First published in 1999, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third instalment in the bestselling novel series, Harry Potter. This fantasy novel written by the incomparable British author JK Rowling chronicles the lives of a young orphaned wizard named Harry Potter and his reliable best friends, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley- all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
For twelve years, the dreaded fortress of Azkaban held an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black, convicted murderer and ardent follower of the Dark Lord, until he mysteriously breaks out. This prompts extra security around Hogwarts and Harry as they deal with the intimidating fugitive on the loose. What would he possibly want with Harry? Could the soulless dementors tasked to guard Hogwarts do their job against the imminent threat? These questions whetted readers’ appetite on how the story would evolve.
What I liked the most about this gripping novel was the intelligent and intricate plot Rowling has woven, with its unparalleled character development. This storyline is undoubtedly darker than the previous ones; it takes the twist from young to mature, making things mysterious along the way. Mind blowing plot twists and revelations, loads of humour, two aberrant worlds- what does this book not have?
If you ever need a dash of inspiration about friendship and adventure, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is not to be missed.
By Lam’aa Abdul Latheef (Grade 8 / FAEC / ESL Enrichment Class)
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