Harry Potter has spent the first 10 years of his life at the mercy of the dreadful Dursleys--the aunt, uncle and fat, spoilt brat of a cousin who reluctantly gave him a home after the death of his mother and father. But on his 11th birthday Harry discovers that he is no ordinary boy, and despite the best efforts of his hideous relatives he escapes to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to begin his new life as a trainee wizard. And the rest, as they say, is history...

As Harry battles against the evils thrown in his path, Stephen Fry injects the proceedings with a wry, dry and extremely contagious humour that perfectly suits the tale, wringing out the best in Harry and his cohorts as they get to grips with their new lives at the sharp end of Hogwarts. Fry's innate upper-class drone is perfectly suited to the telling of this most magical tale, cracking into the high-pitched squawking of Hermione the swat, or the gentle tones of the firm but fair Dumbledore, or the evil sniping of slimey Snape at precisely the right moments.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a fine story and much has been written about its success but until you have heard Fry's cracking reading of this most magical of stories then you simply haven't lived. As with any audio book, this one is perfect for car journeys and an ideal way of introducing reluctant readers to the magic that is Harry Potter. (Ages 9 and over) --Susan Harrison

This book is a great book and I would reccomend it to all of you. I have enjoyed this book and I am sure you will too.

The first of a great series!, 03 Aug 2005
What a fabulous read! The first book in the series, the Philosophers Stone, will grip your imagination and hold onto it untill you have read the entire book!

Harry Potter, an eleven year old boy, has a past that will change his future.
When Harry was one year old, the Dark Lord Voldemort killed his parents. But he couldn't kill Harry. Instead Harry is left with a lightning bolt scar for the rest of his life.

Harry is shocked when he is told that he is a wizard. This means a new school (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), making new friends and learning how to turn a matchstick into a needle!

I think this book is very imaginative. I mean who would have thought that you could fit a massive castle in the middle of London and teach magic?

If you read this book you will experience J.K. Rowling's exquisite imagination!(Katherine, 11)

The Final Chapter
The pubdate of the seventh and final Harry Potter audio book has been announced, and the rumours are already circulating - what are the Deathly Hallows? Who will make it through to the end? Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows CD Set tells the story of Harry's final year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and this is set to be the best audio book out of the series! .

Visit the Harry Potter Store
Our Harry Potter Store features all things Harry, including books, audio CDs and cassettes, DVDs, toys and more.

This book is a great book and I would reccomend it to all of you. I have enjoyed this book and I am sure you will too.

The first of a great series!, 03 Aug 2005
What a fabulous read! The first book in the series, the Philosophers Stone, will grip your imagination and hold onto it untill you have read the entire book!

Harry Potter, an eleven year old boy, has a past that will change his future.
When Harry was one year old, the Dark Lord Voldemort killed his parents. But he couldn't kill Harry. Instead Harry is left with a lightning bolt scar for the rest of his life.

Harry is shocked when he is told that he is a wizard. This means a new school (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), making new friends and learning how to turn a matchstick into a needle!

I think this book is very imaginative. I mean who would have thought that you could fit a massive castle in the middle of London and teach magic?

If you read this book you will experience J.K. Rowling's exquisite imagination!(Katherine, 11)

Excellent finish, 16 Nov 2008
Everyone who has read the Harry Potter series knows how fun, interesting and addictive it is to read, so the seventh book is essential for those who have dabbled in the others. Possibly the most engaging book of them all, this last edition takes a different style into what would be Harry's final year at Hogwarts. The sixth book was said to be dark but it is in the seventh that great change happens. The plot deepends enormously as do the characters, who have grown up so much since their first days. J.K. Rowling is a gift to children and adults alike. Conclusion: essential reading if you have read the others, although really that goes without saying!

The series end left me speechless and depressed, 08 Nov 2008
I'd like to say that I was not one of the people who grew up with Harry Potter, it was around me but I never felt interested enough to have a read and even disliked the hype so much that I could have never imagined reading and absolutely loving it.
Eventually, at 22, I gave the first book a chance and read it in a day and I quite enjoyed it, needless to say the more books I read of the series, the more obsessed and involved did I feel and at the last book, The Deathly Hallows I could not imagine that this journey has come to an end.
I felt at points frustrated at the slow pace and not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I think JK Rowling made it quite clear that a big part of this book is about frustration, patience and somewhat hopelessness.
When I then finished this book I was in tears, well I was in tears throughout the book but the end just hit me hard and I realised that there won't be any more books and what I've read can never be read again the same way. I felt depressed, not because it was a bad book, quite the opposite, it was such a good book and such a good series that I felt like I lost friends. As sad as this sounds, I feel that Rowling created a world so detailed, so close to my heart that the end of it felt like a funeral. I think she felt quite the same and of course even worse when she was writing the last chapters of this book and I cannot even imagine the pain she felt for saying goodbye to Harry and his friends.
I don't think any book has touched me the way these did, not because it is the smartest or funniest book I've read but because it feels so real that it is hard to imagine it isn't. For this, I thank JK Rowling, she enriched my life with this epic story and I hope, for generations to come, they feel the same way about it.


Amazing, 16 Oct 2008
The Deathly Hallows is the best book I have ever read, I honestly couldn't put it down. All the questions that were in the books are answered and the story gripped me from beginning to end. Although the ending is weak, this is JK Rowling's masterpiece. A must-have.

Great book, 16 Oct 2008
This is a great end to the harry potter saga, but thats not the reason for this review, i just wanted to ask if anyone knows the difference between the childrens edition and the adult edition? ill thank you in advance if you answer my question

I couldn't put it down, 12 Oct 2008
This thing, the deathly hallows, the beginning wasn't the best beginning, but... I could not stop reading it. I don't understand why people think the ending is disappointing. The Nineteen years later could be expanded into a book, maybe, but, if J.K doesn't then that's all we really need to know to end the Harry potter phenomenon. Hopefully she will deliver another H.P book, because I know, I know, it won't end here.

This book is a great book and I would reccomend it to all of you. I have enjoyed this book and I am sure you will too.

The first of a great series!, 03 Aug 2005
What a fabulous read! The first book in the series, the Philosophers Stone, will grip your imagination and hold onto it untill you have read the entire book!

