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The Chronicles of Narnia (Chronological Order) #6–7
Tales of Narnia: The silver chair; The last battle
The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven high fantasy novels by author C. S. Lewis. It is considered a classic of children's literature and is the author's best-known work, having sold over 100 million copies in 47 languages.[1][2] Written by Lewis between 1949 and 1954, illustrated by Pauline Baynes and originally published in London between October 1950 and September 1956, The Chronicles of Narnia has been adapted several times, complete or in part, for radio, television, the stage, and film. Set in the fictional realm of Narnia, a fantasy world of magic, mythical beasts, and talking animals, the series narrates the adventures of various children who play central roles in the unfolding history of that world. Except in The Horse and His Boy, the protagonists are all children from the real world, magically transported to Narnia, where they are called upon by the lion Aslan to protect Narnia from evil and restore the throne to its rightful line. The books span the entire history of Narnia, from its creation in The Magician's Nephew to its eventual destruction in The Last Battle. Inspiration for the series is taken from multiple sources; in addition to adapting numerous traditional Christian themes, the books freely borrow characters and ideas from Greek and Roman mythology as well as from traditional British and Irish fairy tales. The books have profoundly influenced adult and children's fantasy literature since World War II. Lewis's exploration of themes not usually present in children's literature, such as religion, as well as the books' perceived treatment of issues including race and gender, has caused some controversy.
366 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1956
11 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Lewis
1,014 books47.6k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.
Lewis was married to poet Joy Davidman.
W.H. Lewis was his elder brother]
Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He was a Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Oxford University until 1954. He was unanimously elected to the Chair of Medieval and Renaissance Literature at Cambridge University, a position he held until his retirement. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. His most distinguished and popular accomplishments include Mere Christianity, Out of the Silent Planet, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and the universally acknowledged classics The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.
Lewis was married to poet Joy Davidman.
W.H. Lewis was his elder brother]
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 6, 2025
🦁✨ “Once a king or queen of Narnia, always a king or queen of Narnia.” ✨⏳
4 out of 5 Wardrobes
Best for: Dreamers, nostalgia-seekers, and those who know childhood magic never truly leaves.
Skip if: You want intersectional heroes or perfectly modern values, or you need your fantasy completely free from allegory.
There are books that open doors, and books that teach you to walk through them. The Chronicles of Narnia does both: first with the reckless hope of a child, then with the melancholy wisdom of someone who knows the door won’t stay open forever. Seven slim volumes: sometimes uneven, occasionally breathtaking, always haunted by longing and faith. The real magic isn’t just in fauns, lampposts, or talking beasts, but in the ache of return—how you can never quite go home the same. Narnia isn’t for everyone. But for the ones who see themselves in outcasts and dreamers, it will always have a place in the back of the wardrobe.
Note: The best reading order is publication order for emotional resonance and reveal of Narnian lore:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Prince Caspian
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Horse and His Boy
The Magician’s Nephew
The Last Battle
Book-By-Book Reviews (All Seven Main Books)
1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Score: 4.5/5 Turkish Delights
This is the open door, and it still creaks with possibility. Simple prose and clear lines between good and evil make it feel almost mythic, but it’s the feeling—the cold, the hope, the relief of spring—that lingers. The Pevensie siblings are the beating heart: flawed, loyal, not yet heroes but learning to be. Yes, the allegory can get heavy-handed, and Susan’s arc gets short shrift, but the wonder is real.
2. Prince Caspian
Score: 3.5/5 Talking Mice
Narnia’s glory has faded, and the Pevensies stumble through a land that barely remembers them. This book leans into dislocation and the pain of lost home, asking what happens after you’re a hero. The action is sometimes rushed, and Caspian himself is more plot device than person, but the sense of change, and the courage to fight for something already lost, make this a quietly powerful entry.
3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Score: 5/5 Dawn Treaders
If you only read one Narnia, make it this one. Gone are the wars—here, adventure is the point. Each island is a parable, but the moralizing rarely outweighs the sheer strangeness and delight. Eustace’s arc is one of the best in children’s lit: a portrait of transformation, regret, and acceptance. The ending’s ache (goodbyes, growing up, letting go) hits hardest of all.
