Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Review
If you have not read the book yet, I suggest you either a. read the book as soon as possible or b. DO NOT click the link below. THERE WILL BE SPOILERS. And no, I am not kidding. You have been warned, thus I am not responsible for any emotional damage done.
Overall, I liked this book. Of course, I wished J.K. Rowling could add more about the Horcrux adventures, but that would make the story very long-winded. I liked the beginning because we finally have Voldemort sitting down with his Death Eaters and actually planning something. We don't really get to see this too often, only from Harry's visions do we see Voldemort but he is usually torturing someone. And to find out that their quarters were at Malfoy Manor almost surprised me, except not. It made sense for Lucius to get in the game again, though with most fanfiction post-HBP, we've predicted that Draco is on the run or Narcissa is killed. I'm actually glad they both got a reprieve.
Having seven Harry Potters made me laugh out loud. It did suck Moody and Hedwig had to die so early in the book. Death Eaters are dangerous. I still don't approve of Harry/Ginny or Remus/Tonks. Harry's relationship with Ginny wasn't really much, and for him to keep thinking about her was very distracting. And for Remus and Tonks to have a freaking kid, then to name Harry godfather, and then for them to die in battle...almost seems to make sense, but not quite. At least little Teddy will get to know his gofather, unlike Harry.
The wedding was what I expected...typical...and I was actually kind of happy we got to finally meet Aunt Muriel! Ron always talks about her and wow...she can actually be a bitch who like to tell the truth. Gossiper, if you know what I mean. And for Viktor Krum to show up! Priceless! I think I was laughing when he couldn't get any hot babes.
I'm glad Grimmauld Place was used for a little bit. What especially touched me was Kreacher reforming his ways. I mean, we all knew about R.A.B. being Regulus but after hearing how Kreacher was wanted by Voldemort for services and then how he had to leave Regulus when he stole the locket...that was really sad. Regulus wasn't really evil, and he still died. I really liked how perfect Grimmauld Place could have been with Kreacher helping Harry, until he, Ron and Hermione couldn't go back there anymore.
The Deathly Hallows! How come Hermione and Ron are being stupid about those! We know the Lovegoods are a bit wacky, but it makes sooo much sense! Dumbledore left you that story for a reason, Hermione! Of course it means something! I cannot believe she was ignoring it when she's supposed to be smart! Thank you for Harry, who realized the Deathly Hallows actually exist. Hmmm...a cloak, stone and wand. The Invisibility Cloak is a big clue. Second time that no one believes Harry. Gods people, get a grip!
I cannot believe Ron ditched Harry and Hermione on their Horcrux journey though. I was actually pretty mad because he made Hermione go emo. And how could they expect Harry to know what to do if he had no idea where the Horcruxes are. We know Voldemort can be stupid, but he isn't that stupid if he split his soul. Interesting how Harry was acting more indifferent rather than getting angry or something. Yet another side of Potter revealed.
Even with Dumbledore dead, I like how he plays a major role in this particular book because we find about his past and it did surprise me he was once friends with Grindelwald. We do find out that he was using Harry as a tool, not because he wanted to, but he had to. It sucks but I think Harry understood that it had to be that way. Coincidence how he once lived at Godric's Hollow.
Bathilda as Nagini? WTF? I did not see that coming and if I have to say, I kind of thought that scene was really stupid and it wasn't necessary. Seriously...just no.
The doe! As much as I wanted it to be Draco (which would have been impossible anyway), I'm still glad that it was Snape. I love Snape and you will find out why.
Can I just say that Malfoy Manor is one of my favorite chapters? It's cruel, but it's realistic to Death Eater expectations. It really is a pity how greedy and selfish everyone was acting over Harry Potter and whether to get Voldemort or not; it shows how ignorant people really are because they want to show they are the best and they want to be to ones to take credit for anything and everything. I am sooo glad Draco didn't blow Harry's cover though, because he obviously knew it was Harry if he was with Hermione and Ron. Yay Draco!
