Who is the Prisoner of Azkaban?

It was quite some time ago that I reviewed Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, a book that began my journey on my favorite series of all time. Although I haven’t reviewed the second book in the series, I am sharing my thoughts on the third book because it ties in so perfectly with our theme this week. I promised to come back and review The Chamber of Secrets before too long : ) 

“Happiness can be found in even the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.”

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

Harry is home for the summer, but his time with the Dursleys takes a turn for the worse when he accidentally blows up his Aunt Marge. Fearing trouble now that he has used magic out of school, Harry does the only thing he can think of- he flees. Taking his beloved owl, Hedwig, with him he races into the night only to be rescued by the Knight Bus. Who knew that magical escape buses were just around the corner when you need them? Harry worried that he would be thrown out of school, but instead he enjoys the rest of his summer exploring Diagon Alley. Back on the Hogwarts Express, headed towards his favorite place on Earth, Harry is suddenly overcome by darkness and sorrow. He feels like his life is being sucked right out of him. Dementors, the guards from the wizards’ prison, Azkaban, are on the train. The only person who seems to truly experience their horrid wrath is Harry. Of course, Malfoy uses this as an opportunity to ridicule Harry, but that is the least of his worries. It seems that a dangerous prisoner, Sirius Black, has escaped from Azkaban, and he is after Harry. Not only that, but Professor Trelawney, the divinations teacher, has foreseen Harry’s death. One bright spot is Professor Lupin, their newest Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Will Sirius Black find Harry? Could Professor Trelawney be right and Harry is in grave danger? Is there any way for Harry to combat the effects of the Dementors? You will fly through the pages of this book while you grip the edge of your seat in anticipation of what will happen next.

I was obsessed with the Harry Potter series as soon as I began the first book, but Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban took the series to a whole new level for me. The magical elements that are included in the story, the creatures, and the new characters all captivated my imagination. I loved the way that Ron, Harry, and Hermione grew and changed in their third year at Hogwarts. Their friendship developed and we got to see Hogsmeade and magical elements that we had never seen before. It was such fun to learn about Sirius Black and enchanted maps. The Marauders's Map is still one of the items I covet the most, and I think its creators were genius. The Time Turner takes you places you can't even imagine, and reading what happens when you use it- I would love to have one for my very own! I want to be a part of these books, and I cannot recommend them enough to others. If you haven’t read them- you really must give them a try. The audios are out of this world and once you hear Jim Dale, and the voices he captures for each character, you will be hooked! Reading this book will bring a smile to your face and you will be satisfied and eager for the fourth book in this enchanting series.

Has anyone else read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban?  Or any other books by J.K. Rowling?  We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading! ~L