Harry Potter, an eleven year old boy, has a past that will change his future.
When Harry was one year old, the Dark Lord Voldemort killed his parents. But he couldn't kill Harry. Instead Harry is left with a lightning bolt scar for the rest of his life.

Harry is shocked when he is told that he is a wizard. This means a new school (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), making new friends and learning how to turn a matchstick into a needle!

I think this book is very imaginative. I mean who would have thought that you could fit a massive castle in the middle of London and teach magic?

If you read this book you will experience J.K. Rowling's exquisite imagination!(Katherine, 11)

Excellent finish, 16 Nov 2008
Everyone who has read the Harry Potter series knows how fun, interesting and addictive it is to read, so the seventh book is essential for those who have dabbled in the others. Possibly the most engaging book of them all, this last edition takes a different style into what would be Harry's final year at Hogwarts. The sixth book was said to be dark but it is in the seventh that great change happens. The plot deepends enormously as do the characters, who have grown up so much since their first days. J.K. Rowling is a gift to children and adults alike. Conclusion: essential reading if you have read the others, although really that goes without saying!

The series end left me speechless and depressed, 08 Nov 2008
I'd like to say that I was not one of the people who grew up with Harry Potter, it was around me but I never felt interested enough to have a read and even disliked the hype so much that I could have never imagined reading and absolutely loving it.
Eventually, at 22, I gave the first book a chance and read it in a day and I quite enjoyed it, needless to say the more books I read of the series, the more obsessed and involved did I feel and at the last book, The Deathly Hallows I could not imagine that this journey has come to an end.
I felt at points frustrated at the slow pace and not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I think JK Rowling made it quite clear that a big part of this book is about frustration, patience and somewhat hopelessness.
When I then finished this book I was in tears, well I was in tears throughout the book but the end just hit me hard and I realised that there won't be any more books and what I've read can never be read again the same way. I felt depressed, not because it was a bad book, quite the opposite, it was such a good book and such a good series that I felt like I lost friends. As sad as this sounds, I feel that Rowling created a world so detailed, so close to my heart that the end of it felt like a funeral. I think she felt quite the same and of course even worse when she was writing the last chapters of this book and I cannot even imagine the pain she felt for saying goodbye to Harry and his friends.
I don't think any book has touched me the way these did, not because it is the smartest or funniest book I've read but because it feels so real that it is hard to imagine it isn't. For this, I thank JK Rowling, she enriched my life with this epic story and I hope, for generations to come, they feel the same way about it.


Amazing, 16 Oct 2008
The Deathly Hallows is the best book I have ever read, I honestly couldn't put it down. All the questions that were in the books are answered and the story gripped me from beginning to end. Although the ending is weak, this is JK Rowling's masterpiece. A must-have.

Great book, 16 Oct 2008
This is a great end to the harry potter saga, but thats not the reason for this review, i just wanted to ask if anyone knows the difference between the childrens edition and the adult edition? ill thank you in advance if you answer my question

I couldn't put it down, 12 Oct 2008
This thing, the deathly hallows, the beginning wasn't the best beginning, but... I could not stop reading it. I don't understand why people think the ending is disappointing. The Nineteen years later could be expanded into a book, maybe, but, if J.K doesn't then that's all we really need to know to end the Harry potter phenomenon. Hopefully she will deliver another H.P book, because I know, I know, it won't end here.

Entertainment 5, Practicality 0, 04 Oct 2008
There is no doubt that Stephen Fry is entirely the MOST suitable person for the job of reading ANY story for an audio book. His voice is perfectly suited to story telling and he is able to define and animate the characters in his own colourful way. It's a good audio book and this is very much attributed to the talented Mr Fry.

I am disappointed however, that the indexing for the CDs are in such a pickle! Whilst I understand that copying CDs and music is frowned upon, is it not feasible that a person can listen to this audio book on their MP3 player? Attempting to transfer this into a more mobile format is something of a mission. The CDs chapters and files are not labelled properly, so if you want to put this into MP3 format you will find you have a jumbled mess! This audio book was bought to provide some entertainment on a long plane journey. Sorting it into order has taken almost as long as the trip itself! If you want to listen to this on your ipod - GOOD LUCK!

Rowling opens with a chapter she had wanted to use for the first book, of The Philosopher's Stone--Lord Voldemort has been creating chaos in the Wizard and Muggle communities alike, the war is in full swing and the Wizarding community now lives in fear. The press have been questioning the events at the Ministry which led to the admission of Voldemort's return, and of course Harry's name is mentioned a number of times. Harry's got his problems, but his anxiety is nothing compared to Hermione's when the OWL results are delivered. There's a new Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher, an assortment of new characters and creatures, and startling revelations about past characters and events.

Gone is the rage-filled Harry of The Order of the Phoenix--he's not being kept in the dark any more, his unjustified Quidditch ban has been lifted and he has matured considerably in his short time out of school. Half-Blood Prince follows Harry into the world of late-teens, and his realisation that nobody is infallible has made his growth that much easier. Accepting his destiny, Harry continues to behave as teenagers do, enjoying his time with his friends, developing his relationships outside of his usual circle, and learning more about how he must, eventually, do what he is destined to do.

J.K. Rowling delivers another fantastic tale which will have the readers gasping for more, capturing the characters perfectly and continuing a tale which readers will enjoy over and over again. --Ziggy Morbi

This book is a great book and I would reccomend it to all of you. I have enjoyed this book and I am sure you will too.

The first of a great series!, 03 Aug 2005
What a fabulous read! The first book in the series, the Philosophers Stone, will grip your imagination and hold onto it untill you have read the entire book!

Harry Potter, an eleven year old boy, has a past that will change his future.
When Harry was one year old, the Dark Lord Voldemort killed his parents. But he couldn't kill Harry. Instead Harry is left with a lightning bolt scar for the rest of his life.

Harry is shocked when he is told that he is a wizard. This means a new school (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), making new friends and learning how to turn a matchstick into a needle!

I think this book is very imaginative. I mean who would have thought that you could fit a massive castle in the middle of London and teach magic?

