How do you sum up a literary force like Harry Potter? Beyond giving five stars to the entire series, I'm not sure there's much to say. HP7 is a brilliant conclusion to the seven-part series, having matured along with the main characters over the years. Harry and friends are no longer school-children in this book, and set out to face their ultimate foe in a battle that will determine the future of all the wizarding world -- and the Muggle world too, for that matter. The body count starts early in this book, as dearly beloved characters start dying with some regularity. The deaths are heartbreaking, as are many of the revelations in this book -- none more so than the back story of Severus Snape, finally revealed toward the end of the book. The climax and denouement of the book are breathtaking, shattering, and utterly fitting for this great work. Yes, one could quibble about the length of the book, the convoluted nature of the subplot concerning the Deathly Hallows, and the corniness of the epilogue -- but these are really insignificant in the long run. J.K. Rowling has created a masterpiece that will stand the test of time. This was my 3rd time reading HP #7, and it still packs quite a punch. For Harry Potter fans, there's no need to recommend this book, as they will have already read it, probably several times. For the uninitiated, there's no time like the present to start with book 1 and read straight through to #7.