<p>Anyone finish it yet? thoughts? Personally I thought Rowling did a brilliant job, it was definitely a lot more mature in terms of the themes it dealt with...yet I could not help but feel depressed at the ending.</p>
<p>yeah same feelings here.</p>
<p>SWOmeome told me that Dumbledore is killed by that SNape guy and he is also the halfblood prince.</p>
<p>(i'm useing my mom's name to post since she has not yet finished it.) the ending was sad. i can't believe Dumbledore died. it no longer seems like a book for kids, like it was in the first book. it was so much more mature now. what left me thinking was who R.A.B is or was. i wonder how long it will take for next and last book to come out.</p>
<p>My heart is crushed to a pulp. Honestly, I think I started crying when Harry and Dumbledore are in the boat and Dumbledore is drinking. I lost it there. Someone who is the greatest and bravest screaming "KILL ME" is whole-heartedly depressing. From that point on I was just.... wow.... I don't even know. I felt like there was so much more JKR could have written and should have written. There seemed to be so much missing at the end. I can't say I'm very satisfied.... very sad, yes.</p>
<p>And all the corpses? I thought Harry and Dumbledore's mission was the most depressing thing ever. Ugh. That and Snape's revelation... and Dumbledore's pleading... ughhhhh. Haunting.</p>
<p>And for R.A.B... all I can think of (and I just searched the lexicon which somewhat supports me in thinking there's no one else that we've seen so far) is Sirius's brother -- Regulus Black. But he's dead. So I'm thinking it's someone we don't know yet....... OR..... well, we don't know the first names of the founders of Borgin and Burkes, do we...?</p>
<p>I agree with makeyourselfxo...the first name I thought of when I saw R.A.B. was Regulus Black. It doesn't matter if he's dead, he could have stolen the Horcrux before his death...I feel as if a Dementor just passed by, I sobbed for two straight hours when I completed the book. </p>
<p>I'm glad we finally got to meet Blaise Zabini, I'd been wondering about him for months. And Draco Malfoy has changed a lot from the vain, bullying, selfish, shallow git we've known so far. He's still close-minded, but a great weight was placed upon his shoulders, and at least we know now how much he cares about his mother.</p>
<p>I'm also happy with Fleur's devotion to Bill, that made be burst into tears anew. I'm glad that Hermione and Ron are finally starting to come around, and that Lupin and Tonks got together (I'm a big fan of those pairings) But I don't understand Harry's encounter with Ginny! He's doing the exact same thing that Dumbledore with him! Harry's trying to distance himself from Ginny in the hopes that she won't get hurt, just as Dumbledore did in Order of the Phoenix...and we all know how THAT turned out.</p>
<p>I hate Snape. More than I've ever hated a fictional character in my life. I mean, Draco was seriously wavering. I'm sure that we would have agreed to Dumbledore's proposition, that the Order hide Malfoy and his family from Voldemort. And then Snape came, and destroyed everything. I hope that, by the end of the series, he dies a slow, painful death, preferably by Voldemort, though I'm sure Harry would enjoy the task, too.</p>
<p>The funeral scene was one of the saddest, most poignant, that I've ever read in any book. Needless to say, I dissolved into tears again. And I really can't believe that Harry won't be returning to Hogwarts. There is no "Seven Years of Hogwarts." </p>
<p>I really hope that Jo's already started typing the seventh book. Most of us will already be in college by the time the book comes out, but it doesn't matter. I'm not sure how we're going to survive with such a cliffhanger ending for two or three or four years. Now I understand what Jo meant when she said that "book seven was a continuation of book six."</p>
<p>I just sincerely hope that none of the sextet dies, or Malfoy...because Malfoy is such a bullying bigot, and he's been mislead his entire life, but now he's actually starting to realize how dark his future is. Sadly, however, even though we've now realized that Draco doesn't want to murder anyone, I think he's the most likely of anyone to die. </p>
<p>HOW are we supposed to survive for two or more years without the seventh book???</p>
<p>I won't mind if Malfoy dies so much. The encounter on the train to school was just shocking. Stepping on Harry's face? Breaking his nose and then leaving him there? I thought that was one of the most brutal events in the books and I'm not sure why. Maybe because there was NOTHING he could do. Sure it was supposed to trivial in the grand scheme, but for some reason my jaw was open during that entire part. And Malfoy's encounter with the trio at Diagon Alley.... just, everytime the trio encountered him I wish Draco would just hex them rather than be so... for lack of a stronger word - TERRIBLE. </p>
<p>Was this book written differently or is it just me? I just reread books 4 and 5 in the past two weeks... and reading this one... everything about it just seems different. I don't know if it's darker or if it's just because it's not as long as the other two? Maybe that I read the entire thing without gettin gup one time? I don't know what it is. But the entire book seemed just depressing to me. I don't know if I liked it yet. I'm still in this shock and have too many questions. I think I'm going to read it again ... yes. I'll probably start reading it for a second time tonight. Perhaps a little slower.</p>
<p>I bought the book this morning but haven't finished it yet although I had flipped all the way to the end and found out who the Half Blood Prince is and who's been unfortunately killed.