If you read this book you will experience J.K. Rowling's exquisite imagination!(Katherine, 11)

Excellent finish, 16 Nov 2008
Everyone who has read the Harry Potter series knows how fun, interesting and addictive it is to read, so the seventh book is essential for those who have dabbled in the others. Possibly the most engaging book of them all, this last edition takes a different style into what would be Harry's final year at Hogwarts. The sixth book was said to be dark but it is in the seventh that great change happens. The plot deepends enormously as do the characters, who have grown up so much since their first days. J.K. Rowling is a gift to children and adults alike. Conclusion: essential reading if you have read the others, although really that goes without saying!

The series end left me speechless and depressed, 08 Nov 2008
I'd like to say that I was not one of the people who grew up with Harry Potter, it was around me but I never felt interested enough to have a read and even disliked the hype so much that I could have never imagined reading and absolutely loving it.
Eventually, at 22, I gave the first book a chance and read it in a day and I quite enjoyed it, needless to say the more books I read of the series, the more obsessed and involved did I feel and at the last book, The Deathly Hallows I could not imagine that this journey has come to an end.
I felt at points frustrated at the slow pace and not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I think JK Rowling made it quite clear that a big part of this book is about frustration, patience and somewhat hopelessness.
When I then finished this book I was in tears, well I was in tears throughout the book but the end just hit me hard and I realised that there won't be any more books and what I've read can never be read again the same way. I felt depressed, not because it was a bad book, quite the opposite, it was such a good book and such a good series that I felt like I lost friends. As sad as this sounds, I feel that Rowling created a world so detailed, so close to my heart that the end of it felt like a funeral. I think she felt quite the same and of course even worse when she was writing the last chapters of this book and I cannot even imagine the pain she felt for saying goodbye to Harry and his friends.
I don't think any book has touched me the way these did, not because it is the smartest or funniest book I've read but because it feels so real that it is hard to imagine it isn't. For this, I thank JK Rowling, she enriched my life with this epic story and I hope, for generations to come, they feel the same way about it.


Amazing, 16 Oct 2008
The Deathly Hallows is the best book I have ever read, I honestly couldn't put it down. All the questions that were in the books are answered and the story gripped me from beginning to end. Although the ending is weak, this is JK Rowling's masterpiece. A must-have.

Great book, 16 Oct 2008
This is a great end to the harry potter saga, but thats not the reason for this review, i just wanted to ask if anyone knows the difference between the childrens edition and the adult edition? ill thank you in advance if you answer my question

I couldn't put it down, 12 Oct 2008
This thing, the deathly hallows, the beginning wasn't the best beginning, but... I could not stop reading it. I don't understand why people think the ending is disappointing. The Nineteen years later could be expanded into a book, maybe, but, if J.K doesn't then that's all we really need to know to end the Harry potter phenomenon. Hopefully she will deliver another H.P book, because I know, I know, it won't end here.

Entertainment 5, Practicality 0, 04 Oct 2008
There is no doubt that Stephen Fry is entirely the MOST suitable person for the job of reading ANY story for an audio book. His voice is perfectly suited to story telling and he is able to define and animate the characters in his own colourful way. It's a good audio book and this is very much attributed to the talented Mr Fry.

I am disappointed however, that the indexing for the CDs are in such a pickle! Whilst I understand that copying CDs and music is frowned upon, is it not feasible that a person can listen to this audio book on their MP3 player? Attempting to transfer this into a more mobile format is something of a mission. The CDs chapters and files are not labelled properly, so if you want to put this into MP3 format you will find you have a jumbled mess! This audio book was bought to provide some entertainment on a long plane journey. Sorting it into order has taken almost as long as the trip itself! If you want to listen to this on your ipod - GOOD LUCK!

Absolutely perfect., 24 Dec 2007
(Contains spoilers for 'Order of the Phoenix' and slight spoilers for 'Half Blood Prince'.)

This entire series is special but now that it's complete I can safely say this is my favourite. I'll re-read all the books but this one the most.

Review:

After Sirius' death in book five, Dumbledore invites Harry to help him investigate and obtain information regarding Voldermort's past (or to be more precise- Tom Riddle's past). With Voldermort's Deatheaters returning to him en masse, Voldermort is now ready to return to his reign of terror so Dumbledore and Harry must look into his past to see if there is any way of defeating him. These flashback sequences via the pensieve are terrific and really flesh out the character of Tom Riddle, giving him more substance.

As with each new book a new teacher arrives at Hogwarts. This time it is the larger than life, jolly yet fiercely ambitious Horace Slughorn who Dumbledore has convinced to come out of retirement. Apart from Hermione, Slughorn has now become my favourite character in the series. He is neither completely good or bad, he is complex, flawed and likable. For me he is one of Rowling's best creations.

Rowling has a wonderful ability to simultaneously progress the overall main story (in this book MAJOR events happen) and at the same time put excellent detail into the smaller stories that occur in the book. Each book always has a mystery element to be solved and here Harry, Ron and Hermione attempt to figure out who the 'Half- Blood Prince' is.

Some of the best chapters concern Harry, Hermione and Ron and their day to day troubles within Hogwarts such as Quiddich practice, how they are faring in certain classes now that they are studying the more difficult N.E.W.T course, not to mention their complicated love lives.

Rowling's world is completely absorbing and this was a pleasure to read with its' usual combination of mystery, humour and sadness, all of which is underpinned by the wonderful Characters- old and new.

10/10.

Great end to this series of Books , 20 Aug 2007
Careful Spoilers included:-

An enjoyable end to this series of 7 books. Darker, more intense then most of the other 6 books, this novel has few if any laughs but the battle scenes towards the end of the book are exciting, and there are some nice twists to the story, even if some of the story is a little predictable.

The last 200 pages were especially good and I found I couldn't put the book down and it great to have Gringotts featured again and of course nice that a lot of the ending happened at Hogwarts as that did seem to be missed from the beginning of the book.

I was disappointed that Mad Eye Moody was killed off so suddenly and found the scene where Dobby the House Elf came to rescue Harry and the others and then got killed by Bellatrix was especially emotional and was written really well by JKR. Also felt sad about Lupin, Tonks and Fred and of course guessed that Snape would kind of come good in the end, after all Dumbledore had never doubted him and he was usually right. I did however feel that the Epilogue at the end was a bit of a mistake and was just the publishers push to JK to tie things up in a neat ribbon for younger readers at the end, but it was so rushed and added little to the story that it really was unnecessary to have it there.

