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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling - review

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third instalment in the Harry Potter series, and is by the incomparable JK Rowling. The Harry Potter series are described as 'children books', however, in my opinion, whether you're twelve or twenty two, I highly recommend them!!

Now after a long summer (and some aunt abusing antics), Harry is back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with his trusty best friends: Ron and Hermione. Yet, secret and mysterious things are happening in the wizarding world, and Harry is not safe from the dark and dangerous people at large. Who is the infamous Sirius Black, who escaped from the notorious wizard prison: Azkaban? And what could the fugitive Black possibly want with Harry? Harry, Ron and Hermione, spend another magical year at Hogwarts, where Harry learns far more about his past then he could have expected.

As always with Rowling's books, I loved Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! JK Rowling's words have a curious habit of coming to life, and her characters are funny, and realistic. One of the greatest things about Harry Potter, is that they improve with each book, and you can clearly glimpse the clever, intricate plot Rowling has wove, with cleverly placed foreshadowing and seemingly innocent hints.

This book is undoubtedly darker than the previous ones, as Harry learns more and more about the sinister forces that threaten the wizarding world. The characters begin to get more developed and more complex, and an awful lot more interesting. I must warn you though, that once you begin, you'll find it almost impossible to stop! Once you finish, you'll be skimming through it again, finding seemingly obvious clues, thinking 'How did I miss that?!'. If that wasn't enough to get you interested, the Harry Potter covers have recently been redesigned, and they are even more stunning than ever! The Prisoner of Azkaban cover is by far my favourite: Harry heroically brandishing a wand, from which a silver stag has erupted! To no one's surprise, I give Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 5/5 stars!

Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop .

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HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN

From the harry potter series , vol. 3.

by J.K. Rowling ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 8, 1999

The main characters and the continuing story both come along so smartly (and Harry at last shows a glimmer of interest in...

The Harry Potter epic ( Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , p. 888, etc.) continues to gather speed as Harry enters his third year at the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry and does battle with the traitor behind his parents’ deaths.

Besides coping with the usual adversaries’sneering classmate Draco Malfoy, evocatively-named Potions Master Snape—the young wizard-in-training has a new worry with the escape of Sirius Black, murderous minion of archenemy Lord Voldemort, from the magicians’ prison of Azkaban. Folding in subplots and vividly conceived magical creatures—Azkaban’s guards, known as dementors, are the very last brutes readers would want to meet in a dark alley—with characteristic abandon, Rowling creates a busy backdrop for Harry as she pushes him through a series of terrifying encounters and hard-fought games of Quidditch, on the way to a properly pulse-pounding climax strewn with mistaken identities and revelations about his dead father.

Pub Date: Sept. 8, 1999

ISBN: 0-439-13635-0

Page Count: 431

Publisher: Scholastic

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 1999

CHILDREN'S SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

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THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL

From the school for good and evil series , vol. 1.

by Soman Chainani ; illustrated by Iacopo Bruno ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 14, 2013

Rich and strange (and kitted out with an eye-catching cover), but stronger in the set pieces than the internal logic.

Chainani works an elaborate sea change akin to Gregory Maguire’s Wicked (1995), though he leaves the waters muddied.

Every four years, two children, one regarded as particularly nice and the other particularly nasty, are snatched from the village of Gavaldon by the shadowy School Master to attend the divided titular school. Those who survive to graduate become major or minor characters in fairy tales. When it happens to sweet, Disney princess–like Sophie and  her friend Agatha, plain of features, sour of disposition and low of self-esteem, they are both horrified to discover that they’ve been dropped not where they expect but at Evil and at Good respectively. Gradually—too gradually, as the author strings out hundreds of pages of Hogwarts-style pranks, classroom mishaps and competitions both academic and romantic—it becomes clear that the placement wasn’t a mistake at all. Growing into their true natures amid revelations and marked physical changes, the two spark escalating rivalry between the wings of the school. This leads up to a vicious climactic fight that sees Good and Evil repeatedly switching sides. At this point, readers are likely to feel suddenly left behind, as, thanks to summary deus ex machina resolutions, everything turns out swell(ish).

Pub Date: May 14, 2013

ISBN: 978-0-06-210489-2

Page Count: 496

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins

Review Posted Online: Feb. 12, 2013

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2013

CHILDREN'S SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

ONE TRUE KING

by Soman Chainani ; illustrated by Iacopo Bruno

QUESTS FOR GLORY

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THE LAST EVER AFTER

From the school for good and evil series , vol. 3.

by Soman Chainani ; illustrated by Iacopo Bruno ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 21, 2015

Ultimately more than a little full of itself, but well-stocked with big themes, inventively spun fairy-tale tropes, and...

Good has won every fairy-tale contest with Evil for centuries, but a dark sorcerer’s scheme to turn the tables comes to fruition in this ponderous closer.

Broadening conflict swirls around frenemies Agatha and Sophie as the latter joins rejuvenated School Master Rafal, who has dispatched an army of villains from Capt. Hook to various evil stepmothers to take stabs (literally) at changing the ends of their stories. Meanwhile, amid a general slaughter of dwarves and billy goats, Agatha and her rigid but educable true love, Tedros, flee for protection to the League of Thirteen. This turns out to be a company of geriatric versions of characters, from Hansel and Gretel (in wheelchairs) to fat and shrewish Cinderella, led by an enigmatic Merlin. As the tale moves slowly toward climactic battles and choices, Chainani further lightens the load by stuffing it with memes ranging from a magic ring that must be destroyed and a “maleficent” gown for Sophie to this oddly familiar line: “Of all the tales in all the kingdoms in all the Woods, you had to walk into mine.” Rafal’s plan turns out to be an attempt to prove that love can be twisted into an instrument of Evil. Though the proposition eventually founders on the twin rocks of true friendship and family ties, talk of “balance” in the aftermath at least promises to give Evil a fighting chance in future fairy tales. Bruno’s polished vignettes at each chapter’s head and elsewhere add sophisticated visual notes.

Pub Date: July 21, 2015

ISBN: 978-0-06-210495-3

Page Count: 672

Review Posted Online: June 25, 2015

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Harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban: harry potter, book 3, common sense media reviewers.

book review harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban

Third Potter is darker, more complex, and fantastic.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Harry Potter, Book 3 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

J.K. Rowling borrows from many established stories

The whole series is full of positive messages abou

Main characters Harry, Ron, and Hermione, usually

There's a little diversity at Hogwarts. Lee Jordan

Dementors are introduced here, the black hooded, f

One "damn" and "b-" spelled that way.

Harry's Aunt Marge drinks wine and brandy, adults

Parents need to know that Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series about an orphan boy at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The series gets more layered and scarier from here on. Not only does Prisoner of Azkaban introduce the dreaded…

Educational Value

J.K. Rowling borrows from many established stories and myths to piece together her magical world. Kids can look up more about garden gnomes, elves, grims, hippogriffs, boggarts, grindylows, kappas, red caps, hinkypunks, magic wands, flying brooms, etc., compare the author's take with other interpretations, and think about how and why she weaves these magical elements and beings into her stories.

Positive Messages

The whole series is full of positive messages about the power of love, friendship, and self-sacrifice. In this book, Dumbledore reminds Harry that the dead never truly leave us, they remain a part of us always. Also, strong messages about bravery and facing fears and how the best way to manage fears head-on is with laughter and fond memories.

Positive Role Models

Main characters Harry, Ron, and Hermione, usually the model of dedicated friends, are at odds for much of the book because Hermione wants to protect Harry by adhering to more safety precautions and Harry wants to live his life like he's not in danger. Hermione is admirable for sticking to her principles, despite the temporary rift it causes. Ron and Harry begin to come around when Hagrid calls them out for valuing things like pets and broomsticks more than their friend whose heart is obviously in the right place. Harry begins to realize that the danger he put himself in during the year was, as Professor Lupin put it, "a poor way to repay" the sacrifice his parents made to keep him alive. Harry makes a very difficult and mature choice, showing some mercy to someone partially responsible for his parents' deaths, and realizing that his parents wouldn't want his friends to become murderers. Professor Lupin is a good mentor to Harry and is the one that helps him face his fear of the dementors.

Diverse Representations

There's a little diversity at Hogwarts. Lee Jordan is described as having dreadlocks, and the Patil twins are in Gryffindor house. Cho Chang is introduced in this book for the first time as the Ravenclaw Seeker on the Quidditch team. Some diverse family structures are described: Harry lives with his aunt and uncle and Neville with his grandmother. Harry and Ron bond over growing up with second-hand clothes and wishing they had more money; Ron's insecurity over being from a poorer family comes up a lot. Women have prominent roles at Hogwarts: Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout are both heads of houses. There are three girls on the Gryffindor quidditch team. There's only one larger-sized character who isn't a bad guy, and that's Hagrid. Lots of negative language around the size of Dudley and his father and Malfoy's Slytherin friends Crabbe and Goyle, plus Peter Pettigrew in his school years was described as "a fat little boy" by one of the teachers.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Dementors are introduced here, the black hooded, floating, eyeless and decayed-looking guards that suck happiness out of people and cause them to relive their worst memories -- in Harry's case, he keeps reliving the moment when his mother screams and is killed by Voldemort with a curse. Dementors can also suck souls out of bodies and they almost do once. Magical animals attack and cause injuries. A large dog fights a werewolf. Humans get broken limbs and get knocked out by spells and a fall from a broomstick. A man stands over a bed with a knife. In a moment of uncontrolled magic and anger, an unsavory relative gets blown up like a balloon. Talk of a curse that killed 13 people and an escaped convict after revenge and more details emerge about the death of Harry's parents.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Harry's Aunt Marge drinks wine and brandy, adults drink in a bar, and Hagrid is drunk twice, once out of sadness (Hermione tells him he's had enough and takes away his tankard) and once in celebration.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in J.K. Rowling' s Harry Potter series about an orphan boy at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The series gets more layered and scarier from here on. Not only does Prisoner of Azkaban introduce the dreaded dementors -- the black hooded, floating, eyeless and decayed-looking guards that suck happiness out of people -- but the overall plotting is much more complex. Professor Lupin and Sirius Black have a number of complicated secrets that come to light near the end, and there's a major betrayal that figures in as well. Younger kids may not keep up with what's going on and will therefore not be set up well to understand the rest of the series. The scariest parts are involving dementors. When Harry encounters them, he relives a buried memory of when his mother screams and is killed by Voldemort with a curse. Dementors can also suck souls out of bodies and they almost do once. Magical animals attack and cause injuries, a large dog fights a werewolf, and humans get broken limbs and are knocked out. Expect a few scenes of drinking by adults, some to excess. In one, Hermione tells Hagrid he's had enough and takes away his drink. There are the usual positive messages from the series about bravery and sacrifice and the power of love. In this book (and much less so in the Prisoner of Azkaban movie), Harry, Ron, and Hermione, usually the model of dedicated friends, are at odds because Hermione wants to protect Harry and Harry wants to live his life like he's not in danger. Hermione is admirable for sticking to her principles and endures the temporary rift it causes. This book is also available in an illustrated edition with art by Jim Kay.

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Community reviews.

