Potter makes magic with Deathly Hallows finale

Difficult though it is to believe, it has been a decade since J.K. Rowling's first chapter in the Harry Potter series, and the talented author has finally gifted readers with the final and most spellbinding installment. To say that readers highly anticipated Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows would be an understatement; it quickly broke the sixth novel's record as the fastest-selling book in history.

And with good reason. Deathly Hallows is the most suspenseful, emotional and altogether engaging book of the series. Rowling's consummate skill as a novelist is evident in the fact that Deathly Hallows is even darker and more "grown up" than any of its predecessors, and yet it maintains the childlike enchantment present from the beginning.

Still, it takes an older audience to appreciate the contrast between Deathly Hallows and earlier installments such as The Sorcerer's Stone. Harry's trusty sidekick Ron, for instance, can't seem to get through a chapter without an "effing" this or a "Merlin's pants" that.

The light romance and extreme violence also add a flavor that will appeal more to older readers, as do some of the themes-Harry confronts a friend about good parenting, Hermione still calls for freedom and equality for oppressed house elves and the Ministry of Magic is nothing short of fascist these days. Social and political commentary in Harry Potter?

Rowling's writing has certainly matured with her audience, and this most recent offering is far from suitable for the younger set. However, Deathly Hallows is a perfect read for those of us who have grown up with Harry Potter.

The use of recurring minor characters (like Luna Lovegood, Mr. Ollivander, Kreacher and Viktor Krum) creates a sense of familiarity and consistency that sustain the reader while main characters drop like flies.

Rowling isn't afraid to kill characters whom readers love and will mourn, which makes it that much more powerful. Who dies, you ask? My lips are sealed-but keep the tissue box handy.

Among all the tragedy, however, Rowling inserts flashes of humor to prevent Deathly Hallows from becoming a total misery-fest. In one memorable instance, the famous Bulgarian Seeker Viktor Krum asks Harry, "Vot is the point of being an international Quidditch player if all the good-looking girls are taken?"

Aside from these humorous moments, many readers may find the book extremely slow at first. After a brief action sequence toward the beginning, Harry, Ron and Hermione spend countless chapters at home before spending countless more wandering the countryside to avoid capture.

The clever writing and character development typical of Rowling's work characterize this seemingly slow half of Deathly Hallows. Still, it builds nicely toward the halfway point of the novel, when the real dangers and suspense begin.

Obsessive Potter fans and passive readers alike will be continually shocked, delighted and distressed in the second half of Deathly Hallows. From who dies (and who doesn't) to the true natures (and loyalties) of characters both living and dead, Deathly Hallows packs in one jaw-dropping surprise after another. While this is sometimes accomplished by confusing or too convenient plot devices, the effect is the same. Rowling has written another masterpiece, yet her previous works won't pale in comparison, because the difference is so great.

Maybe Deathly Hallows is a bit corny sometimes, with its "love is the most powerful magic" attitude. Maybe it's difficult to read a Harry Potter book in which Hogwarts is only briefly the setting for any action.

But Rowling's characters, the most important element of her novels, are stronger than ever. They are admirably consistent, and many of them reveal things in themselves readers always hoped they were capable of having.

I can only say that J.K. Rowling is a genius. Her gift for writing really is nothing short of magical.