Remember this book in the seventh book of Harry Potter, The Deathly Hallows? It's suppose to be a collection of short children stories, sort of like our version of fairy tales. It was given to Hermione and explained the history of Deathly Hallows in one of the stories, "The Tale of the Three Brothers".

More than a year ago, J.K. Rowling released seven copies of this book. Six went to special people who are special to her and have made Harry Potter the series a success. The last copy was auctioned off and was sold for more than a million pounds.

Thanks to J.K. Rowling and the owners of the other copies, us muggles can enjoy the book as well! Worldwide release of this book is slated on December 4, 2008.

Power Books accepts pre-orders. I'm asking hubby to make sure I get a copy. I'm hoping I can hold off reading this until I'm on maternity leave. Or maybe I can bring this tn the hospital to keep me distracted during labor. I'm still a Harry Potter fan and I'm still experiencing withdrawal syndrome from the last book. This will also help ease the disappointment of waiting for the next movie.

THE DEATHLY HALLOWS

July 21, 2007 marks the end of the saga of the famous boy wizard, Harry Potter. On this day, people around the world will finally get the seventh and final installment of the Harry Potter series.

Entitled Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the book brings to a close the battle between good and evil, represented by Harry and He-who-must-not-be-named. It will definitely be dark and there are rumors of death of one of the main characters. Who will die this time? Well, we just have to wait for the book and find out.

It is with great anticipation, and also sadness, that I wait for this book. After all, what do I look forward to after this one?! Probably just the movies then.

J.K. Rowling shares on her site her feelings over finishing the series, “I always knew that Harry’s story would end with the seventh book, but saying goodbye has been just as hard as I always knew it would be. Even while I’m mourning, though, I feel an incredible sense of achievement. I can hardly believe that I’ve finally written the ending I’ve been planning for so many years. I’ve never felt such a mixture of extreme emotions in my life, never dreamed I could feel simultaneously heartbroken and euphoric.”

Security has been tight around the publishing house to prevent copies from being stolen. Even J.K. Rowling guarded her manuscript with her own life. In a trip to New York last year there was a bit of fuss over her refusal to part with her manuscript. She was willing to sail home instead if the airline didn’t let her carry it all throughout the flight. The manuscript had no extra copy and parts of it were even handwritten. Now can you blame her?!

It’s been ten years since the first book arrived. I was still in college then. It was definitely a great run for Harry. Incidentally, the movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be released on July 13, 2007. A good week before the book comes out.

To make sure you get your copy as soon as it hits the shelf, you can have a copy reserved for only P500 at National Bookstore and Powerbooks.

(also posted at www.kikay.exchange.ph)