Dooooooobbyyyy! OMG. So sad. He was always one of the favorite creature characters because he is so silly and loyal. I'm glad he had a proper burial and that he saved everyone's arse.
So the Gringott's chapter had a point but to an extent. Naturally it was going to be a diaster, and I already hated how Polyjuice Potion was so easily used for almost everything, when we learned in CoS that it takes at least a month to brew. Sure, we know that the stash got stolen but still...just gah. It irked me. All I can say is that we have a confirmation that Harry is in fact GAY: "He's not my type, but he'll do." So gay for Draco.
So...let's discuss what's really important: Hogwarts. Yes, because starting with Aberforth (who I've grown to like), I liked that he was always there in the books and finally speaks out in this last one. A bit more aggressive than Dumbledore but interesting that he had Sirius' mirror. And go figure with his goat Patronus.
Neville to the rescue and Neville kicking some arse was fantastic. And pulling out the Gryffindor Sword from a burning Sorting Hat to kill Nagini...even better. He could have been the Chosen One and I am so glad J.K. Rowling had him actually come face to face with Voldemort during this scene because it showed that a. he wasn't a coward and b. if he had to, he would actually fight. He was meant to be part of this war as much as Harry. And I loved how he was trying to bring the D.A. back. Nice.
Ravenclaw's diadem, eh? Funny how we still haven't seen Hufflepuff's common rooms, even up to this point when we get a peek into Ravenclaw's. And Harry using Unforgivables? Hmmm...I do wonder if it has to do with him using Draco's wand, theory which I will get back to later.
Room of Requirement: used for everything. As a safe place and for hidden things. And also for Draco to realize Harry is his one true match. Just kidding or not. Seriously though, I wasn't really into all the havoc going on in Hogwarts, with Voldemort making threats about getting Harry turned in by midnight, and then giving Harry another hour. That's stupid. And yeah, basically I liked how it was Harry, Ron and Hermione vs. Crabbe, Draco and Goyle. It makes sense because that's how it was since first year. We see another side of Draco losing his control over his friends, since he's always bossed them around before. And with Crabbe and Goyle trying to shoot Unforgivables and even the Killing Curse, it does suggest that they would be Death Eaters through and through. Though Draco uses Unforgivables, he knows better not to kill Harry, because that would be stupid on his part. I'm sorry, but I didn't feel bad for Crabbe dying. He used fucking fiendfyre and almost killed everyone anyway. I think I whooped for joy when Harry went to save Draco's life though. That was freaking epic and I'm debating if I should draw that scene out, even though people already have.
But for Harry to save his life twice...even better. I wibbled for Fred. May you rest in peace. I still cannot believe George lost his other half.
So...Snape-a-doodle. I loved the Prince's Tale. And I am so glad that Lily/Snape has become canon. I think it was sad but soo cute how they were once best friends...and how they knew each other since they were children. And for Lily to marry James...that must have broken Snape's heart. It really does make sense after reading about all the memories he gave to Harry for him to see. Snape not liking Harry because he acted like James...and he always had a grudge against him. But Harry has Lily's eyes and perhaps that reminded Snape that he had a job to do: to keep Harry safe in honor of Lily. He must have cared a lot if he went through all of Voldemort's shit, and as well as working for Dumbledore...I was sooooo right about him. And people kept telling me he was evil. Screw that. Severus Snape...please rest in peace. You did what you could.
So Harry going toward his death. Okay, so "I open to the close" is clever for Harry's Snitch, but to activate it because he knew was going to die is kind of lame. I'm sorry. I don't care it revealed the Resurrection Stone and brought the spirits of those he missed with him, but blah. And I was expecting him to die. No, I'm not being mean, it just made sense to me. I know the theory of Harry being a Horcrux hade floated around for a while, and for that to come true makes sense but I'm not happy with it. But it makes sense. I was just not sure about Harry seeing Dumbledore in his head and him being in this void...it reminds me too much of Supernatural when Dean is in his little void of becoming an angry spirit, like he's almost dead but he's not. And Sammy was dead but then he came back (though I love Dean and Sam, it works for them since they still have demons to hunt). But for Harry to come back to life...just meh. The way death is presented in the Harry Potter series as that to Supernatural differ a lot. People play with death in Supernatural because everyone is mortal, and immortality is the main focus in Harry Potter. I would have expected it from Voldemort and his Death Eaters to boast about coming back alive if they just died but for Harry to...even though he had no defenses...it's like he had the choice to come back alive when other other had to choose to go into an afterlife or to stay around as a ghost. I'm just not happy with that, and I know Voldemort killed the Horcrux part of Harry, which is why he still lived, but I don't know. I expected more from this scene. It was meager.
