The Chronicles of Narnia [Box Set]

I was finally able to listen to all the books for the first time in the last couple of months. It was truly an amazing experience. The stories within those books were so captivating and engaging that I found myself completely immersed in them. Each book had its own unique charm and message, and they all had a profound impact on me.

Listening to these books was not only entertaining but also highly encouraging. They inspired me to think differently, to dream bigger, and to pursue my goals with more determination. The words and ideas expressed in the books gave me the motivation and strength I needed to overcome the challenges and obstacles that I had been facing.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to have listened to these wonderful books. They have enriched my life and have made me a better person. I would highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a source of inspiration and encouragement.

Genesis and resurrection. These momentous events, as it turns out, frame the narrative arc between The Magician’s Nephew (book #1 in chronological order), which I read first, and the more renowned The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (book #1 by publication), which I perused next.

The former serves as an origin story of a fledgling Narnia, introducing its earliest visitors and subsequent inhabitants - and yes, also revealing how the lamp post came to be. The latter presents the next generation of curious children who arrived after, chronicling their adventures and encounters with the idiosyncrasies of Narnia.

Good and Evil engage in a climactic battle, but fear not, as any character not expendable lives on. The centerpiece around which all the action, statues, and wide-eyed wonder revolve is the Furry One, who resurrects itself because, obviously, it can.

At this point, having read two books, I pause. Mostly due to my disillusionment with two-dimensional characters, uninspired world-building, detachment from the occasional omnipresent narrator (TMN), and irritation at outdated attitudes. The prose was appropriate for the target audience (elementary school grade?), although an older reader might desire less simplistic writing. My attention often wandered, held only by the motivation to finish.

The idea of a biblical theme isn't inherently objectionable, given the abundance of literature with such themes, but the framing was blatantly unoriginal and overly in-your-face allegorical, leaving no pretense of enjoyment. The frequent references to the Son of Adam and daughter of Eve, the tree of temptation with the forbidden apple, the sacrifice and resurrection - really?!

Is The Chronicles of Narnia Christian propaganda? Does it also casually convey egregious _isms? It's hard to judge based on just a couple of books, but the reputation of this 1950s classic, both its merits and demerits, precedes it. I haven't read far enough into the series to assign definitive labels, but certainly, each page turned yields diminishing returns.

Father Christmas was strangely out of place, as were his dismissals. The White Witch, though extremely wicked, lacks Authority and is easily recognizable as token evil. The Furry One evokes mixed feelings due to its portrayal as a godhead, and the Sunday school vibes don't sit well with me.

However, a child might love the magical elements without reservation. How delightful it is to discover a portal (or a book!) through which the wonderful and the fantastical are revealed, where little boys and little girls become Valiant, Just, Gentle, and Magnificent, and where intelligent animals have speech and power? On the surface, the entertainment value can be appealing to imaginative kids.

There is far worse children's fantasy literature to read than The Magician’s Nephew and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, I believe.

Ultimately, personal mileage varies. Passages are occasionally sanctimonious and outrageous to modern sensibilities, with the potential to worsen as the series progresses. Still, could this be an opportunity for conversations - if an adult wishes to engage their young reader(s) in discussions during or after reading, as young minds develop their common sense and proper discernment of real-world issues outside of the fantasy realm?

Some takeaways are suggested, but not limited to: don't follow strangers home even if they seem harmless and have names like Mr. Tumnus; don't eat candy from strangers even if they come from seemingly credible sources like a Beautiful Queen; don't let anyone - even a Figure of Authority - tell you that battles are ugly when women fight, or shame you for caring first about your loved ones over others.

[The Magician’s Nephew: 3 stars
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: 3 stars

The Chronicles of Narnia series: 7 books
On-screen adaptation: several; personally watched: 0
Awards & nominations: numerous over the decades
Reading order: https://www.narniaweb.com/books/readi...]

When I first picked up the book, my initial thought was, "Oh my! There's an enormous amount to read." As it turns out, I had watched the Chronicles of Narnia movies 1 to 3 (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of The Dawn Treader) before delving into the book itself, and it was incredibly thick! So, when I came across the first book, I was confused. I thought, "oh, so The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was not the first book." Which made me feel rather silly. Then I continued reading.

The Magician's Nephew was an absolute delight to read! This was the origin story of the realms of Narnia. Since I already knew the story of the wardrobe as their gateway to Narnia, it was thrilling to discover where it all began. And my curiosity was fully satisfied in this installment. It was like being a kid again and truly experiencing this adventure.

Then, the infamous The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe was exactly as the movie had presented it. So, as I was reading, it was confirming the story in my mind as I had seen it on the big screen. But it also gave me a deeper understanding of why Aslan was someone to be feared by the enemies. Thus, I admired Aslan even more as I read on.

The Horse and His Boy was something completely different. I loved every single bit of it. It was like learning moral values from your father through his stories. The way fate played its part was truly captivating. It's a very simple story, yet it had a profound impact on me, making it my favorite book among all seven. In this book, there were no sons of Adam nor daughters of Eve from our world. Just a story about a prince who became separated from his family due to a prophecy that he would unknowingly fulfill. (Of course, with Aslan's grace.)