All in all a really good book and thorougly enjoyable to read and a shame the series has come to an end. Don't feel it should be read to very young children though as they may feel very upset with the scenes where people die as these are written in quite a bit of detail.

I don't think JKR should write any more HP books though, it should be left at this one and its fantastic that she has got people of all ages reading again. She should be highly commended for this.

A great ending to a fantastic series, 30 Jul 2007
In years to come, these books will be ranked along with the greats of child literature. A modern classic.

Bad but better than the last one, 16 Jul 2007
all I can say is its better than the last one but that's only because the last one is one of the worst books I've ever read (such a disappointment after the first 4) and to point out how truly bad the 6th and 5th are the bullet proof ness of Harry Potters die hard fans have actually been broken and I call upon any non extremist of Harry Potter to write a review about how much of a disappointment this is compared to the other 4. They are actually only 4 and a half stars it doesn't sound like much but if you think about it its is huge. And it proves my point

How will it end?, 11 Jul 2007
'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' is the sixth book in JK Rowling's magical 7-part series and the Second War is now in full swing.

At the end of the previous novel, The Order of the Phoenix, Harry found out the details of the prophecy and so now, with the power of the pensive and the help of Professor Dumbledore, Harry visits memories from other witches and wizards revealing key moments in his nemesis, Lord Voldemort's past, providing useful information for his unavoidable battle with him in the near future.

Also during this year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardary, Harry obtains a Potions Book that was previously owned by a student who named himself "The Half-Blood Prince". In this book are hand-written notes giving Harry extremely useful tips on potions, making him the top in his class and also some homemade spells.

Relationships are also covered in book 6, including some jealousy problems with Ron and Hermoine and also Harry has a new love interest but worries about the consequences of asking the girl out as it is his best mate's sister, Ginny.

This is a much darker and more serious book than some of the previous ones in the series and also feels like a huge introduction to the final book. There are so many shocking twists and surprises that'll keep you wanting to read more and more to find out what is going to happen next. This is an extremely exciting and important book in the series and one of the best yet.

If you haven't read any of the series before, this probably isn't a good place to start, (even if you have seen the films before as there are many scenes and characters missing from the films) as it is based almost purely on everything that has happened in the previous 5 books.

This is a top read that will have you gagging for book 7 once you reach the end of it. I just want to know now "how will it end?".

This book is a great book and I would reccomend it to all of you. I have enjoyed this book and I am sure you will too.

The first of a great series!, 03 Aug 2005
What a fabulous read! The first book in the series, the Philosophers Stone, will grip your imagination and hold onto it untill you have read the entire book!

Harry Potter, an eleven year old boy, has a past that will change his future.
When Harry was one year old, the Dark Lord Voldemort killed his parents. But he couldn't kill Harry. Instead Harry is left with a lightning bolt scar for the rest of his life.

Harry is shocked when he is told that he is a wizard. This means a new school (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), making new friends and learning how to turn a matchstick into a needle!

I think this book is very imaginative. I mean who would have thought that you could fit a massive castle in the middle of London and teach magic?

If you read this book you will experience J.K. Rowling's exquisite imagination!(Katherine, 11)

Excellent finish, 16 Nov 2008
Everyone who has read the Harry Potter series knows how fun, interesting and addictive it is to read, so the seventh book is essential for those who have dabbled in the others. Possibly the most engaging book of them all, this last edition takes a different style into what would be Harry's final year at Hogwarts. The sixth book was said to be dark but it is in the seventh that great change happens. The plot deepends enormously as do the characters, who have grown up so much since their first days. J.K. Rowling is a gift to children and adults alike. Conclusion: essential reading if you have read the others, although really that goes without saying!

The series end left me speechless and depressed, 08 Nov 2008
I'd like to say that I was not one of the people who grew up with Harry Potter, it was around me but I never felt interested enough to have a read and even disliked the hype so much that I could have never imagined reading and absolutely loving it.
Eventually, at 22, I gave the first book a chance and read it in a day and I quite enjoyed it, needless to say the more books I read of the series, the more obsessed and involved did I feel and at the last book, The Deathly Hallows I could not imagine that this journey has come to an end.
I felt at points frustrated at the slow pace and not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I think JK Rowling made it quite clear that a big part of this book is about frustration, patience and somewhat hopelessness.
When I then finished this book I was in tears, well I was in tears throughout the book but the end just hit me hard and I realised that there won't be any more books and what I've read can never be read again the same way. I felt depressed, not because it was a bad book, quite the opposite, it was such a good book and such a good series that I felt like I lost friends. As sad as this sounds, I feel that Rowling created a world so detailed, so close to my heart that the end of it felt like a funeral. I think she felt quite the same and of course even worse when she was writing the last chapters of this book and I cannot even imagine the pain she felt for saying goodbye to Harry and his friends.
I don't think any book has touched me the way these did, not because it is the smartest or funniest book I've read but because it feels so real that it is hard to imagine it isn't. For this, I thank JK Rowling, she enriched my life with this epic story and I hope, for generations to come, they feel the same way about it.


Amazing, 16 Oct 2008
The Deathly Hallows is the best book I have ever read, I honestly couldn't put it down. All the questions that were in the books are answered and the story gripped me from beginning to end. Although the ending is weak, this is JK Rowling's masterpiece. A must-have.

Great book, 16 Oct 2008
This is a great end to the harry potter saga, but thats not the reason for this review, i just wanted to ask if anyone knows the difference between the childrens edition and the adult edition? ill thank you in advance if you answer my question

I couldn't put it down, 12 Oct 2008
This thing, the deathly hallows, the beginning wasn't the best beginning, but... I could not stop reading it. I don't understand why people think the ending is disappointing. The Nineteen years later could be expanded into a book, maybe, but, if J.K doesn't then that's all we really need to know to end the Harry potter phenomenon. Hopefully she will deliver another H.P book, because I know, I know, it won't end here.

Entertainment 5, Practicality 0, 04 Oct 2008
There is no doubt that Stephen Fry is entirely the MOST suitable person for the job of reading ANY story for an audio book. His voice is perfectly suited to story telling and he is able to define and animate the characters in his own colourful way. It's a good audio book and this is very much attributed to the talented Mr Fry.

