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All rights reserved.Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling (2005)
Top Reviews
Harry Potter - you just can't get enough!
89 of 106 people found this review helpful.
What can I say? J.K. Rowling has outdone herself with the 6th book in the Harry Potter series. The 6th year at Hogwart's offers new plot twists that keep the reader asking such questions as "Is Snape on our side or isn't he?" "Will Ron and Hermione get together or won't they?" "Will Harry ever learn that he should tell Dumbledore EVERYTHING that happens to him??"
Ms. Rowling's genius for writing is particularly illuminated in this latest installation as we are given pieces to the puzzle that we’ve been working on for YEARS. She tickles your mind with crazy possibilities (could Neville Longbottom really play an important role in the fight against Voldemort?). She provides just enough tidbits for us to imagine how the big picture might really look. While the cast of characters is as familiar to us as the golden snitch is fast, Rowling starts to show us a greater depth and possibility in them that we haven't seen thus far (with the exception, perhaps, of Peeves the Poltergeist who continues with his usual antics).
All in all, I would rank this book my favorite in the Harry Potter series. While it spends perhaps too much time on "who likes who" (although as a teen, what other topic is there?), it is a very entertaining page turner. In the end, you are left with the feeling that Harry is more a young man than a boy - that in the much anticipated 7th and final book he is going to step into the role that Dumbledore has been preparing him for during his time at Hogwart's. The anticipation is killing me!!
Ms. Rowling's genius for writing is particularly illuminated in this latest installation as we are given pieces to the puzzle that we’ve been working on for YEARS. She tickles your mind with crazy possibilities (could Neville Longbottom really play an important role in the fight against Voldemort?). She provides just enough tidbits for us to imagine how the big picture might really look. While the cast of characters is as familiar to us as the golden snitch is fast, Rowling starts to show us a greater depth and possibility in them that we haven't seen thus far (with the exception, perhaps, of Peeves the Poltergeist who continues with his usual antics).
All in all, I would rank this book my favorite in the Harry Potter series. While it spends perhaps too much time on "who likes who" (although as a teen, what other topic is there?), it is a very entertaining page turner. In the end, you are left with the feeling that Harry is more a young man than a boy - that in the much anticipated 7th and final book he is going to step into the role that Dumbledore has been preparing him for during his time at Hogwart's. The anticipation is killing me!!
Review ID: 10000000000000343
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Much anticipated: Harry Potter lives up to the hypeReview created: 09/22/05
by:
51 of 66 people found this review helpful.
This much anticipated and long awaited book is the sixth in J.K. Rowling's series which have captured the imagination of children and adults alike across the globe. It's definitely worth the wait and is as engrossing as the five previous books in the series!
Now I'm not -- and my kids aren't ... yet perhaps ... -- like many of those other Harry Potter fans who dressed up and waited all night in front of some bookstore to buy this new installation. Rather, we bought it on eBay for 50% off and got it nearly as fast without the drama. Nonetheless, we've been drawn into the series in much the same way. I have a nine year old who has been listening to me read the books for the past few years and is just starting to read this latest edition on his own (although he has trouble with some sections, so it's probably still a bit ahead of his level). Rowling again delivers a lot of action, mystery, intrigue, and plenty of creativity to keep you turning quickly through the 675 or so pages.
"Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" is packed with twists and turns. It's definitely a good bit darker than the previous editions as it follows our favorite trio Harry, Ron and Hermione into their sixth year at Hogwarts Academy of Wizarding and witchcraft. While I don't want to give away any of the secrets, here's a quick synopsis. At age 16, our heroes have clearly entered adolesence where petulance and crushes abound. They have just finished their O.W.L.s (a smart play on the English O-Level exams which are sort of like pre-SATs in the US) and in addition to various romances are consumed with what careers they want to pursue upon finishing school. All the while, the wizarding world is in turmoil over the war with Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The central villain, who is also known as the DarkLord or "He who must not be named," is unquestionably alive again and is terrorizing both the wizarding and muggel/non-wizarding worlds. And Harry has gone from misunderstood and maligned teenager to the yound adult who may have been prophesized to bring balance.
There are also many of other villains inluding Harry's nemesis at Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy and his crew of bullies in Slytherin. In addition, Belatrix Lestrange and professor Snape (now a Death Eater again). And, there are also some new characters including new Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions teachers. In addition to many other twists and turns, one of the central characters dies in the end which is as surprising as it is sad. And at least so far in the series, this isn't one of those "supposed" deaths like Dumbeldore's "disasppearance" or Ron's Boggert-inspired imaginary death in previous editions.
