Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

It all comes down to this - a final faceoff between good and evil. You plan to pull out all the stops, but every time you solve one mystery, three more evolve. Do you stay the course you started, despite your lack of progress? Do you detour and follow a new lead that may not help? Do you listen to your instincts, or your friends?

Lord Voldemort is preparing for battle and so must Harry. With Ron and Hermione at his side, he's trying to hunt down Voldemort's Horcruxes, escape danger at every turn, and find a way to defeat evil once and for all. How does it all end?

from bn.com

Nathan says 5 stars...
So I was standing there at midnight...a massive cheer goes up...a press of bodies...a blur of geektastic people...and then...it was in my hand. I couldn't believe it. The final Harry Potter novel was clutched in my greedy hands. Sitting with friends at 12:25 AM, July 26, 2007, I sat in the grassy median of a Barnes & Noble, and started reading the beginning of the end. I eventually left that grassy patch and continued home and in the next 18 hours finished the most anticipated novel in history. I've experienced Deathly Hallows a few times since, and some thoughts stick with me each time I read it. The first thought is how incredibly dark the book is, I mean lots of death. As Beth put it, it's a bloodbath. Many beloved characters make an appearance, and they are as engaging and original as ever. The story is up to Rowling's high standards; however, it does hit a lull towards the middle. Looking for excitement? The final battle for Hogwarts is one of the most epic things to ever take place in the fictional world. My biggest issue with the book is the fact that a certain someone doesn't um...ieday (pig Latin to avoid spoilers). That ending would have fit with the tone of the book, but I suppose I shouldn't complain. Anyway you look at it, it's a must read.

Hary Potter and the Half-Blood Prince + Movie Comments

Before we begin, we have a few housekeeping matters to attend to. Beth left Wednesday to visit her family in Finland. She's going to be gone for three weeks, but she has left plenty of reviews for me (Nathan) to post. Some of you may have noticed the random garble of letters and symbols posted on Tuesday. That was supposed to be a mobile post of this review and some things we wanted to see in the film adaptation. It obviously didn't work. I apologize profusely. Unfortunately Beth is the punctual member of the team, so anyone that reads this blog please hold me accountable for lateness! I do promise to try my best. That's quite enough of my ramblings-onto the fun stuff!

The war against Voldemort is not going well; even Muggle governments are noticing. Ron scans the obituary pages of the Daily Prophet, looking for familiar names. Dumbledore is absent from Hogwarts for long stretches of time, and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses.

And yet...

As in all wars, life goes on. Sixth-year students learn to Apparate -- and lose a few eyebrows in the process. The Weasley twins expand their business. Teenagers flirt and fight and fall in love. Classes are never straightforward, though Harry receives some extraordinary help from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince.

from bn.com

Nathan says 5 stars...

After the angst-fest that is Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince is so refreshing. This was the first point that I truly realized that Harry's story (at least in print) was almost done. The end seemed nigh, and in accordance with the series, everything deepened and darkened. Well, that's not totally true- much of this book focuses on dating and relationships, which is a happier turn for Harry and cohorts. The core of the story lies really with Dumbeldore and Harry's lessons, in which the Headmaster hopes to reveal clues to Voldemort's past so that Harry can understand what he faces. It's another fantastic addition to this amazing series. Check below for movie comments.

As most Harry Potter readers (really readers in general) will tell you, the book is always better than the movie. A few things really bothered me, and a few things impressed me.

The addition of scenes was incredibly frustrating. It wastes time that could otherwise be used for subplots that are actually in the book. In the same vein, the deletion of an awesome scene towards the end ruins all climactic feeling.

This film moved fast-really fast. If you haven't read the series, many things will not be explained in full. It's all pretty easy to figure out, but your hand will not be held.

There is even more stylized cinematography in this one. The almost black and white footage in the cave was so impressive and appropriate.

The highlight of the film by far...Helena Bonham Carter. Her interpretation of Bellatrix is genius and her crazy laugh is spine-tingling. I'm seriously considering getting a shirt that says "I <3 Bella(trix)!"

Everyone go watch for yourself and post your opinions. Happy reading!

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

The fifth book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series follows the darkest year yet for our young wizard, who finds himself knocked down a peg or three after the events of last year. Somehow, over the summer, gossip (usually traced back to the magic world's newspaper, the Daily Prophet) has turned Harry's tragic and heroic encounter with Voldemort at the Triwizard Tournament into an excuse to ridicule and discount the teen. Even Professor Dumbledore, headmaster of the school, has come under scrutiny by the Ministry of Magic, which refuses to officially acknowledge the terrifying truth that Voldemort is back. Enter a particularly loathsome new character: the toadlike and simpering ("hem, hem") Dolores Umbridge, senior undersecretary to the Minister of Magic, who takes over the vacant position of Defense Against Dark Arts teacher--and in no time manages to become the High Inquisitor of Hogwarts, as well. Life isn't getting any easier for Harry Potter. With an overwhelming course load as the fifth years prepare for their Ordinary Wizarding Levels examinations (O.W.Ls), devastating changes in the Gryffindor Quidditch team lineup, vivid dreams about long hallways and closed doors, and increasing pain in his lightning-shaped scar, Harry's resilience is sorely tested.

from amazon.com

Nathan says 4 stars...
In my opinion, we have arrived at the only non-five star book in the Harry Potter series. After seeing Voldemort's return, one may ask what Harry should do. His answer-mope. I realize that a certain degree of petulance is necessary in a good coming-of-age tale, but I seriously wanted to use an Unforgivable Curse on Harry myself by the middle of the book. The rest of the series is so excellently crafted, and seems to flow so effortlessly; somehow Order of the Phoenix got past Rowling's writing skills and into print. When reading this one I have to wipe my hand every few minutes because the angst is just dripping off the page. I think everyone understands at this point that Harry's combination of attitude and inaction drive me insane. However, the supporting cast is still good and most of the writing is nice. The plot is sort of thin, which is unfortunate for the longest book in the series. I do love the finale of the book, without that redeeming feature it would almost be a total bomb. So, I'm getting very excited for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince film which come out...tomorrow! I'm going to review the book and include a list of things we'd like to see in the movie. I'm getting pretty pumped!