4. The Silver Chair
Score: 4/5 Marshwiggles
Narnia through the eyes of outsiders: Jill and Eustace aren’t destined, they’re desperate. The tone is more somber—there’s anxiety, self-doubt, and pain, but also real endurance. Puddleglum the Marshwiggle is a scene-stealer, and the story’s message (believe in the light, even underground) lands for anyone who’s felt out of place.
5. The Horse and His Boy
Score: 3.5/5 Talking Horses
The “side story” that’s secretly a heart. Set during the events of Wardrobe, it leaves the Pevensies behind for a refugee’s tale: desert escapes, mistaken identity, and the ache of belonging. There’s power in its outsider perspective—Shasta and Aravis’s journey is about making your own family. But, be aware: the Calormen culture is a product of its time and brings uncomfortable baggage.
6. The Magician’s Nephew
Score: 4/5 Rings of Power
Origin stories are rarely this strange or bittersweet. This is world-creation, temptation, grief, and first mistakes. Digory and Polly’s choices echo all through Narnia’s history; Charn is one of fantasy’s eeriest settings. The magic here is darker and older than anywhere else in the series.
7. The Last Battle
Score: 3/5 Endings
Bleak, wild, and uncompromising. This finale splits readers—its apocalyptic tone and finality can feel abrupt and even alienating, especially for young readers. The deeper themes: what happens when a world ends, and how do you face loss with faith? Sometimes harsh, but never lacking in vision.
Bookend’s Lens: Narnia’s Legacy for Today’s Readers
Narnia is both escape and mirror: it gives us worlds where goodness matters and kindness is courage, but it also reveals the limits of its own era. Representation is narrow—girls, boys, outsiders all have roles, but not always with modern complexity. The series doesn’t belong to a single faith or tradition: read as queer allegory, as a meditation on grief, as a found-family epic, or simply as childhood dreamwork. Its magic is rooted in longing—for adventure, for belonging, for the hope that you could matter somewhere, somehow.
You don’t have to agree with every message to love these stories. If you’ve ever felt “othered,” or needed proof that the ordinary could be extraordinary, there’s a bit of Narnia in you already. And maybe—just maybe—you’ll find your own lamp-post in the dark.
Closing Emotional Beat
Some stories you outgrow; some grow with you. Narnia will always be both.
4 out of 5 Wardrobes
Best for: Dreamers, nostalgia-seekers, and those who know childhood magic never truly leaves.
Skip if: You want intersectional heroes or perfectly modern values, or you need your fantasy completely free from allegory.
There are books that open doors, and books that teach you to walk through them. The Chronicles of Narnia does both: first with the reckless hope of a child, then with the melancholy wisdom of someone who knows the door won’t stay open forever. Seven slim volumes: sometimes uneven, occasionally breathtaking, always haunted by longing and faith. The real magic isn’t just in fauns, lampposts, or talking beasts, but in the ache of return—how you can never quite go home the same. Narnia isn’t for everyone. But for the ones who see themselves in outcasts and dreamers, it will always have a place in the back of the wardrobe.
Note: The best reading order is publication order for emotional resonance and reveal of Narnian lore:
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Prince Caspian
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Horse and His Boy
The Magician’s Nephew
The Last Battle
Book-By-Book Reviews (All Seven Main Books)
1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Score: 4.5/5 Turkish Delights
This is the open door, and it still creaks with possibility. Simple prose and clear lines between good and evil make it feel almost mythic, but it’s the feeling—the cold, the hope, the relief of spring—that lingers. The Pevensie siblings are the beating heart: flawed, loyal, not yet heroes but learning to be. Yes, the allegory can get heavy-handed, and Susan’s arc gets short shrift, but the wonder is real.
“Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight.”Strengths: Atmosphere, world-building, archetypal characters, found family. Weaknesses: Simplicity of conflict, dated gender roles. Tags: #PortalMagic #SiblingLoyalty #Redemption
2. Prince Caspian
Score: 3.5/5 Talking Mice
Narnia’s glory has faded, and the Pevensies stumble through a land that barely remembers them. This book leans into dislocation and the pain of lost home, asking what happens after you’re a hero. The action is sometimes rushed, and Caspian himself is more plot device than person, but the sense of change, and the courage to fight for something already lost, make this a quietly powerful entry.
“Things never happen the same way twice.”Strengths: Melancholy mood, the thrill of rediscovery, Reepicheep. Weaknesses: Pacing, underdeveloped secondary characters. Tags: #LostGlory #FindingFaith #TalkingAnimals
3. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Score: 5/5 Dawn Treaders
If you only read one Narnia, make it this one. Gone are the wars—here, adventure is the point. Each island is a parable, but the moralizing rarely outweighs the sheer strangeness and delight. Eustace’s arc is one of the best in children’s lit: a portrait of transformation, regret, and acceptance. The ending’s ache (goodbyes, growing up, letting go) hits hardest of all.
“There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.”Strengths: Inventive settings, character growth, episodic wonder. Weaknesses: Occasional didacticism, abrupt pacing. Tags: #Seafaring #Transformation #StrangeLands
4. The Silver Chair
Score: 4/5 Marshwiggles
Narnia through the eyes of outsiders: Jill and Eustace aren’t destined, they’re desperate. The tone is more somber—there’s anxiety, self-doubt, and pain, but also real endurance. Puddleglum the Marshwiggle is a scene-stealer, and the story’s message (believe in the light, even underground) lands for anyone who’s felt out of place.
“Suppose we have only dreamed, or made up, all those things—trees and grass and sun and moon and stars?”Strengths: Depth of emotion, tension, journey motif. Weaknesses: Slower pace, less of Narnia’s wonder. Tags: #Underdogs #RescueQuest #DarkFairyTale
5. The Horse and His Boy
Score: 3.5/5 Talking Horses
The “side story” that’s secretly a heart. Set during the events of Wardrobe, it leaves the Pevensies behind for a refugee’s tale: desert escapes, mistaken identity, and the ache of belonging. There’s power in its outsider perspective—Shasta and Aravis’s journey is about making your own family. But, be aware: the Calormen culture is a product of its time and brings uncomfortable baggage.
“Do not dare not to dare.”Strengths: Adventure, found family, subverting main-character tropes. Weaknesses: Outdated racial depictions, abrupt character arcs. Tags: #Runaways #Identity #Journeys
6. The Magician’s Nephew
Score: 4/5 Rings of Power
Origin stories are rarely this strange or bittersweet. This is world-creation, temptation, grief, and first mistakes. Digory and Polly’s choices echo all through Narnia’s history; Charn is one of fantasy’s eeriest settings. The magic here is darker and older than anywhere else in the series.
“All get what they want; they do not always like it.”Strengths: Mythic resonance, moral complexity, wonder. Weaknesses: Less action, heavy allegory, characters can feel like stand-ins. Tags: #CreationMyth #Temptation #Origins
7. The Last Battle
Score: 3/5 Endings
Bleak, wild, and uncompromising. This finale splits readers—its apocalyptic tone and finality can feel abrupt and even alienating, especially for young readers. The deeper themes: what happens when a world ends, and how do you face loss with faith? Sometimes harsh, but never lacking in vision.
“There was a real railway accident, said Aslan softly.”Strengths: Daring, emotional impact, high stakes. Weaknesses: Fatalism, divisive ending, limited redemption for some characters. Tags: #Endings #FaithTested #Apocalypse
Bookend’s Lens: Narnia’s Legacy for Today’s Readers
Narnia is both escape and mirror: it gives us worlds where goodness matters and kindness is courage, but it also reveals the limits of its own era. Representation is narrow—girls, boys, outsiders all have roles, but not always with modern complexity. The series doesn’t belong to a single faith or tradition: read as queer allegory, as a meditation on grief, as a found-family epic, or simply as childhood dreamwork. Its magic is rooted in longing—for adventure, for belonging, for the hope that you could matter somewhere, somehow.
