I first read these books when I was really young - around 7 or 8 years old.

Recently, during the break between semesters, I made an attempt to re-read them. And I discovered several things that my younger self either hadn't noticed or had eventually forgotten.

To begin with, C.S. Lewis is simply not a good writer. Although the stories have an interesting premise, when it comes to the art of storytelling, he completely fails. The plot drags to a snail's pace in the most boring parts, and Lewis either neglects or gives a very brief account of what should have been the most fascinating aspects of the stories. To say that the characters are one-dimensional might even be too kind to the author.

Secondly, I have watched the movie adaptations that have been released in recent years (with my little sister, I must add!). After comparing these movies with the actual books, I can clearly see that the movies have actually enhanced the plot. In a rare instance, they included more plot details and character depth than the books because they recognized that the original needed some improvement.

Finally, I was shocked by how heavy-handed the religious subtext was. It was much less subtle than the word implies. I have no problem with there being a fable-like element in stories, and it's absurd to assume that an author's prejudices won't be reflected in their work. However, when the moral of the story hits you so forcefully in some parts that it completely takes you out of the story, you know the author has made a mistake.

So, that's my rant about the Chronicles of Narnia. The second time around, I only managed to get through "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader" and then stopped. I couldn't find the next book in the series in my house, but I didn't really look very hard and wasn't too bothered about it.

Oh my goodness. Y'all.

I just finished reading this series for the first time, and let me tell you, THESE BOOKS ARE BEAUTIFUL. I had a basic idea of what happened in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader from having read and seen the movies respectively, but knew next to nothing else about Narnia.

Until now.

My thoughts (spoilers ahead!):

The Magician's Nephew was so cool. Seeing how Narnia was created and getting Jadis's backstory was fascinating. I loved that the cabby and his wife became the first King and Queen of Narnia. And the connection between the apple that cured Digory's mother and the Wardrobe was brilliant.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a classic. Edmund's redemption arc is one of my favorites. I have a Narnia closet in our playroom, and it always makes me smile. The Stone Table scene in the movie still gets to me.

The Horse and His Boy is an underrated gem. The lost prince's return, Bree, Corin, and the Pevensie cameos were all great. And Cor and Aravis's future relationship is so interesting.

Prince Caspian was enjoyable, especially Edmund and Lucy. I'm glad they got Narnia back and met Aslan again.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader had another great redemption arc with Eustace Scrubb. Lucy and Edmund were epic, and Reepicheep was awesome. This is definitely one of my favorites.

The Silver Chair was my least favorite, as it didn't have the Pevensies or the Princes. But I did like how they saved Prince Rilian and seeing Eustace's growth. And Puddleglum's quote is one of my all-time favorites.

The Last Battle was a great conclusion. The beginning made me angry, but the ending was worth it. The parallels to the Bible were clear, and I loved how all the kings and queens of Narnia returned and went to Aslan's Country. The very last paragraph was a perfect ending.

Favorite Narnian Quotes:

“One word, Ma'am,” he said, coming back from the fire; limping, because of the pain. “One word. All you've been saying is quite right, I shouldn't wonder. I'm a chap who always liked to know the worst and then put the best face I can on it. So I won't deny any of what you said. But there's one more thing to be said, even so. Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things - trees and grass and sun and moon and stars and Aslan himself. Suppose we have. Then all I can say is that, in that case, the made-up things seem a good deal more important than the real ones.”

“Courage, dear heart.”

“It isn't Narnia, you know,” sobbed Lucy. “It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?” “But you shall meet me, dear one,” said Aslan. “Are - are you there too, Sir?” said Edmund. “I am,” said Aslan. “But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there.”

“Pooh! Grown-ups are always thinking of uninteresting explanations.”

“I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now... Come further up, come further in!”

“Onward and Upward! To Narnia and the North!”

“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”

“Do not dare not to dare.”

“Daughter of Eve from the far land of Spare Oom where eternal summer reigns around the bright city of War Drobe, how would it be if you came and had tea with me?”

“Child,' said the Lion, 'I am telling you your story, not hers. No one is told any story but their own.”

“To the glistening eastern sea, I give you Queen Lucy the Valiant. To the great western woods, King Edmund the Just. To the radiant southern sun, Queen Susan the Gentle. And to the clear northern skies, I give you King Peter the Magnificent. Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia. May your wisdom grace us until the stars rain down from the heavens.”

“And as He spoke, He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”

I had missed this book a lot.

