Book review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling

It might be that I really, really want Harry to have someone watching over him like a parent might, but I think this is my favourite book of the Harry Potter series so far.

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the reader is introduced to Sirius Black through posters of a wanted criminal who has escaped Azkaban prison.

Everyone at Hogwarts is afraid that Sirius might find his way to the school, and so extra security is brought in in the form of Dementors. These Dementors are terrifying creatures who suck joy from those who confront them – and for Harry, bring to life the memory of his parents’ death.

Once again, JK Rowling’s imagination is astounding in developing these frightening characters, and at the same time giving Harry the opportunity to face his demons. Eventually, Harry and his friends find a way to overcome his fears and battle the Dementors face on.

During this book, Harry discovers that Sirius is his godfather, and has been watching over him from afar. I loved the idea that Harry had not been on his own, even while he was being tormented by the Dursleys. He also learns more about his family history through the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Remus Lupin.

Alongside the fear and dread caused by the idea of Sirius and the Dementors, there is the comedy of Harry’s escape from the Dursleys’ house and of the rivalry between Hermione’s cat, Crookshanks, and Ron’s rat, Scabbers.

Between the Dementors, Sirius and the light relief supplied by JK Rowlings’ humour and games of Quidditch, The Prisoner of Azkaban is another terrific adventure in the world of Harry Potter.