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Summary: Before Harry Potter, there was Narnia
Review: If your kids (or you) love Harry Potter, don't miss out on the magic of The Chronicles of Narnia. These are fabulous, rich tales, full of magic and beautiful imagery. They are every bit as entertaining as Harry Potter.
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Summary: correction for the series order
Review: I noticed as I was reading some of the reviews that many people were upset about the renumbering of the books. C. S. Lewis himself told a child in his Letters To Children that he should read the books chronologically, rather than the order in which they were published. Perhaps the books actually fit better as published, so it would be best not to read them as Lewis suggested, but I suppose this leaves the decision up to the reader. But the fact remains that Lewis suggested a chronological reading.
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Summary: Wow.
Review: I have just re-read this series for the first time as an adult. After having been enamored of the more "heavy" fantasies like Lord of the Rings, the gargantuan Wheel of Time, and others, this series came as a breath of fresh air. The Chronicles of Narnia contains much of what many consider so cliche today, and that is what makes it so refreshing. There are no anti-heroes here, no diabolical plot twists or sudden betrayals. There are no long diatribes about morality. It is written with the assumption that the reader knows the difference between right and wrong, and the morals of the stories simply serve to provide examples of or to augment that knowledge. The character development isn't as complete as many prefer these days, but it is entirely adequate for its intended audience and message. Simply put, The Chronicles of Narnia could serve as the boiled-down foundation of any good fantasy: heroes and villains, good and evil, courage and cowardice, loss and redemption...adventure in its purest sense. It may be cliche, but that's what it's all about! Any fan of fantasy worth his salt should take the time to read these (or read them again), if for no other reason than to remember how good it feels to root for the good guys without fear of a let-down. Narnia and the North!
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Summary: A classic of course, but the wrong format
Review: The Chronicles of Narnia are my favorite books ever. They are true classics and I would recommend them to any child or adult who has the slightest interest in the realm of fantasy. My old paperbacks were read and re-read until they were literally falling apart, so I purchased this very good looking hardcover edition. However, I've since relegated it to the bookshelf (where it sure looks nice) and purchased a boxed set instead. There are a couple of things wrong with this edition. First, the books are presented in chronological order, not the order in which they were originally written by C.S. Lewis. Second, the text is printed in two columns - this may be okay for magazines, but it's rather hard to read a book that's printed this way. Last but not least, this is a mighty hefty book - making it rather hard to read to your children propped up on your lap - or indeed to read in any way except laid out on a desk or table. So - if you are new to Narnia, do yourself a favor and get an edition where you can read the books in their original order. If you are a die-hard Narnia lover however, this book maybe worthwhile just for the enlarged maps (by illustrator Paulline Bayned) that accompany each book/section. Keep the book on your bookshelf and use it as a reference, while you wear out another edition.
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Summary: the lion the witch and the wardrobe
Review: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe is the second book in the Chronicles of Narnia books. The main characters are Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy that were sent to London during the war because of air raids. When they got to London they were sent to a professers house to stay for the summer.
The children started to explore in the house but the first few doors only led into spare bedrooms. After they searched some more doors they came across an empty room that had a wardrobe in it . Lucy and her siblings went inside ,they looked around for a bit and went to the end and then they weren't in the wardrobe any more. They were in a land called Narnia. Later they met amazing creatures such as a fawn Mr. Tumnus and a lion god named Aslan. The animals talked and amazing things started to happen. The children get caught up in a war with the evil snow queen after she cast a spell on Edmund, he starts to like her and does every thing the witch desires. I liked the book because it has lots of adventure and action and because it's a series and it goes on. I think anyone who likes good over evil will like this book because good wins over evil and the kids become Kings and Queens.
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Summary: Enter the magical realm of Narnia--you'll never be the same
Review: CS Lewis was a master storyteller, and these seven fine children's books are some of the best young fiction of the twentieth century. They take place in Narnia, an enchanted world full of talking creatures and magical adventures at every turn. Follow the adventures of several children as they seek to do good in the land of Narnia, and as they are encouraged by the lion Aslan. The story of each of these books is enthralling, and the overall world of Narnia is lively and fantastic. Each of these books is also full of Christian symbolism, from Aslan (a Christ-figure) down to the moral values each of the children learns in this magical land. In order of publication (different from the chronological order of this set), the books are: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE. This is the beginning of all the adventures, in which four children enter Narnia and try to defeat an evil witch. Here, Aslan makes the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of another. PRINCE CASPIAN. Hundreds of years after the first book, the children return to find the land much changed. Caspian's world (he is the heir to the Narnian throne) is one of skepticism, in which many people refuse to believe in Aslan, or in his powers. The children must help Caspian reclaim his right to the throne of Narnia. THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER. Edmund and Lucy (from the first books) journey with their cousin Eustace to Narnia to travel with Caspian in his quest for the edge of the world. Here Aslan reveals himself further to the children. This is an Odyssey-like adventure, and very entertaining. THE SILVER CHAIR. Eustace, along with Jill, a classmate, journey to Narnia to help find Caspian's kidnapped son. They encounter many hardships and adventures along the way, and seek the prince with the aid of their friend Puddleglum, a pessimistic creature called a Mud-wiggle. THE HORSE AND HIS BOY. This book takes place shortly after The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Its story has little to do with the overall history of Narnia, but it is a very entertaining side adventure, which enriches the world of Narnia and makes it a more realistic setting for the rest of the novels. The climax is a crusade-like battle between followers of Aslan and the Calormenes, pagan worshippers of a false deity. THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW. This book takes place much before The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The heroes here are Digory Kirke and Polly Plummer, the first children to visit Narnia. This book outlines the creation of Narnia, and the 'fall' of that magical realm. THE LAST BATTLE. The world of Narnia is coming to an end. A false Aslan is abroad in the land, and the people (and beasts) struggle to follow what they think is the truth. This is the apocalypse of Narnia, the end of the world. The Christian references in this one are especially prominent. One of the most intriguing things about CS Lewis's fiction is that he believed that Christianity could be taught through fantasy, or "fairy stories," as JRR Tolkien called them. Throughout this series, there are many references to Christianity, and these books truly do fulfill their purpose of entertaining children while teaching them good moral values at the same time. This is the dual purpose of the books, and this is what has made the Chronicles of Narnia constantly popular among both children adults, and what will make them classic stories for many years to come.