It's an indescribable feeling, as if I had been longing for something deeply precious for a long time.

When I finally got my hands on it again, it was like returning home after years of being away.

The familiar smell of the pages, the texture under my fingers, all brought back a flood of memories.

It was as if the book was a dear old friend, patiently waiting for me to come back and reconnect.

I couldn't help but flip through the pages, eager to immerse myself in its world once more.

Every word, every sentence, seemed to have a special charm that drew me in.

I felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me, knowing that I was finally reunited with this beloved book.

It was a moment of pure joy and I cherished it deeply.

Aslan is a character that holds a special place in my heart. I'll never love a character more than I love Aslan.

*Start Rant*

There are only a tiny number of books that, just the thought of them, the mere hint, can make me furious. Truly angry.

Take Great Expectations, for example. I had to read it for my Freshman AP English class. Basically, a whiny boy is tormented throughout his life by a man-hating Crazy Cat Lady (without the cats) and her equally man-hating minion. (Please stop whining, kid. I'm begging you! And get Miss H. a few hundred cats. She'll be a much happier person if she has Mittens, Socks, Buttons, Morris, and Fluffy 1-98 to take care of.)

Then there was Ethan Frome, which was about awful people being awful to each other. The only good thing about this one (besides it being mercifully short) was that Karma gave everyone exactly what they deserved with a powerful slap.

There was also The Little Prince, but you can read my review to find out how I felt about that one.

However, my hatred for Narnia far exceeds my feelings of dislike for any other book or series.

I know what you're thinking. You're probably thinking, "Hey, you're a librarian. Aren't you supposed to love all classics? How can you hate Narnia?" It's a shocker, I know. But it's the truth.

A few years ago, when I had the misfortune of being force-fed this series, I thought it was the most preachy, pretentious, and poorly-written piece of drivel I had ever come across in my literary life. The storyline dragged on and on, the dialogue was as tedious as "Dick and Jane," and the characters were all so extremely Mary Sue that I actually hoped they would all be killed off in terrible, B-level horror movie Zombie Apocalypse ways. (Well, a character did kind of go crazy at the end and kill everyone who annoyed him. Seriously, Cat-Dude. Calm down. And take some Anger Management classes.) And it's racist! Good heavens, these books are racist! Don't even get me started on that rant. How does stuff like this even get published, let alone make it onto the list of "beloved children's classics"?

In conclusion, I nearly vibrate with anger whenever this series (or a book from this series) is mentioned. I hate it, and I hate that it's so popular.

Seriously, if this book series had a face, I would punch it. Multiple times. Without any remorse at all.

*End Rant*

One of my favorite series during my childhood was truly formative for me. It beautifully combined my love for fantasy with my religious upbringing. Now that I'm no longer a Christian, I wanted to explore its impact on me.

The Chronicles of Narnia strikes me as a unique series. It's likely based on an old-school chronicles format that I don't recognize due to my lack of a college education. C.S. Lewis not only prioritizes Christian ideology over commercial appeal, which strangely enough led to lasting commercial success. But he also presents a rotating cast of human characters from our world, such as the four Pevensie children, their cousin Eustace, his friend Jill Pole, uncle Digory, and his friend Polly Plummer. Alongside them are many Narnian natives like prince Caspian, the white witch, Reepicheep, and my favorite, Puddleglum. The only constant character in the book is Aslan the lion.

The Narnian world is extremely well-developed, perhaps a side effect of Lewis being friends with J.R.R. Tolkien. Lewis takes you to other kingdoms, across the eastern sea, and even to the underworld. The series also spans the entire expanse of time in Narnia, from creation to destruction, which is a really fascinating concept. There's so much to love here - magic, honor, valor, and friendship. It teaches many valuable lessons and is great for both kids and adults. The Christian symbolism is only overt in certain books, and I never found it distracting, although I can understand how others might. This series hit some nostalgia points for me, but I was surprised by how much I didn't remember, especially the sixth book, The Silver Chair.

I recommend this series to everyone, young and old, Christian or not, fantasy or non-fiction reader. I've encountered few people who didn't at least like The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. So, if you're interested in literary history or good worldbuilding, enter the granddaddy of portal fantasy, The Chronicles of Narnia.

After reading the reviews here,

I'm truly glad to know that I wasn't the only kid who was constantly searching for a way into Narnia.

