This is my favorite book so far. Yes, it was a lot of exposition, but it was obviously necessary for the story to continue, and for book seven. I also thought it was done well. This book was more about the characters, than the progression (coincidentaly, PoA was as well, and there was a twist on the title character in question in it too.) I don't know about everyone else, but I was fairly certain (and correct) about the Half-Blood Prince in the chapter the Advanced Potions book is introduced, and I don't think that is a coincidence. You think you have it all figured out, and then something is added. It's dark enough and they are, in fact, teenagers (insert romance and drama)

I, by the way, am not completely convinced Snape is evil yet. I wouldn't say he's nice, but I think it's too....I don't know...I still have to re-read and tear apart the first five as well.

I'm not going to lie, I knew DD was going to die. I wasn't positive it would be in six, but it had to happen. It's a classic hero archetype to have to go on alone and lose the mentor. Didn't suprise me in the least, the suprise was the culprit.