by C.S. Lewis

The first book in the Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is followed by

1. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
2. Prince Caspian
3. Voyage of the Dawn Treader
4. The Silver Chair
5. The Horse and His Boy
6. The Last Battle
7. The Magician’s Nephew

We all know that the movie just came out in December ‘05. I went to go see it. However, since this post is a book review, not movie, I shall refrain from criticism of the film.

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe was the very first fantasy book I ever read in my whole entire life. Therefore, I might be a bit biased. However, since I have read it so many times after that fact, enough to in fact grow tired of it, I think my bias is countered.

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe introduces us to the main characters of the Chronicles of Narnia. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are brothers and sisters who are sent from London during the war, to the home of a Professor deep in the heart of the British wood.

The adventures start when Lucy discovers a wardrobe that is a magical portal to the land of Narnia. There, the children must outwit the White Witch, meet with the great Lion, Aslan, and save the land of Narnia from an eternal winter under the rule of the evil Witch.

Talking animals, betrayals, and conspiracies all form together to make a very memorable reading experience. In Narnia, we meet such creatures as Dryads, Fauns, Centaurs, Dwarves, Wolves, and Mermaids.

Warning:
There are covert Christian undertones, especially in this, the first book of the series. C.S. Lewis was not, however, a christian at the time of the writing. In fact, the books were written for his (I believe) grand-niece as a children’s story.

All in all,the story is a good one, regardless of your religion. Read this book, if you haven’t already, and enter the world of Narnia as it was meant to be.

Personal Rating: 9
I have read this book literally dozens of times, and each time, it is, if not better, as good as the previous reading. I expect that I shall still continue to read it as the mood hits.

Content Rating: E
While written orginally as a children’s book, I am 20 and still enjoy it. If that is not enough, my dad is 45, and he likes it too. There is absolutely no language, or sexuality. However, there is very mild violence and some adult themes disguised as children’s moral teachings.