“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” (Book 7) by J.K. Rowling
After 7 incredible books, this volume closes things out nicely. I found myself reading the last 100 or so pages so fast that the action seemed to go by far too quickly and the book was over before I knew it, almost anticlimactically. Although, I think some of this can be chalked up to the quality of Rowling’s actions/battles, which is one of the very few things I find lacking in her writing (also see S.P.E.W.; WTF J.K.? WTF?).
And while there’s no way not to predict the ending (are you really wondering who wins?), she does it in a way that’s still surprising and satisfying and with just about all of the major characters having a role to play at some point. I especially liked how much Neville came into his own. He was particularly badass in this. Also, ending everything at Hogwarts was a nice touch. That place was as much a character as anyone else.
Taking the books as a series, Rowling really came into her own. Just skimming back over the first book right after reading this one, the improvement in the quality of her writing is stark, and with very few missteps. She sure can spin a yarn, and over the course of 4,000 pages at that. Nicely done, Ms. Rowling.