You don’t have to agree with every message to love these stories. If you’ve ever felt “othered,” or needed proof that the ordinary could be extraordinary, there’s a bit of Narnia in you already. And maybe—just maybe—you’ll find your own lamp-post in the dark.
Closing Emotional Beat
Some stories you outgrow; some grow with you. Narnia will always be both.
January 27, 2014
I loved the first few books but after Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy most of all left , the magic of the books left me.
July 10, 2020
Check out my reviews on the main page of each book.
November 25, 2024
THEY DIED?!
I am 20 years old, this is my first time reading Narnia. I have laughed and was sad reading this book but when the end of this book came I just couldn’t choose what to feel! Am i sad that they’ll will be in the ‘real’ Narnia forever even though they are dead? YES BECAUSE even though Narnia is awesome and if you die you might as well be somewhere awesome, I’m also thinking of Susan and how she has lost all her siblings, both parents and Digory and Polly in one day! I am baffled.
This is my favourite book out of all three. I have seen some reviews that prove that I might be in the minority but i just love how much darker this book is. I mean the detail death depictions, the violence in general was amazing and the heartache too.
I am sad that it’s over but all books must have an end and I KNOW that if I was 5 to 10 years young i would have bawled my eyes out.
Absolutely loved it. Will definitely be my main fantasy recommend to anyone that asks.
I am 20 years old, this is my first time reading Narnia. I have laughed and was sad reading this book but when the end of this book came I just couldn’t choose what to feel! Am i sad that they’ll will be in the ‘real’ Narnia forever even though they are dead? YES BECAUSE even though Narnia is awesome and if you die you might as well be somewhere awesome, I’m also thinking of Susan and how she has lost all her siblings, both parents and Digory and Polly in one day! I am baffled.
This is my favourite book out of all three. I have seen some reviews that prove that I might be in the minority but i just love how much darker this book is. I mean the detail death depictions, the violence in general was amazing and the heartache too.
I am sad that it’s over but all books must have an end and I KNOW that if I was 5 to 10 years young i would have bawled my eyes out.
Absolutely loved it. Will definitely be my main fantasy recommend to anyone that asks.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2025
CONTENT Language (same as Peter Pan) (only in Silver Chair)
MESSAGES heed wise counsel, be humble, acting in anger can lead to unpleasent circumstances, God understands us
WRITING To me, it feels like CS Lewis invited us over to tell us a story. So we loose some immersion, and gain in a certain kind of cuddly feel.
CONCLUSION I like it! These book were my childhood, and so much fun. < 3 However, if plot holes bother you, these stories could get a little frustrating at times.
These are however, just my feelings about the work; other may well interpret it differently.
MESSAGES heed wise counsel, be humble, acting in anger can lead to unpleasent circumstances, God understands us
WRITING To me, it feels like CS Lewis invited us over to tell us a story. So we loose some immersion, and gain in a certain kind of cuddly feel.
CONCLUSION I like it! These book were my childhood, and so much fun. < 3 However, if plot holes bother you, these stories could get a little frustrating at times.
These are however, just my feelings about the work; other may well interpret it differently.
December 29, 2022
Wow. I don’t know where to begin. I was sad that the end of Narnia was mentioned at the start and glad I was reading this aged 38 and not 8 as I’d have been inconsolable.
It felt quite racist with so much mention of the “darkies” and the black face camouflage. Very upsetting.
It was nice to have the old gang back but the ending, Aslan took ages to turn up and just destroyed things. I think they ended up dead in Narnia heaven and left Susan on her own alone in the real world. WTF??
It felt quite racist with so much mention of the “darkies” and the black face camouflage. Very upsetting.