The only drawback I can think of is that you might have to read the first five books before reading this sixth edition to fully get it. And what better way to get ready for the film version of Harry Potter four, "The Goblet of Fire" which will be in theaters in November than to read this final edition. It's a great read from start to finish and will be enjoyed by all.
Now I'm not -- and my kids aren't ... yet perhaps ... -- like many of those other Harry Potter fans who dressed up and waited all night in front of some bookstore to buy this new installation. Rather, we bought it on eBay for 50% off and got it nearly as fast without the drama. Nonetheless, we've been drawn into the series in much the same way. I have a nine year old who has been listening to me read the books for the past few years and is just starting to read this latest edition on his own (although he has trouble with some sections, so it's probably still a bit ahead of his level). Rowling again delivers a lot of action, mystery, intrigue, and plenty of creativity to keep you turning quickly through the 675 or so pages.
"Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince" is packed with twists and turns. It's definitely a good bit darker than the previous editions as it follows our favorite trio Harry, Ron and Hermione into their sixth year at Hogwarts Academy of Wizarding and witchcraft. While I don't want to give away any of the secrets, here's a quick synopsis. At age 16, our heroes have clearly entered adolesence where petulance and crushes abound. They have just finished their O.W.L.s (a smart play on the English O-Level exams which are sort of like pre-SATs in the US) and in addition to various romances are consumed with what careers they want to pursue upon finishing school. All the while, the wizarding world is in turmoil over the war with Voldemort and his Death Eaters. The central villain, who is also known as the DarkLord or "He who must not be named," is unquestionably alive again and is terrorizing both the wizarding and muggel/non-wizarding worlds. And Harry has gone from misunderstood and maligned teenager to the yound adult who may have been prophesized to bring balance.
There are also many of other villains inluding Harry's nemesis at Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy and his crew of bullies in Slytherin. In addition, Belatrix Lestrange and professor Snape (now a Death Eater again). And, there are also some new characters including new Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions teachers. In addition to many other twists and turns, one of the central characters dies in the end which is as surprising as it is sad. And at least so far in the series, this isn't one of those "supposed" deaths like Dumbeldore's "disasppearance" or Ron's Boggert-inspired imaginary death in previous editions.
The only drawback I can think of is that you might have to read the first five books before reading this sixth edition to fully get it. And what better way to get ready for the film version of Harry Potter four, "The Goblet of Fire" which will be in theaters in November than to read this final edition. It's a great read from start to finish and will be enjoyed by all.
Review ID: 10000000000000735
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Harry Potter and the Half Blood PrinceThe best book in the series by far. If you have not read the other books, please read the books. Don't go by the movies. They leave out some very important parts. The best and most overall entertaining book of them all. There is never a dull moment!
Review ID: 10000000007129876
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Fantastic Harry Potter bookReview created: 05/08/08
by:
Absolutely love the Series and had to buy this book to add to my collection.Once I started reading this book I just couldn't put it down. Highly recomend other readers to buy this book if they are Harry Potter fans.They will not be dissapointed they bought the book because I know I'm not.
Review ID: 10000000007076534
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceExcellent book. Easy to read for children and adults. Holds your interest, you don't want to put the book down. I read this entire book in 3 days. I am very excited to see the movie version of this book in a few years. All of the books in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling are excellent. I've purchased 2 complete sets of hard cover books, 1 set of soft cover books and 3 sets of collectable Harry Potter bookends to go with the books (to have on hand when I have grandchildren some day to share this wonderful experience with).
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ExcellentReview created: 04/09/08
by:
Book was like brand new! No tears, bends, or any signs of use at all. I bought the book for my wife who is a Harry Potter fan and had yet to purchase this book in the series. She is happy, so I am happy. Bought it for a little less than it would of cost in the store and it was shipped right away!
Review ID: 10000000006615996
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Beautiful 1st EditionReview created: 04/02/08
by:
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was a 1st Edition and in beautiful condition. Since the book was a gift, the condition of the book made it way much better and the fact that it was a 1st Edition was a bonus.
Review ID: 10000000006436485
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Very goodI bought the book 5 weeks ago. The seller is doing business for houset way. I am appreciated by their doing. Specially all has put the detail descrition of the book( What is the currently situation of the book) before selling.
