Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows - WITH SPOILERS

[gauchogolfer]

Did anyone else have to re-read that section? I think the casualness and awkwardness with which that was written and we learned about those two...it felt like an editing mistake?

I agree. I felt that after having invested that much in them, to have them be 'cast aside' like that seemed callous.

One more comment:
I like the way that Kreacher came around to be on the 'good side'. I thought that the way she had Harry bridging the divide between wizards, elves, and goblins was well done.

 

[AlBDamned]

One more comment:
I like the way that Kreacher came around to be on the 'good side'. I thought that the way she had Harry bridging the divide between wizards, elves, and goblins was well done.

Yeah me too, and him charging at the end was amusing. Shame about Dobby.

 

[gauchogolfer]

Yeah me too, and him charging at the end was amusing. Shame about Dobby.

You really ought to put things like that invisible, I think...even though the thread title obviously says SPOILER someone will likely complain.

 

[paleck]

Read it in 8 hours, just finished actually. I think i will probably read it again and think things over before I start posting my thoughts.

Unfortunately for me I had a headache for most of it and I don't think I could do it justice since I was somewhat distracted by the headache.

 

[AlBDamned]

You really ought to put things like that invisible, I think...even though the thread title obviously says SPOILER someone will likely complain.

Yeah you're right. Originally all the outcomes were on the first page but they've since been made white too

 

[question fear]

I loved it. I was really worried I would be disappointed with the ending, but it was awesome. I think having a happy ending was exactly what was needed for a kids book. This was all along a book about a boy who could save the world, so having there be an unhappy ending in a meaningful way (losing Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, Hagrid for example, would have taken away from the triumph. I thought she did a great job of choosing characters that really hurt when they died but did not diminish that Harry still had people who loved, supported, and fought with him even after the battle was won. One thing that confused me: Why did the wand choose Draco? Because he was trying to kill Dumbledore so he was the closest to having "won" it in battle? It's been a long time since I read book 6, and by the time I got to the dumbledore discussion in book 7 i just wanted to get to the final battle. can anyone clarify? Thanks.

 

[kretzy]

I finished reading it a couple of hours ago and I absolutely loved it. It was epic, emotional, and tied things up nicely. J.K. really did a brilliant job with it.

I loved that it got straight into the action of him escaping from Privet Drive and I thought the way she dealt with the parting from the Dursleys very well. It was nice to see them finally feeling something other than hate towards Harry.

I didn't find the time they were on the run to drag at all and I was pretty shocked when Ron up and left and I was a bit surprised Hermione didn't go with him. I would like to know however, how they managed to think of enough locations to aparate to everyday.

I thought the inclusion of Dumbledore's past and all of the stuff about the Hallows was very interesting and unexpected - it really added another element to the plot.

The part in the Room of Requirement where characters from all the books came to join the fight was great, especially when Percy showed up. It was also good to hear that Ginny, Neville and Luna had kept the resistance going at Hogwarts. The fight between Bellatrix and Mrs Weasley was also a highlight I thought. It was sad that so many great characters died but a good story needs that kind of loss to really create emotion

Snapes vindication was well handled, though I thought it was fairly predictable. The only part about it that was surprising was that of Snape's long love of Lily Potter.

The finish between Harry and Voldemort was unexpected, I really just thought it would be a matter of one killing the other - the whole "heaven" scene was a nice way to tie things up with Dumbledore.

When I saw there was an Epilogue my initial predictions were that Hermione would be Headmistress at Hogwarts, Harry an Auror and Ron doing something at the Ministry. I was fairly certain they'd all get married to the people they'd hooked up with back in the Hogwarts days. I was happy Malfoy was at the Hogwarts Express too.


I could probably go on but I'll shut up for now.

All in all, easily one of the best series of books I've ever read.

 

[Blue Velvet]

I've never read of the Harry Potter books and have only seen two of the films... the first one and either the second or third, I forget which. In the films, I've mostly enjoyed seeing the parts played by some of the most respected British actors of our times.

Anyway, I was wondering what others who have read this last book think about what kind of film it would make, and what things they'd keep or discard from the eventual film?

 

[kretzy]

I've never read of the Harry Potter books and have only seen two of the films... the first one and either the second or third, I forget which. In the films, I've mostly enjoyed seeing the parts played by some of the most respected British actors of our times.

