Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter, #7)

"Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love."

[Click here to read my reviews of book 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, book 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, book 3: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, book 4: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, book 5: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, & book 6: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince]

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final installment in the seven part book series by J.K. Rowling, brings us the conclusion of the tale of Harry Potter. Everything has been leading up to this. Every one of Harry's victories and every one of his losses -- all of them brought him to this point.

Opening upon the summer of the year that was meant to be Harry's final term at Hogwarts, we find the wizarding world in chaos. Voldemort has taken control of the Ministry of Magic, everyone that Harry loves is in danger, and Voldemort's bloodlust grows ever stronger.

On a mission to find the horcruxes (bits of Voldemort's soul) that keep said evil wizard alive, he is joined by Ron and Hermoine; but the mission is not as straightforward as it seems. Fraught with danger on all sides, the trio has to continue on what little information they have, leaning on the strength of their bonds to help them through the obstacles that wish to destroy them. Their friendship will be tested, their perseverance strained, and they will feel more pain than they have ever before experienced.

A darker and more perilous tale than any of its predecessors, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will have the reader on the edge of their seat, praying for Harry's triumphant survival; but one doesn't always get all they wish.

In testament to having finished the series and having loved every single moment of it, I've decided to close out this post with a quote, not from the book, but from the movie from the book. One couldn't possibly put in better words the beauty of J.K. Rowlings work than Dumbledore himself when he says:

"Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic."

Rating: ★★★★★