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Summary: Still amazing, after decades... but read LWW first!
Review: What can I add to the discussion of the Narnia books themselves? They're fantastic, and, as a long-time reader of Lewis's work, all I can say is that it's heartening to see that new generations are continuing to discover how wonderful the Chronicles of Narnia are, just as I did about 20 years ago. It's also great to see how many adults continue to treasure them, just as I do today.The only thing I would say to first-time readers is the same thing that a lot of other reviewers are saying: DON'T READ THE BOOKS IN THE ORDER THAT U.S. PUBLISHERS ARE PUTTING THEM OUT THESE DAYS! Lewis always intended the Narnia books to be published and read in the order in which he wrote them: LWW, PC, VDT, SC, HHB, MN, and LB. It's true that, near the end of his life, Lewis pondered the notion of having the books published and read in chronological order -- but only after an extensive set of internal revisions. As it turned out, Lewis never had the chance to complete those revisions. So, as they stand now, the books really should be read in the original sequence. For one thing, that's the only way for new readers to discover Narnia in the way that Lewis himself discovered it. Since Lewis never got around to his intended rewriting, the overall story unfolds much more meaningfully -- and much more dramatically -- when it's read OUT of order. For instance, part of the enjoyment of reading The Magician's Nephew is realizing just how a land that the reader has already fallen in love with actually came into being; there's an almost archaeological ("oh, NOW I understand") feel to it. If you read MN first, you miss completely that very important -- and very rich -- subtext. I could go on: about why The Horse and His Boy should be Book #5, why The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is THE only real gateway into Narnia, and so forth. But the point is clear. I have a strong suspicion that publishers have changed the order of the books not to adhere to any wishes that Lewis himself may or may not have had, but because some corporate executive decided that less complexity would result in more sales. Publishers should have more faith in the ability of readers to appreciate complicated textual issues, even if (or especially if!) those readers are children. To read the Narnia Chronicles in the order they're in now is to deprive oneself of the most meaningful reading of the story as a whole. So read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe first -- and, while you're at it, maybe let the publishers know that you'd like to see future editions appear in the original order. But whatever sequence you follow, enjoy the books themselves!
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Summary: THE MOST FANTASTIC ADVENTURE STORY EVER!
Review: The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe was the most fantastic adventure story ive ever read and ever will read!
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Summary: The best juvenile reading
Review: Children will cherish their memories of Narnia forever. Whether Christian or non-Christian, these books are a must read for children starting about age 9.
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Summary: Magical Reading at Any Age
Review: When Lucy accidentally discovers a door (hidden in the back of a wardrobe/armoire), she enters a snowy magical world filled with talking animals and powerful characters. Her months in Narnia are no more than moments back in the room of the wardrobe. Lucy (and her brothers and sister) experience a life not even dreamed of, when they step through the wardrobe and into Narnia. We long to enter that same wardrobe and feel the crisp, cold air touch our noses and call us out of the ordinary into the fantastical world of Narnia. C.S. Lewis had the ability to draw us into a world that could hold us happy captive long after the book was closed. The innocence of childhood belief is fortified by deliberate faith. The magic of Christmas, the glimmer of stars, the possibility of another world within our own...the wonder of childhood's imagination enriched by the depth of adult understanding--these are the things that keep people coming back to the Chronicles of Narnia. As long as there are dreams to be dreamed, and wishes to be had, there will always be a Narnia. If you haven't gone there yet yourself, it's not too late. You only need the book(s), a little imagination and faith. No matter your age, the last two things are still within you--let them blossom!
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Summary: Simply wonderful
Review: I read these books for the first time when I was 8 years old. Even back then, I loved them, and read them all many times, although it was the fantasy aspect that drew me in at that age. I just recently reread the series again for the first time in years (I'm 17 now) and I think I like them even more, if that's possible. I understand much more of the symbolism now, but I still love the way these books let my imagination run wild! I too believed in Narnia for many years, and I think a part of me still does (or at least wishes that such a place existed). The praise that I wish to give this series is impossible to express in mere words, except through encouragement for anyone who hasn't read them yet to get up and do it! Although I was surprised to realize just how much the stories parallel Christianity, don't feel like you have to be Christian to enjoy these books. (how much does an 8-year-old know about Christianity?) The themes are not sermons. If you are Christian you'll no doubt appreciate the references, but there is plenty in the books to appeal to anyone and everyone. One last note: My personal favorite was _The Silver Chair_. What can I say, Puddleglum was the best character.
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Summary: Supper Books! I finished them in 2 weeks!
Review: I loved this books! THEY are about human trevals to Narnai. Great book for people over 9.
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Summary: wonderful fantasy collection that brings a sense of hope and
Review: The Chronicles of Narnia are a wonderful fantasy collection that bring a sense of hope and self-worth to children. The onle thing that I do not apporve of is the reshuffle of them that The Magician's Nephew is considered to be book 1. Absolutely not, the whole introduction to the characters starts with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The magic starts there. I believe the books should follow their original format and be chronicled by publishing date. Putting them in order by story lessens the magic.
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Summary: A fantasy with deep life lessons.
Review: Narnia entertains and teaches at the same time. These wonderful trips into fantasy work on many levels. I have read the whole series 3 times, twice to my children. They loved the magical lands. As teens they enjoyed the endearing characters and talking animals. Adults often find hidden messages. We all have our favorite stories and characters. I love Lucy. My favorite book is The Magician's Nephew in which Aslan creates Narnia right before your eyes. Narnia has replaced Middle Earth as my favorite vacation escape.
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Summary: This Series Is A Great Read !
Review: I started reading The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe when I was in kindergarten,and when I found out Then there were more books I read them too. And I've read them over and over for the past 4 years.They just never seem to lose their magic. :-)
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Summary: Best fantasy series
Review: C.S. Lewis' Narnia series is one of the best fantasies ever written. It is a rarity among children's literature-- books as enoyable and rewarding for adults as for children. An omnibus volume collecting all the books together is a welcome treasure; and this volume is only spoiled (taking it from 5 stars down to 4 in my rating) by placing the books in the wrong order. Don't believe the publisher when they tell you Lewis meant the books to be read in Narnian chronology rather than the order in which he wrote them-- that's based solely on a passing mention in one of his letters to a child who said she liked them that way. The truth is that you *must* read the first book-- "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" first! Fortunately, you can easily do so-- the publisher can put the books in the wrong order but they can't force you to turn the pages their way. So the flaw is a minor one in a wonderful collection.
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