Year six at hogwarts, and the darkness is steadily growing as He Who Must Not Be Named spreads his influence ever wider in the wizarding world. His powers fully returned, he wages war in both the world of wizardry and the world of muggles. Meanwhile, Harry has matured considerably, and has come to quietly accept his fate as Voldemort’s nemesis. He attempts to live his life as normal as possible, whilst ever aware that the final confrontation lies ahead.The sixth novel in the Harry Potter is series opens on a very ominous note, and maintains an air of danger throughout, as the mystery of Voldemorts origins becomes ever clearer to Harry.Rowling has met and lived up to the enormous demand laid on her work with seeming ease, and met the expectations of fans of her meticulously created universe.The book is significantly darker than the previous novels, keeping with the concept that each book grows in maturity with its main character. Though in this one there is a noticable shift in tone.For a great deal of the tale, we are given insight into the dark past on Voldemort. Our understanding of this previously mysterious figure is deepened greatly, as events at Hogwarts are almost rushed over by Rowling.
She clearly realises that the time has come to make the dangers that lie ahead much more palpable, and has succesfully managed to breath new life into a world that some may argue was becoming overfamiliar.Where this book, and the Harry Potter novels, finally lay down the gauntlet is during the final 250 pages, ( dont worry, no secrets will be revealed here). The finale is a blistering, terrifying and shocking read, and is easily the best work Rowling has ever produced. There's real power in the final scenes, and perhaps a desire by Rowling to extend her universe beyond the confines of Hogwarts. No character is unchanged by the war that they have found themselves consumed by. It's a stark, beautiful and mature close to a wholly satisfying novel.Read it, be immersed by it, shed a few bitter tears, and salivate at what wonders and terrors may lie ahead for The Boy Who Lived.