Order of the Phoenix
9.16 / 10 5.1M ratings
Classic- Language
- English
- Published
- 2003
- Publisher
- Scholastic
- Pages
- 766
- ISBN
- 9780439967518
For twelve long years, the wizarding prison of Azkaban has held its most notorious prisoner, Sirius Black. Convicted of aiding in the murder of Harry Potter's parents, his escape has sent a wave of fear through the magical community. Everyone believes Black is now coming for Harry, and to guard the school against this threat, the soul-draining Dementors of Azkaban are stationed around Hogwarts. Their chilling presence affects Harry more than anyone, forcing him to confront a deep-seated despair he doesn't understand. This year, the dangers are not confined to the school grounds but lurk in the shadows of the past.
As Harry begins his third year, he and his friends Ron and Hermione find themselves navigating a world filled with omens of death and shocking revelations about the night Harry's parents died. The truth about Sirius Black is far more complex than the official story suggests, entangled with trusted figures and long-hidden betrayals. In a narrative that masterfully shifts to a darker and more emotionally resonant tone, Harry must uncover secrets that will challenge everything he knows about loyalty, grief, and justice, forcing him to confront not only the man hunting him but also the very nature of fear itself.
As Harry begins his third year, he and his friends Ron and Hermione find themselves navigating a world filled with omens of death and shocking revelations about the night Harry's parents died. The truth about Sirius Black is far more complex than the official story suggests, entangled with trusted figures and long-hidden betrayals. In a narrative that masterfully shifts to a darker and more emotionally resonant tone, Harry must uncover secrets that will challenge everything he knows about loyalty, grief, and justice, forcing him to confront not only the man hunting him but also the very nature of fear itself.
Original edition
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of AzkabanOriginally published in 1999 Azerbaijani Qanun
Other editions (594)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
The summer air hung heavy with the Dursleys' usual disdain, but this year, a chilling whisper permeated the Muggle news: Sirius Black, a notorious mass-murderer, had escaped Azkaban, the wizard prison. Harry, enduring another miserable holiday, inadvertently inflated his Aunt Marge in a fit of temper, prompting a swift, desperate flight on the Knight Bus. At the Leaky Cauldron, a surprisingly lenient Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, assured him no expulsion was forthcoming. Yet, hushed conversations between the Weasleys revealed a terrifying truth: Black was believed to be hunting Harry, intending to finish what Lord Voldemort had started.
Hogwarts welcomed Harry back with an unsettling presence: Dementors, the soul-sucking guards of Azkaban, now patrolled the school grounds, their icy despair particularly affecting Harry, causing him to faint during a Quidditch match. New faces graced the faculty: the delightful, if somewhat eccentric, Hagrid as Care of Magical Creatures professor, whose first class saw Draco Malfoy deliberately provoke a hippogriff named Buckbeak, leading to a complaint and a looming execution for the creature. More significantly, Professor Remus Lupin took the helm of Defence Against the Dark Arts, proving to be an engaging and skilled teacher, even instructing Harry in the difficult Patronus Charm to ward off the Dementors.
Whispers about Black's cunning escapes filled the castle. He even managed to breach Gryffindor Tower, though he was always gone before anyone could catch him. During a trip to Hogsmeade, a forbidden outing for Harry without a signed permission slip, he overheard a shocking revelation: Sirius Black was not only his godfather but also the man who had supposedly betrayed his parents to Voldemort, leading to their deaths. This news ignited a fierce, vengeful anger within Harry. Meanwhile, a growing rift formed between Ron and Hermione, fueled by Hermione's new cat, Crookshanks, who seemed determined to attack Ron's ancient, sickly rat, Scabbers.
The truth, however, was far more intricate and devastating than anyone imagined. Ron's pursuit of Scabbers, after the rat bit him, led the trio to the Whomping Willow, where a large black dog dragged Ron and Scabbers into a hidden tunnel. This passage led to the Shrieking Shack, where Harry confronted the dog, which then transformed into none other than Sirius Black himself. Moments later, Professor Lupin burst in, revealing himself to be an old friend of Black's, and, to everyone's astonishment, a werewolf.
Lupin and Black unveiled the true betrayer: Peter Pettigrew, believed dead for twelve years, had been hiding in plain sight as Ron's rat, Scabbers. They explained that Pettigrew, an Animagus, was the Secret Keeper for Harry's parents and had betrayed them to Voldemort, framing Black for his own supposed murder. As they forced Pettigrew back into his human form, his sniveling confession confirmed their story. Black, innocent all along, asked Harry to live with him, a chance for Harry to finally escape the Dursleys.
Their journey back to the castle was fraught with peril. The full moon rose, transforming Lupin into a dangerous werewolf, and in the ensuing chaos, Pettigrew escaped. Black, in his dog form, bravely protected Harry, Hermione, and Ron from the rampaging Lupin, but was left injured. Dementors swarmed, threatening to administer the Dementor's Kiss to Black, but a mysterious, powerful stag-shaped Patronus, cast by an unseen figure, scattered them.
