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

adventurous funny mysterious sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" is another thrilling installment in J.K. Rowling's beloved series. It was my childhood best friend’s most favorite Harry Potter book, so I always have a soft spot for it even though it was never one of my favorites. There’s a nostalgic charm in revisiting this book, which continues to build on the darker tone introduced in “The Chamber of Secrets” while still being accessible and engaging for middle-grade readers. 

 

In “The Prisoner of Azkaban,” the themes of love, loss, and redemption are explored with greater depth. The book not only reveals more about the tragic past of Harry’s parents but also provides insight into the terrifying era under Voldemort's rise in power. This exploration of darker themes adds a layer of emotional depth that sets it apart from the earlier books. The book still features a lot of the same humor as the previous two books, which helps lighten the material for readers while still paving the way for more intense themes in the later books. 

 

The book begins to fill in significant gaps regarding the events that led to the death of Harry’s parents and the impact of those events on the wizarding world. The introduction of Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, along with the backstory of the Marauders, adds richness to the series' lore. I was particularly captivated by this part of the story, and always hoped there would be a prequel series based on the Marauders’ era. Okay, I’m still holding out hope.