  • Parents say (26)
  • Kids say (130)

Based on 26 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN, Harry Potter flees his aunt and uncle's house after a bad run-in with his uncle's cruel sister. His anger gets the better of him, his magic goes haywire, and somehow Aunt Marge ends up blown up like a balloon and floating on the ceiling. His luck turns again when the Knight Bus comes for him and drops him in London outside of Diagon Alley. And it turns yet again when waiting for him outside the Three Broomsticks pub is none other than Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic. Harry thinks he's expelled for sure and would have been if it wasn't for Sirius Black. It's all over the papers that Black escaped from the wizard prison, Azkaban, and less well known that Black may be after Harry, the one who caused Voldemort's downfall and Black's imprisonment. Harry tries to take it in stride -- he's been threatened before -- but when he keeps seeing a black dog everywhere (a sure portent of doom) and is hounded by the happiness-devouring dementors surrounding the school grounds, he's less certain he's safe. Then Black breaks into the castle on Halloween and Harry knows: Nowhere is safe from the escaped prisoner set on revenge.

Is It Any Good?

This Potter sequel wows fans with its twisty plot, shocking reveals, and fantastic new characters. Prisoner of Azkaban takes a big turn toward more sophisticated storytelling starting with the introduction of Professor Lupin. He's not just the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, he has a storied past with Harry's dad, Professor Snape, and even the escaped prisoner that's desperate to storm Hogwarts castle. And Lupin has one big secret the vindictive Snape would just love to divulge. The drama hinges on the clash between Harry's dad's old school friends and enemies, and on a terrible betrayal to them all.

And of course, Harry and friends are caught in the middle, just trying to get through another Hogwarts school year without getting into too much trouble -- though thanks to the Weasley twins' gift of the Marauders Map, sometimes the temptation for trouble is too great. Harry is desperate to win the Quidditch Cup for Gryffindor and will do anything to get the nasty dementors guarding the castle from Sirius Black to leave him alone on the pitch. Lupin teaches Harry the complicated Patronus charm, which ends up saving more than his new broomstick. Much more. And Hermione's insistence on taking every class at Hogwarts gives the trio the cleverest life-saving tool of them all, but they MUST NOT BE SEEN as they race to the double-rescue. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban offers both a thrilling ending and a stellar setup for the rest of the series that from here on out is darker, more complex, and even more rewarding for fantasy fans of all ages.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the rift between Hermione and Ron and Harry in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban . Why does Hermione give Professor McGonagall the Firebolt? Why does Hermione get upset when Harry uses the Marauders Map to sneak into Hogsmeade? Who was being the better friend to Harry, Ron or Hermione? Have you ever had a friend you worried about, that you told not to do something, even if it upset them?

Which mode of witch or wizard transport would you choose -- Knight Bus, Hogwarts Express, broomstick, hippogriff? Explain why.

What do you think is next for Harry, Ron, and Hermione? Will you read more Harry Potter adventures right away or read other books first?

Book Details

  • Author : J. K. Rowling
  • Illustrator : Mary Grandpre
  • Genre : Fantasy
  • Topics : Magic and Fantasy , Adventures , Brothers and Sisters , Cats, Dogs, and Mice , Friendship , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires , Wild Animals
  • Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
  • Book type : Fiction
  • Publisher : Scholastic Inc.
  • Publication date : January 1, 1999
  • Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
  • Number of pages : 435
  • Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
  • Last updated : June 3, 2022

Did we miss something on diversity?

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

By j.k. rowling.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is considered by some to be the best Harry Potter book ever written. It is the third instalment in the Harry Potter series written by J. K. Rowling.

About the Book

Mohandas Alva

Article written by Mohandas Alva

M.A. Degree in English Literature from Manipal University, India.

The events in this book occur during the Third Year of Harry Potter ’s education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry .

Unlike the first two books and every other subsequent book where Lord Voldemort makes an appearance within the story of ‘ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ,’ this book is unique in that he never makes an appearance. This book starts off with Harry being given extra protection by the Ministry of Magic and at Hogwarts since a mass murderer named Sirius Black escapes from Azkaban Prison and is rumored to be hunting down Harry.

Key Facts about  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

  • Title:  Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
  • Published:  8 July 1999 in the UK, 8 September 1999 in the USA
  • Literary Period:  Contemporary
  • Genre:  Fantasy
  • Point-of-View:  Third Person, omniscient
  • Setting:  1990s Great Britain
  • Climax:  When Harry Potter and Hermione Granger try to save Buckbeak and a prisoner from the Dementor’s Kiss by traveling back in time
  • Antagonist: Peter Pettigrew

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

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Digital Art

Books Related to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the ‘Prisoner of Azkaban’ is closely related to the other Harry Potter books in terms of plot, style, and characters. This book is the beginning of a slight shift in tone in the book series, from a cheerful children’s series to a slightly darker and grittier one. This book is similar to the first four books in that the antagonist is portrayed to be someone else and only at the end of the book is the actual antagonist of the book revealed.

Other books that are similar to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban include J. R. R. Tolkien’s works like ‘ The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘ The Hobbit .’ The Harry Potter series is also compared to the Narnia series written by C S Lewis. Both Tolkien’s and Lewis’ work feature creatures and characters that are similar to that of the Harry Potter series and have a strong presence of magic throughout them.

Other books that can be considered similar to ‘ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ are ‘ Redeeming Justice’ by Jarrett Adams, ‘ Getting Life’ by Michael Morton, and ‘ Infinite Hope’ by Anthony Graves, as they all tell stories of people who were wrongly convicted of crimes they didn’t commit, just like one of the major characters in ‘ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.’

Every book with the concept of time travel is also similar to this book, as a major part of this book deals with time travel.

The Lasting Impact of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ is certainly one of the most popular books in the book series. Furthermore, many critics have claimed that this book brings out a more refined and artful writing style from Rowling , owing to her experience as a writer in the past two books. The movie adaptation of ‘ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ was directed by Alfonso Cuarón, one of the most skilled directors to ever direct a Harry Potter movie. Most movie critics still consider ‘ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ to be the best Harry Potter movie ever made. It is also the highest-rated Harry Potter movie in many major rating systems. ‘ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ is also important because, for the first time in the Harry Potter universe, the concept of the Time Turner and, by extension, time travel was introduced. Hermione uses Time Turners to attend all her classes that are held simultaneously, and later, Hermione and Harry use it to save a major character in the book. This served as a major plot point to the Harry Potter play released after the book named ‘ Harry Potter and the Cursed Child .’

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Review ⭐

Many reviews have lauded ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ for being one of the best Harry Potter books ever written, especially for its bold shift from children’s storytelling to elements of gritty realism.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Quotes 💬

‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ is loaded with several great quotes that add to the well-written narrative as a reminder of the mood and the sentiment behind these characters’ expressions.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Character List 🧙

‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ has a lot of new characters that were not present in the first two books including characters who were crucial during the first wizarding wars and the beginning of Lord Voldemort’s ascent to power.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Themes and Analysis 🪄

‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ is significantly different in thematic value from its two predecessors. It is known for its interesting twists and turns and great storytelling.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Summary 🐺

‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’ is the third installment in the Harry Potter book series written by J K Rowling. It is known for establishing a significant shift in storytelling, from a cheerful tone to a darker, more gritty one.

The Harry Potter section of Book Analysis analyzes and explorers the Harry Potter series. The characters, names, terminology, and all related indicia are trademarks of Warner Bros ©. The content on Book Analysis was created by Harry Potter fans, with the aim of providing a thorough in-depth analysis and commentary to complement and provide an additional perspective to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

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I've just returned from London, where Daniel Radcliffe created a stir by speculating that his famous character, Harry Potter, might have to die at the end of the series. Certainly that seems like more of a possibility in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," the third Potter film, than it did in the first two. It's not that Harry, Ron and Hermione are faced with any really gruesome dangers (there's nothing here on the order of the spider that wrapped up Frodo for his dinner in the "Ring" trilogy), but that Harry's world has grown a little darker and more menacing.

The film centers on the escape of the sinister Sirius Black ( Gary Oldman ) from Azkaban Prison; Sirius was convicted in Voldemort's plot to murder Harry's parents, and now it's suspected he must finish the job by killing Harry. As Harry returns for his third year at Hogwarts, grim wraiths named Dementors are stationed at every entrance to the school to ward off Sirius, but the Dementors are hardly reassuring, with their trick of sucking away the soul essence of their victims.

Harry, too, has developed an edge. We first met him as the poor adopted relative of a suburban family that mistreated him mercilessly; this time, Harry is no longer the long-suffering victim but zaps an unpleasant dinner guest with a magical revenge that would be truly cruel if it were not, well, truly funny. Harry is no longer someone you can mess with.

Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione ( Rupert Grint and Emma Watson ) return to a Hogwarts that boasts, as it does every school year, peculiar new faculty members (this school policy promises years of employment for British character actors). New this year are Professor Lupin ( David Thewlis ), who tutors Harry in a tricky incantation said to provide protection against the dark magic of Sirius, and Professor Sybil Trelawney ( Emma Thompson ), whose tea readings don't pull punches-- not when she gazes into the bottom of Harry's cup and sees death in the leaves.

To distract Harry from his presumed fate, his friend the gamekeeper Hagrid ( Robbie Coltrane ) introduces the three friends to a wondrous new beast named Buckbeak, which is a hippogriff, half bird, half horse, wholly misunderstood. When a werewolf begins to prowl the grounds, a battle between the two creatures is inevitable. Who could the werewolf be by day? Does no one at Hogwarts find the Latin root of lupus suggestive?

Among the movie's many special effects, I especially admired the gnarled tree that figures in the third act. The tree is introduced with a wink to the viewer who knows it is CGI: It shakes melting snow from its branches, and some of the snow seems to plop on the camera lens. Beneath this tree is a warren that shelters unimaginable terrors for Ron, when he is dragged into it as part of a longer climactic sequence that plays tricks with time. First the three heroes witness one version of events, and then, after reversing the flow of time, they try to alter them. The ingenuity of the time-tricks worked for me but may puzzle some of the film's youngest viewers.

Chris Columbus , who made the first two Potter films, remains as producer but replaces himself as director with Alfonso Cuaron , director of the wonderful " A Little Princess " (1975) and the brilliant " Y Tu Mama Tambien ." Cuaron continues the process, already under way in " Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ," of darkening the palette. The world of the first film, with its postal owls and Quiddich matches, seems innocent now, and although there is indeed a Quiddich match in this film, it's played in a storm that seems to have blown in from " The Day after Tomorrow ." I like what Cuaron does with the look of the picture, but found the plotting a little murky; just when we should be focusing on exactly who Sirius Black is and why he killed Harry's parents, there is the sudden appearance of a more interesting if less important character, Peter Pettigrew ( Timothy Spall ), a real rat who undergoes a change of purpose.

The actors playing Harry, Ron and Hermione have outgrown their childhoods in this movie, and by the next film will have to be dealt with as teenagers, or replaced by younger actors. If they continue to grow up, I'm afraid the series may begin to tilt toward less whimsical forms of special effects violence, but on the other hand I like Radcliffe, Grint and Watson, and especially the way Watson's Hermione has of shouldering herself into the center of scenes and taking charge. Although the series is named for Harry, he's often an onlooker, and it's Hermione who delivers a long-delayed uppercut to the jaw of Draco Malfoy.

Unlike American movies such as " Spy Kids ," where the young actors dominate most of their scenes, the Harry Potter movies weave the three heroes into a rich tapestry of character performances. Here I savored David Thewlis as a teacher too clever by half, Emma Thompson as the embodiment of daffy enthusiasm, Alan Rickman as the meticulously snippy Snape, Robbie Coltrane as the increasingly lovable Hagrid, and Michael Gambon , stepping into the robes and beard of the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore.

