librarian_nic's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
I loved the Lion Witch and the Wardrobe from childhood. Having never listened to the books before, it was nice to understand the origin story of how Jadis invaded the country and how Narnia was created. After Voyage of the Dawn Treader, truthfully I lost interest… yet Icould not stop listening in order to know what came next.
Cringeworthy moments: descriptions of Calormen and their culture. It was a clear bias to Christian culture versus ‘barbarism’, praising God over Allah. Comparison of the cultures also played on pale /white is good and brown/dark skin is evil. *SHUDDER.* Yes, I know the books were written in the 50s with an entirely different understanding of world cultures but good lord.
HOWEVER: Lewis did momentarily redeem himself in my eyes in the last book by talking about having faith in one’s god was enough to welcome someone into Aslan’s country (that’s how I read it at least).
Also, what the heck was that ending in the Last Battle?! It was lovely to have characters reunited, but the lack of action after so much build up drew me right out of the story.
Cringeworthy moments: descriptions of Calormen and their culture. It was a clear bias to Christian culture versus ‘barbarism’, praising God over Allah. Comparison of the cultures also played on pale /white is good and brown/dark skin is evil. *SHUDDER.* Yes, I know the books were written in the 50s with an entirely different understanding of world cultures but good lord.
HOWEVER: Lewis did momentarily redeem himself in my eyes in the last book by talking about having faith in one’s god was enough to welcome someone into Aslan’s country (that’s how I read it at least).
Also, what the heck was that ending in the Last Battle?! It was lovely to have characters reunited, but the lack of action after so much build up drew me right out of the story.
_all_by_my_shelf_'s review against another edition
5.0
I just want to say that this was my childhood, I don’t know if I would like it as much, if I reread it now. But I gave it 5 stars because it made me feel like I was home.
mollyxmiller's review against another edition
5.0
No fantasy lover's collection is complete without The Chronicles of Narnia. They are absolutely amazing. I think I might have enjoyed them even more as an adult than I did when I was a kid! One thing's for sure: Aslan is one rockin' lion!
manda_lfm's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
pennymine's review against another edition
5.0
My parents read these books to me when I was younger and I just recently picked them up again as an adult. I never realized the deep spiritual significance all through the books. I was very moved by so many parts of the books. It was a very spiritually uplifting and affirming time to just read through these books. I hope to someday read them to my own kids (when they grow out of Dr. Seuss).
thepeculiarlibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The trigger warnings aren’t exactly outwardly expressed in the books (except war, war is a major player), but they are hinted at in some ways.
This is one of my favorite series i’ve ever read. I was invested in all the characters and their adventures, and never wanted them to end. Genuinely cried when it finally did.
This is one of my favorite series i’ve ever read. I was invested in all the characters and their adventures, and never wanted them to end. Genuinely cried when it finally did.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Xenophobia, Slavery, Death, Grief, War, Animal cruelty, and Emotional abuse
thepeculiarlibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The trigger warnings aren’t exactly outwardly expressed in the books (except war, war is a major player), but they are hinted at in some ways.
This is one of my favorite series i’ve ever read. I was invested in all the characters and their adventures, and never wanted them to end. Genuinely cried when it finally did.
This is one of my favorite series i’ve ever read. I was invested in all the characters and their adventures, and never wanted them to end. Genuinely cried when it finally did.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Grief, Slavery, Violence, War, Xenophobia, Emotional abuse, Animal cruelty, and Death
claver04's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
vanhooon's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
robdabear's review against another edition
5.0
Despite the excessive use of Narnia as a joke or something to make fun of (when, admittedly, it kind of is), the seven books by Clive Staples Lewis prove otherwise. The complete Chronicles of Narnia, a vast expanse of seven seperate stories, though all intertwined, cover the events of Narnia and the lands surrounding it, from the beginning of time to, relatively speaking, the end of the world. The books are written like basic children's stories, yet often contain grand dialogue, heavy symbolism, and occasionally a hidden theme.
