The first two novels in the Harry Potter series were fun and entertaining, but they hardly indicated just how very good the series was going to become. THE SORCERER'S STONE and THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS both had more in common with older kid's adventure stories like the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew than anything. I cannot possibly communicate my admiration and respect for J. K. Rowling for not being content with producing merely a superior adventure story, just another yarn. In a review I recently wrote about the Harry Potter movies, I said that the first two movies, like the first two novels, were rather simple in their structure, pretty much of the "Gee! Let's have a neat adventure!" variety. But beginning with THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN Rowling began to transform her series into something difference. The series shifted from being a series of "Neat Adventures" to being a grand epic reflecting the struggle between good and evil. While THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN doesn't reach the heights of THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX and THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE, it definitely marks a dramatic step forward both in quality and in ambitions.
There are very few series in the history of literature where you see a similar improvement in quality. The first two books were good, but THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN was very good, THE GOBLET OF FIRE even better, and THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX and subsequent books truly great. But this is the key novel. It introduced a seriousness and depth lacking in the first two books.
In case there are any human beings who have read only the first two novels but not this one and are wondering whether or not to push forward, be sure to keep reading. The books in the series truly do get better with each subsequent book.
"Jim Dale's reading of Harry Potter series."
2009-09-13
- Reviewed By User: A36SHC0MTIH1DW
Jim Dale's inspired reading of the entire Harry Potter series is a treat. He manages to convey the different voices for all the characters convincingly and with great feeling, and fans of all ages of the novels will not be disappointed. They are perfect for long car trips. The packaging is very attractive with Mary GrandPre's illustrations on the boxes and fold-out covers.
"Love this series"
2009-09-08
- Reviewed By User: AMC0C7REUU0QU
Great Books that's all I can say about these, they really suck you into the world of wizards and witches!
The third book in the Harry Potter series does start out with some foreboding and quickly builds tension. The book starts out well with the escape of Sirius Black from Azkaban, and quickly builds that overall plot over the third year at Hogwarts.
While the main premise of the book does continue throughout most of the book, it seemed after completing it that it was a plotline that could have been wrapped up in half of a book. There are revelations toward the end of the book that definitely build suspense for future volumes. However, the end was unfulfilling because it seemed like there should have been more developments out of one volume. Nevertheless, this was enjoyable.
"Much better than the 2nd"
2009-07-03
- Reviewed By User: A1K0P1N232YQCD
This has been the best one (compared to the 1st & 2nd) so far. I liked how there were a few different plots & stories going on at the same time.
"harry potter book3 review"
2009-06-15
- Reviewed By User: A2SZAHG8L6Y0Q
Everything was excelent: received the book in less than a week, I think; It was in excellent shape...it looked brand new; I was expecting a paperback for the price I paid but instead, it was a hardcover!
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"Okay, but only partially satisfying"
"Much better than the 2nd"