Is "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" as good as the first two films? Not quite. It doesn't have that sense of joyously leaping through a clockwork plot, and it needs to explain more than it should. But the world of Harry Potter remains delightful, amusing and sophisticated; the challenge in the films ahead will be to protect its fragile innocence and not descend into the world of conventional teen thrillers.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film Credits

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban movie poster

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

Rated PG for frightening moments, creature violence and mild language

141 minutes

David Thewlis as Professor Lupin

Emma Watson as Hermione Granger

Alan Rickman as Professor Snape

Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore

Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter

Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley

Gary Oldman as Sirius Black

Directed by

  • Alfonso Cuaron
  • Steven Kloves

Based on the novel by

  • J. K. Rowling

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

Continuing my Harry Potter reread and review sees me next reviewing The Prisoner of Azkaban. This is the third book in the series and sees our three heroes return back to Hogwarts ready for another year not knowing the massive discoveries they’re going to uncover and the new friends they’re going to make over the coming year. Is the Prisoner of Azkaban the first where things really start to get good?

Please note that this article contains affiliate links. This means if you choose to purchase Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban via any of the links below, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate links do not have an effect on my final opinion of the product.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban book review

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third instalment in the wildly successful Harry Potter series (if there ever was an understatement). This book sees the series take a slightly more dangerous and darker turn, introducing some incredibly important characters from Harry’s past that shows us a peek into where the rest of the series is going to take us.

The Prisoner of Azkaban plot – 4.5/5

I know a lot of people that would state Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as having their favourite plot from the series. It features some really big and important moments for the future of the series and introduces us to some characters who will have a real impact on Harry and those around him.

In a similar vein to Chamber of Secrets , Prisoner of Azkaban starts off with Harry having a slightly less than usual end to his summer. The book starts off with Harry accidentally inflating his Aunt after she insults his parents and so Harry takes off and runs away. After an enjoyable ride on the magical Night Bus, Harry finds out that a dark and dangerous wizard, Sirius Black, has escaped from Azkaban, the most secure wizarding prison there is. The images make him out to be very powerful with the rumours being that he wants to find and kill Harry. It all starts off quite dark but eventually things lighten up as Harry reunites with Ron and Hermione and they return to Hogwarts. However, as with all previous years, things start to take a turn for the worse when Harry arrives to see Dementors patrolling the grounds. Without spoiling too much more, there are a lot more big introductions in this novel that, if you’ve read the later books, you’ll notice stick around.

I would have to say this is one of the smarter Harry Potter books. It’s not filled with quite as much action as the other two previous editions but it certainly has an ending that will shock and surprise many who’ve not read it before. As I stated before, it is certainly the book in the series that takes things down a slightly darker route. Things start to become far more serious and the real danger the threesome could be in has now ramped up. Rowling does a brilliant job in this third instalment without having to jump on the same tropes she has in the previous two books.

The Prisoner of Azkaban characters – 4.5/5

As I stated with the previous books, one of the best things about these books is the characters. The comradery seen between Ron, Harry and Hermione is like nothing we’ve rarely seen in fiction since. The friendship they have and the utmost respect they have for one another is simply unparalleled.

To add to their great chemistry, some big names are introduced in this book – including Professor Remus Lupin, a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher and of course Sirius Black. Both of them will have huge roles to play in the future. You instantly fall in love with Lupin as he’s one of the first and few teachers who appear to be on Harry’s side and want him to succeed.

The Prisoner of Azkaban summary – 4/5

Now, there may be some controversy in my final decision here, but hear me out: yes, Prisoner of Azkaban is a great addition to the Harry Potter universe, one that I myself have described as “one of the smarter Harry Potter books”. But there’s a real lack of anything really happening in the middle of the book. Yes, the introduction to some great new characters and the great ending make for a really satisfying end to the book but there is definitely a lack of real depth in the middle.

This is a great Harry Potter book but, as a story in itself, it’s not something I would deem five stars. However, don’t let this dissuade you from carrying on. It’s not a bump on the road, it’s merely a little crack and an important one at that.

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Book Review Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is one of the most beloved books in the series, with exciting plot twists, thrilling action sequences, and memorable characters that draw readers in. In this review, we’ll explore why this third installment of Harry’s story is a must-read.

Summary of the Plot

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban follows Harry, who is now in his third year at Hogwarts. When an infamous criminal escapes from the wizarding prison of Azkaban, Harry is suddenly targeted by a mysterious creature known as a Dementor.

Harry Potter Books

To add to it all, a dangerous fugitive, Sirius Black appears with a mission to capture Harry by any means necessary. As danger looms closer and closer, Harry must face some of the darkest magic he’s ever encountered if he’s going to survive.

Characters and Themes in the Novel

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban features a memorable collection of characters, from Hermione’s courage-seeking tactics to Sirius Black’s uncertain identity. While the three friends, Harry, Ron, and Hermione explore the dark secrets surrounding their world, they face some of their most difficult challenges yet.

Remus Lupin like character from Harry Potter and the prisoner of Azkaban

Remus Lupin comes into the story as Professor, revealing himself to be a werewolf and showing the students just how complex magic can be. As they face each danger, themes such as loyalty, friendship, love, and justice become more prominent throughout the novel.

Lupin, by the way, is the French word for Wolf derived from the Latin word Lupus. Even though Remus also develops dog or wolf ears from time to time, these are not the dog ears we are talking about in our article about using dog-earing as a bookmarking technique.

Philosophical Messages Implied in the Book

Besides being an entertaining fantasy book, The Prisoner of Azkaban also contains several moral messages. One of the main lessons JK Rowling conveys in this installment is that things are not always as they appear.

Sirius Black’s character becomes an important example of the power of the choices we make and how they can influence our destiny. Despite being convicted of a crime he did not commit, he decided to take responsibility for his actions and reclaimed his identity when given the opportunity.

This philosophical element provides thought-provoking material for readers to learn from and relate to even today.

J.K. Rowling at Premier of Fantastic Beasts

Authentic Events and Magical Worlds.

Rowling wrote Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with a clear mission to make sure hundreds of thousands of readers were taken away to enjoy an adventurous journey full of magical creatures, authentic settings, mysterious events, and engaging characters.

If you are curious about J.K. Rowling’s net worth , you can read our other article about Rowling.

The Prisoner of Azkaban book contains all the classic elements of the series’ world such as Quidditch tournaments and mythical creatures.

Fans can expect thrilling suspense, and witty banter from characters such as Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and Hagrid as well as several heartfelt development moments for Harry.

All these factors combined make The Prisoner of Azkaban an incredible story that is enjoyable no matter whether you are a fan of fantasy literature or not.

Dumbledor like character

Development of Character Relationships.

One of the defining aspects of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is how well-developed the relationships are between various characters.

Not only do we get to observe more about the close bond between Harry, Hermione, and Ron, but we also get to witness many nuanced interactions between Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Severus Snape, Albus Dumbledore, and other characters.

Their conversations are filled with meaningful dialogue that breathes life into these vivid characters in a way that creates further curiosity in readers as they follow every character’s journey.

Personal Opinion

This third installment of the Harry Potter series is a masterpiece of storytelling. Rowling’s writing is as engaging and imaginative as ever, taking readers on a journey filled with mystery, magic, and adventure. The plot is expertly crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the book is the way Rowling seamlessly weaves in new elements of the wizarding world while still keeping the story grounded in the familiar Hogwarts setting. From the introduction of the Dementors to the concept of time travel, the book expands the magical universe in a way that feels both natural and exciting.

The characters are also a highlight of the book. Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue to grow and develop as they face new challenges, and the addition of new characters such as Sirius Black and Remus Lupin adds depth and complexity to the story. Even the minor characters are well-drawn and memorable, from the bumbling Neville Longbottom to the scheming Peter Pettigrew.

Overall, “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” is a delightful and enchanting read that will captivate both children and adults. It is a testament to J.K. Rowling’s skill as a writer and her ability to create a world that feels both fantastical and real.

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Book Review

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban unveils the darkening direction that the series is set for. With well executed character growth and a strong and unique plotline, this book sets itself apart from the previous two books without staying too far from the path of what readers have come to love about the series.

This book being the 3rd installment to the Harry Potter series, written by J. K. Rowling contains 22 chapters sharing 435 pages. This book is significantly larger than the others of the series thus far but certainly does not read that way.

The story follows Harry as he deals with a murderer on the loose that has a desire to kill Harry. This leads to extra security around Harry and all the young wizards in general by releasing creatures called Dementors. These creatures guard the wizard prison normally, but after this murderer escapes, they have been tasked with hunting the murderer down and taking him back to prison.

These creatures play a pivotal role throughout the story and have an attraction to Harry and his dark past. This causes Harry a lot of grief as throughout the year they are patrolling the Hogwarts castle.

New Characters and Creatures

We are introduced to some new characters in this book such as Professor Lupin, who is the 3rd defence against the dark arts teacher since the start of the series. A job that has become notoriously high in retention rate. Perhaps Dumbledore really is awful at running a school and picking the right faculty.

Lupin is a sudo father figure to Harry as he progresses throughout the year. Harry is taught how to ward off Dementors by Lupin after watching the professor fight them off on the train heading to Hogwarts at the beginning of the school year. Lupin also knew Harry’s parents and fought with them in the last war. Lupin really cares for Harry and wants to make sure that his friend’s child (Harry’s father) is looked out for.

Another new character is Serious Black, the man who escaped the wizard prison of Azkaban. This character develops mostly to the tail end of the series but is a very interesting character. Without spoiling it here to readers I won’t say much more other than there is more to him then murder.

Character Development

HP3.jpg

When it comes to character development with the existing characters, it seems to have slowed somewhat. I didn’t get the feeling that the characters grew in this book as much as the Chamber of Secrets. Yes, they deal with more adult like issues and realities, but that is about it. In the previous book Harry and Hermione have to deal with wizard racism in a sense with the pureness of family magic blood. This was something that had an obvious overarching scope to the story. But in Prisoner of Azkaban, I just get the sense that they are dealing with an injustice of the adult world for the first time. Something that also existed in the previous book.

With all that being said though, this book is a very enjoyable read. There are still moments of new discovery with magic, we are also introduced to a mechanic of magic in this book that might what makes it stand out the most. Time travel.

Time travel in this book is handled decently. I would not say that it passes with flying colors, but for a children's book series I cannot expect something like this to be to overly complicated. Of course with the way this book was designed, that means that almost the entire last third of the book happens over the course of 48 hours. Even though it’s not fleshed out to a level that I would enjoy at a higher level of reading, I still enjoyed it.

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Like all the Harry Potter books, the lessons throughout the year build to the Trio learning the important skills that they will need throughout the year to finish the book. Time Turners, learning the patronus charm. Learning to fly a Hippogriff, learning about animagus. Rowlings method of working these things into the school year keeps the story from getting dull while still letting the readers know that yes, the kids are there to learn.

Closing Thoughts

At the end of the day this book tells a cohesive story. It develops new characters that will have uses later on in the series in a clever way and explores new ideas to the series that have yet to be explored leading to a very fresh feel. This book ranks in the top half of my preferred books in the series. It has some weaknesses in the story with the existing character developments but does really set the stage for what is to come in the next books in the series.

Honestly if I had to describe the type of story this book is in the Harry Potter series, I would have to say it’s the filler book that is required to put may of the future pieces into place for the rest of the series. But it’s very well done and deserves to be read.

If you want to find out where this book ranks in the series you can check out our ranking list for the Harry Potter book series here !

