There will be no spoilers in this post.

I've been debating writing about this at all. There are so many strong opinions in all directions about the final installment of the Harry Potter saga. I've heard everything from it being the most original tale in a long time to it being a direct rip-off. Here is what I have taken from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Epic tales are bound to have some repetition and J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series is no exception. An author must always remind their readers of what's happened in the prior books. For some it's been a long time since they've read the prequels. For others, it's just too much to remember. One big difference in Rowling's writing from, say, Robert Jordan is that she tends to weave these reminders into the plot rather than stepping back and re-explaining. She uses context in such a way that if you've forgotten something you're okay.

The fact is that this and all other Harry Potter installments have been plot-filled. Others might disagree, but I really think that this was something that kept me coming back to read more.

One final note: the climax of the story. I've seen it opined that this scene was too short and abrupt. My opinion is that it was absolutely perfect - it was the culmination of everything that had happened in all of the prior stories. It tied everything together, it filled in minor plot holes, answered questions, and made perfect sense. I do not believe that length of a scene is what defines it, I feel it's about the believability, and this was something that, despite figuring many things out (and some before the book was even released), I did not see coming and was thrilled by.

And that's about all I can say without spoilers.