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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Book 3 in the series:Harry Potter

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The third book in the Harry Potter series, 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' introduces the character Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, and delves into darker themes as the story progresses. The plot follows Harry and his friends as they navigate the dangers of a wizarding world where a convicted mass murderer, Sirius Black, has escaped from Azkaban prison. The book explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of the wizarding world, with a focus on character development and unraveling mysteries from Harry's past.

As the tension rises, Harry, Ron, and Hermione find themselves facing new challenges, uncovering secrets, and confronting fears. The story takes readers on an adventure filled with magic, suspense, and plot twists, as the characters navigate through a world where danger lurks at every corner. J.K. Rowling's writing style captivates readers with vivid imagery, well-developed characters, and a plot that seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, mystery, and coming-of-age themes.

Characters:

The characters in this novel experience significant growth, with Harry learning more about his identity, Sirius Black displaying complexity, and Lupin serving as a mentor.

Writing/Prose:

Rowling's style in this book exhibits a remarkable increase in depth and complexity, effectively balancing humor with serious themes.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows Harry Potter's third year at Hogwarts as he navigates the dangers posed by the escaped Sirius Black, learns about his parents' history, and confronts issues of loyalty and betrayal.

Setting:

The setting is primarily Hogwarts, with notable locations like Hogsmeade and Azkaban contributing to the darker atmosphere of the story.

Pacing:

The pacing of the book is generally effective with a good balance of action and character development, though some parts may seem rushed.
Harry Potter was a highly unusual boy in many ways. For one thing, he hated the summer holidays more than any other time of year. For another, he really wanted to do his homework but was forced to do ...

Notes:

This is the only book in the series where Voldemort does not appear.
Harry discovers that Sirius Black, the escaped prisoner, is actually his godfather.
The Dementors, introduced in this book, are portrayed as creatures that suck happiness away.
Hermione uses a Time Turner to attend multiple classes simultaneously, which becomes a key plot device.
This book deepens the lore of Hogwarts, revealing more about Harry's parents and their friends.
The Marauder's Map, which shows everyone at Hogwarts, is a significant magical object introduced here.
Hagrid becomes the Care of Magical Creatures professor in this installment.
This book marks a notable shift in tone as it deals with themes of betrayal, justice, and the complexity of good versus evil.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of death, murder, child abuse, traumatic events, and mental health struggles (represented through the Dementors).

From The Publisher:

Read by Jim Dale

Running time: 11 hrs., 48 mins. 10 CDs.

For twelve long years, the dread fortress of Azkaban held an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black. Convicted of killing thirteen people with a single curse, he was said to be the heir apparent to the Dark Lord, Voldemort.

Now he has escaped, leaving only two clues as to where he might be headed: Harry Potter's defeat of You-Know-Who was Black's downfall as well. And the Azkban guards heard Black muttering in his sleep, "He's at Hogwarts…he's at Hogwarts."

Harry Potter isn't safe, not even within the walls of his magical school, surrounded by his friends. Because on top of it all, there may well be a traitor in their midst.

Ratings (633)

Incredible (198)
Loved It (294)
Liked It (89)
It Was OK (40)
Did Not Like (4)
Hated It (8)

Reader Stats (787):

Read It (708)
Currently Reading (2)
Want To Read (20)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (56)

6 comment(s)

Incredible
2 months

HP books are reviewed to death, so I'll just say, for my own info, that so far this was my favorite. I laughed out loud when Ron tried to use the phone to call Harry. I have enjoyed listening to the audiobooks vs. reading. It's a nice change of pace and the reader does a good job.

 
It Was OK
3 months

2024 edit: This book was a little annoying to read due to the Ron and Hermione continual arguing subplot. Still enjoyable overall though

2017: This book was the best book I've read in the past 3 years!

 
Incredible
4 months

One of my favorites of the series!

 
Incredible
4 months

****5.0****

First Read in 2008

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Read again in 2015

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Read again in 2018

Definitely Rowling went to next level with a concept of Dementors and a Prison for Wizards, Azkaban. Also I was relieved that Harry got a Godfather in case of emergencies. I would call this book a smart book bringing out Harry's father, James time in the hogwarts, the complex ideas like Animagus and Patronus into HP world. The loyalties questioned and the war between the right and wrong. Loved it!!

Expecto Patronum!!!

Oh how I hate Snape in this book (only to love him tremendously forever later).

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Read again in 2023

Happy Reading!!!

 
Loved It
5 months

Gripping heart-pounding page-turner all the way to the end, this is when the HP series started to get a little darker

 
Loved It
5 months

Podia ser un libro para chavales perfecto pero, porque tanto Quiditch.

Y la de espacio dedicado a Firebolt...

Creo que si quitara esas partes seria 5 estrellas.

 

About the Author:

J. K. Rowling was born in the summer of 1965 at Yate General Hospital in England and grew up in Chepstow, Gwent. She left Chepstow for Exeter University, where she earned a French and Classics degree. As a postgraduate she…

 
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