I am disappointed however, that the indexing for the CDs are in such a pickle! Whilst I understand that copying CDs and music is frowned upon, is it not feasible that a person can listen to this audio book on their MP3 player? Attempting to transfer this into a more mobile format is something of a mission. The CDs chapters and files are not labelled properly, so if you want to put this into MP3 format you will find you have a jumbled mess! This audio book was bought to provide some entertainment on a long plane journey. Sorting it into order has taken almost as long as the trip itself! If you want to listen to this on your ipod - GOOD LUCK!

Absolutely perfect., 24 Dec 2007
(Contains spoilers for 'Order of the Phoenix' and slight spoilers for 'Half Blood Prince'.)

This entire series is special but now that it's complete I can safely say this is my favourite. I'll re-read all the books but this one the most.

Review:

After Sirius' death in book five, Dumbledore invites Harry to help him investigate and obtain information regarding Voldermort's past (or to be more precise- Tom Riddle's past). With Voldermort's Deatheaters returning to him en masse, Voldermort is now ready to return to his reign of terror so Dumbledore and Harry must look into his past to see if there is any way of defeating him. These flashback sequences via the pensieve are terrific and really flesh out the character of Tom Riddle, giving him more substance.

As with each new book a new teacher arrives at Hogwarts. This time it is the larger than life, jolly yet fiercely ambitious Horace Slughorn who Dumbledore has convinced to come out of retirement. Apart from Hermione, Slughorn has now become my favourite character in the series. He is neither completely good or bad, he is complex, flawed and likable. For me he is one of Rowling's best creations.

Rowling has a wonderful ability to simultaneously progress the overall main story (in this book MAJOR events happen) and at the same time put excellent detail into the smaller stories that occur in the book. Each book always has a mystery element to be solved and here Harry, Ron and Hermione attempt to figure out who the 'Half- Blood Prince' is.

Some of the best chapters concern Harry, Hermione and Ron and their day to day troubles within Hogwarts such as Quiddich practice, how they are faring in certain classes now that they are studying the more difficult N.E.W.T course, not to mention their complicated love lives.

Rowling's world is completely absorbing and this was a pleasure to read with its' usual combination of mystery, humour and sadness, all of which is underpinned by the wonderful Characters- old and new.

10/10.

Great end to this series of Books , 20 Aug 2007
Careful Spoilers included:-

An enjoyable end to this series of 7 books. Darker, more intense then most of the other 6 books, this novel has few if any laughs but the battle scenes towards the end of the book are exciting, and there are some nice twists to the story, even if some of the story is a little predictable.

The last 200 pages were especially good and I found I couldn't put the book down and it great to have Gringotts featured again and of course nice that a lot of the ending happened at Hogwarts as that did seem to be missed from the beginning of the book.

I was disappointed that Mad Eye Moody was killed off so suddenly and found the scene where Dobby the House Elf came to rescue Harry and the others and then got killed by Bellatrix was especially emotional and was written really well by JKR. Also felt sad about Lupin, Tonks and Fred and of course guessed that Snape would kind of come good in the end, after all Dumbledore had never doubted him and he was usually right. I did however feel that the Epilogue at the end was a bit of a mistake and was just the publishers push to JK to tie things up in a neat ribbon for younger readers at the end, but it was so rushed and added little to the story that it really was unnecessary to have it there.

All in all a really good book and thorougly enjoyable to read and a shame the series has come to an end. Don't feel it should be read to very young children though as they may feel very upset with the scenes where people die as these are written in quite a bit of detail.

I don't think JKR should write any more HP books though, it should be left at this one and its fantastic that she has got people of all ages reading again. She should be highly commended for this.

A great ending to a fantastic series, 30 Jul 2007
In years to come, these books will be ranked along with the greats of child literature. A modern classic.

Bad but better than the last one, 16 Jul 2007
all I can say is its better than the last one but that's only because the last one is one of the worst books I've ever read (such a disappointment after the first 4) and to point out how truly bad the 6th and 5th are the bullet proof ness of Harry Potters die hard fans have actually been broken and I call upon any non extremist of Harry Potter to write a review about how much of a disappointment this is compared to the other 4. They are actually only 4 and a half stars it doesn't sound like much but if you think about it its is huge. And it proves my point

How will it end?, 11 Jul 2007
'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' is the sixth book in JK Rowling's magical 7-part series and the Second War is now in full swing.

At the end of the previous novel, The Order of the Phoenix, Harry found out the details of the prophecy and so now, with the power of the pensive and the help of Professor Dumbledore, Harry visits memories from other witches and wizards revealing key moments in his nemesis, Lord Voldemort's past, providing useful information for his unavoidable battle with him in the near future.

Also during this year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardary, Harry obtains a Potions Book that was previously owned by a student who named himself "The Half-Blood Prince". In this book are hand-written notes giving Harry extremely useful tips on potions, making him the top in his class and also some homemade spells.

Relationships are also covered in book 6, including some jealousy problems with Ron and Hermoine and also Harry has a new love interest but worries about the consequences of asking the girl out as it is his best mate's sister, Ginny.

This is a much darker and more serious book than some of the previous ones in the series and also feels like a huge introduction to the final book. There are so many shocking twists and surprises that'll keep you wanting to read more and more to find out what is going to happen next. This is an extremely exciting and important book in the series and one of the best yet.

If you haven't read any of the series before, this probably isn't a good place to start, (even if you have seen the films before as there are many scenes and characters missing from the films) as it is based almost purely on everything that has happened in the previous 5 books.

This is a top read that will have you gagging for book 7 once you reach the end of it. I just want to know now "how will it end?".

Secret Seven, 25 Jul 2007
I introduced my seven year old Grandson to Enid Blyton and he can't get enough of her books. He is a Californian who is now living in France so has no knowledge of England at any time. He doesn't care he loves the stories. They are not old fashioned to him they are just good tales. With CD's he can listen at any time instead of having to wait for bedtime for us to read to him.

CD at last, 03 Feb 2007
I own all 21 Famous Five stories on audio cassette which I can play OK but they are starting to degrade an lose their sound so i am now recollecting them on CD.