I think Narcissa made up for that though when she spared Harry, pretending he is dead. And I am pretty sure she knew Harry did something for Draco, like save his life, because Harry could have simply lied to her. And even better, to face Voldemort and tell him all about Snape and the Deathly Hallows. Voldemort was wrong about everything. And Draco had been the Master of the Elder Wand! Until Harry took it. I think right there has to be fate that it had to be Draco's wand that obeyed Harry and for Draco to be the one to pass the needed magic for Harry to be the Master of Death. I do like the whole concept and story, mot definitely.
I did not like how Voldemort died. MEAGERRRRRRR. It was so weak...and you would have though they could just duelled or something, like in GoF. Of course, I know that wasn't necessary but still, it would have been something. I think the most I got out of this scene was when Molly called Bellatrix a bitch and killed her. I laughed at that. Um yeah.
THE EPILOGUE DID NOT HAPPEN! I REPEAT: J.K. Rowling wanted to write fanfiction based off of her own story. I was planning to burn those pages out of my book, but that might just catch the whole book on fire, and the rest of the contents are too worthy to lose. Only really good codas to the epilogue will get me to be lenient toward Albus Severus/Scorpius, but still...EWWW. Booo. I still hate the names of everyone's children (except for Teddy Remus Lupin) and just wtf. Sooo fanfiction.
Okay. So those are probably the major points. I've taken a while to write this up I know, even though I had the book when I got back July 22 and finished by July 25. Hence, let Potterverse still live!
Overall, I liked this book. Of course, I wished J.K. Rowling could add more about the Horcrux adventures, but that would make the story very long-winded. I liked the beginning because we finally have Voldemort sitting down with his Death Eaters and actually planning something. We don't really get to see this too often, only from Harry's visions do we see Voldemort but he is usually torturing someone. And to find out that their quarters were at Malfoy Manor almost surprised me, except not. It made sense for Lucius to get in the game again, though with most fanfiction post-HBP, we've predicted that Draco is on the run or Narcissa is killed. I'm actually glad they both got a reprieve.
Having seven Harry Potters made me laugh out loud. It did suck Moody and Hedwig had to die so early in the book. Death Eaters are dangerous. I still don't approve of Harry/Ginny or Remus/Tonks. Harry's relationship with Ginny wasn't really much, and for him to keep thinking about her was very distracting. And for Remus and Tonks to have a freaking kid, then to name Harry godfather, and then for them to die in battle...almost seems to make sense, but not quite. At least little Teddy will get to know his gofather, unlike Harry.
The wedding was what I expected...typical...and I was actually kind of happy we got to finally meet Aunt Muriel! Ron always talks about her and wow...she can actually be a bitch who like to tell the truth. Gossiper, if you know what I mean. And for Viktor Krum to show up! Priceless! I think I was laughing when he couldn't get any hot babes.
I'm glad Grimmauld Place was used for a little bit. What especially touched me was Kreacher reforming his ways. I mean, we all knew about R.A.B. being Regulus but after hearing how Kreacher was wanted by Voldemort for services and then how he had to leave Regulus when he stole the locket...that was really sad. Regulus wasn't really evil, and he still died. I really liked how perfect Grimmauld Place could have been with Kreacher helping Harry, until he, Ron and Hermione couldn't go back there anymore.
