Fitting finale to the Potter series...
354388
Loved this final book in the series of Harry Potter. Great story from JKR. All the books were good, but the first and last were best...
4820260
This was a great read! My only regret is that I have finished it and there are no more. I had the good fortune to discover Ms. Harris and read her different book series after they had all been released and I am disappointed, having finished this one, that this is all there is for now. I was thrilled to have an expansion of Manfred's character as it is her characterization of him that I find most compelling. I must said that the anthropomorphism of the cat really threw me but in the end it was simply as camp as the rest of the book and added another character somehow comparable to the ones that had already been developed in this tiny town. This is a book that anyone at any age level could read. Certainly ideal for Potter fans since it is built on strong and very different characters trying to find a safe haven.
1026239
I am a huge Harry Potter fan to say the least.  I have read the first four books five times each and I eagerly awaited the fifth book, showing up three hours early the night it was released.  While I am still just as much of a fan as I was before, I finished the fifth book feeling a little disappointed.
First of all, I thought the book was way too long.  Admittedly, the fourth book was also lengthy, but it was action-packed with the Quidditch World Cup, the Triwizard Tournament, and the return of Voldemort.  This new book was even longer, but with the exception of the end, I can't think of any really exciting things that happened.  It dealt a lot more with the emotions that Harry was feeling rather than his adventures that have hooked so many readers.
Secondly, I thought Harry seemed very dark and angry most of the book.  I know it was necessary to let the reader in on some of the things he was feeling, but not everything.  He yelled at Ron and Hermione a lot and fought with Cho several times.  While he was acting just like any other teenager, I didn't think he was the same as in the first four books.
Unlike some people, I don't think that J.K. Rowling has lost her stuff. I think that in the sixth and seventh books, all the loose ends from this book will be tied together.  I also hope there will be a good reason a main character had to die.
Even though it has its faults, this is still a wonderful book that you won't be able to put down.  As for me, I still love Harry Potter and I will be in line early to get my sixth book
2363817
loose end.  All tied together with the reader knowing he got his money's worth.

Can you imagine if JKR had ended the Potter series like Chase ended the Sopranos?  Harry and He Who Must Not Be Named face to face, you turn the page and.... it's blank.... flip the next five pages blank, blank, blank...

I can not be happier with this last book, best of the lot...

Now if only Harry had....
4706833
Jim Dale again provides a wonderful performance of the scores of characters populating the world of Harry Potter.  I am astonished by his skill at switching between multiple voices with only a couple rare lapses.  Anyone disappointed by the movies should consider listening to the audio books for a complete entertainment experience.

The 7th book is the finest of the series, and one of the best conclusions to any book series I have read.  I anticipated some surprises by the clues Rowling gave in previous books, but nothing was certain until it actually happened.  You will find surprises in volume 7!  There is lots of action and character development.  Rowling cleverly brings in nearly every living and dead character, creature, and herb that appeared in the previous books.

There are several messages to be found in the book.  I will only mention the one generally overlooked - that HISTORY MATTERS.  Such a message may be lost on the majority of people who only live in the moment, but understanding history is the key to understanding the people and problems we must deal with.  History also offers us choices, and an opportunity to repeat what worked and avoid what failed in the past.  Harry's success or failure ultimately depends upon his ability to learn from the history of the people and magic he is facing.  The conclusion of the story hinges upon the insight Harry can achieve.

I was surprised by an obvious gaff early in the book - Hermione says she modified her parents memories, then a few pages later, says she has never done a memory charm!

The middle section of the book has the characters on the run, and suffering through a painful period of personal growth.  Although essential, this is the least satisfying portion of the book.  Maybe an editor could have offered a few helpful suggestions.

The last section of the book is well constructed, even though complex and full of intense action on a grand scale. Rowling chose to edit heavily to keep the pace rapid. Yet, I would have liked more details, particularly about how some favorite characters died. Rowling admitted that she cried over some of these, and perhaps she was trying to spare the readers some of her own grief.

The final confrontation is immensely satisfying and seems flawless.  An epilog offers a comfortable close to the entire series.  Rowling leaves a feeling of completion, yet with the option to write more books if she decides to write again.
72103
I'm absolutelly delighted of the seven and final book. It gives all the answers of the previous books, has very good action, has some loses and overall is a worthy final of the previous six books. I hope Rowling will return in some years with another fascinating story. Very good indeed!
2786534
As the title says, this conclusion to the "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is easily the best of the five books.  There is more action, more conflict, more emotion, and more wit in this one then in the other four.  The tale of the Grace children comes to a close as they find themselves at the dump (AKA Mulgarath's palace) in hopes to save their mother.

As I hate people who put important plot points in their reviews and spoil the reading for others, I'll simply say that the action is top notch, but the climax ends a bit too swiftly, and the epilogue is touching, a bit sad, and quite uplifting.  Another good note is that all of our favorite faeries from the previous four books make their final appearance in this one.

8/10
2749337
After the sixth Harry Potter book left so many questions unanswered, I was worried that The Deathly Hallows would not provide the closure I would be looking for at the end of the series. However, I am 100% satisfied with how the book turned out. I have read and re-read every Harry Potter book several times, and am now looking forward to reading the whole series all over again! Although I feel this last book is enough- please JK ROWLING! WRITE ANOTHER BOOK!!! :) And for those of you who have for some reason or another, not read these books, I truly feel bad for you. You are missing out on life!!! JUST READ THEM!
3866125
"Reader and Ralynx" brings the focus of the Twelve Houses series back to it's roots: political manuevering, religious fanatacism, magic, romance, and the battle to preserve the kingdom. The original six main characters are in abundance, as well as the key supporters who have appeared throughout the series. In short, this book is a good finale to the series, but not a good choice to read independently.