I remember a beginning chapter that concerns Snape. He proclaims he is at Hogwarts to spy on Dumbledore and that he is still faithful to the Dark Lord. Honestly, I was holding my skepticism high because I put trust that he is only pretending. After what we've seen in the previous books on Snape, I was pretty determined in thinking that Snape is merely acting a magnificent play in front of Voldement under Dumbledore's guidance secretively. But I turned out wrong, after all. Instead of having he himself dead by the end of the book (as I had speculated), Snape turns out to be the murderer of Dumbedore. Shocking. Yet losing a character like Dumbledore is really depressing. But I think it makes sense...if prophecy has it that neither harry nor voldemorte can live while the other survives, then they must face each other in battle. This battle should be them both alone because Dumbledore wouldn't be there to interfere and help harry in any way. The early elimination of Dumbledore ensures that it'd be happen. <em>shrugs</em> Whatever the case may be, I think Rowling still maintains some brilliant writing.</p>
<p>The good points:
a) Snape killing Dumbledore was a pretty chilling scene....and gosh, Dumbledore just pleading like that...kinda reminded me of the Mufasa/Scar thing in The Lion King.
b) Draco's dilemma. Humanized him more in my eyes. I think he could've been a hero (as in, like Hermione, Ron, or Harry...well, on second thought, maybe not completely...he's still kinda power-hungry and elitist) if he had been born into a better family, one which did not ingrain so many bad values in him since birth. He seems to truly love his family.
c) What Harry had to do during that mission was so dreadful. Good scene as well.
d) Voldemort's past.
e) Harry's not angry anymore.</p>
<p>The bad points:
a) I didn't like the romance stuff. Lupin/Tonks, esp. was too sudden for me. And that Spider-man speech Harry gives Ginny at the end was a little annoying for me.
b) I thought Dumbledore got very careless with his last mission. I'm not sure I understand why he chose just Harry to accompany him (perhaps there's a reason, so I won't complain too much). But NO thinking ahead at all.
c) IMHO, I didn't think people reacted horrified enough to Dumbledore's murder...esp. by Snape! I dunno...seemed kinda subdued, esp. when compared to how Harry reacted to Sirius's death.</p>
<p>Besides that:
MY GOD I HATE SNAPE! I WANT TO KILL HIM! I DON'T THINK I'VE FELT SO ANTI-A FICTIONAL CHARACTER BEFORE IN MY LIFE! I felt sick after I read that scene. I reread it a couple of times to make sure it was foolproof...that Dumbledore really did get hit. I trusted Snape because Dumbledore said so! UGH! I was hoping for this great backstory which showed Snape's miserable past and how he would grudgingly work with Harry to stop Voldemort. Sure he hated Harry, sure he was a git, but I thought...ARGH! Now that there's no hope of redemption for Snape, let's hope Malfoy turns around...</p>
<p>I, too, immediately thought Regulus was RAB. I even checked back in book 5 for the paragraph where he's referenced. I think he did betray Voldemort, so he was killed. </p>
<p>What a thumping good read...can't wait for 7 :)</p>
<p>I liked this one the best so far</p>
<p>I cried too.....................I can't believe Dumbledore went out like that, pleading. I think he might actually pull a Mufasa and come back somehow to help harry........I mean a character like dumbledore, his last words can't be "Severus............please............." I think JKRmust have a better finale for him. And Dumbledore died to save Draco, he could have thwarted Malfoy earlier and saved himself. Is it possible that Malfoy will have protection, like Harry received when his mother died to save him? I could see Malfoy joining Harry in book 7; he was already wavering at the end, and it would be an interesting twist JKR's capable of.</p>
<p>My favourite of the ones so far. </p>
<p>I think the characters are developed a great deal more. We see Harry unknowingly mess around with darkmagic, learn more of Voldemorts past, see Ron and Hermione "flirt and fight and fall in love."</p>
<p>I think Harry is going to have to start doing some messed up stuff. For one thing, he needs to practice using the unforgivable curses. I wouldn't be surprised if he resorted to some type of drug to help him deal with the psychological pressures he will face.</p>
<p>He finally realizes that nobody can keep watching over him, symbolic to his coming to age at 17 years old.</p>
<p>I thought it was good but overall a bit too predictable. The one big secret that I was wrong about was the identity of the HBP, I could have sworn it was Lily Evans. But I did see Dumbledore dying, and Snape going bad. I still like Snapey, he's the same person he was before. Dumbledore had to die, just like Obi-Wan had to die in Star Wars.</p>
<p>The Good:
Just as well-written
Possibly the best plot-wise yet
Harry stopped being such a whiny little man he was in Order of the Phoenix
Good character development</p>
<p>The Bad
Way too much romance going on, those hormones were flying
A bit short, I liked how each book got longer
Still, the Quidditch has been cut short, a lot less then there was in 1/2/3
Less class-time action</p>
