Rowling’s books have definitely changed over time. In the first four, there was a usually a quest, challenge, etc. that Harry spent most of the book overcoming. As we’ll see when the movie comes out in November, Harry spends most of his time in “The Goblet of Fire” (#4) trying to win the Tri-Wizard Tournament. In books five (”Order of the Phoenix“) and six (”Half-Blood Prince”), Harry is less driven by a specific quest and more by his desire to find out why his life is intertwined with Voldemort’s.

I found book five on the low end of enjoyable. Book six however is a whole lot better. For one thing Rowling doesn’t bother us with a character like Umbrage (who serves as Harry’s temporary nemesis in book five). In “The Half-Blood Prince” we’re dealing with the old favorites: Harry & his friends, Dumbledore, Malfoy, Snape, the Weazleys, etc. At the same time we learn more about each of them, thus strengthening the characters.

Another improvement is that the action’s just better in book six, which doesn’t potter along (pun intended :-) as much as its predecessor. We’re thankfully not treated to a non-stop set of magic battles but when action does occur, it’s a lot more meaningful to the outcome of the series’ tapestry. The different strands of this story are woven together more deftly.

Jim Dale’s narration is great. His voices are still spot on and he conveys the emotions of each character very effectively. This is the first of Rowling’s books that I’ve regretted coming to the end of… I want to know what happens next… NOW! :-)

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Other books by the same author: