The Prisoner of Azkaban is perhaps the fastest-paced of all the Harry Potter books. There is never a moment to break, never a time when the tension flags. It is a breakneck ride from start to finish.

Reading this book as a kid, I enjoyed the adventure and did not think much into the deeper, underlying struggles. Re-reading it now as an adult, I am amazed all over again at Rowling's storytelling skill. She creates a fun-filled ride amongst perhaps the darkest and saddest storyline of the HP series. The story of Sirius Black is heartbreakingly tragic, and even the small view the reader has into Professor Lupin's life reveals the horrible extent of his troubles. Snape plays a delightful Bad Guy in this novel, but looking back on his actions after reading Deathly Hallows illuminates the reason behind his extreme emotions and makes me feel for him all over again.

Hermione, despite her bad-ass movie version, is truly over her head in this novel. I remember identifying with her greatly when I got to high school and college. I always felt like there wasn't enough time in the day to take full advantage of my studies and wished I could do everything at once. Her example--all but falling to pieces after biting off more than she could chew--has acted as a cautionary tale against my otherwise relentless drive for perfection. I appreciate that Rowling portrayed this side of the overactive student and wish it was given more credence by the movie makers.

Lastly, Harry in this novel is so much greater than I ever gave him credit for. Throughout the book he shocks the adults around him by facing awful circumstances without fear and bouncing back from danger with just as much heart and determination as ever. Reading his story as a child, his actions seemed obvious, for children's books are filled with young characters acting heroically. As an adult, I have become more like the grownups in the Harry Potter world. I am amazed at the resilience of this character I grew up with and marvel at his utter goodness in the face of every type of evil. Harry goes through a lot in this book, but never appears to struggle. He is still a child and does not fully appreciate the danger he's in, which mercifully allows him to remain a child. I did not always understand or like the maniacal over-protection of Harry in this book, but now I get it. The world is trying to protect Harry's childhood innocence just a little longer, because they know it is about to be ripped away from him.

Rowling perfectly ages up her books and this novel marks the last of the truly childlike Harry Potters. It is a joy to read as both an adult and a child, with layers upon layers for all ages to pull back. I feel certain that I will read this book as an older adult and see even more than I do now. J.K. Rowling has created an incredible novel for that reason alone. The fact that she also creates a fun and engaging read leaves me nothing less than starry-eyed with admiration.