Every story is taken from the series of books by Enid Blyton if your had the books read to you or read them yourself you know how good the stories are these are the next step have them acted out by voice actors each is dramatised but abrigded but well recorded and priced if you are a Secret Seven fan they are slowly appearing on CD also.

These CD are great by if like me your have everyone on cassette

Forced to do his homework in the dead of night and forbidden to refer to his magic skills or his life at Hogwarts school, Harry Potter is forced to endure the summer holidays with the dreaded Dursleys. The arrival of Aunt Marge is the final straw and, in a fit of anger, Harry breaks all the rules and casts a spell on her, causing her to blow up like a balloon. Running away from his dreaded relatives, Harry expects to be expelled from Hogwarts for his blatant flaunting of the rule not to use magic outside term time. However, the arrival of the mysterious Knight Bus and a meeting with Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, result in Harry enjoying the rest of the holidays in the wonderful surroundings of the Leaky Cauldron.

The escape of Sirius Black--one time friend of Harry's parents, implicated in their murder and follower of "You- Know-Who"--from Azkaban, has serious implications for Harry for it would appear that Black is bent on revenge against Harry for thwarting "You-Know-Who". Back at Hogwarts, Harry's movements are restricted by the presence of the Dementors--guards from Azkaban on the look out for Black--however, this doesn't stop him throwing himself into the new Quidditch season and going about his normal business--or at least attempting to. Despite warnings Harry is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding Sirius Black--how could this one-time close friend of his parents become the cause of their deaths?

And why does the presence of the Dementors have such a devastating effect on him, causing him to hear the last moments of his mother's life?

With another four Harry Potter novels planned, Jo Rowling is creating a series of books which will become classics to rival C.S. Lewis'Chronicles of Narnia--books written for children but loved by adults too. (Ages 9 and up) --Philippa ReeceThe worry, when faced with the follow-up to books as good as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (both winners of the Nestlé Smarties Prize Gold Award), is that it won't be as good. With J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban any concerns are banished from page one. This, the third in the series, continues where the previous two left off and is a fantastic adventure of mystery, magic and mayhem combined with liberal doses of humour and plenty of suspense.

Forced to do his homework in the dead of night and forbidden to refer to his magic skills or his life at Hogwarts school, Harry Potter is forced to endure the summer holidays with the dreaded Dursleys. The arrival of Aunt Marge is the final straw and, in a fit of anger, Harry breaks all the rules and casts a spell on her, causing her to blow up like a balloon. Running away from his dreaded relatives, Harry expects to be expelled from Hogwarts for his blatant flaunting of the rule not to use magic outside term time. However, the arrival of the mysterious Knight Bus and a meeting with Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, result in Harry enjoying the rest of the holidays in the wonderful surroundings of the Leaky Cauldron.

The escape of Sirius Black--one time friend of Harry's parents, implicated in their murder and follower of "You- Know-Who"--from Azkaban, has serious implications for Harry for it would appear that Black is bent on revenge against Harry for thwarting "You-Know-Who". Back at Hogwarts, Harry's movements are restricted by the presence of the Dementors--guards from Azkaban on the look out for Black--however, this doesn't stop him throwing himself into the new Quidditch season and going about his normal business--or at least attempting to. Despite warnings Harry is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding Sirius Black--how could this one-time close friend of his parents become the cause of their deaths?

And why does the presence of the Dementors have such a devastating effect on him, causing him to hear the last moments of his mother's life?

With another four Harry Potter novels planned, Jo Rowling is creating a series of books which will become classics to rival C.S. Lewis'Chronicles of Narnia--books written for children but loved by adults too. (Ages 9 and up) --Philippa Reece

This book is a great book and I would reccomend it to all of you. I have enjoyed this book and I am sure you will too.

The first of a great series!, 03 Aug 2005
What a fabulous read! The first book in the series, the Philosophers Stone, will grip your imagination and hold onto it untill you have read the entire book!

Harry Potter, an eleven year old boy, has a past that will change his future.
When Harry was one year old, the Dark Lord Voldemort killed his parents. But he couldn't kill Harry. Instead Harry is left with a lightning bolt scar for the rest of his life.

Harry is shocked when he is told that he is a wizard. This means a new school (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), making new friends and learning how to turn a matchstick into a needle!

I think this book is very imaginative. I mean who would have thought that you could fit a massive castle in the middle of London and teach magic?

If you read this book you will experience J.K. Rowling's exquisite imagination!(Katherine, 11)

Excellent finish, 16 Nov 2008
Everyone who has read the Harry Potter series knows how fun, interesting and addictive it is to read, so the seventh book is essential for those who have dabbled in the others. Possibly the most engaging book of them all, this last edition takes a different style into what would be Harry's final year at Hogwarts. The sixth book was said to be dark but it is in the seventh that great change happens. The plot deepends enormously as do the characters, who have grown up so much since their first days. J.K. Rowling is a gift to children and adults alike. Conclusion: essential reading if you have read the others, although really that goes without saying!

The series end left me speechless and depressed, 08 Nov 2008
I'd like to say that I was not one of the people who grew up with Harry Potter, it was around me but I never felt interested enough to have a read and even disliked the hype so much that I could have never imagined reading and absolutely loving it.
Eventually, at 22, I gave the first book a chance and read it in a day and I quite enjoyed it, needless to say the more books I read of the series, the more obsessed and involved did I feel and at the last book, The Deathly Hallows I could not imagine that this journey has come to an end.
I felt at points frustrated at the slow pace and not being able to see the light at the end of the tunnel but I think JK Rowling made it quite clear that a big part of this book is about frustration, patience and somewhat hopelessness.
When I then finished this book I was in tears, well I was in tears throughout the book but the end just hit me hard and I realised that there won't be any more books and what I've read can never be read again the same way. I felt depressed, not because it was a bad book, quite the opposite, it was such a good book and such a good series that I felt like I lost friends. As sad as this sounds, I feel that Rowling created a world so detailed, so close to my heart that the end of it felt like a funeral. I think she felt quite the same and of course even worse when she was writing the last chapters of this book and I cannot even imagine the pain she felt for saying goodbye to Harry and his friends.
I don't think any book has touched me the way these did, not because it is the smartest or funniest book I've read but because it feels so real that it is hard to imagine it isn't. For this, I thank JK Rowling, she enriched my life with this epic story and I hope, for generations to come, they feel the same way about it.


