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Posts: 1927 · Joined: Feb 3, 2008 Posts: 1927

The third installment in this sries has been hailed by many Potter fans as the best. It is indeed an enjoyable read. While a worthy tale of Harry Potter, it certainly isn't amongst my favorites. Prisoner of Azkaban distinguishes itself boldly from the other books by lacking an appearance from the main antagonist: serpentine, dark arts-addicted Lord Voldemort. Instead we are introduced to Sirius Black, a fugitive fresh out of Azkaban prison.

On my initial reading the twists in the storyline pleased me. Subsequent readings meant fewer surprises, naturally. Some books are engaging even if you are familiar with the outcomes; but when you already know Sirius to be an innocent pseudo villain, PoA begins to suffer greatly. Many pages are devoted to emphasizing the ominousness of the criminal. It's these parts that notably drag.

Rowling bored me often with her typical style of having characters spout longwinded expositions. For instance: Professor Lupin, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, relates to Harry about his younger days at Hogwarts, wherein we learn of the infamous Mauraders. While somewhat interesting, it is too inconsequential to deserve the detail Lupin gives.

In retrospect (having read the final book for fair judgment), a lot here was inconsequential. There are a few redeeming points however that keep it likable. The dementors are a nice touch of darkness. Hermione's Time-Turner is another good point ... albeit the pages where she and Harry traveled back left my attention wandering.

My favorite parts pertain to Quidditch. Rowling writes the broomstick sport at its best here. Being a Slytherin at heart, even I felt glad for Harry when he won the Cup. That's due to Rowling's expertise writing fast paced and riveting action.

Well there you have it. Redundant, but not damningly so. 3/5.

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Posts: 17948 · Posted: February 21, 2008 11:45 am Post subject:

i understand what you say about there not being an enemy, since with peter's cowardy we cant considere him an enemy on his own

but i really liked the twist that this book had, the thing about sirius being innocent came totally unexpected to me and i found lupin's story very interesting and moving

i also enjoyed quidditch very much, especially since its the only year when harry gets to play in all the matches lol

so i say

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Posts: 3347 · Posted: February 23, 2008 5:40 am Post subject:

I thought the book was alright. But found it very annoying at them constantly reffering to Sirius.

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Posts: 392 · Joined: Feb 18, 2008 Location: New York Posts: 392

I completely agree with what you say, except I love this book because it does takes us away from Voldemort for once. I think every book having to do with him gets tiring and even though this book may not contain as much useful information as the others regarding DH, who cares. Does every book need to foretell future books, or can we just have an enjoyable one where Harry isn't fighting Voldy in some form.

Posts: 3347 · Posted: March 1, 2008 9:07 am Post subject:

I did enjoy that Harry wasn't actually fighting Voldemort.

I actually rate it. 10 out of 5.

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Posts: 249 · Joined: Feb 24, 2008 Posts: 249

I love this book alot. Its my favorite out of the series.

One of the reasons why its my favorite is because it finally takes away from Voldemort. He's in about every book appearing and in the 3rd installment he doesnt. I think that is great.

Another reason why i loved this book is because of the new character Sirius Black. He is an awesome beloved character and he fits in the story perfectly. I love it.

My Last reason is because i love the complexity of it all. Of how Harry and Hermione go back in time to save others. I love it. Its brilliant and i love how J.K. Rowling fits everything together in the end. Very Happy

Best Harry Potter Book!

Posts: 292 · Joined: Aug 10, 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 292

The third one is my second least favourite. The first being my least favourite. I thought it wasn't that good because of the fact that there is no enemy but in the end I realised that there doesn't have to be an enemy. Not all of the Harrry Potter books are about good guys and bad guys though that is the main basis of the story Laughing

But I now know that story also matters and the PoA had a very good storyline. But for now, it shall remain one of my least favourites.
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Posts: 3347 · Posted: March 4, 2008 4:54 am Post subject:

Peter Pettigrew was an enemy was he not? And the Ministry of Magic sort of posed a threat.
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Posts: 292 · Joined: Aug 10, 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 292

Peter was an enemy but we're talkin bout main enemies here. I mean, Peter didn't arrive till the very end lol. In all the other books, you see or know about the villain throughout the entire book. Well they did FOOL us with sirius bein the enemy but turned out to be little scabbers eh? So yeah there WAS an enemy but just not a big main guy like Voldermort.
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