Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a 2007 fantasy novel written by J. K. Rowling, published by Bloomsbury Publishing, Scholastic, and Raincoast Books.  Set as the seventh and final novel of the Harry Potter series, the book follows Harry, Ron, and Hermione who are searching for Horcruxes and the Deathly Hallows while evading capture by Voldemort’s Death Eaters and his follows.

Positives:

• Great writing
• Great, well-writing characters
• Good, complex story
• Good pace
• Great suspense
• Great undertones
• Great worldbuilding

Negatives:

• n/a

Plot:  The majority of the story follows Harry, Ron, and Hermione who are searching for Horcruxes and the Deathly Hallows while evading capture by Voldemort’s Death Eaters and his follows. The final act focuses on the war between Voldemort’s forces and the forces of Hogwarts and the final confrontation between the wizards Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort.

The story has deep twists and turns especially when it comes to the characters of Voldemort, Dumbledore, and Snape and how the choices of these three men have not only shaped Harry’s life but that of the wizarding world. The buildup is definitely worth the read as many of the plots of previous books are wrapped up.  The ending is epic but it comes to a satisfying conclusion.

Also, the plot with Harry, Ron, and Hermoine does a great job of fleshing out the trio’s relationship, the burden of being Harry as well as his friends.  It’s great exploring their character development.  Like when the evil locket’s influence leads to Ron abandoning Harry and Hermione.

Loved the subplot of Harry learning more about Dumbledore’s past and those close to him.  There are several moments Harry is frustrated at Dumbledore’s choices that have helped develop Harry as well as put him in danger.

The hunt for the Horcruxes goes at a slow pace but again fleshes out the good moments and tragic moments between the main characters as well as showing them all dealing with the influence of the horcruxes.  There is a lot of suspense with many of their close calls.

The story is just awesome.  (4 out of 5)

Characters: Rowling does a fantastic job with the main characters who’re just brilliantly written.  Even the supporting cast is just brilliantly fleshed out, feeling just as important as the main characters.

Although the book focuses on more characters, the bulk of it focuses on Harry Potter, Ronald Weasley, and Hermione Granger.  I really loved the relationship between the three which the series has done a great job of developing to this point.  Harry is dealing with the Horcruxes which are affecting him similar in the way the One Ring affected Frodo towards the end of the Lord of the Ring series.

Voldermort is of course, the main antagonist, and the he’s pretty damn badass.  All of the buildup around the character and he just brings a commanding presence to his scenes.  His enemies fear him, his followers and allies fear him, and it’s pretty clear why.

The other characters are just great (both good and bad) and their contributions to the story just give it so much depth. However, like Game of Thrones, many memorable characters do die.  Hats off to Remus Lupin, Numphadora Tonks, Dobby, Bellatrix Lestrange, and “Mad-Eye” Moody to name a few.

Snape and Dumbledore honestly did surprise me, especially with how much their decisions influence Harry’s life.  That and ultimately their sacrifices.  I’m glad we’ve gotten exposition on Dumbledore’s character because it does show him as a human rather than the perfect holy wise man he’s portrayed as in the previous books.

Thumbs up to the characters and how great they are. (5 out of 5)

Writing:  Thumbs up to J. K. Rowling for delivering an awesome reading experience and a great conclusion to a great series.  The worldbuilding is solid, especially since we get to revisit several locations from the previous books.  The characterization is strong and the storytelling exceptional.

The story is an adventure but it’s the dramatic moments, the humorous moments, the tragic moments that make the story pretty deep and engaging.  I just love the tension and how well it’s maintained.  Harry, Hermoine, and Ron have a ton of close calls and with the upcoming climatic battle, the suspense just keeps building and building.

The Harry Potter books have always had deep messages but none are more prevalent than in this one.  Death, friendship, and hope are all reoccurring themes in the books and are great for young adults and a maturing audiences.

I liked the idea behind the Horcruxes and the Deathly Hallows.  Yes, they are important to the plot but the writing is balanced enough to make the story and characters just as important.  The writing is pretty damn good and highly enjoyable.  (4 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is not only a great book but an awesome conclusion to a great series.  There is little in the way of negatives to actually point out just adding to the highly enjoyable reading experience.  Rowling has definitely out done herself with this great sendoff.  The characters are freakin awesome, the story well-paced, suspense, and engaging, the writing is pretty solid, and the worldbuilding is managed with great care.  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows gets 5 out of 5.  This book definitely comes as a high recommendation for readers of all ages.