Of course, by JK Rowling.
The 7th and final book in this fantastic series, published this year. Jeff & I both read all of these books and now it has sadly come to a conclusion. Harry is in the 7th and final year of his school, a 17 year-old. It's another long one, 759 pages, but as all her books read, it moves fast and has fairly large print. I read it in just a week (would have finished sooner, but the damn job gets in the way).
I had much anticipation in this one due to all the hype in the media and marketing about it being the last one and a major character is going to die. Disclaimer, spoiler alert for those who haven't read it yet, stop reading now/here. I was under the assumption that it would be either Harry, Hermione or Ron that would die, but it wasn't any of them. Yes, someone dies, but certainly no one of significance. Yet, if you read it another way, I guess one could say that it is true afterall... Harry briefly meets his death towards the end and then miraculously and magically comes back to life. So in essence, the most major character of all does indeed die (albeit ever so briefly).
This is the 1st time in all of the books that the plot mostly takes place outside of the famed Hogwarts School of Wizardry. Instead, we find ourselves immersed in and around London and other towns of England. Past confusion is explained and revelations astound my mind. I enjoyed learning in depth about Dumbledore's youth and sensational secrets in his past.
I was let down, not so much in the quality of the novel (excellent, exciting, a sure thrill ride as always), but more in knowing that this was to be the final story. Alas, no more books on Potter and his wild, dangerous, magical adventures. This chapter in Harry's life concludes the story telling and we see him years later all grown up with children of his own. Like all the books, good conquers evil in the end. As it should be.
Now Rowling has a recently published manuscript of fairytales. You probably read about them and the fact that only 7 were printed. One of those was just auctioned off for a hefty fee. This author continues to astound and amaze me in her creativity and wonderful writing. She's just my age but is worth more than the queen herself.
As always, can't wait to see this movie. Still haven't seen the 5th one.