The Deathly Hallows! How come Hermione and Ron are being stupid about those! We know the Lovegoods are a bit wacky, but it makes sooo much sense! Dumbledore left you that story for a reason, Hermione! Of course it means something! I cannot believe she was ignoring it when she's supposed to be smart! Thank you for Harry, who realized the Deathly Hallows actually exist. Hmmm...a cloak, stone and wand. The Invisibility Cloak is a big clue. Second time that no one believes Harry. Gods people, get a grip!
I cannot believe Ron ditched Harry and Hermione on their Horcrux journey though. I was actually pretty mad because he made Hermione go emo. And how could they expect Harry to know what to do if he had no idea where the Horcruxes are. We know Voldemort can be stupid, but he isn't that stupid if he split his soul. Interesting how Harry was acting more indifferent rather than getting angry or something. Yet another side of Potter revealed.
Even with Dumbledore dead, I like how he plays a major role in this particular book because we find about his past and it did surprise me he was once friends with Grindelwald. We do find out that he was using Harry as a tool, not because he wanted to, but he had to. It sucks but I think Harry understood that it had to be that way. Coincidence how he once lived at Godric's Hollow.
Bathilda as Nagini? WTF? I did not see that coming and if I have to say, I kind of thought that scene was really stupid and it wasn't necessary. Seriously...just no.
The doe! As much as I wanted it to be Draco (which would have been impossible anyway), I'm still glad that it was Snape. I love Snape and you will find out why.
Can I just say that Malfoy Manor is one of my favorite chapters? It's cruel, but it's realistic to Death Eater expectations. It really is a pity how greedy and selfish everyone was acting over Harry Potter and whether to get Voldemort or not; it shows how ignorant people really are because they want to show they are the best and they want to be to ones to take credit for anything and everything. I am sooo glad Draco didn't blow Harry's cover though, because he obviously knew it was Harry if he was with Hermione and Ron. Yay Draco!
Dooooooobbyyyy! OMG. So sad. He was always one of the favorite creature characters because he is so silly and loyal. I'm glad he had a proper burial and that he saved everyone's arse.
So the Gringott's chapter had a point but to an extent. Naturally it was going to be a diaster, and I already hated how Polyjuice Potion was so easily used for almost everything, when we learned in CoS that it takes at least a month to brew. Sure, we know that the stash got stolen but still...just gah. It irked me. All I can say is that we have a confirmation that Harry is in fact GAY: "He's not my type, but he'll do." So gay for Draco.
So...let's discuss what's really important: Hogwarts. Yes, because starting with Aberforth (who I've grown to like), I liked that he was always there in the books and finally speaks out in this last one. A bit more aggressive than Dumbledore but interesting that he had Sirius' mirror. And go figure with his goat Patronus.
Neville to the rescue and Neville kicking some arse was fantastic. And pulling out the Gryffindor Sword from a burning Sorting Hat to kill Nagini...even better. He could have been the Chosen One and I am so glad J.K. Rowling had him actually come face to face with Voldemort during this scene because it showed that a. he wasn't a coward and b. if he had to, he would actually fight. He was meant to be part of this war as much as Harry. And I loved how he was trying to bring the D.A. back. Nice.
Ravenclaw's diadem, eh? Funny how we still haven't seen Hufflepuff's common rooms, even up to this point when we get a peek into Ravenclaw's. And Harry using Unforgivables? Hmmm...I do wonder if it has to do with him using Draco's wand, theory which I will get back to later.
Room of Requirement: used for everything. As a safe place and for hidden things. And also for Draco to realize Harry is his one true match. Just kidding or not. Seriously though, I wasn't really into all the havoc going on in Hogwarts, with Voldemort making threats about getting Harry turned in by midnight, and then giving Harry another hour. That's stupid. And yeah, basically I liked how it was Harry, Ron and Hermione vs. Crabbe, Draco and Goyle. It makes sense because that's how it was since first year. We see another side of Draco losing his control over his friends, since he's always bossed them around before. And with Crabbe and Goyle trying to shoot Unforgivables and even the Killing Curse, it does suggest that they would be Death Eaters through and through. Though Draco uses Unforgivables, he knows better not to kill Harry, because that would be stupid on his part. I'm sorry, but I didn't feel bad for Crabbe dying. He used fucking fiendfyre and almost killed everyone anyway. I think I whooped for joy when Harry went to save Draco's life though. That was freaking epic and I'm debating if I should draw that scene out, even though people already have.
