The Horse and His Boy (rpkg) (Narnia)

Rating:
Summary: Missing the magic
Review: This is the third book (chronologically) in the Narnia series, and the fifth one published. It is vastly different from "The Magician's Nephew" and "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe", given that most of the story unfolds outside of Narnia, and it's missing the magic that permeated the first two books.

I hasten to add here that it is a richly descriptive novel, my best description being "Moses" meets "The Prince and the Pauper" and "Alladin" in "Arabian Nights ".

Breehy-hinny-brinny-hoohy-hah, aka Bree, the horse in question does not live up to the "star" billing of the title, being a touch vain, proud and conceited and a little chicken in times of trouble, but without him there would not be a story, and Shasta (his boy, as you may have guessed)would still be a Tarkaan's slave.

They are joined in this adventure by Aravis Tarkheena, assisted by her stable and sensible horse Hwin. Aravis is fleeing an arranged marriage to an ugly old brown-nosing Grand Vizier-designate with a humpback.

Together they defy the odds, fight and squabble a lot, uncover a treacherous plot and finally crawl across the desert into Narnia via Archenland to help save the day.

A grand battle ensues to satisfy the rejection issues of hot headed Tashbaan Prince Rabadash, and Queen Lucy and King Edward (of Book 2) are right in the middle of the fray. High King Peter is off fighting somewhere else, and Queen Susan is staying out of this one, even though she more or less started it. All our friendly mythical creatures appear at this point.

Shasta finds his true identity, his real family, and secures his future job, and everybody lives more or less happily ever after, except Rabadash, who makes a jackass of himself.

No story of Narnia is complete without the presence of the great and powerful Aslan, who appears in various guises throughout the story, guiding, calming, disciplining and protecting his children.

Another compelling story for all ages.

Amanda Richards August 7, 2004