What are your thoughts on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban? Where does it rank for you? Comment below and let us know! As always if you want to pick up a copy for yourself, you can use our affiliate link as it helps us out on the site to bring more articles and reviews like this one to you.

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Book Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban is about Harry’s 3rd year at Hogwarts. Along with friends Ron and Hermione, Harry investigates the case of Sirius Black, an escaped prisoner from Azkaban, the wizard prison. Sirius Black is believed to be one of Voldemort's allies, and he is the only wizard ever to escape Azkaban, so he is definitely powerful. Harry Potter then overhears that Sirius Black wants to kill him.

This book is full of creeps and chills, like in one part, the train to Hogwarts is stopped because of terrible flying things that can suck out your soul. Because of these soul-suckers, Harry almost dies, but in the end, Harry learns a lot about himself, his parents, and friends (both of his, and his parents’).

But this book is still full of interest. In a memorable moment, Harry Potter flies on a Hippogriff, which is a hybrid between a horse and eagle. In another part, The Prisoner of Azkaban goes from fantasy to sci-fi, because of time travel, where Harry goes back in time to save himself.

With the adventurous and scary parts in perfect balance, this book is a good read, and personally, it is my favorite book in the whole series.

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Teen Book Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Author: J. K. Rowling Publication date: July 8, 1999 Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Adventure, Mystery Recommended for: 10+ Rating: 5/5 stars

Harry Potter is going to attend his third year at a magical school called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with his friends, Ronald Weasley (Ron) and Hermione Granger. For twelve years, Azkaban, a wizard’s prison was holding a man named Sirius Black who was charged with the murder of thirteen people with a single spell and many people thought he was in cahoots with Lord Voldemort. After Black escaped, Harry Potter realizes he is no longer safe at Hogwarts, even if he is surrounded by his trusty professors and friends. Moreover, there might be a double crosser in their school. Will Harry and his friends discover that the traitor is someone they trust? Or will Sirius Black get to Hogwarts before they even realize it? 

The Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in the Harry Potter series of seven books. This book is entertaining because of the way Harry, Hermione, and Ron work together to keep Harry safe from Sirius Black, while also solving the mystery of the traitor. I would recommend this book to all who like friendship, adventure, some thrills, mystery, and long novels. This book deserves a rating of 5/5 stars because it is a national best-seller and is highly recommended by many kids and adults. It won the Booklist Editors’ Choice Award, the 1999 Bram Stoker Award for Best Work for Young Readers, the 1999 FCGB Children’s Book Award, the 1999 Whitbread Book of the Year for children’s books, and the 2000 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel.

Place a hold on this book in the WCCLS catalog.

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

book review harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban

For Harry Potter, it’s the start of another far-from-ordinary year at Hogwarts when the Knight Bus crashes through the darkness and comes to an abrupt halt in front of him.

It turns out that Sirius Black, mass-murderer and follower of Lord Voldemort, has escaped – and they say he is coming after Harry.

In his first Divination class, Professor Trelawney sees an omen of death in Harry’s tea leaves.

And perhaps most frightening of all are the Dementors patrolling the school grounds with their soul-sucking kiss – in search of fresh victims.

Publishers: UK Print – Bloomsbury US Print – Scholastic eBook –  Pottermore Digital Audiobook – Pottermore UK Illustrated – Bloomsbury US Illustrated – Scholastic

UK MinaLima edition – Bloomsbury US MinaLima edition – Scholastic

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Book 3

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Believe it or not, 13-year-old Harry Potter can't wait to get back to school. He's more than ready to start his third year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry after spending another terrible summer vacation with his nasty Muggle (non-magical) relatives, the Dursleys.  

This summer was the worst yet, as Harry let his temper and his magic fly. When loud, annoying Aunt Marge visits the Dursleys and makes some mean comments about Harry, he blows her up with air like a giant balloon. Afraid of what his punishment from the Dursleys (or from Ministry of Magic officials) might be, Harry runs away. But in the middle of the night he is rescued by a mysterious, magical purple bus that whisks him to safety at an inn called the Leaky Cauldron. It's there that Harry learns that his third year at school will be the strangest --- and scariest --- ever.  

Harry hears that Sirius Black, the right-hand-man of evil wizard Voldemort (who was responsible for killing Harry's parents), has escaped from Azkaban, the wizards' prison. But worse than that, Sirius is looking for Harry! Dumbledore (head of Hogwarts) and Ministry of Magic officials protect Harry by assigning ghoulish-looking Dementors to guard the entrances to Hogwarts. As another safety precaution, Harry is not permitted to leave the campus (though he finds a way to sneak off on a forbidden field trip).  

But why do the Dementors chill Harry to the bone and render him powerless whenever they look at him? A new Hogwarts professor, Professor Lupin, holds the answer to that question and many other creepy mysteries. We won't give the secret away, but Professor Lupin turns out to be something more than he appears... 

In between all their classes, Harry and his pals Ron and Hermione have plenty to do. They must find a way to help their friend (and now, a professor), Hagrid, when he gets in trouble with school officials. And, of course, Harry is still the star player on the Gryffindor Quidditch team --- this time on a brand new, super-duper broom, an anonymous gift that arrived out of nowhere.   

Come along as Harry not only faces off with Sirius Black, but finds out more about his family history --- and the fascinating history of Hogwarts. This crisply-paced fantasy will leave you hungry for the four additional Harry books that J.K. Rowling is working on.

Harry's third year is a charm. Don't miss it. 

Reviewed by Shannon Maughan on September 11, 2001

book review harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Book 3 by J. K. Rowling

  • Publication Date: June 26, 2018
  • Genres: Fantasy
  • Paperback: 464 pages
  • Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
  • ISBN-10: 1338299166
  • ISBN-13: 9781338299168

book review harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban book review

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

The third novel in the Harry Potter series is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling. As Harry returns to Hogwarts for his third year, he is pursued by the escaped prisoner, Sirius Black. Harry learns about how his parents were killed and wants revenge no matter what. Keep reading to find out what else to expect in this novel!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Summary

Harry Potter gets into a heated argument with his aunt and uncle and leaves home as a result. Luckily for him, Sirius Black has escaped jail and is reportedly after him which leads to the Ministry of Magic helping Harry until he returns to Hogwarts. The third school year is different as Dementors, wraithlike dark creatures, are roaming around Hogwarts to prevent Black from entering.

A new Defense against the Dark Arts teacher named Lupin helps Harry defend himself as Harry passes out when Dementors are around him. Divination professor Sybill Trelawney irritates Harry and his friends by constantly predicting Harry’s life to be in danger. And lastly, Harry and his Quidditch team practice nonstop so they can finally win the Quidditch cup.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban book review

As Harry navigates his third year, he feels suffocated with all the teachers trying to keep him safe. Sirius Black has been spotted on campus and Harry learns who betrayed his parents to the Dark Lord. Follow Harry as he tries to balance his school life and his personal feelings in a hectic third school year at Hogwarts. 

It is yet another horrible school year for Harry . One more person is allegedly after Harry and it makes his life more chaotic than usual. It is hard to say what is normal for Harry since he hasn’t had a normal life ever since he found he was a wizard. Sirius Black has escaped Azkaban and security around Harry tightens…somewhat. But that is the normal is this universe at this point.

The third year is much busier and we get more details about the classes, something that the previous books lacked. And I did enjoy that. Seeing them learn other stuff besides Defense against the Dark Arts (which they haven’t learned much in class) makes it feel like a real school experience. The timeskip to Christmas and the finals still happens to fast in my opinion.

There are several plot twists that seem too big to not have been solved beforehand. If only the wizard world had detectives and police instead of Dementors that crave suffering and pain. Harry and his friends have solved a lot of the mysteries and they are not even 13!

That is my take for this novel. It is mostly humourous and stuff that I enjoy thinking too much. I will try to read the fourth book by the end of the month or early August so be on the lookout for that!

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

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Under the assured direction of Alfonso Cuaron, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban triumphantly strikes a delicate balance between technical wizardry and complex storytelling.

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Alfonso Cuarón

Daniel Radcliffe

Harry Potter

Rupert Grint

Ron Weasley

Emma Watson

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Gary Oldman

Sirius Black

David Thewlis

Professor Lupin

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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Written by J.K. Rowlings. Published by Scholastic.

As he makes his way through the third year of Hogwarts, Harry has to cope with feuding friends, old enemies and the mysterious Sirius Black

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Paperback – September 1, 1998

  • Book 1 of 7 Harry Potter
  • Print length 309 pages
  • Language English
  • Grade level 4 - 7
  • Lexile measure 880L
  • Dimensions 5.25 x 0.75 x 7.75 inches
  • Publisher Scholastic
  • Publication date September 1, 1998
  • ISBN-10 1338878921
  • ISBN-13 978-0590353427
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From publishers weekly, about the author.

J.K. ROWLING is the author of the enduringly popular, era-defining Harry Potter seven-book series, which have sold over 600 million copies in 85 languages, been listened to as audiobooks for over one billion hours and made into eight smash hit movies. To accompany the series, she wrote three short companion volumes for charity, including Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them , which went on to inspire a new series of films featuring Magizoologist Newt Scamander. Harry’s story as a grown-up was continued in a stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child , which J.K. Rowling wrote with playwright Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany.

In 2020, she returned to publishing for younger children with the fairy tale The Ickabog , the royalties for which she donated to her charitable trust, Volant, to help charities working to alleviate the social effects of the Covid 19 pandemic. Her latest children’s novel, The Christmas Pig , was published in 2021.

J.K. Rowling has received many awards and honours for her writing, including for her detective series written under the name Robert Galbraith. She supports a wide number of humanitarian causes through Volant, and is the founder of the international children’s care reform charity Lumos. J.K. Rowling lives in Scotland with her family.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 059035342X
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic; 1st edition (September 1, 1998)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 309 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1338878921
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0590353427
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 7+ years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 880L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.75 x 7.75 inches
  • #143 in Children's School Issues
  • #246 in Children's Friendship Books
  • #329 in Children's Fantasy & Magic Books

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About the authors

J.k. rowling.

J.K. Rowling is the author of the enduringly popular, era-defining Harry Potter book series, as well as several stand-alone novels for adults and children, and a bestselling crime fiction series written under the pen name Robert Galbraith.

The Harry Potter books have now sold over 600 million copies worldwide, been translated into 85 languages and made into eight blockbuster films. They continue to be discovered and loved by new generations of readers.

Alongside the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling also wrote three short companion volumes for charity: Quidditch Through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, in aid of Comic Relief, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard, in aid of her international children’s charity, Lumos. The companion books and original series are all available as audiobooks.

In 2016, J.K. Rowling collaborated with playwright Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany to continue Harry’s story in a stage play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which opened in London, and is now thrilling audiences on four continents. The script book was published to mark the plays opening in 2016 and instantly topped the bestseller lists.

In the same year, she made her debut as a screenwriter with the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Inspired by the original companion volume, it was the first in a series of new adventures featuring wizarding world magizoologist Newt Scamander. The second, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, was released in 2018 and the third, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore was released in 2022.

The screenplays were published to coincide with each film’s release: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - The Original Screenplay (2016), Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay (2018) and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore - The Complete Screenplay (2022).

Fans of Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter can find out more at www.wizardingworld.com.

J.K. Rowling’s fairy tale for younger children, The Ickabog, was serialised for free online for children during the Covid-19 pandemic in the summer of 2020 and is now published as a book illustrated by children, with her royalties going to her charitable trust, Volant, to benefit charities helping alleviate social deprivation and assist vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.

