in the narrative, it's worth it. What I would say is that the literacy skill displayed to keep all 7 books so intricately linked without giving anything away and concluding it or so brilliantly was as good as the downfall of Sauron. I am certain that in the test of time, these books will stand out as modern classics of ENGLISH literature. Thank you JKR and a very much deserved well done!
July 25, 2007
victoire is bill and fleurs daughter, ted is lupin and tonks son. the book was great but i feel slightly annoyed with myself for reading it so quickly. i can only say that jk's work over the last 17 years have been fantastic. i have grown up with harry potter and now it is over it feels like a piece of me is missing. i did not like the idea of 19 years later and would have liked more detail of the aftermath of the hogwarts battle. without the epilogue it would have given us the opportunity to imagine an eigth book coming out about harry's life. the only thing left to do now is reread the whole series and relive the exciting moments of each book.
July 25, 2007
Kristy #44. Being a twin myself, I have to point out that you have the wrong twin. Fred not George.
July 25, 2007
i thought a non-magical person was supposed to perform magic late in life under desperate circumstances. culd sum1 please tell me who this was. great book but didn't voldemort have 8 horcruxes in the end
1.nagini(snake)
2.hufflepuff cup
3.ravenclaws diadem
4.slytherins locket
5. riddles diary
6.gaunts ring
7.in voldemort himself
8. in harry
very confusing. also, who was the character who got a reprieve and which 2 were the ones who were not meant 2 die. i wuld appreciate if sum1 answered these questions 4 me.
July 25, 2007
I have just found out the character who got the reprieve. it was ARTHUR WEASLEY!
July 25, 2007
iTS ME AGAIN. BOOK 7 DID NOT PRODUCE THE REASON WHY HARRY HAVING HIS MOTHERS EYES WERE IMPORTANT. IT JUST SAID THEY WERE THE SAME SHAPE AND COLOUR. I DON'T GET IT
July 25, 2007
Is it just me or is anyone else feeling as though Dumbledoore has turned out to be someone completley different to who we thought he was? Im really unsure of him now, and im not sure whether he really did actualy love harry. He kept calling Harry "the boy" when he was talking to snape in the memory, and i cant ever imagine the dumbledoore in the previous 6 books ever calling harry by anything less than his name. It implied he had a lack of respect for harry, that made me feel a bit sick. Also, i dont think that the dumbledoore we used to know would have ever told snape or anyone else to tell voldemort the date of when the order was going to pick up harry. He put the whole of the Weasley family, and the faithful and honest members of the Order who had always looked up to him enourmously, in a huge amount of unnecessary danger. Surely the dumbledoore we used to know would have been able to come up with a less blood thirsty idea. He used them and he betrayed them, when he thought they he was trying to protect them. And JK rowling gave no hint of remorse or worry on dumbledoors part when ordering snape to do this. He didnt even seem to care. It was HIS fault that Hedwig died, and HIS fault that possibly the most incredible Auror of all time, who had risked his life constantly to catch dark wizards, had died. He set them all up for slaughter deliberatley. Thats not what the dumbledoore i thought i knew would have done. The meeting of Harry and Dumbledoore when harry "died" provided no justifications for his behaviour what so ever. All we heard was his sob story over his stupidy when he was younger, and i got the feeling that Rowling expected to feel sorry for him. Sorry Rowling, only bitter disappointment from me. Also going away from this, there are a couple of things about Snape that i dont understand. When Dumbeldoore asked whether Snape had ended up caring for Harry after all, snape replied "cared"? and produced his doe potronus. Then dumbledoor said "always"? snaple replied "always" and them dumbledoor started crying. can anyone explain that to me because i havent got the slightest clue what all that was about. One last thing, why was snape always so horrible to harry? was it because he was resentful towards Harry as his father was someone who he detested, that had ended up marrying the woman he loved?
July 25, 2007
just realised ive spelt dumbledore with 2 o's all the way through that post..oh well.
July 25, 2007
mike 56 youve got a good point there... didnt think of that myself but to be fair i was so immersed in the book the storyline and the action that anything would of went over my head.....
dou you reckon jk's realised it herself???
