Now I personally thought that its probably the best in the series so far. Right from the opening chapter which is such an incredible sidestep from how they normally open, and then a wonderfully eye-opening second chapter, I think it is magnificent. Sacrifcing action for some actual information and backstory.

I must admit, I have a rather embarrasingly girlish weakness for romance stories, so the bits in this book really appealed to me. Ginny has (for some reason that I cannot fathom) long been one of my favourite characters, and personally I love the idea of her and Harry.

Becky, no offence, but I think possibly you may have forgotten what it's like to be 16? The average teen is really quite self-absorbed, and so I'd say that tragedies don't hit as hard as they should. And furthermore, pages and pages of 'Angry Harry' a la OOTP is definetly not what I would have wanted, or lengthy reminisces about Sirius - we know all that Harry knew about him, there is no need to go over it I feel. And yes, also at 16, girls like boys and boys like girls and very little else seems important :P So I'd say that its actually quite an accurate portrayal, and certainly much more appealing than the violent mood swings that characterised the last book IMO.

The ending .... well, was a bit of an 'Empire Strikes Back' ending, wasn't it really? Not really an ending, just making sure everything is in place for the big finale. I didn't really expect anything any different. Dumbeldore's death was hardhitting IMO, I found myself wishing it weren't true ... pretty impressive for a fictitious character! And I loved the fact that we were never quie sure about Snape to the end. And in fact, we still don't know exactly why Dumbledore trusted him. Add that to the new RAB mystery, and I'd say it was quite a strong ending.

And finally, a very very rough paraphrasing from either Book 3 or 4, I forget which, but I suspect its number 3: "I'll get the Butterbeers, shall I?" said Ron, turning scarlet