In need of some reading inspiration? The ‘My Favourite…’ series is a new weekly feature in which I will be putting the spotlight on some of my favourite books of all time! This week, I will be sharing my favourite book of the fantasy genre:
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling
Apologies if you were hoping I wouldn’t go for anything obvious! I know the Harry Potter series is raved about an awful lot… but there is definitely a reason for that, so you’ll have to bear with me while I enthusiastically jump onto the Potterheads bandwagon!
Seven Reasons Why I Love This Book
1.Fast-paced and intriguing plot
This is what made the ‘Deathly Hallows’ my favourite book in the series. J.K Rowling deftly wraps up all the loose ends while always staying one step ahead of predictability. I couldn’t put this incredible finale down, blasting through it in less than 3 days!
2. Fantasy world and imagination
I have a special place in my heart for books that are so richly imagined. The Harry Potter world is intricate, exciting and unlike anything else that’s been done before. Let’s be honest, we’d all rather live there!
3. Character development
Rowling strikes the perfect balance, maintaining a pacey plot without compromising on character development. Our protagonists are entirely different people in the final book compared to the beginning of the series, and this is what makes them feel so very real. Having overcome the challenges of both adolescence and being hunted by a powerful, murderous wizard, in the Deathly Hallows readers watch them take their first tentative steps into adulthood.
4. It’s part of an equally epic 7-book series!
Very rarely can an author pull off a series in which the second, third and seventh book aren’t just as good as the first – they get better! If you’re a Harry Potter virgin (seriously, where have you been?) then obviously read them in order, you’ll just have to be patient and wait for all to be revealed!
5. Emotional rollercoaster
I don’t want to give any spoilers, but be warned that Rowling is quite prepared to be ruthless! Having become attached to her characters from the first book, we wait in wary suspense to see if our favourites make it through the bloodshed.
6. Something for everyone
‘Fantasy book’ just can’t describe how much Rowling manages to pack into the final Harry Potter. With an impressive array of comedy, action and romance, the book appeals to a massive audience, defying boundaries of age and gender.
7. Magic!
For many, the Harry Potter series is escapism in its purest form. Sometimes we just want to believe that magic exists, a normal boy can become extraordinary, good can triumph over evil, and that there’s something, anything, outside of our flawed Muggle world.
For a fantastic full review of the Deathly Hallows with no spoilers, have a look at this article in Time Magazine.
Cover image courtesy of Goodreads.
Are you also a Harry Potter fan, or do you have suggestions for other fantasy books I should have considered? Feel free to let me know in the comments!
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