Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2007) by J.K. Rowling

This review contains no spoilers.

Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived, is back for his 7th, and final, book in the wildly popular series by British author J.K. Rowling. He is once again accompanied in his adventures by Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, along with appearances by just about every character named in all the other Harry Potter books.

The story is woven with as much magic and excitement as any other Potter book, yet you can feel the tenseness throughout the narrative as Rowling leads us through to the final showdown between good and evil. We are breathlessly drug along from one narrow escape to another as Voldemort and his Death Eaters are on the hunt for Harry now that his slain mother's protective charm has broken on his 17th birthday. Harry, Hermione, and Ron embark on Dumbledore's final mission to locate and destroy Lord Voldemort's hidden Horcruxes, magical vessels containing portions of his very soul!

Rowling revisits many locales from previous books, as well as introducing new ones. Characters both loved and hated, old and new, are showcased. Many with unexpected surprises attached.

Deathly Hallows deftly slips all the disparate threads into a solid whole. Old questions and loose ends are wrapped up nicely, leaving the reader feeling satisfied, and quite possibly surprised.

The action is ramped up in this final book. Blood flows and bodies fall as the war against Lord Voldemort reaches a stunning peak. Never is it described for shock value, garishly or grotesquely, but some younger readers may be disquieted by the amount of violence and injury. I noticed more casual swearing in this outing than previous books, as well. Nothing excessive, and it is not jarring, though I could have done without a few of the "effing" comments. One notable line seems to be lifted directly from the movie Aliens. I actually laughed a bit at it. You'll know it when you see it.

Rowling has claimed that two important characters die in Deathly Hallows. This is true. Though more than two people die in the entire story. Some are expected, some are not. All have a bit of poignancy about them.

The book is a bittersweet ending to the Harry Potter saga. It leaves you fulfilled, yet sad at the series passing, much as you may be over several of the deaths in this book. Rowling has not ruled out the possibility of future adventures in the world of Wizards and Muggles, but I expect any such revisitation to be a few years coming.

Until then, we can look forward to two more movies, both of which should be mega-hits. Deathly Hallows almost seems as if it was written with the movie version in mind. You are sure to get that Big Screen feeling while reading this non-stop final adventure.

It is truly a magical experience!

I give Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows full marks; 5 of 5 Raivynns!

Raivynn Rating