Each book in this series has focused on one character of the original six more than the others. This book lets us see into Cammon; finally, Cammon develops into more than just the 'tag along little brother.' His growth in this book is fun and engaging. Cammon is the obvious choice as the focus character because his magical powers links him to his friends in a powerful, vivid, and emotional way. This allows the reader to feel more involved with all the characters despite the emphasis on Cammon's viewpoint.

The beginning of the book is a little slow for the reader familiar with the Twelve Housees series, as it reintroduces characters and plot points. I recognize that this is necessary background for the new reader but it was also a way to move back into the series after the sidelines of the last book, "Dark Moon Defender." Once the foundation is laid, however, the plot progresses at a reasonable pace for most of the book. The background offered in the book is not enough for the new reader to understand the intricacies of the characters and plot points, however.

My biggest criticism is that the ending of the book feels truncated and rushed compared to the rest of the series. That problem is why I've rated the book 4 stars. As a reader, I strongly dislike feeling rushed through the end of a book. Shinn does take great effort to tie up all the loose ends, though, even bringing in memorable but minor characters from the previous books.

As always, Shinn does a wonderful job working within the world of Gillengaria as laid out in the previous books. There are no crucial yet previously unknown facts about the world introduced to advance the plot. Her characters are endearing and entertaining, if a bit predictable. Overall, this book is a good ending to a very enjoyable series.

SPOILER ALERT

Aside from the rushed ending, I was disappointed by Shinn's approach to King Baryn. In previous novels, we have been able to read dialogue between the characters and the King. In this book the best offered is references to the king. Characters still meet and discuss problems with King Baryn but we don't get to experience this 'firsthand'. Making King Baryn more visible in this text would have gone a long way to further understanding several characters, their motives, and plot points surrounding King Baryn's death.
327516
How can you not love this book? If you are a fan of the earlier books in the series - stop reading this review, and go read the Deathly Hallows. This is the perfect conclusion to the series I grew up with, and any fan of mystery, adventure, loyalty, and magic will appreciate the incredible ending that J.K. Rowling has crafted.
1368499
The Harry Potter books were just beginning to gain momentum around the time I was learning how to read. As a kid I always had my nose in J.K. Rowling's latest masterpiece. I was elated to crack open the final novel of the series, but nervous that it wouldn't live up to my expectations. I was more than plesantly surprised to find that the story was beautifully written and creatively finished. Thank you J. K. Rowling for creating such a captivating series that greatly influenced my childhood.
2036217
For HP Lovecraft fans, this book had it all including a cameo appearance of the Lovecraft himself.  A very enjoyable and satisfying completion to this final book in the series.
3376613
I was enthralled with the final chapter in the Harry Potter saga.  J. K. Rowling finalized the Harry Potter novel in a royal manner.  I have enjoyed each of the Harry Potter novels, but this last novel was outstanding.  I was very pleased at the way J. K. Rowlings ended the series.  Perhaps a new series with the children of the earlier Harry Potter series???
4941248
Like other Harry Potter fans, I eagerly awaited this book with excitement. Having just finished it I have to say that it was a thoroughly great read, and the final chapters were captivating and emotional (I couldn't put it down!).  However my feeling was that it did not quite live up to its full potential.  There were many plot threads built up in the previous books which I felt should have continued or further explained in this one but weren't. New and interesting characters were introduced but never taken further (Rufus Scrimgeour, the new Minister of Magic for example) and some gaps in the storylines not fully accounted for (Dumbledore's injured hand for instance).  Unlike the earlier books (3 and 4 in particular and by far my favorites) this book failed to have the same caliber of clever plot twists and no satisfying conclusion. Each of the earlier books had their own separate story line and hence their own identity as an adventure, as well as continuing the overall plot of Harry versus Voldermort.  HBP left me with the feeling of it not being properly complete.  All this aside, and not wishing to sound entirely negative, it was still HUGELY enjoyable to read with some big surprises, although it did leave me feeling sad and empty due to the ending (enough said!). Also, I thought the final chapters could be rather scary for younger children.

 I still can't wait for the seventh and final book, and truly hope that JK Rowling can re-light the sparkle which was so thrilling in the first four books.
2723833
The fifth in the Potter series is by far the most complex in feeling and tone.  I do feel that 100 or so pages could have been omited, but when I was finished, I found myself wishing for 200 more.  I just hope that we aren't left too long without book 6.
In Book 5, there is a strong sense of family.  This is a story that really speaks to Harry's need for a family connection.  In the end, Harry finds out that family is more than one normally thinks and has truly matured.
Characters like Professor McGonnagill, Ginny, Fred, George, and especially Nevill shine in this story.  Harry's circle of friends grows and there are some glimpses of Harry's parrents as they were in their fifth year.  It's all quite facinating.
There are so many threads left dangling in this story that the next is sure to be great as well.  This whole series is well worth your time at any age.
2890778
This was, as said in the title an extremely worthy farewell to two amazing sets of characters. The story had a satisfying ending that will have me missing Carter, Sadie, Annabeth, and Percy, but will also help me to hold them in my memory as my favorite book series heroes, next to Harry Potter.
1741844
The final book was a good ending to the entire story - truths were revealed and climaxes were mounting all over the place! The tension ran high and there were several surprises that I wasn't expecting - ok, surprises are surprises, but WOW!

Overall the last book in this series was well done however the final truths seemed abit reaching and grasping for me. It was alittle like Rowling got to that point and had to really stretch it but it was ok.

I wish there were more...