Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban...Review

About the book:
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 Azkaban 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 the magical school, surrounded by his friends. Because on top of it all, there may well be a traitor in their midst.

In some ways, this is the book where nothing much happens. However, we do learn quite a bit of history.

The Dursley's are as annoying as ever, but the best scene ever happens when Harry blows up Aunt Marge. This was portrayed, brilliantly, in the film.

We meet Sirius Black, who is Harry's godfather, and who was James' best friend. We learn more about how and why Harry's parents died and who betrayed them to Lord Voldemort. We also meet Remus Lupin, who is one of my favorite characters. Also a good friend to James and Sirius, he is the reason they all became Animagi (people who have the ability to transform into animals). We also learn one reason Severus Snape hated James Potter so much.

We learn about the Patronus Charm which repels the dementors, and we find out that Harry's patronus takes the same form as his dad took when he transformed into a stag. The Patronus Charm will play a significant part in books 6 and 7.

Dumbledore drops another hint to Harry, when he says that the time may come when Harry will be very happy that he had let Peter Pettigrew escape.

A delightful read. The film for this book was particularly well done. The changes made on film only enhanced the story and tightened it up and made it stronger. If that's even possible!

I read my personal copy, but you can purchase your own copy here.

Last read 6/08

* * * *
4/5 Stars

Comments

  1. This is my favorite book of the series and my favorite movie so far too. You are right, nothing much does happen but the Sirius Black plotline allows for good exposition without it becoming tiresome.

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