July 25, 2007
Mike, Your correct 8 horcruxes. Explained by the fact that Voldemort did not realize he made Harry into one, so he meant to make 7.
Claire - the doe patronus shows that Snape always loved Lily as her patronus was a doe as well.
July 25, 2007
to Mike #58--
At first, I got fooled into thinking Snape was doing a last bit of legilimency when (after Harry had flasked Snape's memories) Snape told Harry, "Look...at...me"-- but I read too much into that sentence. It was much more simple: Snape wanted to see Lily's eyes. It took me about 5 hours to figure that out, and when I did, the emotional impact hit hard.
July 25, 2007
and to Claire #59--
I think Snape despised Harry because he blamed Harry for Lily's death. Never mind that Harry was a baby and Voldemort killed Lily; in the end, Lily chose to die to save Harry, in spite of the fact that Voldemort had agreed to Snape's request of asking him to spare Lily's life. Lily was the ONLY good thing Snape ever had going, and in his mind Harry was the person responsible for robbing Snape of that one good thing. "Never underestimate the power of obsessive love," Slughorn said. Although there was no love potion involved, Snape was completely obsessed with Lily, to the point where he would bargain away two other people's lives to save hers. In the end, despite all his efforts, Snape failed to save Lily, and he chose to blame Harry for his mother's death.
July 25, 2007
As far as Dumbledore is concerned, I can't believe that he didn't really love Harry or that he looked down on him be calling him 'the boy' in his conversation with Snape. I think that he was just trying to go along with Snape, in a way, who wasn't really friendly with Harry afterall. Rowling showed her great talent as a storyteller in this book by making all her characters more human in our eyes. Nobody's perfect, even Dumbledore, despite his great wit and heart had a number of flaws in the end. I think that that's what makes this last book a true masterpiece, with an end that fits the other 6 books and makes Harry Potter one of us.
P.S. I'm definately planning to read all 7 books all over again.
July 25, 2007
ok omg i loved the book but wat was dat weird baby thing in kings cross and i no its been asked but whos victoire and wat did fred do and who raised teddy and whos headmaster hows hagrid did he and olympe get together and wats everyone working at did hermione free house elfs has anyone became an auror we need another chapter
July 25, 2007
Wonderful book, definetly the best out of all 7. I really liked the whole thing with all the Horcruxes, espiecially how Snape, Dumbledore and Harry were related. I kinda thought the end was cheesy with the whole crowd watching the fight. I cried my eyes out the most when Dobby died, it was horrible!:(...and I loved the part when Neville killed Nagini, that was awesome. One question I have, what did Harry pursue as a career? Did he become an Auror? It woulda been nice to get a few more details at the end, but overall a great book, couldn't take my eyes off it.
July 25, 2007
I loved the book in a whole it gave me great satisfaction when I read the ending, the only thing that bothers me is that she didn't go into enough detail of what happened to everyone after the battle, I hope in the future she releases maybe even a couple of chapters to finish off in our memories what happened to everone.
July 25, 2007
I loved the book, only read the first one last year in college and i was obliged to carry on reading about the magical harry potter! I'm actually obsessed now! I love the way the book is so clever, like a jigsaw fitting together, finishing makes me want to take it apart, scramble it up and start again! It was darker, depressing at times, but the hardship we know harry and his friends went through makes the ending all the sweeter. I loved the development of Dumbledore and Snape's character's and the revelation of the truth of their was a major shock! I still can't believe he loved Lily! LILY!
The many turning points made the book so fresh and new, it wasn't predictable or tiring at all. JKR even left us a few strings to gather up ourself, she doesn't directly reveal the Snape was the one to save Harry with his patronus in the forest. We only find out later when he shows it to Dumbledore. And asking Harry on his death bed "Look...At...Me"....his eyes were like Lily's. He did care for Harry! And it's all about the love! An amazing rollercoaster of emotion, with bloody battles, devastating deaths, growth of love and friendship....It's gonna make one hell of a film!!!