Her latest children’s novel The Christmas Pig, published in 2021, is a standalone adventure story about a boy’s love for his most treasured thing and how far he will go to find it.

J.K. Rowling also writes novels for adults. The Casual Vacancy was published in 2012 and adapted for television in 2015. Under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, she is the author of the highly acclaimed ‘Strike’ crime series, featuring private detective Cormoran Strike and his partner Robin Ellacott. The first of these, The Cuckoo’s Calling, was published to critical acclaim in 2013, at first without its author’s true identity being known. The Silkworm followed in 2014, Career of Evil in 2015, Lethal White in 2018, Troubled Blood in 2020 and The Ink Black Heart in 2022. The series has also been adapted for television by the BBC and HBO.

J.K. Rowling’s 2008 Harvard Commencement speech was published in 2015 as an illustrated book, Very Good Lives: The Fringe Benefits of Failure and the Importance of Imagination, sold in aid of Lumos and university-wide financial aid at Harvard.

As well as receiving an OBE and Companion of Honour for services to children’s literature, J.K. Rowling has received many other awards and honours, including France’s Legion d’Honneur, Spain’s Prince of Asturias Award and Denmark’s Hans Christian Andersen Award.

J.K. Rowling supports a number of causes through her charitable trust, Volant. She is also the founder and president of Lumos, an international children’s charity fighting for every child’s right to a family by transforming care systems around the world.

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Harry potter's tv remake can answer 1 prisoner of azkaban question we're still thinking about.

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Harry Potter Reboot Wishlist: 15 Things Fans Demand

8 harry potter movie moments that made absolutely no sense (but the tv remake can fix), why the witcher star freya allan is relieved the series is ending after 5 seasons.

  • The Harry Potter TV show can delve deeper into characters and storylines from the books, fixing the previous adaptations' shortcomings.
  • The HBO series can finally address why Fred and George never saw Peter Pettigrew on the Marauder's Map in Prisoner of Azkaban.
  • Prisoner of Azkaban 's biggest plot hole can be fixed by addressing the issue or changing Harry Potter lore.

HBO's Harry Potter TV show has the chance to expand on certain characters and storylines from the books, and the remake also has the opportunity to answer a Prisoner of Azkaban question that's been front of mind since the book's 1999 debut. The Harry Potter movies did a decent job of bringing the Wizarding World to the screen in the early 2000s and 2010s. Of course, there were Harry Potter scenes the movies weren't ready for, and their limited run times necessitated cutting certain subplots and characters from the source material.

There were also issues that existed in the Harry Potter books that the adaptations perpetuated. HBO's upcoming Harry Potter TV show can finally fix these aspects of the source material , answering major questions fans have been wondering about for years. This includes one question raised by Prisoner of Azkaban. Despite presenting a glaring problem with the narrative, neither the Harry Potter books nor the movies have ever adequately answered it.

Warner Bros.’ Harry Potter TV reboot has the opportunity to right the wrongs of the movie adaptations and even improve upon the book series.

The Harry Potter Books & Movies Never Explain 1 Marauder's Map Plot Hole

Someone should have noticed peter pettigrew before prisoner of azkaban.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban introduces the Marauders and their backstory — and it also brings the cleverly crafted Marauder's Map into the picture. The Marauder's Map shows all the ways in and out of Hogwarts, as well as where all the people in the castle are at any given moment. Fred and George give the map to Harry in Prisoner of Azkaban , but neither of them realizes its connection to his father. They also, conveniently, never notice Peter Pettigrew lurking around Hogwarts during Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, or Prisoner of Azkaban.

Although Fred and George may not have been interested in every person on the map, it's surprising they didn't notice a famously dead wizard hanging around their brother.

Pettigrew disguises himself as Ron's rat, Scabbers, for the first few Harry Potter books and movies — but Remus Lupin discovers the truth about his old friend after confiscating the Marauder's Map. With Pettigrew showing up even as an Animagus, it's a wonder no one realized he was alive earlier . Although Fred and George may not have been interested in every person on the map, it's surprising they didn't notice a famously dead wizard hanging around their brother. This is one of Prisoner of Azkaban 's biggest plot holes, and it's still hard to make sense of years later.

Harry Potter's TV Remake Can Finally Answer This Prisoner Of Azkaban Question

The hbo series must fix this plot hole from the source material.

The books and movies never explain why Fred and George don't notice Pettigrew on the Marauder's Map, but HBO's Harry Potter TV show can finally make sense of this . This is a question Harry Potter fans have been asking since the third book came out, and it's one that warrants explanation. After all, Sirius Black's alleged crimes and Pettigrew's faked murder are well-known events in the Wizarding World, and they're mentioned frequently in Prisoner of Azkaban . It stands to reason that Fred and George would know who Pettigrew is — and that they'd question his name appearing in the Gryffindor dormitory.

It stands to reason that Fred and George would know who Pettigrew is — and that they'd question his name appearing in the Gryffindor dormitory.

While Harry and Ron likely wouldn't be looking at themselves on the Marauder's Map that frequently — though their inability to spot Pettigrew's name is also questionable — Fred and George would almost certainly have used it to spy on their younger brother and his classmates. The Harry Potter TV show needs to reveal why they didn't notice the well-known wizard's name on the map. Alternatively, the HBO series could offer a believable reason for them to ignore its presence .

How The HBO Series Can Explain Fred & George's Marauder's Map Mishap

The series can acknowledge it or change harry potter lore.

There are a couple of ways the Harry Potter TV show can address Prisoner of Azkaban 's Marauder's Map plot hole, and one is to have Fred and George acknowledge the strange name appearing on the map . With ghosts existing at Hogwarts and the magical item shrouded in mystery, it's possible that the Weasley twins simply saw Pettigrew's name and ignored it. Perhaps they can mention the odd occurrence on the heels of Sirius Black's escape from prison, offering a hint about Prisoner of Azkaban 's twisty ending .

A more complicated way of fixing this plot hole would be to change the rules surrounding Anamagi and the Marauder's Map. While Animagi appear on the map in the Harry Potter books and movies, they don't necessarily need to in the TV show. Unfortunately, changing this bit of Harry Potter lore could create other problems for the upcoming series. With the Marauders creating the map for their adventures as Animagi — and the map being directly related to Prisoner of Azkaban's big reveal — it'd probably be better to just acknowledge the issue and move forward.

Harry Potter

Harry Potter is HBO's remake of the iconic Wizarding World film series that consisted of eight films between 2001 and 2011. Each season adapts a book from JK Rowling's popular series and provides more book-accurate details than the movies did. Upon the announcement of the Harry Potter TV show, the series received harsh criticism for the involvement of Rowling and for many thinking a reboot was unnecessary.

Harry Potter

This Harry Potter Movie Paved the Way for the Rest of the Series

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban delivers a major tonal shift in the movie series, paving the way for a dark turn in Harry Potter's arc.

  • Alfonso Cuarón changes the franchise's formula in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , taking some liberties with the source material to shed new light on the movies to come.
  • The movie touches on themes of adolescence and how Harry and his friends are forced to mature prematurely.
  • Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban hints at the series' darker future, exploring the hopelessness and disorientation that takes over Harry's character arc.

An important landmark in the Harry Potter franchise is coming on June 4th, marking the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , the movie that helped pave the way for the rest of the series. The film follows Harry, Rony, and Hermione confronting adolescence in their third year at Hogwarts as mysterious foes from the past return. A dangerous prisoner escapes Azkaban and goes after Harry, prompting the chilling Dementors to patrol the school's grounds while an unspeakable evil silently lurks in the castle's shadows.

Regarded by critics as one of the best movies in the Harry Potter franchise, if not the best, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban marks the moment Harry Potter movies take a distinctive dark turn. As the movie before Voldemort's return, the film does a great job of tying past and present while developing the arcs of many important characters. Fan-favorite characters such as Remus Lupin and Sirius Black make their first appearances in the film, contributing to a great Harry Potter movie that changed the franchise forever.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Changed the Franchise's Formula

How did sybill trelawney become a hogwarts professor in harry potter.

The idea of bringing Alfonso Cuarón on board Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban might be one of the best decisions made by the movie franchise, as it enabled the story to find a welcoming, fresh tone. As the most popular Young Adult fantasy series of all time, Harry Potter improved some of the genre's best attributes: the transition from adolescence to adulthood, the school setting, the reliable mentors, and so on. On the other hand, the first books fell into off-putting cliches, one of them being a ready-made formula used in both Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

This formula followed a straightforward narrative course: compelling elements of Hogwarts activities are explored - Quidditch, Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons, new spells - until the school's routine is disrupted by an exterior threat. Harry and his friends somehow get involved. Secrets are revealed, and a culprit comes to light. Finally, Harry is forced to confront this threat and discovers the real culprit was someone else all along. He defeats an enemy, and Voldemort is weakened. Many of these elements return in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , but Cuarón makes sure to dissect them differently, leading the story towards an unexpected path: no wonder the movie is the most polarizing adaptation in the series.

It certainly helped that Harry Potter had Chris Columbus to follow the formula just like Rowling intended: it worked in the books, so it might as well work in the movies. The first two Harry Potter movies are by-the-book adaptations that faithfully adapt every major component introduced by Rowling. Columbus had a history of family-friendly movies before Harry Potter - Home Alone 1 and 2, Bicentennial Man - making him the perfect person to adapt the lighthearted section of the book series. But changes would be needed once Harry Potter got into its darkest moments.

Cuarón steps in to direct Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , changing the formula of the first two movies and showing that there's space to innovate. There was nothing wrong with Harry Potter's initial formula: it helped the characters to evolve and gave space for worldbuilding to flourish. However, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban i s unlike the other books: it marks the first time Voldemort doesn't pose an immediate threat to Harry and his friends. This time, exterior forces surround Harry from unexpected places, setting the path for the darkness that takes over the next chapter in the story, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . It was no easy task for Cuarón to reformulate the franchise's approach midway through the Harry Potter movie series, but his creative vision effectively shed new light on the movies to come.

Cuarón's Artistic Vision Creates a Life of its Own in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

  • Cuarón had the cast write book reports on their characters so that he could better understand them.

Every Harry Potter Book, Ranked

The first two Harry Potter movies are great adaptations, but there's an argument to be made that they are merely visual tours of Rowling's books, taking viewers by the hand across a theme park ride. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is still an adventure mystery blockbuster, but in the hands of Cuarón, the images create a life of their own. The movie tells the viewers many key things simply by the way scenes are structured and shot. Every scene featuring Harry Potter alone feels intense and anxiety-inducing: not seldom is the character engulfed in pitch-black darkness, highlighting his vulnerability to terrors that are after him. At the beginning of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, when Harry sits on the sidewalk to wait for the bus, the night itself comes alive to warn him something wicked lurks in the shadows.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban's best attributes come from the movie's ability to explore well-known elements of the fantasy genre and build something completely different with them. This movie has it all: werewolves, time travels, prophecies, plot twists, and shape-shifting wizards. Each of these elements acts separately for a specific purpose until they all collide in one hard-boiling moment of clarification. The lingering disorientation that permeates the narrative suddenly rewards viewers with all the answers they are looking for.

It's genuinely baffling that Cuarón managed to pull off the climax of a blockbuster like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by simply having a bunch of characters pointing figures at each other, but that's the way it is. One may ask why other fantasy movie adaptations fail to find Harry Potter's success even with great names and big budgets attached to the projects. There's a single scene that answers this question pretty clearly. Unlike other fantasy movie series, Harry Potter features some of the best British actors of their generation, giving their soul and heart to their given roles. Cuarón explored these powerhouse performances like no other director did in the Shrieking Shack sequence. In this scene, Harry, Ron, and Hermione confront Lupin, Sirius, Snape, and Pettigrew in search of the truth. The rest is history.

