The millions of Harry Potter fans around the world will be excited to learn that the sixth novel in the series by JK Rowling will be released in June. They will be upset to learn that she plans to end the series with book number seven.

“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,? featuring young wizard Harry of course, is set for a July 16 release. It had been scheduled for release in December of 2005.

Rowing had said she would make the announcement on December 25, but changed her mind.

“I know you all expected this to happen on Christmas Day, but I was sure that those of you who celebrate Christmas have better things to do on the day itself than fight your way into my study, whereas those of you who don’t celebrate Christmas would definitely prefer not to wait until the 25th,? she wrote on her web site, where fans had to solve clues before they could access the message.

The book is complete and has been delivered to publishers.

The sixth Harry Potter book sees Harry in his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His nemesis, Lord Voldemort, sees his ?power and followers are increasing day by day,? the book?s publishers revealed.

According to the AP, the book will cost $29.99 US or 16.99 pounds.

Rowling had posted on her web site in recent months, saying she was frustrated with how the book was going, but in the most recent posting, said she just needed time.

?[I] needed to tinker with the manuscript to my satisfaction and I am as happy as I have ever been with the end result. I only hope you feel it was worth the wait when you finally read it,? she wrote.

She also previously wrote that a main character in the series will die in the sixth book, though she said it will not be Harry. However, she did not say if Harry would survive the seventh book.

Another mystery is the identity of the Half-Blood Prince. Rowling was mum, but said it?s not Harry nor Voldemort

The series has sold over a quarter of a billion copies and has made billions in book sales, movies, and other merchandise. The fifth book was published in 2003. The fourth film is due out sometime in 2005.

Rowling is pregnant with her third child.






Related Stories: