Author: J.K. Rowling
Rating: 9/10
Genre: Fantasy; Young Adult
Disclaimer: I am aware of the situation with J.K. Rowling, but I believe in separating the art from the artist. Please respect that this is a review solely on the book.
Everything has been building up to this. Harry is leaving Privet Drive for the last time but he isn’t returning to Hogwarts. As the Wizarding World begins to collapse around him, he embarks on his final crusade in hopes of ending it once and for all.
“Neither can live while the other survives, and one of us is about to leave for good…”
I have finished the last book and consequently, I have also finished the series. Let me begin with my review for the last book itself.
The book was out of the familiar backdrop of Hogwarts, and I did not have a clue on where the story was going to go. However, it seemed our characters were to embark on a quest, and I love a good quest. I was surprised by how spontaneous the book felt. I really liked how we were as clueless as the characters, how excitement would build only for us to hit a wall, how at one point in the book, I felt as hopeless and discouraged as our characters surely had been.
Something I want to bring up is our characters’ dynamic. Harry suffered two very personal losses and we can see him going through the stages of grief for each and how different yet special each relationship was for him. I also enjoyed watching how, as Harry grows up and matures, we can see a distinct change in his interactions and relationships with many other characters.
The characters of this series absolutely made the story. They all have unique arcs, flaws, strengths. They were truly unforgettable. Needless to say, the stakes were very high in this book, and watching our beloved characters put their lives on the line had me on the edge of my seat. The deaths (as to be expected) broke my heart.
On the topic of characters, in the last book we delved into Voldemort’s past but in this one, we are slowly piecing together Dumbledore’s. Firstly, I love that we get so much insight into the pasts of so many characters (Voldemort, Dumbledore, The Marauders etc.) so that we understand how it all led up to the present day events. Secondly, I also really like how Dumbledore was not kept on a pedestal, but instead his story really discussed how everyone had faults and flaws, and how one can always grow and become a better person.
My main criticism for this book is that personally, I felt that the redemption arcs could have been better executed. But unless I nitpick, I find that this book, and the series as a whole, is virtually perfect (in their own ways of course).
Everything comes full circle in this book–all loose ends are tied, every mystery and question we encountered are answered. It is also extremely satisfying to see things that we have been introduced to (characters, magical objects etc.) come into play as we near the end.
I don’t think I need to say it, but Harry Potter has become one of my favourite series of all time. Past me would have never believed it. I opened the first book as a skeptic and fully expected to find it overrated.
Arguably, the most extraordinary thing about this series is that we get to follow the growth of so many characters. We not only get to see how they have grown due to the hardships they are made to endure, but also how they mature and change as life takes its natural course. It is also very fun to see them go from blundering children to competent wizards. They have come such a long way and their growth is evident.
The Wizarding World is absolutely extraordinary, it is one of the most well-built magic systems and universes I have ever read. You come to know this world right beside Harry Potter and just like that, you feel like you’ve known it all your life. It is original and feels like a fully functional society you could live in.
Another reason why this series is phenomenal is the attention to details. All the characters, the world, the plot; they are so elaborate and complicated. The series portrayed the complexity of life and people exceptionally.
Everything felt so, for want of a better word, real.
Something else I want to add is about the lessons and takeaways in this series. I loved how there were very simple and elementary ones, but also many deep and untapped feelings, thoughts and lessons. All of them were very powerful in their own way.
Lastly, I might have only started this series for the first time in my teens, but after that first book, opening the next one immediately hits me with a sense of nostalgia. The humour, the atmosphere, the writing etc. are all unmatched for me, and will be for years to come.
This series is one of a kind. It deserves all the hype and its place as a classic. I am so glad to be finally a part of the fandom. It has truly been a magical experience.
Reviewed by: N.G.Rainwater (1st Reading)
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