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.
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203 Responses to “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Review” Leave a reply ›
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?
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.
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.
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.
'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!
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!!!!
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!
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
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!
Any idea what the "stuff" was that Harry got from Snape in the end??
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.
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!
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.
I wish she had mentioned the Dursley's in the end
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!!
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 !
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
where did the pics come from on the page? The match greatly
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."
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!!
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.
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!?
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
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.
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.!!
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.
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.
hey for post #10 it was a memory hence Harry put it in the Pensieve and saw wat happened....
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
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!!!
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.
i agree that molly was awesome at the end her and belletrix(sp?) were awesome!!!!!!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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?
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...
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
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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!
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!!!
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!
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
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.