As long as it says Ron isn't going to die...I'll give it a shot! Then again if I don't like it I can give it a shot too, get the cannon out and start blasting the book...

Hey, I just saw this today on the Home Page link and it sounded interesting. With your endorsement I might have to buy this. I haven't read the 'Clues' books either.

So who do you think the HBP is? And more importantly..... why do you think Snape isn't as good as we hope? This would crush a lot of us here at SS!!! Of course, we've heard JKR's warnings, but we still hope!

Ooo im looking forward to your review
I dont think we can buy it in England, can we?

Dumbledore edit: Sure you can!

It's only £8.92 at Amazon.co.uk and you could even get free delivery!

Edit: Thanks!

According to the terrific deductions the book provides in it's last section, the Half-Blood Prince is...

Well suffice it to say that Emma (Marcella_Riddle) probably has it right.

(Note that the book narrows it down to a few likely candidates of which we can make our own decision. It does NOT say "___" is the HBP.)

No, Ron doesn't die (at least I can't recall the book suggesting he does), and there are quite a few (10) theories about Snape, but the one that strikes me as most likely is one where he doesn't turn out in such a positive light. (Sorry Snape lovers!)

I'm working on my review, and will post it in a few minutes.

sounds interesting...

You couldn't endorse it better in my opinion [actually if you shipped R/Hr & H/G] ...I'll give it a shot, I've heard about it but I've never read any of the nonHp Hp books. I get most of my theories [however whacked out] from the internet.

Okay maybe that one didn't hurt either...sorry don't like Snape.

ill have to check that out.

Fans who are as devoted seem to be just as intutive and imagenative as the Great J.K. Rowling herself!!! Kudos!!

NO! Not Severus Snape!

It sounds interesting! However I don't know if I'll check it out because as we get closer an closer to the end I have these dreadful thoughts about some of the characters that I absolutely love and it makes me sad.

However I really would like to know who the Half Blood Prince is...

I am actually determined NOT to buy the book... I don't want to figure out the secrets! I want to be proved wrong in my theories!

My review:

The book is over 300 pages thick, including a detailed introduction of 40 pages or so.

Well forrmatted with short concise sections it is easy to find what you want in a flash. You can either skim straight to the section that interests you most or read it from cover-to-cover (like I did last night).

The main sections consist of a handful of fan discussions, each submitted by a fan like you or me. The are categorised as follows:

1. Magic and the mind
- Includes essays that shed light on Ollivander (the wand dude), the Sorting Hat, Voldemorts timing, and a bit about Occlumency and Legilimency.

2. Birds of a feather
- Discusses similarities between Harry and Phoenix, Harry and Dumbledore, and some curious stuff about Owl post.

3. The Prophesy and the legend of Godric's Hollow
- Details the events of that fatal night, Harry's scar, about Lily, the attack on the Longbottoms, and the children of the Prophesy (Harry and Neville)

4. Bloodlines and blood feuds
- Goes into some terrific stuff about Phineas Nigellus, Barty Crouch Jr., the Dursleys, the house of Black and more.

5. Wacky Weasleys
- Digs deeper into the lives of our favourite family of red-heads! Focusing mainly on Percy and Fred & George (the Order's secret weapon?) it brings out some really great ideas and clues that I hadn't considered!

6. Love Potion #9¾
- What Krum saw, Lily stuff, and Tonks possible role in the future books.

7. Mischief Created: The Marauders
- Discussions about our favorite foursome, including disecting the nickname, why James trusted Peter over Black as "secret keeper", what went wrong to make Wormtail who he is and more.

8. Travelling picture show
- Crazy stuff about portraits and photographs I had never thought twice about.

9. Shadey people and places
- Really cool stuff about Mungo's, Moody, Fudge and Neville's gran.

10. The Ministry of Magic: Employees only
- Inisght into the MoM, the Death Eaters, and more on Fudge and Moody.

11. Objects of Mystery and things that go bump in the night
- Mirrors, the lake, the veil, the chamber and the room of requirement! Brilliant ideas!

