Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia #2)

Finally got around the this one, though I'd meant to long before the movie ever came out. After so much contemporary, this was a terrific palate-cleanser.

Unlike 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,' the movie version deviates significantly in certain places--though I'm pretty neutral in terms of my preferred version. I don't necessarily disagree with the creative liberties that were taken. But more importantly, I don't believe that the movie failed to convey the essence of the book.

Again, the allegorical tale is engaging and beautifully written classic fantasy--with touches of both Christianity and European mythology. The descriptions are lilting and beautiful. The wisdom conveyed is timeless and elegantly worded.

This reader's favorite aspect would have to be the pronounced character development in Edmund between this book and the previous one. Leave it to Lewis to create a personality I initially want to see killed off and not only redeem him, but turn him into the one I can most relate to.

This story is a fascinating sequel to The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. I enjoyed that time runs so differently in Narnia than it does on Earth. The world Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy land in this time bears little resemblance to the Narnia they left behind. Caspian makes an interesting character, and the danger creates tension throughout the story. Again, the readability for the modern young reader requires a bit of work, but it's worth it for a series that ignites the imagination like this one does.

Reader reviewed by val

Prince CAspian was an awesome book AND movie. I like the avdentures, the Narnia creautures and especially the place! bUT I DONT like how there were REAL people involved besides the four king and queens, and they think that Narnians were extinct. and I also don't like how Prince CAspian became a King in Narnia! I only like the eldest brother! :D
But overall, Prince CAspian was another amazing book added to the series!

Reader reviewed by Katya

While I always liked 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe', my favourite Narnia novel has to be 'Prince Caspian'. It's got everything; the talking animals, jokes, brilliant main characters and it's set almost entirely in Narnia.

What I like about it, I think, is that the Pevensies have to deal with returning to a land that's not only hundreds of years older than when they last saw it, but when they themselves are much younger. It's adolescent Peter pulling himself together and being the High King, and Edmund finally redeeming himself that really make me love this book. My only quibble is that I think Lewis is unfair to Susan - but then, I think he often is, as is proven by events in 'The Last Battle'.

It's a brilliant book, but you do need to have read 'The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe' first.

Reader reviewed by hope

Although I loved the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, this book was torment and I was unable to finish. A very hard to follow story with wierd twists. It also is quite boring. It may have gotten better as it went on but I wouldn't know.

Reader reviewed by Carmen



THIS IS THE SECOND BOOK IN THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA!!!!!!!!! Okay? anyway...
This is an ok book but I enjoyed it all the same. It has fighting parts, magical parts, and even parts with talking animals (usually every part of the book is when the animals talk). C.S. Lewis is doing a wonderful job.
My advise would be to read the first book first. (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe)
But I think it is worth the time...even if you do fall asleep in some parts...
Carmen

Reader reviewed by snailshot

The fourth installment of The Chronicles of Narnia is a great re-coop from its predecessor. And is not half bad though not as great as the first two books.

Though this may have been partially because of my lack of interest in this book after the third book and the fact that my reading was spread apart while I was reading two other books at the same time, I found this book pretty good.

At first we are pretty confused as we revisit the Pevensies, as children again, whom by some mystical force are brought back to the magic land of Nania in a far different time. But author C.S. Lewis so generoulsy fills us in, which consumes in a good way most of the book. With this background the story moves on, the background very interesting and moving, to the reason why the four royals of Old Narnia are back in a Narnia destroyed by man.

The story is very lovley also in its faithful message, which is allegorical to the Jersaleum of the prophets time, very in doubt of an Aslan. But by the faith of those who beleive, Narnia is taken back to the right, the Talking Beasts, ruled by the true king, Prince Caspian.

I think this book's age appeal evolves as the series matures and despite how I may have thought I think overall Prince Caspian is pretty darn good, at least ten times better than the last.