The movie adaptation of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban sets fire to what's "anticlimactic" on the surface. It makes viewers look at the book in a whole different way. It might be difficult to accept, but Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is, essentially, a middle-of-the-road book. It barely moves the main storyline forward: every narrative choice is centered around bringing the past into focus. Its power lies in the characters and how they interact with each other. The climax is pretty much the main characters wrestling for information, and it works.

The atmosphere of the movie is fear-inducing, constantly on the verge of a new layer of mystery. However, the fact that Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban doesn't take major steps in Harry Potter's overall story doesn't mean nothing happens in the film. The movie works as a powerful story of self-discovery: by the end of it, the characters are completely in a completely different place from where they were when the movie first started.

The Hopelessness of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Takes Over the Rest of the Series

Alfonso cuarón's highest-rated movies, according to imdb:, the 25 strongest witches and wizards in harry potter.

Although Ron and Hermione continue to act as loyal companions and help Harry in whatever way they can, Cuarón understands that this is supposed to be the loneliest Harry Potter movie. The cold color palette chosen by Cuarón offers a major tonal shift to the visual identity of the franchise, adding texture to Harry's isolation. The allegories to adolescence couldn't be clearer. Like a teenage boy who doesn't understand the changes his body is going through, Harry feels lost in the face of overwhelming darkness: he doesn't know why Dementors are targeting him, fails to comprehend what Sirius wants with him, and fate itself shows its claws in the form of a grim.

All Harry wants in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is to finally feel understood, which explains why he was so moved when he thought the Patronus Charm was cast by his father. Little did he know it was his version of the past who cast the spell: Harry was still on his own. Hope and love are the guiding threads of Harry Potter's overall story, but ironically, most of the series is filled with hopelessness. It goes without saying that Harry Potter only gets darker after Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , and the movie does a great job of hinting at the darkness that's to come.

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the charming Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is completely overtaken by darkness. Dangerous enemies such as huge Trolls and Basilisks haunted the school corridors in the previous movies, but it's only in the third movie that evil feels palpable. Cuarón's visual motifs manage to convey Harry's disorientation throughout the movie and tie it to the mystery that keeps the story in motion.

Before Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Hogwarts was presented as a comfortable place to be, a genuine safe haven, even when it wasn't safe at all. It's by deconstructing familiarity that Cuarón effectively removes the aura of solace that envelops Hogwarts. It's by having Dementors inspecting the school grounds and students being forced to sleep in the Great Hall that the viewer understands how serious the threat is. It's by having Harry secretly learn a new spell in order to protect himself from uncontrollable fears that fans witness how he's forced to mature prematurely. The scene where Lupin teaches the students how to use the Riddikulus spell pretty much sums up what Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is all about : eventually, Harry's deepest fears will catch up to him. And he must be ready to face them.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter, Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their third year of study, where they delve into the mystery surrounding an escaped prisoner who poses a dangerous threat to the young wizard.

Harry Potter’s Weasley Family Tree Explained

Red hair? A brave and loyal disposition? You must be a Weasley!

The Big Picture

  • The Weasley family embodies virtues of bravery, loyalty, and honor, standing out among purebloods for their lack of prejudice.
  • Ron Weasley played a pivotal role as Harry Potter's best friend, showcasing tactical brilliance and fierce loyalty throughout the films.
  • The Weasley family is a beacon of love and camaraderie, with each member contributing unique qualities that make them stand out in the Wizarding World.

The Weasleys are one of the most prominent and expansive families in the Harry Potter franchise, thanks in no small part to their genuine virtuous morality and close bonds with The Boy Who Lived himself. In the films, several of the many siblings, and the parents play prominent and helpful roles. The family has also had a long tradition of being sorted into the Gryffindor House, with each member exemplifying immense qualities of bravery, loyalty, and honor . Despite being purebloods like the Blacks and Malfoys, the Weasley family is known to have a fond admiration for non-magical people and a lack of prejudice regarding those with different blood statuses. They even all fought as part of the Order of the Phoenix to defend the Wizarding world from Voldemort ( Ralph Fiennes ) in the Second Wizarding War.

Though the family was never the wealthiest among wizards, their stacked house, dubbed "The Burrow," was overflowing with love and camaraderie . However, between the seven children, parents, and people who married into the family, there’s a whole directory of Weasley kin to get familiar with.

Ron Weasley

Played by rupert grint.

The most prominent, and probably the most important Weasley in the series, is the youngest son, Ron ( Rupert Grint ). The youngest Weasley boy became Harry Potter’s ( Daniel Radcliffe ) first and best friend through a simple gesture of kindness, as the bespectacled boy was thrust into the world of magic with little warning. Ron was by Harry’s side from day one, playing a pivotal role in every one of his adventures throughout the eight films. From navigating the puzzles of the Sorcerer’s Stone, to founding Dumbeldore’s Army, to playing Keeper on the Quidditch team, and helping hunt Horcruxes across the UK , Ron was integral to Harry’s greatest achievements.

The two were such close friends that, in Harry Potter and t he Goblet of Fire , it was Ron who was chosen as Harry’s most personal connection to be a hostage in the second challenge. However, it wasn’t just his friendship with Harry that made him important, as his tactical mind, intimate understanding of Wizarding traditions, and fierce underdog personality made him a compelling character all on his own. As Harry was raised by Muggles, Ron helped him navigate many of the eccentricities of wizard life. He was a spark of refreshing humor and a reliable friend and ally over the years.

Arthur and Molly Weasley

Played by mark william and julie walters.

The parents of the Weasley household are Arthur ( Mark Williams ) and Molly ( Julie Walters ) Weasley , who set an excellent precedent as role models for their children. Arthur Weasley was a firm believer in magical and Muggle equality, demonstrated by his curious fascination with non-magical technology and culture. One of his most memorable creations was the Flying Ford Anglia, an enchanted flying car that was used multiple times to save Harry Potter’s life. Arthur notably worked for the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office in the Ministry of Magic for several years before the onset of the Second Wizarding War.

This ‘Harry Potter’ Set Accident Is More Terrifying Than Lord Voldemort Himself

Molly was the kind, doting, and powerful matriarch of the Weasley family. She and Arthur had a total of seven children together, whom they raised with great affection. Molly was caring and protective of all her children, fiercely proud of their accomplishments while holding them accountable for their behavior. She was as quick to give a hug as she was to send a Howler to one of her kids. But even such a large household didn’t deplete her motherly energies, as she swiftly welcomed Harry into their family as well. However, don’t let her doting personality convey a misconception about weakness, as Molly was a formidable witch capable of holding her own, as shown in her defeat of Bellatrix Lestrange ( Helena Bonham Carter ) in the Battle of Hogwarts.

Bill Weasley

Played by domhnall gleeson.

The eldest child of the Weasley clan was Bill Weasley ( Domhnall Gleeson ), who set a remarkably high standard for all his younger siblings. A Gryffindor, like all the rest , he excelled during his time at Hogwarts and earned recognition as Head Boy. After graduation, he started working for Gringotts Bank as a renowned Curse-Breaker, a dangerous and complicated job reserved for highly talented wizards. Bill returns to England to join the reestablished Order of the Phoenix , but unfortunately is attacked by the werewolf Fenrir Greyback ( Dave Legeno ) in the Battle of the Astronomy Tower. Undeterred by his injuries, he nonetheless went on to marry Fleur Delacour ( Clémence Poésy ), a former Triwizard Tournament champion and member of the Order of the Phoenix. Their marriage was interrupted by Death Eaters after they had taken over the Ministry of Magic, but he and his new wife escaped and later provided refuge for Harry and his friends.

Charlie Weasley

Played by alex crockford (uncredited).

Charlie ( Alex Crockford ) was the next brother in line, though he essentially only made a cameo in the films. The only on-screen appearance of Charlie was in the picture of the Weasley family on their trip to Egypt in The Prisoner of Azkaban . However, despite the practically nonexistent screen time, his presence is still acknowledged throughout the films. After graduating from Hogwarts, Charlie became a dragon researcher, traveling internationally to places like Romania, to study the magical beasts.

Percy Weasley

Played by chris rankin.

When Harry is first introduced to the Weasleys and the Wizarding World, it’s Percy Weasley ( Chris Rankin ) who is the eldest sibling still attending Hogwarts. A rule-stickler who could be the foil to his younger siblings’ antics, Percy was a prefect and later Head Boy during his time at school . His responsibilities included teaching first-years how to enter the common room, as well as monitoring their behavior throughout the school year.

Despite his academic and professional achievements, Percy was involved in the most inner conflict within the Weasleys. He became estranged from his family due to his commitment to the Ministry of Magic , in particular the Minister, who deeply mistrusted Albus Dumbledore and even denied the return of Voldemort. Percy eventually seeks reconciliation with his family, and he returns to Hogwarts to fight alongside them during the final battle and reconnect with his siblings.

Fred and George Weasley

Played by james and oliver phelps.

The next siblings were a pair of twins: Fred and George ( James and Oliver Phelps ). The two were the trouble-making duo of the family that brought light and levity everywhere they went, but also became somber reminders of the horrors of war. Because they were identical, they often got mistaken for one another or grouped together. However, they were not perfectly the same, as Fred was more outgoing than his slightly more reserved younger twin. The twins ended up being older brother figures to Harry as well , as they played the Beater positions on the Gryffindor Quidditch team and even gave him the iconic Marauder’s Map. Though the two brothers weren’t as academically gifted as their older siblings, they nonetheless had incredible magical talent. In their final year, they decided to forego graduating and instead went out in a spectacular flourish as they set magical fireworks throughout the castle in protest against the vile Professor Umbridge .

Fred and George became entrepreneurs and founded the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, a magical joke shop in Diagon Alley . The shop was immensely successful, even remaining open as a beacon of hope during the Second Wizarding War. However, the battle against Voldemort saw the Weasley family suffer immense losses, as George lost an ear to a wayward curse and Fred was killed in the Battle of Hogwarts.

Ginny Weasley

Played by bonnie wright.

The youngest Weasley was also the only daughter that Molly and Arthur had. Ginny Weasley ( Bonnie Wright ) was first seen as a shy young girl who had a crush on Harry Potter. Her first year at Hogwarts was marred with mystery and manipulation, as Lucius Malfoy ( Jason Isaacs ) smuggled Tom Riddle’s diary into her belongings, leading to her possession and reopening of the Chamber of Secrets. Though the film version of Ginny never received as much spotlight as her book counterpart, she would eventually grow and demonstrate a fierce independence and abundance of talents . She became a member of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, was selected to join the Slug Club, and even led Dumbledore’s Army alongside Luna ( Evanna Lynch ) and Neville ( Matthew Lewis ) after the founding trio left Hogwarts.

Famous Wizards and Witches Married into the Family

The Weasley family were a desirable bunch, as evidenced by the prominent witches and wizards that married into the family. The major names include Harry Potter himself, who married his Hogwarts sweetheart Ginny, and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), who wed longtime friend Ron . Fleur Delacour, who married Bill, was not only the charming Triwizard champion for Beauxbatons Academy but was also a member of the Order of the Phoenix. George ended up marrying former Quidditch teammate Angelina Johnson ( Tiana Benjamin ), and the two would name their son after his late brother.