12. Reading the runes
- Stonehenge, alchemy, the houses, you have no idea! Very cool section.

13. Time... and time again
- Totally awesome reading about time travel and some wild theories that actually make sense!

14. Bubble bubble toil and trouble - the potions master
- Evertything you ever wanted to know about Snape and more! With 10 whole chapters, this is easily the longest section!

15. Who is the Half-Blood Prince?
Final section briefly discusses the most likely candidates that we know of. If it's not somebody new to the series, I think I have it figured now!


It's hard to choose a favorite section or chapter because there were so many fascinating ones! Time travel and Stonehenge are certainly up there. So are some of the Snape chapters, Phineas Nigellus stuff, Moody musings, and all there was about Dumbledore, Voldie and Lily.

I'm sure I will be posting more about it but until then, just pick up your own copy! I give it 5 out of 5 stars. Couldn't have asked for more with what clues we've got!

Don't worry. Of the 10 articles on Snape, only one (that I recall) suggests he is exactly what he appears to be - or even worse! He hehe.

The others all have very good ways of explaining why he will redeam himself and why he is the way he is.

I know that both Emma (Marcella_Riddle) & (Biochem)Kris (i.e. major Snape lovers) got the book too, so she can fend for all of the Snape goodness!

She'll probably post her review seperately or maybe in this thread...

There's no saying you will figure out any secrets. More than anything it will only fill your mind with even more possibilities!

I have stuff figured out (for myself) but others that read the book will come to completely different conclusions.

It doesn't actually offer answered in a spelled-out fashion but gives you lots of information and lets you come to your own conclusions.

There is also another book out like that, it's called Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter
by Galadriel Waters, Astre Mithrandir


It's really good, and it talks about interpereting the clues JKR gives us in earlier books.

lol oh Im so sorry to hear that...wow that book sounds amazing...!

I was wondering if you could air some of the ideas you are now having?...Who the HBP is, about Snape etc.? Please? I would really like that!

Great thanks for this Rich! Its so great!

yea serena it wuld break my heart.sniff sniff

For some reason I always thought perhaps Snape is realted to Harry. Like a tough Uncle type. I dunno. Probably not.. I like how mean snape is. Reminds me of my own dear Brother.. nothing says "I hate you" like he does.

good stuff, i wana get it but i am in england

I don't think that anyone could ever possibly predict what Mz JK is thinking, she is a genious after all, But those theories look pretty kewl

I have to disagree on a few things.

The book does try to decipher these things out but being obsessive I have to stress that we don't know for sure these things until JK writes the final two books and releases them. I personally believe the prophecy will be compromised -- it never said both wouldn't die, it just said at least one has to die.

hmmmmm now I wonder what you mean? My latest crazy spin off the wall theory was and still is Snape.

"I don't care if the tea leaves read 'Die, Ron, die'..." Ron Weasley OotP combined with the sacrificial imagery in the final chapters of PS....I have to disagree, Ron will die. Or, at least, I think so...

And I read an essay which actually reminded me of something I haven't thought of before....if Snape was as bad as bad can be he never would've notified the Order of what harry had told them, "They've got Padfoot where it is!" If he was bad, he wouldn't have told. If he reallu supported Voldy then it'd make sense not to tell, thereby letting Harry walk into Voldy, have him die and then the DArk Lord declares victory.

Suffice to say he did the opposite, hence he is not all bad.

There is also remarkable evidence supporting the Lily/Snape theories which also had me smiling.

There are some interesting comments about the whole Occlumency class things too although I cant quite find the quite from "The Plot Thickens.." right now but moments are pointed out where, however briefly, Harry and Snape acknowledge their similarities and Snape's enquires about what he saw Ripper doing without any malice in his voice.

...

I think that was one of the reasons for having Snape teach Harry Occlumency so that Snape could see that Harry did not have a glorious and great childhood...
I know its far fetched...But...

