Prisoner of Azkaban (2025) Audiobook
Onto Book 3 we go and with it comes the introduction of Professor Lupin. Ever since I saw David Thewlis' portrayal in the movie I think I've had an affinity for Lupin. I think both the written and live action portrayals personify that idea of a teacher taking you under their wing so well. In a series where Dumbledore is often thought of in that way, Lupin plays a much more active mentor role in this single entry than Dumbledore does in most of the series.
Iwan Rheon is really fantastic in the role. He's an actor I've always liked and I think his calming voice fits Lupin so well. Just like Kit Harrington in the Chamber of Secrets, it made me wish that their respective characters had more to say throughout the series.
The Prisoner of Azkaban is an interesting one. It flirts with time travel which can overcomplicate what is already a series with a lot of terms, characters and plot twists. I do feel like it is done well here and it is enjoyable knowing the time turner twist in advance while watching the slow decline of Hermione's sanity.
One thing that sets this apart from the film adaptations is that the sudden change in tone doesn't occur in this book. The first 3 books, and now audiobooks, fit nicely as a trilogy here. The change of film director to Alfonso Cuarón made for a fantastic movie but the shift in tone is very sudden. In the books, this change is much less prevalent and Azkaban asks as a nice transition in tone from book 2 to book 4.
Overall, these continue to be very enjoyable and I've found them soothing through some difficult times. It's nice listening to such a high quality production and, since the stories are so familiar, I can let my mind wander without worrying about losing the plot.
Also Sirius is sexy.