I first had the pleasure of reading and fell deeply in love with the series during my fourth grade. I read those books not just once or twice, but over and over and over again. Sometimes I would read them in the series order, while at other times, I preferred to read them in chronological order. At a certain point, I even started saving them specifically for Christmas break. Every year during that time, I would immerse myself in the magical world of Narnia. My family, all of whom were non-readers, thought this was a rather bizarre quirk of mine. However, they were kind enough to tolerate it.

When the movie adaptation came out, I excitedly took my entire family to see it. This even included my father, who initially grumbled about going to a kids' movie. But to my delight, they all ended up falling in love with the story just like I had. Finally, they understood my childhood obsession with Narnia.

When my nephew reached the fourth grade, I didn't hesitate to buy the series for him. And I'm sure that when my niece gets there, she'll also receive her own set.

Even as a child, I was aware of the Christian symbolism associated with the Narnia books. But to be honest, I really could care less about that aspect. To me, they are simply great stories on their own. I firmly believe that I will continue to read these books over and over throughout my whole life. They are truly fantastic, timeless classics that will always hold a special place in my heart.

Maestoso.

It is a work that earns 4 stars. The reason is that at times it can be a bit dull, and I had some difficulty in continuing to read it. However, I was supported by the good writing style (gdl) and the fact that we read one such work per month, with a lot of calmness.

Despite the initial challenges, I am still very glad to have read it. It has provided me with a unique reading experience and allowed me to explore different themes and ideas.

The language used in Maestoso is rich and descriptive, which helps to bring the story to life. Although there were some parts that dragged on a bit, overall, it was a worthwhile read.

I would recommend this work to others who are looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who are willing to invest the time and effort, it can be a rewarding experience.

I was wondering the other day.

And let's not forget the time of year at the moment. I've doubtless been sleeping on a full stomach, and my brain overfuelled with rich foods.

Otherwise, I'm really at a loss with that dream of mine in which a kitten transforms into a baby girl with a lick of red hair on her head who grows rapidly and can soon talk with dreamlike wisdom.

As indeed you'd expect for a red-headed girl who had started off life as a kitten or indeed a dream.

Either that or my daily walks are leading me through some odd places.

How far Lewis's sexuality determined his famously maladroit handling of the female element in his story-telling?

The lion merely supplants the witch; they find no accommodation together, there is no fruitful synthesis. Rather, his rejection of her and general refusal to deal with her leaves no where for her to go than a frigid eternal winter. Hell hath no fury... as we say when we can remember too.

Although looking at that it seems very much the view of somebody who had spent too long in the exclusive company of Middle English poetry.

Yet all this is thwarted desire, I say, suspecting that she wished to sit upon his back and sink her face into the tawny mane and no doubt get thoroughly licked by this big cat.

Too much Angela Carter on the brain.

I've heard somewhere that Lewis put a certain amount of effort into being unattractive. He was somewhat smelly and dirty even by the standards of his own pre-domestic shower times and distinctly fixated on his own and other people's mothers, in particular the mother of a boyfriend, i.e., a friend who was also a young man.

Any romance was no doubt strictly Platonic.

Women in these books who, in other books, might be considered of an age, position, and intelligence to be love interests are here unambiguously witches. Threatening! Bizarrely malevolent! Otherwise, they are safely pre-pubescent, until we get to Susan who gets to die before she becomes a witch.

Read all these separately but for convenience let's pretend I had a boxed edition.

Enjoyed these as a child, particularly the 1st one with the wood between worlds. Despite being not introduced to religion until about the age of five at school, I don't recall the Christian allegory bothering me.

I know the story order of the books is not the publication order. I'm mildly curious that we move from a Christian world view with Lion-God Aslan creating the world, singing it into being, presumably borrowing the idea from Tolkien, in between spilling beer on himself and smoking down the pub in the beginning to Platonism at the end: the God-created world is not the real one but only a smaller imitation, the real world accessible only via death is apparently bigger and better, so much for God as blind matchmaker; he is outdone in his limited creative capacity by an apparently eternal uncreated universe.

Anyway, a bit odd even before one gets to the apparent absence of female centaurs, perhaps friendly mares help the population to continue, or dwarfs, I probably don't want to know. There you go, that's children's books for you, too many unresolved sexual problems. Perhaps Angela Carter is the answer?

This is not merely one of the best children's books ever written.

It is, in fact, one of the best books I've read in my entire life.

I vividly remember reading it to my two daughters when they were still children.

They absolutely loved it, and I know I liked it at least as much as they did, if not more.

This book is a must-read for anyone who has an interest in English literature or literature in any language.

It has a charm and a magic that is truly captivating.