If you enjoyed the first two movies, then I recommend you see the rest of them - they've improved vastly with age. If the first two hadn't had the many British actors in them, who played their roles brilliantly, the movies would have been truly terrible. Maggie Smith really is the perfect McGonagall and I imagine her when I read the books.

Anyway, I was wondering what others who have read this last book think about what kind of film it would make, and what things they'd keep or discard from the eventual film?

It should make for an excellent film in my opinion. The plot is fast moving and should adapt to a screenplay well. The only part I think they might accelerate is when the three main characters are on the run during the middle of the story. Obviously they'll have to leave the important expositional moments as they all tie together at the end of the story.

There should be plenty of opportunities for the actors to take their characters to different/new levels and create some very exciting/emotional moments.

I've never really been a fan of the films until the most recent one - the actors seem to have found their characters and the writers/directors have worked out what to include/exclude.

 

[BoyBach]

I finished it last night:

The book was really good right up to the last three chapters. Why didn't see kill Harry? A cop out methinks. But still, I really enjoyed the read, not full of pointless filler like the previous two instalments.

/

 

[jng]

I finished it last night:

The book was really good right up to the last three chapters. Why didn't see kill Harry? A cop out methinks. But still, I really enjoyed the read, not full of pointless filler like the previous two instalments.

/

It's a children's book! Plus, I think that the way Rowling wrote it, Harry didn't need to die. And I had forgot about the 7th Horcrux, Voledmort coming back with his blood, etc. So it made sense that Harry would die, but also come back.

I really enjoyed it and definitely one of my favorites and I'm glad Snape was vindicated. I hated him for killing Dumbledore back in book 6, but at the same time, I just felt really bad for him for the stuff that James Potter et. al. did.


I think the last book would make a great movie, but withou the epilogue. Epilogues in movies are usually very cheesy for me.

Agreed, I would speed up the middle.

My favorite line in the book:

"Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean it is not real?"

I usually hate afterlife/limbo stuff in media, especially tv and film. But that line, was just brilliant in my opinion. And I'd love to see this scene.


Anyone else sad that it's over? No more books to stand in line for....

 

[BoyBach]

I'm just upset about Harry not dying because my theory was: Harry dies and is 'reunited' with all those he loved in the 'afterworld'. Wrong again!

I agree that, in the right hands, it would make a great film. I vote for either bringing back Alfonso Cuarón or giving it to Guillermo del Toro for the series finale. It would be a bit of a draining experience by it's finish though, what with all the running and hiding and fighting and killing.

Anyone else sad that it's over? No more books to stand in line for....

Absolutely. What's the next 'children's' book/series that a 28 year old can read with out being ridiculed?

 

[devilot]

Finished the book last night...

I enjoyed it. I read some of the previous books more than four times through but book six? Barely got through that one once.

Thoroughly enjoyed this last book. Wish it wasn't all that's left but at the same time, realize that it's for the best as it can't really be dragged on more, no?

I'm just upset about Harry not dying because my theory was: Harry dies and is 'reunited' with all those he loved in the 'afterworld'. Wrong again!

Eh. I think you're missing one of the major points of these books in thinking that. Throughout these books, Harry & Co. have realized that there are so many loved ones all around them. That some have "moved on" but that their presence is still felt. That even if others have died, there are still those in the present who care about them. And that death is just a natural progression after the known waking life.

Besides, it's not like HP won't eventually die and be reunited w/ the loved ones who are already gone.

 

[jsw]

I agree that the middle was slow. But the ending chapters were exceptional. It's now my favorite of the seven.

"NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!" Ah, Mrs. Weasley, I always knew you had it in you.

 

[Applespider]

Anyway, I was wondering what others who have read this last book think about what kind of film it would make, and what things they'd keep or discard from the eventual film?

There are scenes in this book which seem to be almost written with the big screen in mind. The multiple Harrys leaving Privet Drive being chased by Death Eaters should be quite impressive. And the final fight at Hogwarts will be spectacular. I'm guessing they'll miss out chunks of hanging around Grimmauld Place and camping round Britain. I'm also guessing the bit with Bathilda Bagshot might not make it in. The interesting thing will be seeing how they handle all the bits of the book which were written as Harry seeing into Voldemort's mind.

"NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!" Ah, Mrs. Weasley, I always knew you had it in you.