<p>I would be really dissapointed if JKR kept Harry coming back to Hogwarts,the story would be ruined. I also felt JKR gave in the fan predictions. With Hr/R and H/G, plus Zabini coming into the story more. Overall, another good addition though, it was a great set-up for the final book.</p>
<p>The main thought in my head after Dumbledore died was: WHAT?!?</p>
<p>It seems almost pointless that they went into the cave since they just got a stupid locket that wasn't worth anything. </p>
<p>I liked the history of Voldemort and how he came to be...I even felt sorry for him at the orphanage scene. And the whole "trophy" business and gathering up the special items in the world for his Horcruxes.</p>
<p>It was just okay. Nothing special, sorta expected a little more. </p>
<p>Book 7 better be good, or the series is going to end on a flat note.</p>
<p>^^Exactly nothing special. Did you notice how many typos there were? A lot of times its missing a closing " . There was absolutely no action in this book besides the ending confrontation and everyone was too predictable(minus Snape). Some of the stuff was really repetitive(like crystallized pineapples.. i swear she put that in like 15 times when talking about the Potions prof).</p>
<p>I was depressed by the fact that Dumbledore resorted to pleading for his life. Wasn't it made clear in the previous books that Dumbledore didn't fear death, though? Perhaps he was pleading for different reasons...?</p>
<p>Dumbledore never pleaded for his life, he pleaded for his death =)</p>
<p>He wanted Snape to kill him so Draco remained innocent, not a murderer.</p>
<p>Draco was forced into killing Dumbledore, and to keep his credability Snape said he would take over and/or help Draco in his task. So, naturally, the wisest thing to do would be for Snape to kill Dumbledore.</p>
<p>I still believe in Snape, he could have killed Harry, and even protected him from another Death Eater. Read, and re-read Chapter 28 again. Snape could have killed Harry but ends up only peeved at him, angry and ANNOYED that he wouldn't take his hint.</p>
<p>I have no clue who R.A.B is.</p>
<p>I am dissapointed by Harry's weakness and feebleness as a Wizard though...</p>
<p>The most obvious identity of this mysterious R.A.B. at the moment is Regulus Black. His name was the first to spring to mind when I read the note, and I think it makes sense. JKR recycles things. Take the Time-Turner for example. She kept on giving little hints that Hermione was messing with time in the third book. It was originally only meant to be used to get to each class, but it ended up being the most important tool at the end of the book.</p>
<p>Also, she introduces the Room of Requirement in the fifth book, and it suddenly becomes the key to the mystery of Draco's disappearances in the sixth book. Don't forget the Polyjuice Potion that has played crucial roles in both the second and sixth book.</p>
<p>A good friend of mine gave me a link in my Livejournal, after my rant about Snape. Snape is actually my favorite character, and until JKR writes explicitly that Snape is a loyal Death Eater, I will believe otherwise. Here's the link, and I think what the person has to say makes a lot of sense:</p>
<p>I think what made Dumbledore's death particularly disturbing was that he died on his knees, pleading. Pleading for what (either life or death), we don't know yet, but nevertheless, it formed a scary image. At least, that was partly why I moped so much after I finished the book.</p>
<p>While I'm sad that Dumbledore is gone, I think it was his time to go anyway. He's been there all along to help and guide Harry. I've always associated Dumbledore with the castle, the chess piece. He represents Hogwarts, which represents warmth and protection, from Harry's point of view. As long as Dumbledore was alive, Harry was safe and had a mentor. However, now that Harry isn't planning on returning to Hogwarts for his seventh year, it makes sense that he no longer needs Dumbledore. (Although one might argue that Dumbledore's death is one of the reasons for Harry's not returning.)</p>
<p>I heartily support the Tonks/Remus shipping, by the way. I think it's very cute. (: Although Bill and Fleur's relationship was mentioned previously, I still think all the romance was a tad...sudden. Not to mention that two of them happened near the end, right after Dumbledore's death. But then again, not only are these relationships supposed to offer some optimism, but they show the strength of love. Just what Dumbledore believed in, no?</p>
<p>Last of all, I think Snape is the best character in the series for several reasons. JKR has managed to keep us in suspense about Snape for this long, and even now, there's speculation (that I believe, by the way) that he isn't truly loyal to Voldemort. Evil is not one-dimensional, as portrayed in many fantasy stories. We were given insight into Snape's childhood and adolescent years in OotP, and they were dark and cruel. He might be hateful, but he has good reason to be so (at least, I think he does). He definitely has potential.</p>
<p>Edit: One last thing. Anyone else think that JKR is absolutely brilliant with names? The Half-Blood Prince, Voldemort, and all the naming patterns in the books (particularly within the pureblood families)...</p>