Full Cast Audio Review: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
- Megs
- Apr 10
- 5 min read
After a disastrous break with the Dursleys, Harry Potter runs away and encounters the Knight Bus. The world is currently dealing with the escape of notorious Sirius Black, mass-murderer and follower of Lord Voldemort. Harry continues to see bad omens throughout the school term and has to deal with the guardians of Azkaban, the Dementors. Harry must figure out truth from lies and avoid a “grim” fate this term.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter, # 3
Publisher: Pottermore Publishing
Published Date:
Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult, Children's
11 Hours 32 Minutes
Date Read: March 24-April 9, 2026
Format: 🎧
Source: Audible Exclusive
Keep in mind this is a continuation of a series and by discussing this, you may encounter spoilers if you have not read the previous book. As always, if you prefer a spoiler free review please read my quick review instead of the in depth review below.
Quick Review (Spoiler Free)
This is one of my favorite installments of this series. I absolutely love Lupin and the whole storyline of James and his friends. I forgot how much of a lunatic Snape really is, ha! (that’s all I can say without spoiling anything.) The friendship from our trio goes through some big events and it was really cool to see that dynamic and how realistic it can be between friends with disagreements.
Now, let's get into the details!!
(Note: Some text may appear to be blocked out, just highlight that text to read it.)
I really liked the focus on Hermione's struggle with the time turner and her battle with Ron about Crookshanks and Scabbers.
I also really loved getting to see the crazy side of Snape when it came to his childhood experiences with James and his friends when they were in school. Lupin is one of my favorite characters in this series and I loved listening to his dark arts lessons.
Now let's recap the differences I found notable between the movie and book:
Harry doesn't use the Lumos Maxima charm in the beginning... just a torch. And he hides a bottle of ink and his textbooks in his room so he can sneak in his homework.
Aunt Marge is in the home for about a week and is a constant thorn in Harry's side EVERY day.
Harry pretends to be Neville Longbottom on the Knight Bus because he's afraid he is going to be caught by the ministry for blowing up his aunt.
Harry spends several weeks between Diagon Alley and the Leaky Cauldron. He gets free ice cream and eyeballs the new Firebolt broomstick for several days. He ends up meeting his friends here when they are shopping for the new term.
Harry got his Monster Book of Monsters while he was still living with the Dursleys and kept it locked up with a belt in his wardrobe.
Hermione buys Crookshanks at the Magical Menagerie and this starts her conflict with Ron.
Ginny and Neville are in the train compartment when the Dementor attack happens.
Harry and Hermione miss the sorting ceremony because they are called to meet with McGonagall (this is where Hermione gets the time turner).
The Boggart moves into a staff area closet not in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Lupin brings the class to its location.
The Fat Lady went into hiding after the attack by Sirius and a new portrait takes her place for a while, Sir Cadogan.
Oliver Wood has a much stronger role with the Quidditch team as they are trying to get the Quidditch Cup before he graduates.
Cedric catches the Snitch in the match where Harry falls from his broom after the Dementors show up, putting Gryffindor behind in points.
The Marauders map plays a larger role in the book and is eventually explained to Harry by Lupin in the shrieking shack which also gives Harry the backstory on his father and his friends.
Harry overhears the information about Sirius being responsible for his parents death in the middle of The Three Broomsticks where the teachers and Cornelius are sitting at a nearby table. There is also a longer explanation of the betrayal and James and Lily's attempt to stay hidden.
Harry receives the Firebolt for Christmas, Hermione snitches to McGonagall about it, and it gets confiscated. He eventually gets it back in time for the upcoming Quidditch match. This results in an argument between the main trio.
Ron and Hermione get into several fights over Crookshanks and Scabbers.
Hermione and Ron help Hagrid prepare for the trial and the appeal of Buckbeak.
Cho Chang was never mentioned in the movie but was the Ravenclaw seeker and battled with Harry over the snitch.
Lee Jordan's commentary results in McGonagall's constant reminders for him to be impartial and stay on task.
Harry throws mud on Draco and his friends at the Shrieking Shack. Hermione is not present as the trio is still fighting. Harry's hood falls off his cloak and Draco sees his floating head. This results in Harry rushing back to the castle and being caught by Snape.
When Snape is insulted by the map, he gets insulted by each of the creators.
Ron and Harry make several notes about Hermione's behavior and her schedule throughout the book before the time turner is revealed.
Ron's leg was broken by the Whomping Willow when Sirius was trying to drag him to the passageway.
Lupin takes the wands away from the trio and gives a lengthy explanation of what has happened including their backstory.
Several pieces of dialogue were exchanged between the characters for the film adaptation.
Lupin leaves the map open on his desk and this is how Snape finds them. Snape was on his way to deliver Lupin's potion for the night.
Snape attempts to bring Lupin and Sirius to justice, the trio gets their wands back, and together all three disarm Snape causing him to be knocked unconscious. Snape is still knocked out when they are trying to get everyone back to the castle.
Harry, Hermione, and Sirius are all at the lake when the Dementors surround them.
Ron is unconscious when Harry and Hermione leave to go back in time.
Hermione does not interfere with their past selves in the book when they are at Hagrid's hut.
Snape tells the Slytherins about Lupin's condition after the night in the Shrieking Shack and Lupin then resigns.
Sirius gifts Ron an owl after losing his pet rat (Pettigrew).
Harry tells Vernon about his convict uncle who will be checking in to ensure that he is happy over the break.
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