Review ID: 10000000006419327
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Great Books!!Review created: 04/01/08
by:
I love the Harry Potter series. The vividness in which J.K. Rowling writes is unbelievable. You get pulled into the stories immediately and can't put the books down.
Review ID: 10000000006413843
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W.E.B. Griffin0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars Would be 4 stars if not a "Griffin" title, July 15, 2007
By Dennis R. Cohen (Sunnyvale, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
W.E.B. Griffin, if not my favorite author, is in a dead heat for the honor. Thus, I have certain expectations when picking up one of his titles and Double Agents just didn't meet those expectations. It was an "ok" book, but not up to the quality of any of the other titles in this series (and I bought the first four when they were paperback releases under the Alex Baldwin name) nor in any of his other excellent series. The pace was slow, the expected main and regular characters were conspicuous by their absence (no Bitter, no Fulmar, no Whittaker, no Douglass...) and Canidy didn't fill enough of the pages to make up for it. The Charity/Stevens/Niven... material would have been better as minor background fill -- it just didn't provide the punch expected from one of Griffin's books. Maybe his son just hasn't gotten into the swing of the series yet, but this book was shorter than most and still left the impression that a lot of the page count was wasted.
The above comments are relative to what I expect from a book with the name W.E.B. Griffin above the title. In the grand scheme of the few hundred books I read each year, this book was still above average.
3.0 out of 5 stars Would be 4 stars if not a "Griffin" title, July 15, 2007
By Dennis R. Cohen (Sunnyvale, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
W.E.B. Griffin, if not my favorite author, is in a dead heat for the honor. Thus, I have certain expectations when picking up one of his titles and Double Agents just didn't meet those expectations. It was an "ok" book, but not up to the quality of any of the other titles in this series (and I bought the first four when they were paperback releases under the Alex Baldwin name) nor in any of his other excellent series. The pace was slow, the expected main and regular characters were conspicuous by their absence (no Bitter, no Fulmar, no Whittaker, no Douglass...) and Canidy didn't fill enough of the pages to make up for it. The Charity/Stevens/Niven... material would have been better as minor background fill -- it just didn't provide the punch expected from one of Griffin's books. Maybe his son just hasn't gotten into the swing of the series yet, but this book was shorter than most and still left the impression that a lot of the page count was wasted.
The above comments are relative to what I expect from a book with the name W.E.B. Griffin above the title. In the grand scheme of the few hundred books I read each year, this book was still above average.
Review ID: 10000000006376851
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceThis is one of the best books yet.A must read for any Harry Potter fan.The book gives alot of valuable insight on the whole story.You get to learn alot about of some of the most important charectors in the Harry Potter story.The twist and turns in this book will keep you glued to every page and you will not want to put it down.
Review ID: 10000000006164510
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As all JK Rowling and Harry Potter books it isexcellentThe book arrived and is in very nice shape. I especially liked the quick shipping. I had already read the book but didn't own it - so couldn't wait to read it again.
Review ID: 10000000006070367
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another great bookI really enjoyed reading this book. It was very hard to put down and I looked forward tomy time to read it. It really kept me engaged and wanting to know what was going to happen next. Great book!
Review ID: 10000000005966062
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Harry Potter and the Half Blood PrinceThis book shows just how amazing J.K. Rowlings story telling abilities are. The amazing twists and turns--from Ron's first girlfriend to Draco finally living up to his parent's expectations are described in intricate detail so that you feel like you're really there in Hogwarts experiencing everything with Harry! Of course, as terrific as this book is, you can't even fully appreciate all of the details that Rowling slips in until you read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. After reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, you almost have to go back and reread this book in order to completely absorb some of the smaller, but very important references! One of the best books in the series in my opinion!!
Review ID: 10000000005945565
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Harry Potter and The Half Blood PrinceReview created: 03/03/08
by:
I bought this book because we have the hardcover copy of the other six Harry Potter books. The book itself, like all of the Harry Potter books, is awesome. It has a great plot and the characters rock. The only thing I dislike about this book is the fact that this copy does not have a separate dustcover; the picture that would be the dustcover on all the other books is the same as the cover of this book. It just looks a little different than our other copies.
Review ID: 10000000005925774
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Absolutley wonderful book- have reread it many times!Review created: 03/02/08
by:
J K Rowling has a unique ability to grab the reader and suck them in to this wonderful existence called Harry Potter. As a 30 year old woman I can't wait to pass these books down to my child and watch the wonder of that world take hold of her also. Would recommend to everyone that enjoys good literature.