Back in the castle, Black was recaptured and faced the Dementor's Kiss. Desperate, Harry and Hermione, guided by Dumbledore's cryptic advice, used Hermione's Time-Turner, a magical device allowing them to travel back in time. They rescued Buckbeak from his unjust execution, then hid, watching the past unfold. From their vantage point, Harry realized he was the one who had cast the powerful Patronus that saved himself and Black from the Dementors. With Buckbeak, they freed Black, who soared away on the hippogriff's back to freedom. Lupin, his secret as a werewolf now exposed, resigned from Hogwarts, leaving the students to bid farewell to a beloved professor, while Harry received a magnificent Firebolt broomstick, a gift from his now-free godfather.
Hogwarts welcomed Harry back with an unsettling presence: Dementors, the soul-sucking guards of Azkaban, now patrolled the school grounds, their icy despair particularly affecting Harry, causing him to faint during a Quidditch match. New faces graced the faculty: the delightful, if somewhat eccentric, Hagrid as Care of Magical Creatures professor, whose first class saw Draco Malfoy deliberately provoke a hippogriff named Buckbeak, leading to a complaint and a looming execution for the creature. More significantly, Professor Remus Lupin took the helm of Defence Against the Dark Arts, proving to be an engaging and skilled teacher, even instructing Harry in the difficult Patronus Charm to ward off the Dementors.
Whispers about Black's cunning escapes filled the castle. He even managed to breach Gryffindor Tower, though he was always gone before anyone could catch him. During a trip to Hogsmeade, a forbidden outing for Harry without a signed permission slip, he overheard a shocking revelation: Sirius Black was not only his godfather but also the man who had supposedly betrayed his parents to Voldemort, leading to their deaths. This news ignited a fierce, vengeful anger within Harry. Meanwhile, a growing rift formed between Ron and Hermione, fueled by Hermione's new cat, Crookshanks, who seemed determined to attack Ron's ancient, sickly rat, Scabbers.
The truth, however, was far more intricate and devastating than anyone imagined. Ron's pursuit of Scabbers, after the rat bit him, led the trio to the Whomping Willow, where a large black dog dragged Ron and Scabbers into a hidden tunnel. This passage led to the Shrieking Shack, where Harry confronted the dog, which then transformed into none other than Sirius Black himself. Moments later, Professor Lupin burst in, revealing himself to be an old friend of Black's, and, to everyone's astonishment, a werewolf.
Lupin and Black unveiled the true betrayer: Peter Pettigrew, believed dead for twelve years, had been hiding in plain sight as Ron's rat, Scabbers. They explained that Pettigrew, an Animagus, was the Secret Keeper for Harry's parents and had betrayed them to Voldemort, framing Black for his own supposed murder. As they forced Pettigrew back into his human form, his sniveling confession confirmed their story. Black, innocent all along, asked Harry to live with him, a chance for Harry to finally escape the Dursleys.
Their journey back to the castle was fraught with peril. The full moon rose, transforming Lupin into a dangerous werewolf, and in the ensuing chaos, Pettigrew escaped. Black, in his dog form, bravely protected Harry, Hermione, and Ron from the rampaging Lupin, but was left injured. Dementors swarmed, threatening to administer the Dementor's Kiss to Black, but a mysterious, powerful stag-shaped Patronus, cast by an unseen figure, scattered them.
Back in the castle, Black was recaptured and faced the Dementor's Kiss. Desperate, Harry and Hermione, guided by Dumbledore's cryptic advice, used Hermione's Time-Turner, a magical device allowing them to travel back in time. They rescued Buckbeak from his unjust execution, then hid, watching the past unfold. From their vantage point, Harry realized he was the one who had cast the powerful Patronus that saved himself and Black from the Dementors. With Buckbeak, they freed Black, who soared away on the hippogriff's back to freedom. Lupin, his secret as a werewolf now exposed, resigned from Hogwarts, leaving the students to bid farewell to a beloved professor, while Harry received a magnificent Firebolt broomstick, a gift from his now-free godfather.
What other readers say
Liked
This book is widely praised for its extraordinary storytelling and expanded scope, marking a significant shift in the series' tone. Readers highlight its increased complexity and darker undertones, moving beyond the more middle-grade feel of earlier installments. Many consider it a standout book, appreciated for its blend of sweet and spicy elements, and a foreboding atmosphere that broadens the magical world. The narrative is noted for its enhanced character development, particularly for the protagonist and his friends, with one reviewer observing a character becoming braver. The introduction of new, fascinating characters and the deepening of existing relationships are also frequently cited as strong positives, adding richness to the overall experience.
Disliked
However, some readers initially found certain new characters difficult to connect with, viewing them as flawed or troublesome, which required a more mature perspective or re-reading to fully appreciate their complexities. Occasional observations were made regarding minor inconsistencies or questions about the magical world's rules and societal norms within the narrative. One review also suggested that the book, being longer than its predecessors, could have benefited from additional editing, and that it sometimes revisited familiar narrative tropes.
In short
Overall, this installment is considered a pivotal turning point in the series, deepening the emotional stakes and expanding the mythology. It is highly recommended for readers who enjoy a story that matures alongside its characters, offering a more intricate plot and exploring themes of loss, resilience, and the complexities of heroism. Those who appreciate rich world-building, compelling character arcs, and a shift towards darker, more profound storytelling will find this book particularly engaging and rewarding.
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