Speaking of the symbolism, yes, the Chronicles of Narnia closely mirrors the Christian beliefs of Lewis. A lifelong Catholic myself, having all of the Bible shoved at me since kindergarten, the symbolism toward everything in the land of Narnia closely mirrors the many individual stories of the Bible. I'll go more into this when I discuss the separate books, but for now, another general note:
Despite the obvious direction toward being a Children's story, I can acknowledge, after braving to read this in front of so-called "mature people," that the Chronicles of Narnia is for all ages. It tells a beautiful story of magical lands with talking animals, major battles between good and evil, and adventures to places beyond imagination. Yet the stories also convey deep religious and moral messages, plain and obvious virtues to carry along in life, and a longing for something more beautiful in the world. Again...more of that later. As for the individual books themselves:
The Magician's Nephew: A blatant creation story of the beginning of the world...the beginning of the world in which Narnia is located in, at least. I found this to be one of the most fascinating stories, first, because it was written second to last in the entire series (or something like that...the point is, it wasn't written first), and second, because it nicely lays out the workings of the complex, magical world of Narnia, and how it all began. I found the imagry, provided you have enough childish imagination left in you, to be beautiful, from creation of the sky and the earth, the trees and grass, and animals etc. The few protagonists, young Digory and Polly, are a friendly little pair, and easy to become attracted to. Without spoiling much, know that C.S. Lewis himself recommended that "The Magician's Nephew" be read first in the series, as it truly answers many of the questions sure to come over the creation of Narnia.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The classic beginning of C.S. Lewis' tales of Narnia, or in other words, the first book written, "TLTW&TW" is perhaps the most well-known of the Chronicles. Because of this, I don't think a summary must be made of Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy's first adventure in Narnia leading into "the Golden Age." Honestly, because I've read this particular story the most, I found it nothing but a happy little adventure that was well-told. Let it be known, however, that this particular stories most closely mirrors the gospels found in a regular Catholic Bible.
The Horse and His Boy: This is my absolute favorite book in all the Chronicles, mostly because it has little to do with the main story of Narnia. Rather, it is a classic adventure story, fit with a youthful friendship, an escape from tyranny, and a quest to save people deemed friendly. I understand I'm being vague; The story takes place in Calormen, a desert-like kingdom far to the south of the country of Narnia, closely resembling the Middle East, perhaps during the Persian empire period. The empire is rather tyrannical, ruled over by the Tisroc (addressed as "Tisroc, may he live forever," very similar to how a Muslim would say "Mohammed, peace be upon him.") The young slave Shasta, by fate, discovers bits and pieces of his true identity after meeting a talking Narnian horse. Both plan to escape from slavery into the land of Narnia. Meanwhile, young Aravis fleas the threat of a political marraige at such a young age, and together with her talking Narnian horse, fatedly meet Shasta and his horse Bree, or rather Bree and his boy, Shasta...Quite a change of setting from a typical Narnian story, I found this to be a wonderful adventure...I will also note, from other reviews I've read, that people find this particular story full of religious symbolism...other than the Middle Eastern similarities, I found very little. Perhaps I wasn't trying hard enough to look. Oh well.
Prince Caspian: As with any series of stories, there is always a turning point when the series because a bit darker, events seem a little more bleak, and it soon becomes apparent that an end is near. While only the fourth in the chronological series, "Prince Caspian" begins this turning point. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy return to Narnia once again and find it drastically different. Overrun by man (hmm...surprise, mankind ruins everything), the magical creatures of Narnia live in hiding, and industry and urbanization threaten the lands (though, keep in mind, this is all in somewhat of a fantasy-medieval perspective). Young Caspian, true heir to the throne and sheltered from the true, magical history of Narnia, discovers the truth, and flees certain death from his tyrannical (uncle? I think, I don't remember) who greedily wants the throne for himself. With the creatures of Narnia, Caspian leads a small army back "to the beginning," cornered by danger, and in desperate need of help (there I go being vague again.) The majority of the story becomes a great battle between those of "old" and "new" Narnia. Again without spoiling anything, and adventure continues, but Narnia becomes a different place.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: I think this is my second favorite of the Narnian books, despite it's heavy theme of travelling through life..Telling the tale of a voyage through the great sea surrounding Narnia, with Caspian, Edmund, Lucy, and a new edition, cousin Eustace, the group lands on different mysterious islands, all with their interesting little quirks that make them fascinating destinations even I would be curious to travel to, in search of the lost noblemen from a time before. Ultimately, the final destination is the mysterious "Asland's Land," where the world truly ends. Again, the religious symbolism is quite heavy, and when reaching the end of the story in explanation of Asland's Land and many other unanswered questions, I guaruntee you will have an "aha" moment when realizing some certain truths about the land of Narnia. Nevertheless, it is a fine adventure story leading up to the end, literally.