There’s Another Generation of Weasleys at Hogwarts

The books expand on the decades following Voldemort’s defeat, showing that there’s a whole slew of new Weasleys attending Hogwarts. The next generation of students included Rose and Hugo (played by Helena Barlow and Ryan Turner), the children of Ron and Hermione , as well as James ( Will Dunn ), Albus ( Arthur Bowen ), and Lily ( Daphne de Beistegui ), the children of Harry and Ginny. Bill, Percy, and George also had at least a couple of children each, continuously expanding one of the already largest family trees in the Wizarding World.

The Best Quote From Each Harry Potter Movie

There's an abundance of Weasley family members in the Harry Potter series , and that's one of the greatest boons of the franchise. The family is full of unique and endearing characters , all of whom feel wholly distinct from one another in addition to their shared traits, values, and loyalties. Ask someone who their favorite Harry Potter character is, and the odds are good that they might be a Weasley.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

*Availability in US

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An orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.

book review harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban

Best Harry Potter Games

  • Dive into the world of Harry Potter with the Wonderbook, featuring spells and potions to learn in an AR experience. Metascore: 72.
  • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince offers free-roaming gameplay with dueling features and an excellent Marauder's Map. Metascore: 66.
  • Experience Quidditch like never before in Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup, a magical sports game with exciting gameplay and commentary. Metascore: 69.

Ever since the original novels and the films rose to popularity, everyone has imagined wielding a wand just like Harry Potter . Well, with the movies being mega-blockbusters, video game tie-ins were inevitable. As a result, there have been seemingly endless amounts of Harry Potter games.

Hogwarts Legacy attracted a lot of attention as it seemed to be the Harry Potter game that everyone had been waiting for, and Avalanche's RPG debuted to largely positive reviews. However, the franchise has produced plenty of games over the years, some of which are far better than others. Let's take a look at the best Harry Potter games ​​​​​​.

Updated April 13, 2024 by Mark Sammut: Harry Potter got a boost in exposure due to Hogwarts Legacy's very successful launch, with the game eventually becoming one of 2023's best sellers . The project's relevance is not quite done either, as Avalanche will be dropping an update in Summer 2024 . A sequel seems destined to happen sooner rather than later, and Warner Bros has also announced Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, although a release date has yet to be confirmed. Basically, Harry Potter games have entered their golden era.

Wonderbook: Books Of Spells

Metascore: 72, wonderbook: book of spells.

Platform(s) PS3

Released November 13, 2012

Developer(s) London Studio

Genre(s) Augmented Reality

How Long To Beat 5 Hours

Ah, the Wonderbook , Sony's somewhat interesting but largely puzzling attempt to bring augmented reality to the PS3. The peripheral spawned exactly four games: Book of Spells , Diggs Nightcrawler , Walking with Dinosaurs , and Book of Potions . The first and last entries are tied to Harry Potter , although they are set in the Wizarding World universe rather than direct adaptations of the movies. They allow players to learn how to cast spells and brew potions, with each one coming with a little stage play that shows its origins.

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Book of Spells is cute. The presentation is charming, and the backstories are well done for the most part. That said, it is not much of a game, nor is it particularly fun. It is the type of experience that die-hard Harry Potter might enjoy for an hour or two, only to never think about again. Still, the technology was kind of cool for the era, even if Sony did not do much with it. Book of Spells represents the Wonderbook at its best; however, there is no reason to pick up this release nowadays.

Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince

Metascore: 66, harry potter and the half-blood prince.

Platform(s) Wii, PSP, PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, PC, Nintendo DS

Released June 30, 2009

Developer(s) EA Bright Light

Genre(s) Action-Adventure

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was initially released in June 2009 and built upon the Order of the Phoenix 's free-roaming and dueling features. The game is fondly remembered for including an excellent interpretation of the Marauder's Map and for letting players cast numerous spells around the school.

The game is one of the most popular Harry Potter releases to revisit, given that it was the last movie tie-in game to let players freely explore Hogwarts. However, Half-Blood Prince 's Hogwarts is very similar to the version found in Order of the Phoenix , so it is not particularly exciting to explore if someone has played the previous game. While not a bad title, Half-Blood Prince can come across as half-baked, which is a criticism of many of the final few movie adaptations. The quick turnaround for these projects limited their potential to an extent.

Harry Potter And The Goblet of Fire

Metascore: 69, harry potter and the goblet of fire.

Platform(s) Nintendo GameCube, PSP, PS2, Xbox (Original), PC, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS

Released November 8, 2005

Developer(s) EA UK

How Long To Beat 7 Hours

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire made the divisive decision of not letting players freely explore Hogwarts, a beloved feature of the previous games that had been key to their success. Instead, Goblet of Fire offered a series of action-oriented levels.

This decision results in a less spectacular and immersive overall experience, albeit one that has arguably superior minute-to-minute gameplay than most of its predecessors. Goblet of Fire 's seamless couch co-op is one of its better features, and the visuals were pretty good for its era.

Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

Harry potter and the order of the phoenix.

Platform(s) Wii, PSP, PS3, PS2, Xbox 360, PC, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS

Released June 25, 2007

How Long To Beat 9 Hours

Although many people grew to enjoy the change of direction in Goblet of Fire, EA decided to return to the gameplay formula from the previous tie-in games where players could freely explore the wizarding castle of Hogwarts. The game expands on the game's exploration elements by implementing side quests and "discovery points" to reward those who tried to fully explore the school grounds .

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Along with a return to free-roaming, Order of the Phoenix also introduces a new dueling system that adds welcome depth to the series' combat. While nothing amazing, Order of the Phoenix was a solid return to old-school roots following the divisive Goblet of Fire .

Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup

Platform(s) Nintendo GameCube, PS2, Xbox (Original), PC, Game Boy Advance

Released October 28, 2003

Developer(s) Magic Pockets, EA Games, EA Sports

Genre(s) Sports

How Long To Beat 10 Hours

Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup is not just a great Harry Potter game , but also a very enjoyable sports game in its own right. The game of Quidditch is an exciting one and translates surprisingly well into video game form. Some may prefer the hyperrealism of FIFA or Madden , but those looking for something a bit more magical can definitely find it here.

The game controls well and still looks pretty decent despite being nearly two decades old. It even has commentary for certain matches and a story mode to link everything together in a fairly cohesive fashion. The computer AI doesn't provide the greatest challenge though, so it's better when played with a friend. Also, the GBA version is terrible.

The Sorcerer's Stone (PC Version)

Metascore: 65, harry potter and the sorcerer's stone.

Platform(s) Game Boy Color, PS2, Xbox (Original), PC, Game Boy Advance, PS1, GameCube

Released November 15, 2001

Developer KnowWonder, Argonaut, Warthog, Griptonite, Eurocom, Westlake Interactive

Genre(s) Action-Adventure, RPG

How Long To Beat 6 Hours

What better way to start the best of the game than with that first? For any Harry Potter fan wanting to get into the games, it is best to start here. However, only play the PC version; the console version is a sluggish downgrade in every aspect.

From learning new spells, collecting every Flavor Beans, and solving puzzles, The Sorcerer's Stone is an addictive Legend Of Zelda -esque game. Just be ready for some awkward voice acting and character models, although even those elements have their charm.

Harry Potter: Magic Awakened

Metascore: 78.

Platform(s) PC, iOS, Android

Released June 27, 2023

Developer(s) NetEase Games, Warner Bros. Games

Genre(s) RPG

A few years after debuting in China and Taiwan, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened finally made its way to the rest of the world, and the 2023 release is a more-than-decent mobile game that comes packed with neat Easter eggs and references that die-hard fans are likely to appreciate. Set after the events of the books (and movies), players step into the shoes of a new student who finds themselves attending Hogwarts. The still-developing story gradually goes through the protagonist's years at school, and while not extremely focused or engaging, it successfully moves things along.

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Magic Awakened blends a few different genres and ideas together. The game prioritizes multiplayer goodness, both in the form of co-op and PvP . The latter comes in the form of duels built upon a card-based combat system that works quite well, and these fights are generally strategic and exciting. Players construct decks featuring all sorts of Harry Potter spells and lore. Outside of battles, players can explore Hogwarts and its surrounding areas while taking on quests, many of which are fairly run-of-the-mill. As a free-to-play gacha game, Magic Awakened is obviously monetized, but non-paying players can still have fun.

Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban

Metascore: 70, harry potter and the prisoner of azkaban.

Platform(s) Nintendo GameCube, PS2, Xbox (Original), PC, Game Boy Advance, PS1

Released May 25, 2004

Developer(s) KnowWonder, Electronic Arts, Griptonite Games

How Long To Beat 8 Hours

The original trilogy of EA games reached the absolute peak of perfection. It couldn't possibly get better than Chamber Of Secrets, but, surprisingly, The Prisoner Of Azkaban is pure gold. Rather than just playing as Harry, the player could control all three main heroes, including Ron and Hermione.

This allowed for more puzzle-solving as some characters had specific spells and abilities. Prisoner Of Azkaban also features the most live and expansive open map of Hogwarts; Buckbeak is ridable, there's more to collect, and the main missions are a blast. The entire original trilogy of games deserve remakes .

Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

Metascore: 77.

Platform(s) Game Boy Color, Microsoft Windows, Xbox (Original), Game Boy Advance, GameCube, PlayStation 2

Released November 15, 2002

Developer(s) Argonaut Games, KnowWonder, EA UK, Eurocom, Griptonite Games

How Long To Beat 8 hours

Chamber of Secrets does what any game sequel should do: it takes everything great about the first, expands upon it, and does everything better. From fighting Aragog the spider to solving puzzles in the castle, Chamber of Secrets is simply better in every way.

The sequel expands on many ideas from its predecessor, including recreating Hogwarts and Diagon Alley. While it cannot be compared to more recent Harry Potter projects, Chamber of Secrets ' scale is quite impressive, and its rendition of Hogwarts is among the franchise's best when its release period is taken into account. The campaign also has quite a lot of optional content, allowing for a meatier overall experience.

LEGO Harry Potter Collection

Metascore: 73.

Platform(s) Switch, PS4, Xbox One

Released October 18, 2016

Developer(s) Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

How Long To Beat 30 Hours

Why settle for one of the LEGO games when there's an option for both combined ? LEGO Harry Potter Collection is like most LEGO games; tons of stud collecting, puzzles, and fun missions. In many ways, they are very similar to the early EA Harry Potter games.

So, for every LEGO games fan or Harry Potter fan, Collection is the perfect addition to the library of games. The Harry Potter -specific mechanics are well done, the LEGO depiction of the Wizarding World is beautiful, and, as usual, the jokes are hilarious. Plus, it goes through all seven years of Harry Potter in one game without feeling rushed.

Hogwarts Legacy

Metascore: 85, harry potter: hogwarts legacy.

Platform(s) Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, Switch, PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox One

Released February 10, 2023

Developer(s) Avalanche Software

Genre(s) Action, RPG

How Long To Beat 26 Hours

Hogwarts Legacy is undoubtedly the top contender for the best Harry Potter game ever, even if the game's shine has dulled a bit since its debut. Just to be clear, Avalanche's project offers by far the most breathtaking and enchanting depiction of Hogwarts, and it is arguably the first game to capture the setting's magic. Set roughly a century before the events of the books, the story does a decent job of fleshing out the universe's lore, all the while stepping back and allowing fans to role-play as wizards and witches without too much interference. The game's opening few hours are not only its strongest, but arguably the most memorable in the Harry Potter video game franchise.