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Summary: The Classic Chronicles
Review: The Chronicles of Narnia is a great series. When I first read "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" I thought it was a good book. Then I read "The Magician's Nephew" and understood the other book better. Afterwards, I didn't even bother to read the other five books, but, while I was waiting for the next Harry Potter book to arrive, I finally checked them out of my library and began to read them. When I got to the fifth book, "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader", I was bored with it at first, so I stopped reading it and went on to other things. A while later, I picked it up again and read on, and when I did, I was not bored at all, and when straight on to finish the series (the end of it all made me sad, even though it is a happy ending, which I won't say anymore about). One thing I did notice, though, is that the older versions of the books are set in one order (by publication, I think, in which the order is kind of wierd), and the newer ones are set in chroniclogical order, which makes more sense to me (the older ones have freaky covers, too. They are really...old). I think these books are some of the greatest ever written. C.S. Lewis obviously had a large imagination, and he is now one of my favorite authors. The books are so well-written, and what I really liked was how C.S. Lewis didn't hesitate to put in his own comments here and there about what was going on in the storyline, and how he acted as if all the events taking place were once really true and he was just recounting them from the characters in the stories. That, plus the original plots and detailed characters, make The Chronicles of Narnia a classic series that everyone--fantasy-lovers or not--should read.
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Summary: From Muggles to Fauns
Review: This book is truly delightful. Though I haven't read the whole thing, I have seen the movies so I have a vague memory of how the books go. ... In case you know, these books are fantasy. They have some sci-fi in them I guess. They may bring memories (good or bad!!) of Harry Potter to you. I enjoy Harry Potter books, so I enjoy these. This would be great for a Sunday School. You could read a chapter a week and maybe get through the 1st book of the seven in a few months. BECAUSE: All of the characters are symbolic of Biblical Christians. Aslan represents Jesus, and the Evil Queen Jadis represents Satan. This book is about: It begins when Digory meets Polly and they discver a tunnel in the house that leads them to Digory's Uncle Andrew's FORBIDDEN TO ALL OTHERS study. The children do not know it is his so they have alook around. Before they know it, Uncle Andrew has sent Polly to some oter world. Digory goes after her (Uncle Andrew's a magician) and that is the beginning to the series. However, if I remember correctly, this takes place several decades before Edmund, Lucy, and any others find their way through the wardrobe. This book is GREAT for everyone. ...
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Summary: excellent books that you be read in both orders
Review: I have loved these books since elementary school. I still read a paperback set I have had since then. Cover art by Roger Hane. The price on the back is $.... Not anymore. As a child, I realized the books were not in chronological order, but never really knew the right chronological order. I have learned now that the books were not written in the order they were published. Order written LWW,the Lafay Fragment (an early attempt at the Magicians Nephew), PC, VofTD, HahB, SC, MN (1st draft), LB, and MN (final draft). We all know the order they were published. Now I always read them in publishing order as a child and then I wasn't sure if they should be read in the chrono order. I agree with some reviewers that LWW is the book that really catches your interest. I read that once, when asked by a young fan who pointed out the chrono order even though his mother told him to read them in published order Lewis responded by saying "I think I agree with your order for reading the books more than with your mothers." Once you have read them, I think you get a wonder historical perspective by reading them in chrono order. I love them no matter which order I read them. As to praises and complaints about the Christian allegory, well I came from a strongly religious family, and even though I am not so religious now, I still think there is a beautiful respresentation of Christianity here. I understand that Lewis did not see this sereies as allegorical. That what he wanted to show here was not a retelling of the story of Christ, but a telling of a story about Christ or Aslans arrival in another world (Narnia). Either way, I think it is a great way to introduce the story of Christ in a story more appealing to younger children. I think the stories can be read for pleasure of for looking at Christianity. As to charges of racism. Well, it breaks my childhood heart to think such terrible things about these book. I suppose you can read some racism into these book. That the bad guys are dark skinned, and worrship false gods. Like the Christian allegory it's there if you look for it. While I think one was intended, I think the other was not.
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Summary: Disappointing
Review: I have never read the books while I was a kid and I though I was missing out. Well, last week I read the first book and it is as disappointing as it can get. The books seem to be writing even too simple for kids. They are so simple, it becomes hard to read. There is nothing special about the stories. The plot doesn't flow. I don't know why, maybe I was expecting too much, but I became very disappointing in the Narnia chronicles. C.S, Lewis can write so much better than this. If you are looking for an interesting and exciting children's' books I would recommend Harry Potter and Pullman's Dark material before you even consider reading narnia.
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