Yeah... Loved that!

 

[Cleverboy]

I was surprised (almost shocked) by the amount of swaring in the book. I mean, she was well provoked, considering what happened, but when Molly Weasley called Bellatrix La Stronge a "BITCH", and words like "BASTARD", "HELL" and "EFFIN" are being tossed around left and right... it was kind of a significant loss of innocence for the series for me I think.

Unlike (apparently) a number of people, I stopped reading all random threads on Harry Potter after finding out the leaks were in full-effect. Anyone else who didn't do so, I feel bad for them... 'cause that was askin' to be spoiled. One radio show host actually started reading a copy of the book on the air (like an IDIOT) and sounded mortified when the callers started freaking out and calling in furiously angry. Now I get to traipse around looking fro spoiler threads and seeing what details people are picking through.

I had all of one death "spoiled" for me, but I was pretty sure it was going to happen anyway, so I treated it like a solid rumor. Overall, nice. Proper and fitting end to the series. I missed a few deaths in review... so I have to recheck it. God bless audiobooks. Busy, busy.

~ CB

 

[kretzy]

I was surprised (almost shocked) by the amount of swaring in the book. I mean, she was well provoked, considering what happened, but when Molly Weasley called Bellatrix La Stronge a "BITCH", and words like "BASTARD", "HELL" and "EFFIN" are being tossed around left and right... it was kind of a significant loss of innocence for the series for me I think.

That sort of language didn't really bother me and I don't think it detracted from the book in any way - I think it added to the drama. Also you have to remember the characters have well and truly "grown up" and like most grown ups they swear when they're angry. Plus that selection of words isn't that bad - nothing you wouldn't hear on the street.

 

[iRachel]

Finally finished it. (Had to work late last night, which slowed me down considerably). On the whole, I enjoyed it.

Two things disappointed me, though:

I was a little disappointed in the epilogue. I liked what was there, but I would liked to have known more. For instance, is Harry an Auror? What are Ron, Hermione, and Ginnys' jobs? What is Luna up to? Is McGonagall the headmistress at Hogwarts?

Secondly, over the years, I think that Hogwarts has been a character all its own - Rowling describes the place with such careful detail, that I've come to love it as much as the human characters - and I was disappointed (though not necessarily surprised) that they spent so little time there in this book.

 

[FredAkbar]

One thing that confused me: Why did the wand choose Draco? Because he was trying to kill Dumbledore so he was the closest to having "won" it in battle? It's been a long time since I read book 6, and by the time I got to the dumbledore discussion in book 7 i just wanted to get to the final battle. can anyone clarify? Thanks.

Yeah, I think this was mentioned at the end though I don't quite recall. Draco disarmed Dumbledore on top of the tower, so it was he, really, who won Dumbledore's wand from him.

 

[Cleverboy]

I finished it last night:

The book was really good right up to the last three chapters. Why didn't see kill Harry? A cop out methinks. But still, I really enjoyed the read, not full of pointless filler like the previous two instalments.

/

Meh... called "The Boy Who Lived", not "The Boy Who Gets SERVED".

Here are my TOTALLY UNEDITTED off the cuff, unresearched, non-spell checked, highly incomplete list of major spoilers...

LIST OF DEATHS and HOW IT HAPPENED / BY WHO?:
* The Sorting Hat / Set on Fire / Voldemort
* Nagini / Decapitated / Neville Longbottom
* Voldemort - Tom Molvolo Riddle / Backfired Avada Cadavre / Harry Potter
* Fred Weasley / Blowed up / Unidentified
* Bellatrix La Strong / Duel / Molly Weasely
* Dobby the Elf / Impaled / Bellatrix La Strong
* Colin Creevy / Mortally Wounded / Unknown
* Mad-Eye Moony / Shot while wandless / Deatheater
* Remus Lupin / ? / ? - need re-read
* Nymphadora Tonks / ? / ? - need re-read
* Severus Snape / Nagini bite / Voldemort
* Hedwig / Blasted / Deatheater (?)
* Crabbe / Fiendfyre / Cast by himself

