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

December 2nd, 2009 | 4.5-5 Treasure Chests, Action & Adventure, Book Review, Coming of Age, Fantasy, Mystery, P-R, School Situations

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bookreview

By Captain Lyaf Yarr

Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author: J.K. Rowling
Format: Hardback
# of pages: 435
Grade Reading Level: 5.9; Ages 11+

Summary: School hasn't even started and there's and escapee from a high security wizarding prison out to kill Harry Potter. He has been warned not to be looking for Sirius Black by Arthur Weasley, but as Harry said to Arthur, “Why would I go looking for someone I know wants to kill me?” At school the Ministry of Magic has put a guard in place made up entirely of Dementors. The Dementors are only suppose to be in charge of the wizard prison, but Cornelius Fudge seems to think their presence will inspire confidence in the populace. Though how we do not know as Sirius Black has escaped the guards once already! Harry's life is in danger in more ways than one this year.

Why I Started the Book:

I read this book because I'm continuing to reread the Harry Potter series.

Likes:

I liked it when Malfoy got his “just desserts” for insulting Buckbeak the hippogriff.
Rowling came up with a really fun artifact-- the time turner. I especially enjoyed its use and the turn of events at the end of the story. I thought Dumbledore's omniscient handling of the predicament to save Buckbeak and Sirius Black was excellent.
The Marauders Map was awesome! I liked how it showed where everyone was and where they were going. Now if only it showed the difference between a person in Animagus form and the normal human form.
The Dementors were scary, but awesome, and I loved reading the parts where they were mentioned.
Remus Lupin is a fantastic character! He was helpful, knowledgeable, and patient. The best Defense Against the Dark Arts teach to date in the books!

Dislikes:

I greatly disliked Draco Malfoy and his father. Yes, they're characters to love to hate, but it really is unfair what they can get away with because they're Malfoys. For instance when they got Hadgrid in trouble after his first Care of Magical Creature lesson. It clearly wasn't his fault.
I didn't like Hermoine deceiving and depriving Harry of his new Firebolt. She could have handled her concerns better instead of going above Harry to a teacher.

Last Minute Thoughts: This book is where the series takes off and fleshes out.

Buy: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Paperback), Harry Potter Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-7), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Audio Book), Harry Potter 1- 7 Audio Book Collection

Book Rating: I give this book 5 treasure chests for cleverness, creativity, and creepy creatures!
tc5