Amazing, 16 Oct 2008
The Deathly Hallows is the best book I have ever read, I honestly couldn't put it down. All the questions that were in the books are answered and the story gripped me from beginning to end. Although the ending is weak, this is JK Rowling's masterpiece. A must-have.

Great book, 16 Oct 2008
This is a great end to the harry potter saga, but thats not the reason for this review, i just wanted to ask if anyone knows the difference between the childrens edition and the adult edition? ill thank you in advance if you answer my question

I couldn't put it down, 12 Oct 2008
This thing, the deathly hallows, the beginning wasn't the best beginning, but... I could not stop reading it. I don't understand why people think the ending is disappointing. The Nineteen years later could be expanded into a book, maybe, but, if J.K doesn't then that's all we really need to know to end the Harry potter phenomenon. Hopefully she will deliver another H.P book, because I know, I know, it won't end here.

Entertainment 5, Practicality 0, 04 Oct 2008
There is no doubt that Stephen Fry is entirely the MOST suitable person for the job of reading ANY story for an audio book. His voice is perfectly suited to story telling and he is able to define and animate the characters in his own colourful way. It's a good audio book and this is very much attributed to the talented Mr Fry.

I am disappointed however, that the indexing for the CDs are in such a pickle! Whilst I understand that copying CDs and music is frowned upon, is it not feasible that a person can listen to this audio book on their MP3 player? Attempting to transfer this into a more mobile format is something of a mission. The CDs chapters and files are not labelled properly, so if you want to put this into MP3 format you will find you have a jumbled mess! This audio book was bought to provide some entertainment on a long plane journey. Sorting it into order has taken almost as long as the trip itself! If you want to listen to this on your ipod - GOOD LUCK!

Absolutely perfect., 24 Dec 2007
(Contains spoilers for 'Order of the Phoenix' and slight spoilers for 'Half Blood Prince'.)

This entire series is special but now that it's complete I can safely say this is my favourite. I'll re-read all the books but this one the most.

Review:

After Sirius' death in book five, Dumbledore invites Harry to help him investigate and obtain information regarding Voldermort's past (or to be more precise- Tom Riddle's past). With Voldermort's Deatheaters returning to him en masse, Voldermort is now ready to return to his reign of terror so Dumbledore and Harry must look into his past to see if there is any way of defeating him. These flashback sequences via the pensieve are terrific and really flesh out the character of Tom Riddle, giving him more substance.

As with each new book a new teacher arrives at Hogwarts. This time it is the larger than life, jolly yet fiercely ambitious Horace Slughorn who Dumbledore has convinced to come out of retirement. Apart from Hermione, Slughorn has now become my favourite character in the series. He is neither completely good or bad, he is complex, flawed and likable. For me he is one of Rowling's best creations.

Rowling has a wonderful ability to simultaneously progress the overall main story (in this book MAJOR events happen) and at the same time put excellent detail into the smaller stories that occur in the book. Each book always has a mystery element to be solved and here Harry, Ron and Hermione attempt to figure out who the 'Half- Blood Prince' is.

Some of the best chapters concern Harry, Hermione and Ron and their day to day troubles within Hogwarts such as Quiddich practice, how they are faring in certain classes now that they are studying the more difficult N.E.W.T course, not to mention their complicated love lives.

Rowling's world is completely absorbing and this was a pleasure to read with its' usual combination of mystery, humour and sadness, all of which is underpinned by the wonderful Characters- old and new.

10/10.

Great end to this series of Books , 20 Aug 2007
Careful Spoilers included:-

An enjoyable end to this series of 7 books. Darker, more intense then most of the other 6 books, this novel has few if any laughs but the battle scenes towards the end of the book are exciting, and there are some nice twists to the story, even if some of the story is a little predictable.

The last 200 pages were especially good and I found I couldn't put the book down and it great to have Gringotts featured again and of course nice that a lot of the ending happened at Hogwarts as that did seem to be missed from the beginning of the book.

I was disappointed that Mad Eye Moody was killed off so suddenly and found the scene where Dobby the House Elf came to rescue Harry and the others and then got killed by Bellatrix was especially emotional and was written really well by JKR. Also felt sad about Lupin, Tonks and Fred and of course guessed that Snape would kind of come good in the end, after all Dumbledore had never doubted him and he was usually right. I did however feel that the Epilogue at the end was a bit of a mistake and was just the publishers push to JK to tie things up in a neat ribbon for younger readers at the end, but it was so rushed and added little to the story that it really was unnecessary to have it there.

All in all a really good book and thorougly enjoyable to read and a shame the series has come to an end. Don't feel it should be read to very young children though as they may feel very upset with the scenes where people die as these are written in quite a bit of detail.

I don't think JKR should write any more HP books though, it should be left at this one and its fantastic that she has got people of all ages reading again. She should be highly commended for this.

A great ending to a fantastic series, 30 Jul 2007
In years to come, these books will be ranked along with the greats of child literature. A modern classic.

Bad but better than the last one, 16 Jul 2007
all I can say is its better than the last one but that's only because the last one is one of the worst books I've ever read (such a disappointment after the first 4) and to point out how truly bad the 6th and 5th are the bullet proof ness of Harry Potters die hard fans have actually been broken and I call upon any non extremist of Harry Potter to write a review about how much of a disappointment this is compared to the other 4. They are actually only 4 and a half stars it doesn't sound like much but if you think about it its is huge. And it proves my point

How will it end?, 11 Jul 2007
'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' is the sixth book in JK Rowling's magical 7-part series and the Second War is now in full swing.

At the end of the previous novel, The Order of the Phoenix, Harry found out the details of the prophecy and so now, with the power of the pensive and the help of Professor Dumbledore, Harry visits memories from other witches and wizards revealing key moments in his nemesis, Lord Voldemort's past, providing useful information for his unavoidable battle with him in the near future.

Also during this year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardary, Harry obtains a Potions Book that was previously owned by a student who named himself "The Half-Blood Prince". In this book are hand-written notes giving Harry extremely useful tips on potions, making him the top in his class and also some homemade spells.