Just recently, I was very surprised when I discovered that I hadn't yet added it to my Goodreads list.

How could I have overlooked such a wonderful book?

I immediately rectified the situation and added it, eager to share my love for this book with others.

I highly recommend it to everyone.

The Chronicles of Narnia is a beloved series of fantasy novels that has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers of all ages.

⤷ The Magician's Nephew kicks off the series, introducing us to the magical world of Narnia and the adventures that await.

⤷ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is perhaps the most famous installment, as four siblings discover a portal to Narnia through a wardrobe and become embroiled in a battle between good and evil.

⤷ The Horse and His Boy takes us on a thrilling adventure across Narnia and beyond, following the journey of a young boy and his talking horse.

⤷ Prince Caspian sees the return of the Pevensie children as they help Prince Caspian reclaim his throne from the evil Telmarines.

⤷ The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is a seafaring adventure as the children set sail on a magical ship to find the lost lords of Narnia.

⤷ The Silver Chair follows the adventures of Eustace and Jill as they search for the lost prince of Narnia.

⤷ The Last Battle brings the series to a climactic end, as the forces of good and evil clash in a final battle for the fate of Narnia.

Each book in the series is filled with rich characters, exciting adventures, and profound themes that have made it a classic of children's literature. Whether you're a child or an adult, The Chronicles of Narnia is sure to transport you to a world of magic and wonder.

I was in college when I first read all the Chronicles of Narnia. It was an unforgettable experience. Eight years later, I was overjoyed to obtain the whole set for free through the Goodreads first reader program. (Thanks to Harper Collins.) This time around, I had a much deeper appreciation for the series and understood the symbolism better.

Rating the stories alone, I might give them three or four stars. But because of their profound meanings and the connection they strike with Christians everywhere, I've bumped the series up to AMAZING.

I've reviewed each book individually. Don't expect anything profound or insightful in my comments. I simply recorded how the books made me feel and what I found great or not-so-great about them.

The Magician's Nephew, the first book in the series (actually the sixth published), gets 5 stars from me. I read it to my wife a couple of years ago and found it just as enjoyable the second time. The first half, with Polly and Diggory's discovery of magic travel and struggles with the witch, is the main story. The second half, the founding of Narnia, is a long denouement. Despite the annoying animal conversation and endless landscape description in the falling action, the symbolism is quite poignant. If the book were split, I'd give the first half 5 stars and the second 4. But together, the first half makes up for the meandering finish. I love the beginning for its clever writing, gripping plot, and great one-liners.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the most well-known of the seven books and one of my favorites. However, I grew a little bored reading it this time, probably due to the many readings and countless film adaptations I've seen over the years. Unlike The Magician's Nephew, it has a great cohesive plot from start to finish. And even though Aslan saves the day a little easily at the end, the Christian symbolism is nicely done. Five stars.

A Horse and His Boy was an incredibly engaging story from beginning to end. The symbolism of God helping us through tough times brought me close to tears, and it was satisfying to see justice served in the end. It took me until now to understand the cleverness of the title. I'll end with one of my favorite lines from King Lune.

Prince Caspian was a great book, although I generally enjoyed the movie more. The duel between Miraz and Peter was better in the book. Lewis has an amazing ability to make you feel like you're there watching. I also found some of the language and meaning differences funny. However, there was one thing I didn't understand about the Pevensies' arrival time.

After re-reading The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, I have to give credit to the screenplay writers who adapted it for film. Lewis's original is rich in originality and symbolism but lacking in storyline. The movie managed to turn the episodic "lessons" into a cohesive whole. Now I remember why this book wasn't one of my favorites. There wasn't enough story to sink my teeth into. Still, it was an enjoyable read. I would probably get more out of it if I could understand all the symbolism. The best line of the book was the first one.

I enjoyed The Silver Chair much more the second time. I found Puddleglum's constant pessimism funny this time. The plot was well-formed, and I liked the symbolism of the Queen trying to convince them there was no overland. I also have to share some of the tidbits that sound funny in our modern culture. I'll finish with one more passage for you to wonder about.

The Last Battle started with a great story but then sacrificed the plot for the powerful end of the world allegory. Although I appreciated Lewis's insights into the end of the world and the symbolism of Christ as Aslan, I would've liked to see the characters find a way out without being magicked away. Overall, C. S. Lewis does an amazing job of crafting stories that appeal to both Christians and story lovers. The writing is good enough that you can choose to ignore the deeper meanings, but why would anyone want to do that?