Obligatory Deathly Hallows commentary
I finished this one in three hours (took me four for HBP). Overall verdict is approving, with certain reservations.
I like the theory that the epilogue is that last chapter that JKR's had written for ages and only edited for fact-checking - that explains why it's about as twee as the first book.
Apart from that, quite a nice yarn. Some plotholes, but not enough to spoil the enjoyment, some things that could be cut (Gringotts, anyone?), and some things that grated in a "Yes, this is obvious and the easiest way out rather than making the reader actually think" way - here I would classify Snape's love for Lily (I'd be much happier with them being Harry-Hermione type of friends) and definitely Dumbledore's expository conversation with Harry.
In other news, Malfoys=utter love. Neville and Luna, ditto. And of course, Grindelwald/Dumbledore and Albus Severus/Scorpius. Not to mention that with Harry noticing how handsome men are (and not noticing Veelas), no-one will convince me he doesn't at least swing both ways ;)
All in all, a nice bit of escapism in a period devoid of it. As if it wasn't enough that last week had Weather From Hell and I'm busy enough at work to make me beat my head against a wall, now I'm also worrying about people :S
I like the theory that the epilogue is that last chapter that JKR's had written for ages and only edited for fact-checking - that explains why it's about as twee as the first book.
Apart from that, quite a nice yarn. Some plotholes, but not enough to spoil the enjoyment, some things that could be cut (Gringotts, anyone?), and some things that grated in a "Yes, this is obvious and the easiest way out rather than making the reader actually think" way - here I would classify Snape's love for Lily (I'd be much happier with them being Harry-Hermione type of friends) and definitely Dumbledore's expository conversation with Harry.
In other news, Malfoys=utter love. Neville and Luna, ditto. And of course, Grindelwald/Dumbledore and Albus Severus/Scorpius. Not to mention that with Harry noticing how handsome men are (and not noticing Veelas), no-one will convince me he doesn't at least swing both ways ;)
All in all, a nice bit of escapism in a period devoid of it. As if it wasn't enough that last week had Weather From Hell and I'm busy enough at work to make me beat my head against a wall, now I'm also worrying about people :S