Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

by JK Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban cover
Good Books rating 4.38
Fantasy
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  • ID: 1630
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781408855676
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2014-09-01
  • Formats: 29
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,' Harry Potter's third year at Hogwarts is anything but ordinary. The Knight Bus picks him up after a harrowing encounter with his aunt and uncle, setting the stage for a year filled with danger and mystery. Sirius Black, a notorious escaped convict, is rumored to be after Harry, adding to the tension. Meanwhile, the Dementors patrolling the school grounds bring a chilling presence, and Professor Trelawney's ominous predictions only deepen the sense of foreboding. These new editions of the beloved series feature striking new jackets by Jonny Duddle, designed to captivate a new generation of readers and pass on the magic of Harry Potter./n/nAs Harry navigates the challenges of his third year, he uncovers secrets about his past and the true nature of Sirius Black. The introduction of the Marauder's Map and the Time-Turner adds layers of intrigue and adventure. With the help of his loyal friends Ron and Hermione, Harry must confront his fears and unravel the mysteries that threaten to destroy him. This installment is a thrilling blend of magic, suspense, and coming-of-age themes, making it a standout in the Harry Potter series.

Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-23
excellent 4.50

The reviewer praises the third installment of the Harry Potter series for its darker tone and deeper exploration of characters, while also appreciating the humor and excitement that the series is known for. They highlight the emotional depth and the way the story ties into the larger narrative, making it a standout in the series.

The reviewer finds Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban to be a significant step up from the previous books, with a darker and more mature tone that adds depth to the story. They appreciate the emotional weight of the characters' experiences and the way the plot ties into the larger narrative of the series. The humor and excitement that the series is known for are still present, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable read. The reviewer also notes that the book's themes of friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of actions add a layer of complexity that makes it a standout in the series.

Quick quotes

    The best book in the series so far

    The characters are more developed and the plot is more engaging

    The humor and excitement are still present, but the darker tone adds a new dimension to the story.

thebookbag.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-10-23
exciting 4.50

The reviewer found Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban to be gripping and exciting, with good character development. They believe it's their favorite in the series so far, with a fast-paced plot and intriguing mysteries.

The reviewer was captivated by Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, finding it as gripping as ever despite having read it multiple times. They appreciate the progression of darkness and the introduction of new characters like Sirius Black. The book's fast-paced plot, good character development, and intriguing mysteries make it their favorite in the series so far. The reviewer also notes the reflection of 1950s school stories, where rule-breaking is acceptable if the motivation is positive. They highly recommend the book, even as a standalone, but suggest it's better to have read the first two books previously.

Quick quotes

    It's not many authors who can hold my attention for more than a couple of books at a time, but JK Rowling seems to have the secret.

    I think this is probably my favourite of all the books so far.

    Highly recommended, even as a standalone, but definitely better for having read the first two previously.

ReviewsFeed · 2022-12-29
engaging 4.00

The book is a quick read and remains approachable despite being one of the shorter ones in the series. It effectively balances simplicity with depth.

This review highlights that 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' is a fast-paced and engaging read. Even though it's shorter than other books in the series, it doesn't feel rushed or lacking in substance. The reviewer appreciates how the story maintains a good balance between being accessible and rich in detail, making it a standout in the series. They also note that the book's pacing and approachability make it enjoyable for both new and returning readers.

Quick quotes

    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a quick read.

    As this book is one of the last shorter ones of the series, it is still very approachable for the ...

    It is still very approachable for the ...

Luke Harkness · Luke Harkness · 2022-02-09
intelligent 4.50

This book stands out as one of the smarter entries in the series, focusing more on intelligence and less on action.

Luke Harkness praises 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' for its clever storytelling and depth. Unlike the more action-packed previous books, this one shines through its intelligent plot and character development. Harkness appreciates the shift towards a more mature narrative, which adds layers to the series. They find the book to be thought-provoking and well-crafted, making it a memorable part of the Harry Potter saga.

Quick quotes

    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 ...

    It's not filled with quite as much action as the other two previous editions ...

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