Review ID: 10000000005904066
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My HarryReview created: 02/22/08(updated 02/22/08)
by:
I bought this book because it's the 6th in the series,and I have been waiting to continue Harry's story.
I have enjoyed the plots and twists in all that I have read so far. J. K. Rowling has done an excellent job in holding your attention. Once I start reading I can't put the book down.
I have enjoyed the plots and twists in all that I have read so far. J. K. Rowling has done an excellent job in holding your attention. Once I start reading I can't put the book down.
Review ID: 10000000005770542
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harry potter and the halfl-blood princeI love all the book of harry potter I needed this one to complete my collection I connect with Harry because I am a witch myself and the story is the best I have ever read and I have a lot of books about magick stories and this one is the best great job
Review ID: 10000000005654929
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J.K.Rawling book "Harry Potter " the half blood prince"Quality like new merchandise, priced right. Availibility for a 1st. printing copy... and I didn't have to go out in the snowy weather to get it... I buy quite a few books on e bay each month and have never had a problem with the quality or delivery...also titles I could never find locally or on subjects that our limited in their printings...Many top history books available. Anyone buying books should go to e bay 1st,. 2nd., and last...... It's book central for me and my family...
Review ID: 10000000005639592
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Excellent Customer ServiceUpon arrival the book did not meet my expectations of the condition posted. After one email, the seller tried to find me a replacement copy. Having no success in finding a replacement they gave me a full refund without even having go through the hassle and expense of returning the damaged book.
Review ID: 10000000005611866
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Great ReadReview created: 02/05/08
by:
calstate1girl ( 2 )
I was looking to complete my Harry Potter collection and I was finally able to do so. The only thing is that it did take some time to be delivered. But overall a good buy!!!
Review ID: 10000000005433545
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Excellent!Review created: 02/01/08
by:
I consider this far darker than Book 5. Things start to come together here and offer insite into Voldemort's world and reasoning. Losing some characters is sad yet understandable. Highly recommended instllment!
Review ID: 10000000005327836
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harry potterReview created: 01/10/08
by:
well, i got it for a gift and she loved it. of course she is a big harry potter fan as am i. if you like the movies you will love the book even more i know i did. what else can you say it's harry potter.
Review ID: 10000000005100471
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Nothing like a great book! 5/51 of 1 people found this review helpful.
The battle against Lord Voldemort is well underway. Rowling creates an interesting story line for Harry Potter's 5th year at Hogwarts.
The book starts off with a new Minister for Magic and an interesting conversation with the Muggle Prime Minister. After that the book just takes off!
After 5 books you finally get to see whose side Snape is really on! The only certain thing is that Severus Snape has a new job, he is the defense against the Dark Arts Teacher! So something has to happen before the end of the book as this position is well known to be cursed!
The story line concentrates on a number of angles, but never looses the true story line or flow of the book. You get to see private lessons between Dumbledore and Harry that provide lots of information on Voldemort. You get to see more about the "Teen Relationships" at Hogwarts and how the three main characters deal with them.
This is a great book. I'd highly recommend reading the entire series.
5/5
Latsyrhc
Tamarack Collectibles
The book starts off with a new Minister for Magic and an interesting conversation with the Muggle Prime Minister. After that the book just takes off!
After 5 books you finally get to see whose side Snape is really on! The only certain thing is that Severus Snape has a new job, he is the defense against the Dark Arts Teacher! So something has to happen before the end of the book as this position is well known to be cursed!
The story line concentrates on a number of angles, but never looses the true story line or flow of the book. You get to see private lessons between Dumbledore and Harry that provide lots of information on Voldemort. You get to see more about the "Teen Relationships" at Hogwarts and how the three main characters deal with them.
This is a great book. I'd highly recommend reading the entire series.
5/5
Latsyrhc
Tamarack Collectibles
Review ID: 10000000005035850
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Very AppropriateReview created: 12/14/07
by:
Idecided to buy this book to complete my collection. I absolutely love Harry Potter. This series is wonderful and it's truly a shame we don't have more heroic family based books. I could never dislike Harry Potter books in any ways except that their are not more.
Review ID: 10000000004864229
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FREE IPOD!Review created: 12/13/07
by:
brainstealer ( 0 )
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
Ok I just need 1 more person to complete an offer. I'll give 15$ on paypal to the next person who does it. Read below!