The Silver Chair: I would say this is the darkest book of the Chronicles, however in a most literal sense. Cousin Eustace returns to Narnia for the second time after his first life changing experience on the Dawn Treader, this time with a friend in distress, Jill. They find Narnia well advanced in age (as it usually is, for time there is different, of course), and well in distress. Eustace and Jill are tasked by Aslan himself to find the lost, only son of Caspian, who would be the heir to the throne. Forced to journey to the hostile northlands, where the giants roam and live, Eustace and Jill are given a guide, Puddleglum the Marsh-Wiggle...My note about Puddleglum: He is, perhaps, the strangest, most annoying, most interesting, and at times, most admirable protagonist figures in all of the Chronicles. Take note of that. Again on another fantastic adventure, mostly (trying not to spoil everything) taking place underground, this is the final true separate "adventure" before the final book. I took note of that, and it definitely helped in leading into the closing chapters of Narnia...
The Last Battle: Truly both the darkest and lightest books of all the Chronicles, I have mixed feelings about the last battle. For one, it is quite literally, the end of the world. It closely mirrors the book of revelation, in drawing parellels to an anti-Christ, false beliefs, and the destruction of the earth and it's creatures. The first half of the book is entirely covered in darkness, and is very difficult to explain, therefore I must urge you to simply read the book...However, in the lightest sense, as the end of the world, Lewis does a fantastic job of something that every reader hopes for out of a series--providing full closure. Every loose end is tied up, every character is seen, every story closed, every question answered. There is also the most beautiful description I have ever read of....well, read the story. Again, it is only something you can read, after reading the other stories to understand. The only problem I had with the story is that everyone seems so content, even after all that had taken place...I guess that's just how you feel when, well...okay, if my edgy vagueness hasn't already tipped you off or spoiled anything, I don't know...read the dang book. I finished it and sat for a good ten minutes pondering it afterwards. It will change you.
Well, that is my complete, vague, poorly written, probably annoying-to-read summary of the Chronicles of Narnia. The books left me yearning for my childhood, my imagination (which still exists, in a limited sense), and a place like Narnia. Even if it is easy to make fun of...well, not after reading the books, but you know what I mean. For the story, the description, imagination, nostalgia, adventure, feel-good moments, and even the religious parallels, five out of five stars for me.
Speaking of the symbolism, yes, the Chronicles of Narnia closely mirrors the Christian beliefs of Lewis. A lifelong Catholic myself, having all of the Bible shoved at me since kindergarten, the symbolism toward everything in the land of Narnia closely mirrors the many individual stories of the Bible. I'll go more into this when I discuss the separate books, but for now, another general note:
Despite the obvious direction toward being a Children's story, I can acknowledge, after braving to read this in front of so-called "mature people," that the Chronicles of Narnia is for all ages. It tells a beautiful story of magical lands with talking animals, major battles between good and evil, and adventures to places beyond imagination. Yet the stories also convey deep religious and moral messages, plain and obvious virtues to carry along in life, and a longing for something more beautiful in the world. Again...more of that later. As for the individual books themselves:
The Magician's Nephew: A blatant creation story of the beginning of the world...the beginning of the world in which Narnia is located in, at least. I found this to be one of the most fascinating stories, first, because it was written second to last in the entire series (or something like that...the point is, it wasn't written first), and second, because it nicely lays out the workings of the complex, magical world of Narnia, and how it all began. I found the imagry, provided you have enough childish imagination left in you, to be beautiful, from creation of the sky and the earth, the trees and grass, and animals etc. The few protagonists, young Digory and Polly, are a friendly little pair, and easy to become attracted to. Without spoiling much, know that C.S. Lewis himself recommended that "The Magician's Nephew" be read first in the series, as it truly answers many of the questions sure to come over the creation of Narnia.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The classic beginning of C.S. Lewis' tales of Narnia, or in other words, the first book written, "TLTW&TW" is perhaps the most well-known of the Chronicles. Because of this, I don't think a summary must be made of Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy's first adventure in Narnia leading into "the Golden Age." Honestly, because I've read this particular story the most, I found it nothing but a happy little adventure that was well-told. Let it be known, however, that this particular stories most closely mirrors the gospels found in a regular Catholic Bible.
The Horse and His Boy: This is my absolute favorite book in all the Chronicles, mostly because it has little to do with the main story of Narnia. Rather, it is a classic adventure story, fit with a youthful friendship, an escape from tyranny, and a quest to save people deemed friendly. I understand I'm being vague; The story takes place in Calormen, a desert-like kingdom far to the south of the country of Narnia, closely resembling the Middle East, perhaps during the Persian empire period. The empire is rather tyrannical, ruled over by the Tisroc (addressed as "Tisroc, may he live forever," very similar to how a Muslim would say "Mohammed, peace be upon him.") The young slave Shasta, by fate, discovers bits and pieces of his true identity after meeting a talking Narnian horse. Both plan to escape from slavery into the land of Narnia. Meanwhile, young Aravis fleas the threat of a political marraige at such a young age, and together with her talking Narnian horse, fatedly meet Shasta and his horse Bree, or rather Bree and his boy, Shasta...Quite a change of setting from a typical Narnian story, I found this to be a wonderful adventure...I will also note, from other reviews I've read, that people find this particular story full of religious symbolism...other than the Middle Eastern similarities, I found very little. Perhaps I wasn't trying hard enough to look. Oh well.
