Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - ending or enigma?

For Harry Potter fans, July 21 2007 will be a date to celebrate and rue in equal measure. The last instalment of JK Rowling's spine-chilling Harry Potter series, called Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, will hit the shelves on this day and ultimately put an end to the phenomenon that has had the world gripped since Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone first debuted ten years ago.

The books, which follow the life of social outcast-come-legendary wizard Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione as they battle the evil forces of Lord Voldemort, has had children and adults of all ages enthralled - and the Deathly Hallows looks to be no exception. The title of the book was thrillingly revealed via a hangman puzzle on Rowling's website on December 21 2006 and the author reportedly finished the book while staying in Edinburgh's famous Balmoral Hotel - carving a concluding note on a marble bust in her room which reads: "JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room."

But what can Harry Potter fans expect from this final tome in the Harry Potter series? As always, Rowling has remained tight-lipped, but has expressed deep satisfaction with the closing of the book. In an interview, she claimed:

"While each of the previous Potter books has strong claims on my affections, 'Deathly Hallows' is my favourite, and that is the most wonderful way to finish the series."

Even the term ‘Deathly Hallows’ has caused consternation amongst many Potter-philes eager to shed some light on the book's conclusion. While 'hallow' is generally used as a verb in the English language, Rowling uses it as a noun in her latest title - although it is still generally seen to have overtones of its original meaning - "to make holy or sacred".

While it's expected that readers will learn more about Harry's family - in particular the relationship between Harry's mother Lily and his aunt Petunia - it's also likely that more will be revealed about other key characters, including Professor Snape; apparently a murderer but whose loyalties still remain in doubt, and Peter Pettigrew - a former friend of Harry's father's who carried out a terrible betrayal which is said to have cost Harry's parents their lives.

But while the plot of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows may confound critics and fans alike, it's certain that the book will be one of the fastest selling of all time. In fact, so many people have decided to pre-order Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows that major retailers - including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Border - are currently reporting that they've received more orders for the book than any other in history - a victory that's sure to stand the series in good stead over the course of time, whatever the final verdict on its plot may be.

Andrew Regan is a big JK Rowling fan.

Andrew Regan is a big JK Rowling fan.