July 25, 2007
Completed reading y'day night, I liked all the books of this series, but she killed one of my fav. Character, yes i too want to see know more about what happened to other characters , instead leaping forward, can any one answer this ? How does the sorting hat got back the sword, it was supposed to be taken by the goblin,
July 26, 2007
# 66 i think the baby was voldermort's
July 26, 2007
I took my time reading the final book (3 days) because wanted to enjoy every moment. The book is fast paced and a terrific read right through to the end. I'm very happy that our hero and his two companions survived. At times the story was complicated and I think you will understand it better on a second reading (especially those that raced through it). To answer a few questions:
1. Victoire (french) would definitely be Bill and Fleur's daughter. I understood Harry and Ginny to have three children James, Albus and Lily. Rose and Hugo were Ron and Hermione's (I think).
2. The sword of Gryffydor can be pulled from the sorting hat (magically) by a true Gryffyndor (which Neville is) in times of peril (remember Chamber of Secret's). It doesn't matter that the goblin took it, magic brought it back!
3. Lily's eyes were crucial because of Snape's love for her (no surprise to me, I fully expected it). I suspect that some of those unnecessary detentions in year 5 were to have Harry close so that he could see Lily's eyes. As to how Snape felt about Harry, I think he loathed that he looked like James and that Harry was his son instead of Snape's, but his love for Lily meant he did care for her son deep down.
4. The creature that went with Harry to king's Cross was the part of Voldemort'e soul that had resided in Harry, only true remorse could save Voldemort's soul which is what Harry tried to tell him.
Some disappointments of mine in the story were the lack of detail at the end in the aftermath. How did everyone react to the defeat of Voldemort and the deaths? I also believed that the love of Ginny and Harry deserved a better treatment before the epilogue, surely Harry could have embraced her after the Hogwart's battle and taken her to the Headmaster's office with Ron and Hermione.
Hedwig, Lupin and Tonks deserved better and Mad-eye too. I also agree that although the chase at the beginning was a great read, it was shattering that Dumbledore gambled those precious lives just to let Snape give info to Voldemort. Surely Snape had proved his so-called loyalty to LV in book 6?
Snape's and Dobby's deaths were the most emotional for me in the way they were written. I feel sad that one of my fav's Remus didn't get better treatment.
By the way...yes there were 8 horcrux's and JK did know. LV didn't know about Harry so he made what he thought was a seventh in Nagini.
Neville and Molly were FANTASTIC at the end!
July 26, 2007
ty 4 spoiling Sue...Ive already read the book but some may read this that are still working on the book and u just kinda ruined it for them....
July 26, 2007
Mike #56 or anyone who knows the answer.
Where did the Q about who will get reprive and who was not meant to die come from?
Did I miss the hint about it in another book?
All I remember is Lord Voldemort saying about the death eater who left- one will die, one will never return...
Thanks
July 26, 2007
Dwayne, I was answering questions that were put by other reviewers. It is almost a whole WEEK since the book came out and I didn't reveal anything that had not been already discussed above me. If you read the other comments you will see that these questions were asked. Also I would suggest that if anyone has not finished the book then they should not be reading reviews of the book. I certainly waited until I'd finished so that the plot would not be ruined.
July 26, 2007
Dwayne, don't you think it would be ridiculous to read these reviews that reveal everything (the epilogue has been fully discussed including who survives), if you haven't finished the book yet? Also it looks like Sue was just answering the questions asked by others so give her a break. Why don't you comment on the book yourself instead of picking on others?
July 26, 2007
Janella #74, J K herself said that she gave one character a reprieve but decided to kill off two others. it was not in any of the books.
*BTW Thanks Laura for your support above. I wouldn't have revealed any spoilers in the first few days but the book has been out almost a whole week and I assume people who come here to discuss the book have now read it! Also everything I said had already been revealed above. (Sue)
July 27, 2007
Sue, Thankyou for answering my question and I actually saw it on a post Deathly Hallows interview with JKR. She said it was infact Arthur Weasley who got the reprieve she could not stand to kill him in book 5, so killed someone else instead. So, Mike your absolutely right. I think at least one of the character that died that she didn't intead to kill was then Sirius since she killed him instead.
July 27, 2007
A great end to the series, however... thats right the big however, did we really need the epilogue where everythings nice and peachy, i mean really theres no "better" way to finish it off but it stinks of the hollywood happy ending. but yeah a thrilling and captivating read none the less. Im stoked that my theory on Snape was right haha any way peace....
July 27, 2007
**IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE BOOK DO NOT READ THIS MESSAGE**
......i was SOOOOOO disappointed that Fred died! i mean, it did make the book a little better, but i become attached to really funny characters. he should NOT have died. i also did not really see the point in Dobby's death, either. and i was also kinda disappointed that they did not mention Hedwig's death or George's missing ear more than a few times in this book. but i must say: EXCELLENT book. i especially loved it when molly hit bellatrix lestrange with that much-needed killing curse. but all in all, i give this book two thumbs up!!! (even though fred should not have died)
July 28, 2007
for anyone who wants to know:
VICTOIRE IS BILL AND FLEUR'S DAUGHTER!!!!!!!
July 28, 2007
Well, I was both happy, and sad when I finished the book... I didn't like the Epilogue - wish she'd given more info about the rest of the characters - (I just assumed Victorie is Bill & Fleur's daughter); what happened to the Dursleys, whether Harry, Ron & Hermione complete their final year; what are their professions; where does Harry live - Grimmauld place/Godric Hollow/ somewhere new, whether Hermione found her parents - so many questions unanswered... Also, I felt, the extra-ordinary power of Voldemort was not shown... He only used "Avada-Kedavra" on so many people & killed them - nothing more...
I felt Dumbledore's life story - that too from Rita, Elphias, Aberforth & Dumbledore himself were unnecessary... I expected more about Harry's parents.
But on the other hand, I expected Snape was Dumbledore's man & was happy with that... I was also happy with Neville's role, and I guessed RAB is Regulus and Harry is the 7th Horcrux, the tiara in Room of Requirement is actually a Horcrux and so on..
July 29, 2007
I found the first few hundred pages a real drag but loved the final couple of hundred. Why did Ron disappear? Didn't see the point of that. Very confused how I feel about Dumbledore now. But always knew Snape was a good guy really. I missed the interaction of Harry with the other characters such as Snape.
My favourite line has to be "not my daughter you bitch".
July 29, 2007
I still don't understand what character displayed magical tendencies late in life! I have read the book twice and I still don't know who! and i agree with Jack #83 That was the best line of the book!
July 30, 2007
Ugh I had to try my best not to read any of this story yet because I have the book on order haha. After I read it I should be reporting back
July 31, 2007
I have just read the transcript for JK Rowling's live webchat. She changed her mind about the character developing magic late in life and did not end up doing this. Thought you all would like to know!
July 31, 2007
Spoilers******
According to JKR on a post DH interview:
Harry and ron are aurors and harry is the head. Hermione has a high ranking job at the ministry
July 31, 2007
Humbert - please don't lie. Anyone who has read the books understands that you don't know what you're talking about.
August 1, 2007
Sorry Ben, but JKR really did say that- Humbert was not lying-See the interview on the MSN website http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/19959323/. Also the post Deathly Hallows webchat transcript is at
http://www.mugglenet.com/app/news/full_story/1156
and it gives some more details about Hermaine in the ministry.
I see why it is temping not to believe because it would be hard to keep the Elder wand safe as an Auror.
August 1, 2007
@Humbert - I apologise. I read your comment about 5 times before commenting and every time I read that "Harry was Dead". If I had seen it say that Harry was the Head (of the Aurors) I would have been more inclined to believe it.
August 1, 2007
I've just finished the book for a second time...and still feel rather bereft. I cannot believe that therer will bo no more Harry Potters. I loved Snape's story, which underlines the main themes that love can conquer all, but I also found it incredibly sad too. I can appreciate how mixed his emotions were towatds Harry - a mixture of envy and wondering what would've happened if... Ron disappeared because that is part of his character. He has previously 'left' Harry, for example in The Goblet of Fire. What a marveloous collection of stories. I've read them many times over, and no doubt will continue to do so in the future.