This is very EASY to do! It literally takes 10 minutes to setup. Simply follow the steps below. I promise you, this is 100% real. I will answer you on any question, just e-mail me! Here is what you do. Click on the link below, register, pick an account type (referral is the easiest) and complete just 1 offer (Very important that you complete the 1 offer otherwise your account will sit in limbo until you do).This is not like other sites where you need to complete one offer on 2 or 3 different pages!!! And a lot of these offers are FREE trials with nothing else to buy...No commitments!!!
There are plenty of cool offers to choose from such as Blockbuster online, Stamp.com, Netflix, Gamefly which are services you would regularly sign up for anyways and they're all secure networks, why not use them to get a free iPod or cash (I did the Zip.ca for a 2 weeks free trial and it is free!). Look at the offers and choose the one that works for you. After signing up and completing your one offer, simply refer 5-13 people (depending on the FREE prize you choose) to do the same under your link (just post the same thing as me in forums, Ebay, a blog or your FFR wall! and you'll get your referrals in no time.)
Then they will ship your iPod or your selected item for free, I chosed the iPod 160G. No Joke, 100% REAL!!! The reason these companies make money, is because most people don't bother getting all the referrals. All you have to do is post it on EBAY! They use us as advertisement by word of mouth which saves them tons of money which goes toward yours and my free gift. These are legit companies such as Blockbuster, Netflix, Gamefly etc... You can copy my listing if you want. You must use your own authentic link though. You will get your own personal link after your orders placed.
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Step 2: Sign up and chose an account type (Referral is the easiest and best).
Step 3: Complete just 1 offer (like Blockbuster or Stamps.com, I used Zip.ca) and refer up to 13 people to do the same, you can cancel your offer after 10 days (that's for Zip.ca, it changes for other offers) so it won't cost anything.
Step 4: Receive your iPod for FREE!!!!!!!!!! (Even The Shipping Is Free!!!)
For proof that this is for real, click on the link below. It's the company that is behind everything.
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Ok I just need 1 more person to complete an offer. I'll give 15$ on paypal to the next person who does it. Read below!
This is very EASY to do! It literally takes 10 minutes to setup. Simply follow the steps below. I promise you, this is 100% real. I will answer you on any question, just e-mail me! Here is what you do. Click on the link below, register, pick an account type (referral is the easiest) and complete just 1 offer (Very important that you complete the 1 offer otherwise your account will sit in limbo until you do).This is not like other sites where you need to complete one offer on 2 or 3 different pages!!! And a lot of these offers are FREE trials with nothing else to buy...No commitments!!!
There are plenty of cool offers to choose from such as Blockbuster online, Stamp.com, Netflix, Gamefly which are services you would regularly sign up for anyways and they're all secure networks, why not use them to get a free iPod or cash (I did the Zip.ca for a 2 weeks free trial and it is free!). Look at the offers and choose the one that works for you. After signing up and completing your one offer, simply refer 5-13 people (depending on the FREE prize you choose) to do the same under your link (just post the same thing as me in forums, Ebay, a blog or your FFR wall! and you'll get your referrals in no time.)
Then they will ship your iPod or your selected item for free, I chosed the iPod 160G. No Joke, 100% REAL!!! The reason these companies make money, is because most people don't bother getting all the referrals. All you have to do is post it on EBAY! They use us as advertisement by word of mouth which saves them tons of money which goes toward yours and my free gift. These are legit companies such as Blockbuster, Netflix, Gamefly etc... You can copy my listing if you want. You must use your own authentic link though. You will get your own personal link after your orders placed.
This is all safe and easy!!! A 5 year old could do it.
Step 1: Click this link: http://www.YourFreeVideoiPods.
Step 2: Sign up and chose an account type (Referral is the easiest and best).
Step 3: Complete just 1 offer (like Blockbuster or Stamps.com, I used Zip.ca) and refer up to 13 people to do the same, you can cancel your offer after 10 days (that's for Zip.ca, it changes for other offers) so it won't cost anything.
Step 4: Receive your iPod for FREE!!!!!!!!!! (Even The Shipping Is Free!!!)
For proof that this is for real, click on the link below. It's the company that is behind everything.
http://www.trainn.org/rev
Please take advantage of this offer!!! I did!!!
Check It out NOW! http://www.YourFreeVideoiPods.
Review ID: 10000000004856916
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Harry Potter #6 is EXCELLENT!I thought this was (yet another) an extremely well-written and fast-paced Harry Potter book in the series--it makes you want to get to the next one as fast as possible! If you love Harry Potter--you will LOVE this book!
Review ID: 10000000004818163
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