Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Author: J. K. Rowling
Amazon info
Reading Harry Potter is definitely a guilty pleasure for me and this book certainly was enjoyable. It had all the usual page-turning suspense and strong story line of all previous editions - along with some new twists. In particular, this book breaks the fantasy genre a little by opening with England's Prime Minister, who was expecting a call from a wretched President (could it be a reference to George W?). And, this book appears to resolve the simmering question - is Snape good or bad? Who do you trust - Dumbledore or Harry?
I would have been completely thrilled with the book, were it not for one problem at the end. Why does Dumbledore cast a spell upon Harry right before Malfoy bursts through the door? Not only did it slow Dumbledore down, it eliminated a powerful ally for Dumbledore. Between the two of them, Malfoy would have no chance. A very strange choice for a writer so skilled at creating narratives that make sense even with tremendous complexity.
I am hoping that Book #7 will resolve this mystery for me.
Recommended for all who have a few hours to spare (this book is shorter than most of recent editions - only 650 pages or so).