The Chronicles of Narnia: The Last Battle

Reader reviewed by Katya

I was a little disappointed by this. I think partly because it starts off slow - the ape and the donkey aren't the most likeable characters, but a good deal of the start of the book is based around them. Plus, I never really warmed to Jill and Eustace, although I couldn't say why.

But this is most definitely an ending. It's the most dramatic finish I've ever read; and perhaps not necessarily the better for it. It felt a little preachy; what were religious undertones in the first few books become really obvious here.

I won't spoil the ending for you, but it's sad. I've never liked it, and found myself hating Lewis for what he does to Susan (who isn't actually in the book) when I first read it. That said, Jill's comment that Susan spent her entire life trying to get to the age she is now, and will spend the rest of her life trying to stay that way, has stuck with me.

If you've read the rest of the Narnia books then read this, but you may not like it.

Reader reviewed by snailshot

The Last Battle imposes an end to the paradise found in the series. The sons of Adam and daughters Eve, see for the last time Narnia, as the youngest, Eustace and Jill, must rescue Narnia from the evilest to face. One impersonating Aslan? Surely that is the evil that shocks the reader. And the temptation arouses to read on and see how the doom of a fallen Narnia plays out.

I was not particularly satisfied with the end of this book as it seems that the momentum reached at this climax of this whole series continues. But Lewis encourages that this is not the true end but the beginning of one that can not be chronicled.

This is one of the best (on a whole) series I've read, even though intended for a younger audience. But this series appeals to all ages and gives everyone the assurance that putting your faith in good is well worth it.