But for Harry to save his life twice...even better. I wibbled for Fred. May you rest in peace. I still cannot believe George lost his other half.
So...Snape-a-doodle. I loved the Prince's Tale. And I am so glad that Lily/Snape has become canon. I think it was sad but soo cute how they were once best friends...and how they knew each other since they were children. And for Lily to marry James...that must have broken Snape's heart. It really does make sense after reading about all the memories he gave to Harry for him to see. Snape not liking Harry because he acted like James...and he always had a grudge against him. But Harry has Lily's eyes and perhaps that reminded Snape that he had a job to do: to keep Harry safe in honor of Lily. He must have cared a lot if he went through all of Voldemort's shit, and as well as working for Dumbledore...I was sooooo right about him. And people kept telling me he was evil. Screw that. Severus Snape...please rest in peace. You did what you could.
So Harry going toward his death. Okay, so "I open to the close" is clever for Harry's Snitch, but to activate it because he knew was going to die is kind of lame. I'm sorry. I don't care it revealed the Resurrection Stone and brought the spirits of those he missed with him, but blah. And I was expecting him to die. No, I'm not being mean, it just made sense to me. I know the theory of Harry being a Horcrux hade floated around for a while, and for that to come true makes sense but I'm not happy with it. But it makes sense. I was just not sure about Harry seeing Dumbledore in his head and him being in this void...it reminds me too much of Supernatural when Dean is in his little void of becoming an angry spirit, like he's almost dead but he's not. And Sammy was dead but then he came back (though I love Dean and Sam, it works for them since they still have demons to hunt). But for Harry to come back to life...just meh. The way death is presented in the Harry Potter series as that to Supernatural differ a lot. People play with death in Supernatural because everyone is mortal, and immortality is the main focus in Harry Potter. I would have expected it from Voldemort and his Death Eaters to boast about coming back alive if they just died but for Harry to...even though he had no defenses...it's like he had the choice to come back alive when other other had to choose to go into an afterlife or to stay around as a ghost. I'm just not happy with that, and I know Voldemort killed the Horcrux part of Harry, which is why he still lived, but I don't know. I expected more from this scene. It was meager.
I think Narcissa made up for that though when she spared Harry, pretending he is dead. And I am pretty sure she knew Harry did something for Draco, like save his life, because Harry could have simply lied to her. And even better, to face Voldemort and tell him all about Snape and the Deathly Hallows. Voldemort was wrong about everything. And Draco had been the Master of the Elder Wand! Until Harry took it. I think right there has to be fate that it had to be Draco's wand that obeyed Harry and for Draco to be the one to pass the needed magic for Harry to be the Master of Death. I do like the whole concept and story, mot definitely.
I did not like how Voldemort died. MEAGERRRRRRR. It was so weak...and you would have though they could just duelled or something, like in GoF. Of course, I know that wasn't necessary but still, it would have been something. I think the most I got out of this scene was when Molly called Bellatrix a bitch and killed her. I laughed at that. Um yeah.
THE EPILOGUE DID NOT HAPPEN! I REPEAT: J.K. Rowling wanted to write fanfiction based off of her own story. I was planning to burn those pages out of my book, but that might just catch the whole book on fire, and the rest of the contents are too worthy to lose. Only really good codas to the epilogue will get me to be lenient toward Albus Severus/Scorpius, but still...EWWW. Booo. I still hate the names of everyone's children (except for Teddy Remus Lupin) and just wtf. Sooo fanfiction.
Okay. So those are probably the major points. I've taken a while to write this up I know, even though I had the book when I got back July 22 and finished by July 25. Hence, let Potterverse still live!