Prince Caspian: As with any series of stories, there is always a turning point when the series because a bit darker, events seem a little more bleak, and it soon becomes apparent that an end is near. While only the fourth in the chronological series, "Prince Caspian" begins this turning point. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy return to Narnia once again and find it drastically different. Overrun by man (hmm...surprise, mankind ruins everything), the magical creatures of Narnia live in hiding, and industry and urbanization threaten the lands (though, keep in mind, this is all in somewhat of a fantasy-medieval perspective). Young Caspian, true heir to the throne and sheltered from the true, magical history of Narnia, discovers the truth, and flees certain death from his tyrannical (uncle? I think, I don't remember) who greedily wants the throne for himself. With the creatures of Narnia, Caspian leads a small army back "to the beginning," cornered by danger, and in desperate need of help (there I go being vague again.) The majority of the story becomes a great battle between those of "old" and "new" Narnia. Again without spoiling anything, and adventure continues, but Narnia becomes a different place.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: I think this is my second favorite of the Narnian books, despite it's heavy theme of travelling through life..Telling the tale of a voyage through the great sea surrounding Narnia, with Caspian, Edmund, Lucy, and a new edition, cousin Eustace, the group lands on different mysterious islands, all with their interesting little quirks that make them fascinating destinations even I would be curious to travel to, in search of the lost noblemen from a time before. Ultimately, the final destination is the mysterious "Asland's Land," where the world truly ends. Again, the religious symbolism is quite heavy, and when reaching the end of the story in explanation of Asland's Land and many other unanswered questions, I guaruntee you will have an "aha" moment when realizing some certain truths about the land of Narnia. Nevertheless, it is a fine adventure story leading up to the end, literally.
The Silver Chair: I would say this is the darkest book of the Chronicles, however in a most literal sense. Cousin Eustace returns to Narnia for the second time after his first life changing experience on the Dawn Treader, this time with a friend in distress, Jill. They find Narnia well advanced in age (as it usually is, for time there is different, of course), and well in distress. Eustace and Jill are tasked by Aslan himself to find the lost, only son of Caspian, who would be the heir to the throne. Forced to journey to the hostile northlands, where the giants roam and live, Eustace and Jill are given a guide, Puddleglum the Marsh-Wiggle...My note about Puddleglum: He is, perhaps, the strangest, most annoying, most interesting, and at times, most admirable protagonist figures in all of the Chronicles. Take note of that. Again on another fantastic adventure, mostly (trying not to spoil everything) taking place underground, this is the final true separate "adventure" before the final book. I took note of that, and it definitely helped in leading into the closing chapters of Narnia...
The Last Battle: Truly both the darkest and lightest books of all the Chronicles, I have mixed feelings about the last battle. For one, it is quite literally, the end of the world. It closely mirrors the book of revelation, in drawing parellels to an anti-Christ, false beliefs, and the destruction of the earth and it's creatures. The first half of the book is entirely covered in darkness, and is very difficult to explain, therefore I must urge you to simply read the book...However, in the lightest sense, as the end of the world, Lewis does a fantastic job of something that every reader hopes for out of a series--providing full closure. Every loose end is tied up, every character is seen, every story closed, every question answered. There is also the most beautiful description I have ever read of....well, read the story. Again, it is only something you can read, after reading the other stories to understand. The only problem I had with the story is that everyone seems so content, even after all that had taken place...I guess that's just how you feel when, well...okay, if my edgy vagueness hasn't already tipped you off or spoiled anything, I don't know...read the dang book. I finished it and sat for a good ten minutes pondering it afterwards. It will change you.
Well, that is my complete, vague, poorly written, probably annoying-to-read summary of the Chronicles of Narnia. The books left me yearning for my childhood, my imagination (which still exists, in a limited sense), and a place like Narnia. Even if it is easy to make fun of...well, not after reading the books, but you know what I mean. For the story, the description, imagination, nostalgia, adventure, feel-good moments, and even the religious parallels, five out of five stars for me.