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter is midway through his training as a wizard and his coming of age. Harry wants to get away from the pernicious Dursleys and go to the International Quidditch Cup. He wants to find out about the mysterious event that's supposed to take place at Hogwarts this year, an event involving two other rival schools of magic, and a competition that hasn't happened for a hundred years. He wants to be a normal, fourteen-year-old wizard. But unfortunately for Harry Potter, he's not normal - even by wizarding standards. And in his case, different can be deadly.

from bn.com

Nathan says 5 stars...
It's books like these that remind me why I love reading so much. Goblet of Fire may very well be my favorite Harry Potter novel: it's just that good. The Tri-Wizard tournament has been reinstated, and Hogwarts is playing host. Students from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang are pouring in, and suddenly, the Wizarding World seems even larger. The school is in a jovial mood, until Harry is inexplicably chosen as the fourth champion in the tournament, even though he never entered. Now Harry must deal with public dissaproval and the ardous tasks of the Tri-Wizard tournament, which obviously makes for a great plot. I do have one quibble with the book- Harry and Ron's feud stretches seemingly stretches for ages. I really hated it, but the rest of the book is perfect. Its tone, character development, and plot are genius. I also particularly enjoyed the Rita Skeeter subplot, her vicious (and vile) writing are pretty entertaining. All-in-all, another must read for J.K. Rowling.

(Note: I'm aware that these reviews are getting rather boring, but tonight I'll be posting the review for Order of the Phoenix, which should have a significant bit of snark. Stay tuned.)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Our young wizard-in-training has returned for his third year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry -- and more exciting, magical adventures. This time, a dangerous escaped convict is on the loose -- a reputed madman with a mysterious tie to Harry's past. Harry's life is in danger, and his sorcery skills are tested to the limit. Can he catch the criminal and discover the truth?

from bn.com

Nathan says 5 stars...
ABC Family is running non-stop promos about our most beloved wizard, and the whole geek community is revving their fan engines for the movie premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The Prisoner of Azkaban is the third installment in this groundbreaking series, and yet again Rowling throws her readers into a tailspin. For me, the most important thing about the entire book is the introduction of Sirius. His appearance marks a deeper delve into Harry's past, which is greatly interesting to we hardcore fans of Harry and crew. I'm going to keep this short- Azkaban is yet another genius addition to Rowling's series.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter returns for his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry after surviving a dreadful summer with his muggle/human relatives the Dursleys. Harry, along with his friends Ron and Hermione, confronts another mystery involving an evil force emanating from a chamber of secrets below the school. Clues include a flying car, a book written in invisible ink that takes Harry into the past, and a ghost in a bathroom. To solve the mystery and save the school from closure and Hagrid from jail, Harry must confront his long feared nemesis Voldemort.

from bn.com

Nathan says 5 stars...

My countdown until the movie continues with a look at the second book in the awe-inspiring Harry Potter series. By now, Rowling has given us (and Harry) an introduction to the world of wizardry. We have a basic understanding, and now, well, Rowling has decided to push us further into Hogwarts and its history. When I first read this book, I'm going to be totally honest, this book terrified me. I was so scared of the creepy voice-I mean, deeply, deeply frightened. The characters were still engaging and wonderful. Harry and crew were still out there solving magical mysteries, while remaining their lovely selves. The plot is fresh and fast, and has twists that are very satisfying. In Chamber of Secrets there is a distinct darkening of tone when compared to the first book, which is continued throughout the entire series. In the end, it's another fantastic addition to the world of Harry Potter.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Orphaned as a baby, Harry Potter has spent 11 awful years living with his mean aunt, uncle, and cousin Dudley. But everything changes for Harry when an owl delivers a mysterious letter inviting him to attend a school for wizards. At this special school, Harry finds friends, aerial sports, and magic in everything from classes to meals, as well as a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter.

from bn.com

Nathan says 5 stars...
So, Beth and I are embarking on a journey to reread and review the Harry Potter novels before the premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in July. I realize I'm reviewing something that is viewed as sacred in many people's eyes, which is a little scary. Here I go though. Everyone knows about Harry, so I find it too obvious to elaborate on how lovable and wonderful the central characters in the novel are. Rowling does such a great job making her audience feel for her characters, and we certainly do hold a pity/hope for Harry. As we all know, Harry makes it to Hogwarts where we meet the rest of the crew whose stories we will learn over the next six volumes of an absolutely revolutionary series. The story in Sorcerer's Stone is fast-paced, but as a whole the book functions as an introduction to the rest of the series. It serves as a crash course in the world of wizardry, and it does very admirably. The book has a good plot, though not one that is revolutionary. Enjoyment is the aim here, and it works. This book burns through the reader's veins, leaving them gasping for more. There isn't much to say beyond the fact that this book started a movement in children's and YA literature. It made reading cool and accessible. This is the ember that lit millions of fires-fires that burn with a passion for reading. All I can really say is - get lit.