Book Review: The Horse and His Boy

Review By Marianne

Title: The Chronicles of Narnia Book 3: The Horse and His Boy

Author: C.S. Lewis

Rating: 5/5

Age Recommendation: 12+

Plot: A young boy named Shasta lives alone with his fisherman father. The fisherman is unkind to Shasta, and only keeps him there to work. So one day when a rich Tarkaan (or lord) comes by asking to buy Shasta as a slave, the fisherman is eager to get a good price. Shasta then discovers that the Tarkaan's horse, Bree can talk! And that Bree wants to run far away to the beautiful lands of Narnia. The two run away from the Tarkaan together and embark on a strange and beautiful journey filled with adventure, lions, and new friends.

I loved this book! I could easily say that of the three Narnia books that I've read, this one was the best! I felt I could connect with the characters better in this one than either of the others. It's an amazing book that I would most definitely recommend!

Characters: My favorite character would have to be Shasta. He is very sweet and humble but still has struggles to overcome. He matures and changes so much during the journey, that he hardly seems like the same person. Bree was quite the humorous character as he was very prideful and not afraid to tell you what a wonderful horse he was. He, too changes quite a bit during their journey.

Emotion: This book contained many different emotions. There were several times that I laughed out loud making Elinor wonder what had humored me so. There were also times that were sad, and times that were victorious.

My Thoughts: Overall this is an amazing book. It surpasses the others in the series and makes me wonder why they didn't make a movie for it. It portrays each and every character in an unforgettable way and offers much entertainment! The only reason I recommended ages 12+ were because of the reading level. There are some parts that may be hard for younger children to understand. However, this does not by any means mean that you or your child may not be able to read it!

Book Review: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

Title: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Author: C. S. Lewis

Rating: 5/5

Plot: The four children Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, are sent away from their mother due to air-raids going on in London during WW2. They go to temporarily live with a strange old professor in his mansion until it is safe for them to return home. While there, the youngest of them, Lucy, steps in to an old wardrobe only to find herself transported to a completely different world, and eventually, all four of the children enter! There they meet many new friends and enemies, and embark on a strange new adventure to find Aslan, and defeat the White Witch.

I really enjoyed this book! If you have seen the Narnia movies (as I have) you will already know the story, but it is still definitely worth reading! I loved seeing all of the characters' thoughts and feelings on such a deep level (as it is sometimes hard to do with a movie).

Characters: As I said, I saw the movies prior to reading the book so therefore, I already "knew" the characters. However, being able to really read what they each think and feel in every situation was quite a treat! My favorite character (besides Aslan) would have to be Lucy. 

Emotion: C. S. Lewis explains both scenes and emotions in such a strange way that it makes it easy to "see" the story and how it's taking place. I know that sounds kind of weird, but it's true! Read it and you'll see!

My Thoughts: This was a very good book that I would highly recommend! It isn't very long, so I think an 8+ audience would greatly enjoy this adventure. And of course I absolutely adored the main message of this story: Jesus Christ is our Savior and Conqueror. He died for our sins because He loves us so much and then later, rose form the dead.

Favorite Quote:

"Perhaps it has happened to you in a dream that someone says something which you don't understand but in the dream it feels as if it has some enormous meaning - either a terrifying one which turns the whole dream into a nightmare or else a lovely meaning to lovely to put into words, which make the dream so beautiful that you remember it all your life and are always wishing you could get into that dream again."

Book Review: The Magician's Nephew

Review by Marianne

Title: The Chronicles of Narnia: Book 1, The Magician's Nephew

Author: C. S. Lewis

Rating: 4/5
Age Recommendation: 12+

Plot: Digory is living with his Aunt and Uncle because his mother is terribly sick and his father is in India for his job. He meets a little girl named Polly and they become good friends. Eventually, the naughty children find their way into the attic in which Digory's uncle spends most of his time in. They find themselves magically transported to a world very different than our own; and are so curious, that they accidentally release an evil witch from her enchanted sleep.

I kind of already knew the story of Narnia, but I didn't know many details so, the other day I decided to read the whole series. The Magician's Nephew I think, is mainly just a book to get you ready and explain the origins of the books to come, however, it is very entertaining and I would highly recommend it!

Characters: I really liked the characters in this book! Having seen the movie of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe I had already "met" Digory as he is the old man that takes the children in. I really enjoyed getting to see how he originally found Narnia and how he came to get that magic wardrobe!

Emotions: Overall this was a very fun-filled and kid-friendly adventure! I really enjoyed reading it and as I said before would highly recommend it! 

My Thoughts: I loved this book! The only reason I rated it 4/5 instead of 5/5 is because, like I said before, I felt that it was just kind of setting the tone for the rest of the books. It was kind of short and altogether, is mainly about Narnia's creation. Nevertheless, it was very fun, and an awesome read!

Favorite Quote:

"She has won her heart's desire; she has unwearying strength and endless days like a goddess. But length of days with an evil heart is only length of misery and already she begins to know it."