LIST OF 6 HORCRUXES / HOUSE / LOCATION / DESTROYED / BY Who?:
* Nagini / (no house) / Next to Voldemort / Sword of Griffindore / Neville
* Ring / (no house) / Shack / Sword of Griffindore / Dumbledore
* Diary / (no house) / Chamber of Secrets / Bassalisk Fang / Harry
* Locket / (Slytheryn House) / Lake -> Grimmauld Place -> Ministry of Magic / Sword of Griffindore / Ron
* Diadem (Raven Claw House) / Room of Requirement / FiendFyre / Crabbe by accident
* Goblet/Badger (Hufflepuff House) / Gringots Bank / Bassalisk Fang / Hermione
* Harry Potter (Gryffendore House) / Forbidden Forest / Avada Cadavre / Voldemort

DEATHLY HALLOWS / Found where / Shape:
* Edler Wand -> Dumbledore's Tomb / Vertical Line
* Invisibility Cloak -> Harry Potter / Triangle
* Resurrection Stone -> Inside Horcrux Ring / Circle

LIST OF AFTER-DEATH RE-APPEARANCES/TALKING:
* Albus Dumbledore
* James Potter
* Lilly Potter
* Syrius Black

LIST OF IMPORTANT NEW CHARACTERS (actual roles):
* The Grey Lady (Raven Claw Ghost)
* Bloody Baron (Slytheryn Ghost)
* Aberforth Dumbledore
* Gellert Grindelwald
* Ariana Dumbledore
* Kendra Dumbledore
* Percival Dumbledore
LIST OF HOOK UPS (kisses+):
* Tonx & Remus
* Bill & Le Fleur
* Ron & Hermione
* Harry & Ginny

LIST OF AMBUSHES / By Who?:
* First trip with Order of the Phoenix / Deatheaters & Voldemort
* Visit to Dumbledore's friend, Godrick's Hollow / Nagini
* Weasley Wedding / Deatheaters
* Under bridge in tent / Snatch led by Fenria Greyack
* Hogwarts


LIST OF STORY SECRETS/SHOCKERS:
* Harry names his son after Snape (middle name)
* Wormtail's own hand kills him
* Ron wants to look out for welfare of elves
* Harry berates Lupin sending him running
* Snape loved Lilly Potter and his Patronis is hers
* Dumbledore was already dying, Snape following orders
* George loses ear, Fred loses life
* Percy changes sides late in the game
* Umbridge is back, uses Mad-Eye's eye in door
* Nothing bad came from reading Voldemort's mind
* Narsissa Malfoy lies to Voldemort ...and he doesn't KNOW


Only been through it once, and I'm not vested enough to be complete or entirely accurate. Thought someone might like the flawed spoiler "review" though. Stuff to think about and/or discuss.

~ CB

 

[Icebird]

One question. I finished the book... and am confused about where exactly Harry/Voldemort are on the cover and why are they both reaching to the sky?

I had assumed they were using some sort of wand-less magic, but this is obviously not the case...

And no way the Great Hall looks like that...

 

[iRachel]

And no way the Great Hall looks like that...

It could be -- doesn't book one say that the great hall ceiling is bewitched to look like the sky?

And Harry could be reaching for the elder wand as it is blasted from voldemort's hand?

Just a theory, but the only one I could come up with that makes sense...

 

[macmama]

Did anyone else have to re-read that section? I think the casualness and awkwardness with which that was written and we learned about those two...it felt like an editing mistake?

I didn't have to re-read it, but I have to say that nearly everything about those particular characters made pretty much no sense to me, since book 6. I'm not surprised to hear it came off like bad editing to you, AlBDamned.

 

[macmama]

I have to admit, one of the things that I didn't see coming was:

the fact that both Lupin and Tonks died, leaving behind an orphaned Teddy. I thought that at least one of them would have survived. It's fitting that Harry (being an orphan himself) made mention in the epilogue of taking him into the family.

Heh, I'll try to address this in non-spolier speak, gaucho!

I think the *only* purpose of that particular union of characters was to provide Harry with what it did in the end. I found it a disservice to the adult characters we're talking about, incidentally, as I used to enjoy them on their own in book five. Unfortunately, JKR displayed a penchant for pretty bland, definitely hetero-normative romantic unions in book 6, so none of the events surrounding those two came as a surprise to me in 7.

 

[edesignuk]

I'm so tempted to read your damn spoilers, but I will resist. I think.

I'm too lazy and hate reading, I'll be waiting a couple of years for the film.