The fourth book, Prince Caspian, was also made into a film. In the book, there was no romantic interest between Susan and Caspian. The movie seemed more grandiose than the book, but nevertheless, I still liked the book.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was my favorite movie among the Narnia films. It was the most exciting of their adventures, with so many things happening in the story. They traveled to seek the 7 Lords of Narnia and what they found was a one-of-a-kind journey to the ends of the world. I really liked the character of Eustace when he turned into a dragon (oops, that's a spoiler!) and in this book, Caspian found his wife.

Then, The Silver Chair was a different kind of story where they embarked on a quest in the underworld. But before that, there were Gentle Giants who were not so gentle. It made me recall the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. It was exciting and dangerous. Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. It seemed that on every page, I was on the edge of my seat.

Finally, The Last Battle, the last book of the Chronicles of Narnia, was a wonderful conclusion. I was extremely dismayed with the talking ape named Shift (who was the villain), but hey, it was his job to make the reader angry. It was so effective that I wanted to transport myself to Narnia and give him a slap on his wrinkled face (because he was an old ape). So, once again, Eustace and Jill came to the rescue. I wasn't entirely sure how it would all end, I thought that maybe no one from our world would come, but they did. I was glad. Then the seven Kings and Queens came~~and I won't spoil it. You have to read the book to find out why they came, and I promise a beautiful ending awaits you.

As I was reading the last few pages, I thought of the new heaven and earth that God has promised us. Because the story felt like that, where everything is new and wonderful and indescribable.

Clive S. Lewis was a brilliant storyteller. It felt as if he was right there, telling the story directly to me. The way he put it into words was amazingly simple to understand, yet incredibly detailed and witty. I gave all the books 5 stars, they truly deserve it!

It was truly an enchanting experience. I read it very slowly, savoring every word. Lewis had the gift of captivating his readers. His writing was like a magical spell that pulled me in and made me completely immersed in the story. With each turn of the page, I felt myself being transported to another world, filled with wonder and excitement. His words seemed to dance on the paper, creating vivid images in my mind. It was as if I could see the characters and the settings right before my eyes. Lewis' talent was undeniable, and I was left in awe of his work. I couldn't wait to see what other masterpieces he had in store for me.

Reading "Narnia" again as an adult has been an even more wonderful experience than when I read it as a child. The vivid and enchanting world that C.S. Lewis has created truly comes alive in a whole new way. The complex themes, the rich characters, and the magical adventures all draw me in deeper. It's like rediscovering a hidden treasure chest filled with countless wonders. I suspect that I will revisit Narnia many times in the future. Each time, I'm sure to uncover new details and gain a deeper understanding of this captivating fictional universe. It's a literary masterpiece that continues to charm and inspire readers of all ages.

When the Lion/Witch/Wardrobe movie was released some time ago, a certain guy approached me and said, "Dude, the goddamn right wing media is attempting to claim that the Narnia books are all about goddamn Christianity!!!"

Well, no kidding. I had already figured that out when I was just 9 years old.

But really, who gives a damn? If one is completely unable to enjoy these books, it indicates that there is no childlike spirit remaining within them. And if there is no child inside a person, they are simply not very much fun at all, are they?

These books offer a world of imagination and adventure that can touch the hearts of people of all ages. Whether one sees the religious undertones or not, the magic and wonder of Narnia should be enough to bring joy and excitement.

We should focus on the beauty and value that these books hold, rather than getting caught up in the争论 over their supposed religious significance.

After all, the true essence of the Narnia books lies in their ability to transport us to a different world and让 us experience the power of love, courage, and friendship.

So, let's just sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey into Narnia, regardless of what the media or anyone else has to say about it.

What can be said about this series that hasn't already been said?

What review can truly do it justice? Do I have enough words in my vocabulary to adequately express all my feelings about this series?

These are all questions I was asking myself as I started pondering on how I'm going to review arguably the greatest and most iconic fantasy series of all time, The Chronicles of Narnia

I don't think I need to repeat it. But I have enjoyed, really enjoyed, The Chronicles of Narnia. I don't know if it was smart to want to read all seven books in a single month, but it was definitely enjoyable.

C.S. Lewis drew inspiration from mythology, legends, his faith, and so much more, creating an incredibly atmospheric and vivid world in which the reader can go on an adventure. In terms of its moral and certain values, it is a product of its time, but still, I understand why these chronicles truly deserve the title of a classic.

By the way, I really laughed out loud at the end, because of course that is the end hahahaha.

The Chronicles of Narnia is a captivating series that takes readers on a journey through a magical land. The stories are filled with interesting characters, exciting adventures, and valuable lessons. Each book builds on the previous ones, creating a rich and detailed world that is easy to get lost in. Whether you are a child or an adult, these chronicles are sure to delight and inspire you. So if you haven't read them yet, I highly recommend giving them a try. You won't be disappointed!