August 3, 2007
Just realised how bad my typing was in my previous post - sorry!
August 3, 2007
oh i cant belive that's its all over!!
i cried over and over as i read the book
there has been so many losses,
so many deaths,
you guys are all rihgt
im also feeling that a big part of me ha been lost
anyway its a very good ending for a magnificient novel installment
now il have to wait for the last two fims
and i sure that no other book wil ever replace the
"HARRY POTTER SERIES"
in my heart!!
me and my friends have shared this passion for almost 5 years now
anyways,i glad that in the end jk has managed to have a "closed" ending.
the epilogue was very touching and im so happy that hermione and ron has ended up together.
the whole novel has put my pulse racing.
after reading i rushed to my computer to tell my freinds the explosive story.
hope that we can share again a passion for a novel.
im just missing all the times that me and my friends will spend all night just talking about this novel
to j.k. rowling:
job well done,long live!!
August 4, 2007
well.. i must say reading everyone's comments has cleared up alot of the book's questions for me but
i must congratulate j.k with the whole snape/lily thing. it was wonderful i was very happy with that.. it was so sad 
i hated the book.. yes it was very very very very gripping. the most gripping book ive ever read but after having finished the book i just couldn't help feeling disapointed. but it was not all to be hated
August 5, 2007
The book was absolutely fantastic - a really brill ending! I actually liked the way JKR finished with the epilogue (but then i am a sucker for a happy ending!). To post #72, Sue, i think you've got a point about the harry-ginny relationship but i think JKR showed that it was strong in the epilogue. I thought it good that it ended (pre-epiloogue) with the 3 main characters- but I see where you're coming from. I agree with those who say it was part of Voldemort's soul in Kings Cross. Ron dissappearing..... i'm not too sure about that... my take on the reasons for JKR doing it is to make it more real in the sense that Ron is a 'real' boy who was momentarily confused about whether risking everything was the right thing to do..? you think?
I thought the book was just amazing! I too feel like a part of me's missing - I want to enjoy the whole experience again!! I am now going to follow the links post #89 Janella kindly put in, thanks for that! look forward to seeing more comments.
August 5, 2007
hmm well after a 7 hours straight reading on the morning after waiting to get it i finally finished, i thought some of the characters were killed for the sake of being killed, and the aftermath of them being killed was not shown, which displeased me due to not enough detail goin into them, so the sadness i should have felt..was not there. overall though the book was fantastic and explained many things i wanted to know (e.g. grindelwald who i had wondered about since his mention in book 1) i do hope there will be a prequal which shows either harry's/ rons kids or filling the 18 year gap that was left, but anyway all was great!
August 5, 2007
@ 83
The locket was having a strong effect on Ron when he wore it, just like the diary with Ginny.
August 6, 2007
There are still some fishy things that answers are needed to. JKR said that a non magical character will perform magic to save their life but there was no mention of this in the book.
Also, if Harry's cloak is a hallow it would make him completely invisible, wouldn't it and doesn't have any dillusionment charms on it. Why on earth than can Moody's eye see through it?
August 6, 2007
Ben, I just found this site with your early Deathly Hallows review since I finished it Saturday the 21st and was looking for reviews. So, now I like your site. But, can not find a review on the move Order of the Phoenix. Did you review it? If so, could you help me find it on you site. I'm curius to see what you and other fans of the books thought.
August 6, 2007
#98 Osama, JKR has since admitted in a review that she changed her mind about the non-magical person performing magic.
About the cloak.... Dumbledore could see Harry through the cloak as well as Mad-eye! JKR does not explain how this is possible with a fail-proof Hallow but then the wand is not so invincible either. Dumbledore won it in a duel when it is supposed to win all duels. Grindelwald stole it and was its master even though technically he did not kill or disarm its previous owner. If anyone can explain these things about the Hallows then I too would be grateful.
August 6, 2007