This is the seventh and (apparently) the last book of the Harry Potter series. I think it brings the story into a good conclusion. The unsolved mysteries are finally solved.
The book differs from the other books in the series due to the fact that the events are mostly taking place elsewhere than in the Hogwarts School. I found myself missing the school as a location at least in the beginning of the book. The story began (again) a bit slowly, but the plot thickened soon enough and the book kept me firmly hooked until the end.
I really liked that in the whole HP series and especially in this book, the former acts of either cruelty or kindness were later punished or rewarded respectively, just like in a good old fairy tale. I also liked how even the minor characters got their moments in the story, although I wished a bigger part for Ginny. And finally, even though there were things that I more or less guessed beforehand, there were surprises as well. I think not even the greatest speculators couldn't have guessed everything that happens in the book.

SPOILER ALERT!
The next bit contains spoilers of the plot.


I didn't like all about the ending of the book, though. As I said, I wished a bigger part for Ginny. Also, it was almost unforgivable that Fred Weasley died. I know, war is like that, but a twin brother? How can George ever manage to live with that? I read somewhere that Rowling thought about killing Arthur Weasley (the father) instead. She should have just done that if one of the Weasley's were to be killed.
The epilogue was a bit odd, too. It was good to know that everything turned out just fine, but all the adventurous main characters ended up living pretty conventional lives, marrying their school sweethearts, having children etc. Perhaps that is what they wanted after all warfare and anxiety, and perhaps they did have more things in their lives than the small glimpse told, but it felt a bit disappointing, especially in the case of brilliant Hermione. Anyway, the entire book series remains one of my favourites so I guess I'll live with Rowling's decisions.

SPOILERS END HERE


This is it, then. Well, I have enjoyed the HP books very much indeed, even with the occasional slowness of the plot, boringness of quiddich and some things that were not exactly logical even in a magical world. However, if the books can make me laugh and cry, and the characters feel like my friends, they are my favourites.

The Harry Potter series has meant a lot to me, but since the author turned out to be a transphobic bigot, I don't want to keep these books anymore. If you want to read these, here's one for you for free.

In the University of Tampere main building, Hubs room, during Finncon 2023.