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However, the rest of the experience is not flawless. While flashy and stylish, the combat gets repetitive after a few hours. Except for Hogwarts and a handful of other areas, the open-world leaves something to be desired and lacks personality. Considering it sold extremely well, a sequel is likely only a matter of time, and Avalanche has created a great base to build upon. If the side content, combat, and larger world are diversified, Hogwarts Legacy 2 will easily be the greatest Harry Potter game of all time.

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Best Harry Potter Games

Rupert Grint Jokes About What He Would Go Back And Change If He Could Film Harry Potter Again

What Rupert Grint would change about Ron if he could.

Rupert Grint as Ron in bed during Harry Potter 6

Rupert Grint starred in eight Harry Potter movies as Harry’s best friend Ron Weasley. His character is known for fighting evil with his friends as well as his comedy charms whenever things go wrong. But, the British actor jokes about what he would like to go back and change about his Harry Potter filming experience if he could.  

The Dream It “Enter the Wizard World” Convention in Paris had adoring fans meet with seven Harry Potter actors through photo ops, autographs, and QAs where burning questions were answered. Rupert Grint was asked what he would change about the Harry Potter movies if he could. Here is his joking response in the Facebook reel below:

Well, my hair. In the fourth movie, I’m not a fan of my hair. It was kind of this very long little thing.

I’d have to agree with Rupert Grint on that front. I wonder if that’s another reason why the ginger-haired actor previously said he couldn’t watch past the third movie as his beloved character got older. In The Goblet of Fire, it really did look like it was the movie where everyone in the cast was starting to grow longer hair maybe to symbolize the aging of the Hogwarts students. While I was fine with Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson ’s hair growing longer in that movie, Grint could have done without the ‘70s style straight hair. Fortunately, that was the only film in the series where he donned that hair-don’t.

Any changes I would make about Ron Weasley in the films would be that the strong points of his character shown in the books should have made it into the films. While Hermione is considered the smart one of the trio, the J.K. Rowling series showed Ron had a lot of knowledge of how the Wizard World worked based on being born and raised among magical folks. 

There were also a lot of moments in the books where Ron was there for his friends like how he was willing to die to save Harry in The Prisoner of Azkaban book , whereas they had Hermione be the one to do that in the Alfonso Cuarón movie. It seems like the films used Rupert Grint’s character as a comic relief. It's no wonder why the Sick Note actor was offered sidekick roles after his Harry Potter run ended . Maybe the upcoming HBO Max show will develop our favorite red-haired wizard more.

Another major factor I would change about Ron Weasley in the movie was his relationship with Hermione. While the books showed the two Hogwarts students going through their bickering, we did feel the love between the two. In the movies, it looked like Hermione had more adorable moments with Harry. Plus, the filming angle of the long-awaited big kiss scene could have been without the back of Grint’s head. As the Driving Lessons actor believes his character and Hermione are divorced by now, maybe the new TV series will better show that romance too.

Rupert Grint's joke about not being fond of his hair in The Goblet of Fire is incredibly relatable . After all, we all have hairstyles growing up that make us cringe looking back. I’d like to believe that whoever ends up playing Ron Weasley in the upcoming HBO Max series won't repeat the same look from the fourth movie. 

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You can see Rupert Grint and the rest of your favorite Harry Potter actors in all of the movies on your Max subscription and your Peacock subscription . Be on the lookout for the new Harry Potter series that's expected to appear on your streaming schedule in 2026.

Carly Levy

Just your average South Floridian cinephile who believes the pen is mightier than the sword.

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COMMENTS

  1. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling

    As always with Rowling's books, I loved Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! JK Rowling's words have a curious habit of coming to life, and her characters are funny, and realistic.

  2. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a fantasy novel written by British author J. K. Rowling and the third in the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was released in the UK on 8 July 1999 and in the US on 8 September 1999. The book follows Harry Potter, a young wizard, in his third year at Hogwarts School of ...

  3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Review

    4.5. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Book Review. ' Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' is one of the best Harry Potter books ever written because it incorporates a multitude of themes and ideas into a children's novel and makes it a way bolder book than the others. Its ability to still be a children's book but impart ...

  4. HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN

    The Harry Potter epic (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, p. 888, etc.) continues to gather speed as Harry enters his third year at the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry and does battle with the traitor behind his parents' deaths.Besides coping with the usual adversaries'sneering classmate Draco Malfoy, evocatively-named Potions Master Snape—the young wizard-in-training ...

  5. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    M.A. Degree in English Literature from Manipal University, India. ' Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ' by J. K. Rowling is considered one of the most well-written Harry Potter books of all time. The events of this book start with the holidays after Harry's second year in Hogwarts. Harry is very dejected about Aunt Marge's visit ...

  6. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Harry Potter, Book 3

    One "damn" and "b-" spelled that way. Parents need to know that Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series about an orphan boy at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The series gets more layered and scarier from here on. Not only does Prisoner of Azkaban introduce the dreaded….

  7. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    J. K. Rowling and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. J. K. Rowling began writing 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' immediately after she completed writing 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'.It was published in the United Kingdom on 8 July 1999 and on 8 September 1999 in the USA. Rowling later claimed in one of her interviews in 2004 that she enjoyed writing ...

  8. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    Chris Columbus, who made the first two Potter films, remains as producer but replaces himself as director with Alfonso Cuaron, director of the wonderful "A Little Princess" (1975) and the brilliant "Y Tu Mama Tambien."Cuaron continues the process, already under way in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," of darkening the palette.The world of the first film, with its postal owls and ...

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

    The Prisoner of Azkaban plot - 4.5/5. I know a lot of people that would state Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban as having their favourite plot from the series. It features some really big and important moments for the future of the series and introduces us to some characters who will have a real impact on Harry and those around him.

  10. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a fantasy novel written by British author J. K. Rowling and is the third in the Harry Potter series. The book follows Harry Potter, a young wizard, in his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.Along with friends Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, Harry investigates Sirius Black, an escaped prisoner from Azkaban, the wizard prison ...

  11. Book Review Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    Overall, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" is a delightful and enchanting read that will captivate both children and adults. It is a testament to J.K. Rowling's skill as a writer and her ability to create a world that feels both fantastical and real. My name is Shalini and I love reading a lot. On this blog I review most of the ...

  12. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Book Review

    November 09, 2019. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban unveils the darkening direction that the series is set for. With well executed character growth and a strong and unique plotline, this book sets itself apart from the previous two books without staying too far from the path of what readers have come to love about the series.

  13. Book Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    Review. Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban is about Harry's 3rd year at Hogwarts. Along with friends Ron and Hermione, Harry investigates the case of Sirius Black, an escaped prisoner from Azkaban, the wizard prison. Sirius Black is believed to be one of Voldemort's allies, and he is the only wizard ever to escape Azkaban, so he is ...

  14. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    ISBN-13: 9780439136358. ISBN-10: 0439136350. Published on 10/1/1999. Binding: Hardcover. Number of pages: 435. Show More. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban has 489 reviews and 560 ratings. Reviewer goldstar333 wrote: "I love this book! In this book, one of the most famous criminals in the world escapes the wizarding prison, Azkaban.

  15. Teen Book Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    Harry Potter is going to attend his third year at a magical school called Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with his friends, Ronald Weasley (Ron) and Hermione Granger. For twelve years, Azkaban, a wizard's prison was holding a man named Sirius Black who was charged with the murder of thirteen people with a single spell and many ...

  16. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    For Harry Potter, it's the start of another far-from-ordinary year at Hogwarts when the Knight Bus crashes through the darkness and comes to an abrupt halt in front of him. It turns out that Sirius Black, mass-murderer and follower of Lord Voldemort, has escaped - and they say he is coming after Harry. In his first Divination class ...

  17. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Book 3

    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Book 3. by J. K. Rowling. Publication Date: June 26, 2018. Genres: Fantasy. Paperback: 464 pages. Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books. ISBN-10: 1338299166. ISBN-13: 9781338299168. For 12 long years, the dread fortress of Azkaban held an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black.

  18. Wizarding World

    Sirius Black, escaped mass-murderer and follower of Lord Voldemort, is on the run - and they say he is coming after Harry. In his first ever Divination class, Professor Trelawney sees an omen of death in Harry's tea leaves... But perhaps most terrifying of all are the Dementors patrolling the school grounds, with their soul-sucking kiss.

  19. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Book Review

    The third novel in the Harry Potter series is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling. As Harry returns to Hogwarts for his third year, he is pursued by the escaped prisoner, Sirius Black. Harry learns about how his parents were killed and wants revenge no matter what. Keep reading to find out what else to expect in this novel ...

  20. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book 3)

    J.K. Rowling is the author of the enduringly popular Harry Potter books. After the idea for Harry Potter came to her on a delayed train journey in 1990, she plotted out and started writing the series of seven books and the first was published as Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in the UK in 1997. The series took another ten years to complete, concluding in 2007 with the publication ...

  21. Sharon Loves to Read's review of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    5/5: 4.5🌟 This book is the book where the series starts to veer from MG territory, imo. Rowling is a fabulous writer, and she pulls so many threads together to make this book more complicated and intriguing. (It also gets darker than the first two books.) However, it's the next book that really pulled me into the series. Buddy-reading through the series with Kacie, Joyce, and David, and it ...

  22. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    In Theaters At Home TV Shows. Harry Potter's (Daniel Radcliffe) third year at Hogwarts starts off badly when he learns deranged killer Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from Azkaban prison ...

  23. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Written by J.K. Rowlings. Published by Scholastic. About. As he makes his way through the third year of Hogwarts, Harry has to cope with feuding friends, old enemies and the mysterious Sirius Black ... (ALSC) identifies the best of the best of children's books on the Notable Children's Books list. 2000 ...

  24. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book 3) (3) ... and, well, delight of her utterly captivating story."*Booklist, starred review* "Harry himself is the perfect confused and unassuming hero, whom trouble follows like a wizard's familiar. After reading this entrancing fantasy, readers will be convinced that they, too, could ...

  25. Harry Potter's TV Remake Can Answer 1 Prisoner Of Azkaban Question We

    The Harry Potter TV show can delve deeper into characters and storylines from the books, fixing the previous adaptations' shortcomings.; The HBO series can finally address why Fred and George never saw Peter Pettigrew on the Marauder's Map in Prisoner of Azkaban.; Prisoner of Azkaban's biggest plot hole can be fixed by addressing the issue or changing Harry Potter lore.

  26. This Harry Potter Movie Paved the Way for the Rest of the Series

    The first two Harry Potter movies are great adaptations, but there's an argument to be made that they are merely visual tours of Rowling's books, taking viewers by the hand across a theme park ride.Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is still an adventure mystery blockbuster, but in the hands of Cuarón, the images create a life of their own.. The movie tells the viewers many key things ...

  27. Harry Potter's Weasley Family Tree Explained

    Ginny Weasley ( Bonnie Wright) was first seen as a shy young girl who had a crush on Harry Potter. Her first year at Hogwarts was marred with mystery and manipulation, as Lucius Malfoy ( Jason ...

  28. Best Harry Potter Games

    Metascore: 72. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince offers free-roaming gameplay with dueling features and an excellent Marauder's Map. Metascore: 66. Experience Quidditch like never before in ...

  29. Rupert Grint Jokes About What He Would Go Back And Change If He Could

    There were also a lot of moments in the books where Ron was there for his friends like how he was willing to die to save Harry in The Prisoner of Azkaban book, whereas they had Hermione be the one ...