Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

SPOILER ALERT!! (BUT NOT REALLY, RIGHT?)

This is, without a doubt, my favourite book in the Harry Potter series! It is a perfect balance of the whimsy and curious nature of Philosopher’s Stone and the darker and more sinister tones of Chamber of Secrets. We also get a much deeper look at the classes that Harry takes at Hogwarts – especially Care of Magical Creatures and Divination, his newest subjects. Harry’s third year at Hogwarts is all about him being protected from Sirius Black, so the classes provide a diversion from the constant investigations he undertakes into the circumstances of this escaped convict. The plot to Prisoner of Azkaban has been strategically structured and it later becomes one of the most crucial elements to the entire series. We are lulled into what seems to be a peaceful contrast to what is happening in the wizarding community, and then in the second half of the book, we are introduced to some of the most epic imagery and sequence of events to come out of the series…

Werewolves, escaped criminals, time travel, Dementors, and no Voldemort!

When I say werewolves, I really mean one: Remus Lupin. And boy, what an awesome and wise character he is. He acts as Harry’s guardian angel for most of the book, protecting him from Dementors (we’ll get to those terrifying things later), detention from Snape, and even from himself during the school term. The scene where he forgets to take his Wolfsbane Potion and transforms in front of Harry’s eyes is frightening and ramps up the action in the otherwise monster-free book. He represents the grounded half of the novel and is hard to dislike, even as a werewolf. Arguably one of the best characters from the series.

The escaped “criminal” Sirius Black is another terrific addition to the book. We are overjoyed to find someone who loves Harry unconditionally, whilst being related (through friendship with his parents) to him! His constant checking in on Harry as “the Grim” is sweet and he values friendship highly, as shown when he declares that he’d rather die for Harry’s parents than to save himself. Not many characters could honestly do that, but we believe it when Sirius says it. It is also heart-breaking that Harry has been separated from someone genuinely good for his whole life up until now, but this brief encounter is one that is truly special.

On to time travel. It seems like it was only a matter of time before it was included in one of these books 😉 This is what makes the  second half of the book truly exciting – the ways in which the actions of the observed characters fit together like a puzzle as Harry and Hermione retrace their steps. They have to think quickly and carefully about the sequence of events needed to rescue Buckbeak and save Sirius simultaneously. For example, when Harry is about to be attacked by Lupin, Hermione remembers that Lupin responds to a call from his own kind and howls, becoming the catalyst that draws Lupin away and leads Harry to the lake, all the while avoiding being seen by anyone else. An enjoyable and a stand-out climax.

Previously, I mentioned that the plot to Prisoner of Azkaban was structured strategically. One of the most indicative aspects comes from the inclusion of the Dementors. These bastards were not only creative imagery to represent depression by J.K. Rowling, but they give readers a true taste of a bleak outlook of Harry’s life and utilise this gloominess as a catalyst for one of the greatest and triumphant moments in the series: Harry saving himself via his stag Patronus. It was epic in the movie because it was epic in the book! I remember studying in English in high school and reading the passage where Harry and Sirius are surrounded by Dementors before passing out together. The language and descriptions were memorable and beautiful, even in such a terrible moment. Despite their horrible nature, these creatures are an imperative inclusion, in order to see the lows that bring about the amazing and powerful highs of magic, courage, and daring.

The book also unravels massive pieces of the puzzle of Harry’s survival while digging into the back story of how his parents were targets by Voldemort. It moves the plot along without it being overshadowed by the Dark Lord himself. The four  creators of the Marauder’s Map replace Voldemort as the link to Harry’s past. Even though he is still a part of this story, he certainly isn’t in your face as much as the two previous novels. It is the only book without Voldemort being physically present, either as himself or as a teenager.

Also, how could I forget Lee Jordan’s Quidditch commentary? Enough said.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is an emotional read that encompasses all that is wonderful in this magical world. It is my favourite now and will be my favourite forever.

Is this book your favourite in the series?
If not, what is your favourite?
Do you like the addition of new characters?
Feel free to put your thoughts down in the comment section!

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