<P> The book was published in the United Kingdom by Bloomsbury, and in the United States by Scholastic on 16 July 2005, as well as in several other countries . It sold nine million copies in the first 24 hours after its release, a record at the time which was eventually broken by its sequel, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows . There were many controversies before and after it was published, including the right to read the copies delivered prior to the release date in Canada . Reception to the novel was generally positive and it won several awards and honours, including the 2006 British Book of the Year award . </P> <P> Reviewers noted that the book took on a darker tone than its previous predecessors, though it did contain some humour . Some considered the main themes to be love, death, trust, and redemption . The considerable character development of Harry and many other teenage characters also drew attention . </P> <P> The film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Half - Blood Prince was released 15 July 2009 by Warner Bros . </P> <P> Dumbledore picks Harry up from his aunt and uncle's house, intending to escort him to the Burrow, home of Harry's best friend Ron, and his large family . On the way, they make a detour to the temporary home of Horace Slughorn, former Potions teacher at Hogwarts, and Harry unwittingly helps persuade Slughorn to return to teach . Harry and Dumbledore then proceed to the Burrow, where Hermione has already arrived . </P>

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