REVIEW

I’ve always been sceptical of books consisted of theories relating to any novel or fandom for a number of reasons, the main being that most are unapproved by the author of the story that they’re based on. I suppose that up until now that fact had me believing that as much as they may be good they weren’t necessarily completely accurate. After all, they are just individual opinions which, at the end of the day, you can choose to either agree or disagree with.

The same goes for “The Plot Thickens…” As ever I was sceptical in the beginnings as it was opinion and views but they were also heavily based and rooted in canon – nothing remotely airy fairy such as revelations of Crookshanks’ two removed brother, features in this book. And I think an analysis rooted in canon is one of the most attractive aspects about a book to potential readers, as we all know well from debate forums how every single piece of evidence is brutally scrutinised.

The essays within were both precise and straight to the point, ensuring that the attention never wanders from the point being made. The writers of these analytic pieces pieced together their evidence so clearly and then wrote so persuasively, so convincingly that at one point, as much as I hate to admit it, I found myself being swayed to re-consider a different ship for a moment or two – but only for a moment or two! (Stubborn shippers!)

What I’m trying to say is “The Plot Thickens…” changed my outlook on theoretical publications. As said before, I’ve always been wary of them most likely for fear of being drawn into believing something which isn’t entirely true. However, having debated some of the topics brought up in this book to the ground and then six foot under, it was a breath of fresh air to read some refreshing points of view some of which I’d never heard of or considered before.

The different topics are categorised and organised quite clearly, the index is arranged in way so that you can read your favourite topics first (which in my case meant I went straight to the last section of the book!) I enjoyed this section the most as it was basically centred on one of the arguably most intriguing characters in the series – the Potions Master. Any fans of Slytherin House will find themselves well at home in this particular spot.

“The Plot Thickens….” is excellent with various authors with wide ranges of depth and ability. And I was delighted to see that my primary suspects for the Half-Blood Prince were in the top five (although I shan’t tell you who they are – you’ll have to read that for yourselves!)

Overall this book is a perfect read for any frustrated fan who needs a break from pulling hair with anxiety over the “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” release date and had I not been kindly sent a copy, I would’ve surely asked Father Christmas to put it in my stocking! The whole piece offers original spins on characters and scenarios, a lot of which I’d found I hadn’t thought of before or had simply overlooked. I am positive that every fan will find something to their taste in this book to whet their appetite. It is the perfect gift for Potter fans worldwide, be they young, old, obsessive or just young at heart.

9 Snitches out of 10 -- only because I would've liked to have seen some shipping essays such as the ones featured on Mugglenet, make it into the book.

And vice-versa...Harry needed to see Snape's past. Two words -- Dumbledore's intervention. I think he knew Occlumency with Snape could never work and teaching Harry it wasn't the purpose of those lessons. The animosity between the two is heightened now yes because Harry blames Snape for Sirius' death when ironically he has Snape to thank partly for him making it out of the DoM alive.

But initially it suceeded in making them re-think, even if only for a second. Dumbledore knows they cant possibly work together with their hate growing every year. While they'll never fully accept one another they had to learn to appreciate that they're not that different.

It also made a marvellous point that Hermione always defends Snape (through Dumbledore) when Ron and harry doubt his loyalties....she keeps Lupin's secret, it makes you speculate whether she knows more about Snape then she's letting on...

"I think Dumbledore's got plenty evidence, even if he doesn't share it with you, Ron."

I know these words are common sense and that Dumbledore isn't about to divulge all to Harry but maybe he would to Hermione given the trust with the Time-Turner and keeping Lupin's secret....she'd keep it secret while trying to make sure Harry doesn't think anything silly while at the same time reporting back to Dumbledore on the animosity....

Thanks for you review, Dumbledore and Emma. I had been wondering whether or not to buy the book, and now you've convinced me.

I'm interested to read the articles on Snape... it seems like the share my opinion of the man.