Issue date: 7/24/07 Section: Aggielife

Media Credit: File - The Battalion [Click to enlarge]

The long-winded Harry Potter saga comes to an epic close with J.K. Rowling's seventh and final book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." This fast-paced novel brings with it excitement - fans will finally know the ultimate fate of their magical hero - and sadness.

Readers must be sure to absorb every sentence, page and chapter of this book, because every word is of utmost importance in "Hallows." Rowling assumes that readers are well versed in the other six Harry Potter books and does not take time to explain certain key elements in the seventh; readers should try to brush up on earlier storylines before diving into "Hallows" in order to avoid some confusion.

This book is much different than the previous six because it is the only one in which the majority of the story does not take place at Hogwarts. Harry, Hermione and Ron instead set off on a quest - as instructed by the late Dumbledore - to find and destroy the remaining horcruxes of Voldemort. The lack of exams, classes, detentions and run-ins with teachers makes "Hallows" feel somewhat out of place, but not in a negative way. This change was necessary to make the reader fully aware of the horror that the world of wizardry faces under the rule of Death Eaters and He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.

"Hallows" is by far the most action-packed and exciting installment in the seven-part series. Long-kept secrets are finally revealed, wars are fought, well-known characters die and love affairs ensue in this bittersweet ending to the fantasy world of wizards and witches. As with all of the other Harry Potter books, "Hallows" is an easy read that allows the reader to use their imagination to the fullest and transport themselves to a place where magic, dragons and dark arts seem real.

Harry Potter fans will not be disappointed by the twists and turns on the roller coaster ride that "Hallows" creates, but they may feel that the ending, which has had fans guessing since the release of the very first book, fails to meet the hype that it has aroused. The ending and subsequent epilogue of this book was not at all characteristic of Rowling's style of writing in the former Harry Potter stories. Although some fans may find the ending to be a welcome change and a satisfactory conclusion, this devoted Harry Potter fan felt that it was severely lacking.

The otherwise incredible book will have fans crying, laughing and even screaming aloud at the characters and storyline. A fair warning to all Harry Potter fans: Do not start reading "Hallows" unless you have sufficient time to finish it. Once you pick it up, it will be nearly, if not completely, impossible to put back down.

For those who feel that their childhood is officially over now that the Harry Potter series is complete, take comfort in this: At least we still have two more movies left!

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