Relationships are also covered in book 6, including some jealousy problems with Ron and Hermoine and also Harry has a new love interest but worries about the consequences of asking the girl out as it is his best mate's sister, Ginny.

This is a much darker and more serious book than some of the previous ones in the series and also feels like a huge introduction to the final book. There are so many shocking twists and surprises that'll keep you wanting to read more and more to find out what is going to happen next. This is an extremely exciting and important book in the series and one of the best yet.

If you haven't read any of the series before, this probably isn't a good place to start, (even if you have seen the films before as there are many scenes and characters missing from the films) as it is based almost purely on everything that has happened in the previous 5 books.

This is a top read that will have you gagging for book 7 once you reach the end of it. I just want to know now "how will it end?".

Secret Seven, 25 Jul 2007
I introduced my seven year old Grandson to Enid Blyton and he can't get enough of her books. He is a Californian who is now living in France so has no knowledge of England at any time. He doesn't care he loves the stories. They are not old fashioned to him they are just good tales. With CD's he can listen at any time instead of having to wait for bedtime for us to read to him.

CD at last, 03 Feb 2007
I own all 21 Famous Five stories on audio cassette which I can play OK but they are starting to degrade an lose their sound so i am now recollecting them on CD.

Every story is taken from the series of books by Enid Blyton if your had the books read to you or read them yourself you know how good the stories are these are the next step have them acted out by voice actors each is dramatised but abrigded but well recorded and priced if you are a Secret Seven fan they are slowly appearing on CD also.

These CD are great by if like me your have everyone on cassette

mhgbdfdbfddfs, 17 Nov 2008
I really liked this book and highly recommend it. I liked the bit when harry and hermione went back in time.

THE BEST OF THE SERIES, 14 Aug 2008
As with the film, the best of the series. An engaging tale from beginning to end.

Rowling exceeds expectations again., 17 Jun 2008
The third installment of the Harry Potter series sees magic, mystery and adventure return to Hogwarts and the lives of the interesting characters considered in this novel. Gently, Rowling develops the plot to a level more complex and appropriate for readers of all ages. This is a book to read again and again.

In my opinion the best in the series, 19 May 2008
Brief Plot Overview:
Times are dark as famous mass murderer, Sirius Black, is on the loose. This notorious muggle killer is not only barking mad, but he was He-who-must-not-be-nameds' most loyal follower (or so we're lead to believe) and is seeking revenge for the fall of his master, in the form of murdering our hero, Harry Potter.

Review:
This book is probably one of the best children's books I have ever read, not only does it bring together the plot so far in the exciting and dramatic way we've come to expect from Rowling, but it does so in an informative way and allows the reader to gain insight into the future instalments to come, which only engorges the thirst for more from this talented writer.

Rowlings' style is well balanced and these books reek of careful planning from the start, there are no inconsistencies in story (and trust me I've tried to find them by re-reading) and everything works together like a well-oiled machine.

The Prisoner of Azkaban is my favourite out of the seven because it adds a human touch instead of a whizz-bang finale, by that I mean there is little magic involved in deciding the outcome of the book and it is based around argument, conversation, good old fashioned sneaking about and human decisions rather than an all out brawl with spells and incantations.

Followers of the series will not be disappointed with the third instalment and (for those few who haven't swallowed the hype) are definitely recommended to fantasy readers who also enjoy a bit of good-old-English reality. The fact that the base-audience is children but adults all over the world read these books shows their versatility and ability to appeal to a wide range of audiences.

I am not the first to say this and I definitely won't be the last, but Kudos to J.K.Rowling!

I'd rather be a prisoner in Azkhaban than read another Potter book, 03 Apr 2008
Having watched the films and enjoyed them, I spoke to my fiancée with regards to reading the books. She has read them all and suffers from what can only be described as 'pottermania'. Knowing me as well as she does, she recommended that if I was to get into the story in the book, I would be better reading "prisoner" to start with as it was probably the best written of the early books.

Armed with a lazy saturday afternoon and the phone off the hook, I sat back and read what JKR had to offer. I hasten to add, I am an avid SF/Fantasy reader and own several hundred books of the ilk, so I felt that I could seriously give it a go and get myself immersed in potterdom.

Ok, on to the book.

That evening, I finished what can possibly be described as the worst waste of time in my life. Now, I understand that the story is for kids, I'm not knocking that fact and the way that JKR writes, it is as if a kid had written it. I found I couldn't get to grips with her storytelling style. The language used was basic and how adults could be drawn into such a world, defies belief. It just goes to show that even if you aren't a good writer, you could still become a millionaire on the back of media promotion and the hype that surrounds a new book.

If I were you, I would stick to the films, they at least are enjoyable to watch, contain the interesting bits of the books and thankfully are only 2 hours out of your life wasted!

This book is a great book and I would reccomend it to all of you. I have enjoyed this book and I am sure you will too.

The first of a great series!, 03 Aug 2005
What a fabulous read! The first book in the series, the Philosophers Stone, will grip your imagination and hold onto it untill you have read the entire book!

Harry Potter, an eleven year old boy, has a past that will change his future.
When Harry was one year old, the Dark Lord Voldemort killed his parents. But he couldn't kill Harry. Instead Harry is left with a lightning bolt scar for the rest of his life.

Harry is shocked when he is told that he is a wizard. This means a new school (Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry), making new friends and learning how to turn a matchstick into a needle!

I think this book is very imaginative. I mean who would have thought that you could fit a massive castle in the middle of London and teach magic?

If you read this book you will experience J.K. Rowling's exquisite imagination!(Katherine, 11)

Excellent finish, 16 Nov 2008
Everyone who has read the Harry Potter series knows how fun, interesting and addictive it is to read, so the seventh book is essential for those who have dabbled in the others. Possibly the most engaging book of them all, this last edition takes a different style into what would be Harry's final year at Hogwarts. The sixth book was said to be dark but it is in the seventh that great change happens. The plot deepends enormously as do the characters, who have grown up so much since their first days. J.K. Rowling is a gift to children and adults alike. Conclusion: essential reading if you have read the others, although really that goes without saying!

The series end left me speechless and depressed, 08 Nov