It was nice to have the old gang back but the ending, Aslan took ages to turn up and just destroyed things. I think they ended up dead in Narnia heaven and left Susan on her own alone in the real world. WTF??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2023
Contrary to the other readers on here, I actually liked these last two books quite a lot. I found them darker and more frightening than the other books. The ape and Tash were highly disturbing characters and I was quite gripped by the harrowing events in the Last Battle. As usual, I gritted my teeth through what I would call CS Lewis' 'toxic' Christian theology, especially the 'heaven and hell' ending but otherwise it was an enjoyable read
January 3, 2019
The books begin to lose appeal at the Silver Chair, but the concluding books are wonderful nonetheless.
August 15, 2019
As always a wonderful read. Love this story and love reading it over and over again. It a awe inspiring as a child and just takes me back as an adult.
July 9, 2020
Was meh
May 2, 2020
This series was a real slog. I've had these copies since I was young and for some reason, despite being an avid reader, I don't think I ever made it the end of the series. I have always had a strong reluctance to leave a book once i've started. Which is why, when I decided to give them to charity, I felt too guilty to give them away before reading them to completion.
It may also be that i've taken considerable effort to move them in no less than 5 changes of accomodation, and perhaps wanted to make the effort seem less futile.
I wish I hadn't bothered, these last two were definitely the hardest to read, not only were the characters unlikeable and seemingly reluctant to change but there were a lot more elements of casual racism/opinions from another time which shocked me out of my reverie.
I also got kind of confused about Aslan and his role in the world, why could the adult Pevensie hildren return again? Not sure, but now I can rest easy at night knowing I gave them a more than generous try, and I will not be reading them again.
I am by no means advocating editing out these aspects, I am strongly gainst editing out history and censoring what was once thought to be the norm, but it's hard to swallow all the same.
It may also be that i've taken considerable effort to move them in no less than 5 changes of accomodation, and perhaps wanted to make the effort seem less futile.
I wish I hadn't bothered, these last two were definitely the hardest to read, not only were the characters unlikeable and seemingly reluctant to change but there were a lot more elements of casual racism/opinions from another time which shocked me out of my reverie.
I also got kind of confused about Aslan and his role in the world, why could the adult Pevensie hildren return again? Not sure, but now I can rest easy at night knowing I gave them a more than generous try, and I will not be reading them again.
I am by no means advocating editing out these aspects, I am strongly gainst editing out history and censoring what was once thought to be the norm, but it's hard to swallow all the same.
April 25, 2024
Libro 6
Anche questo libro della serie di Narnia mi è parso sotto tono.
A parte l'inizio lisergico, la storia è una discreta palla.
Eustachio e Jill sono inutili come il pane toscano senza salume e sono meri veicoli di un messaggio, nonchè privi di carattere e sostanziale presenza. Eustachio era un bel rompiscatole e ora è solo un moscio coprotagonista.
Ancora una volta le "spalle" si rivelano più efficaci dei protagonisti: Pozzanghera, la pessimista creatura di palude, salva il libro dalla noia totale.
Si ripete una storia già letta .
Libro 7
L'ultimo libro della serie di Narnia mi è parso più "vivo" del precedente e chiude il corollario dei concetti religiosi proposti da Lewis.
Le cose si fanno interessanti quando entra in campo la manipolazione ai danni delle creature di Narnia, che vengono tradite nella fiducia dai propri simili.
Brutta storia, perchè sembra proprio roba nostra, di noi umani.
Il finale alleggerisce il senso di oppressione dai mali di un mondo che ci ha mostrato una crescente e inarrestabile corruzione. Tutti, nonostante la morte e la distruzione, potranno vivere felici e contenti per sempre.
Anche questo libro della serie di Narnia mi è parso sotto tono.
A parte l'inizio lisergico, la storia è una discreta palla.
Eustachio e Jill sono inutili come il pane toscano senza salume e sono meri veicoli di un messaggio, nonchè privi di carattere e sostanziale presenza. Eustachio era un bel rompiscatole e ora è solo un moscio coprotagonista.
Ancora una volta le "spalle" si rivelano più efficaci dei protagonisti: Pozzanghera, la pessimista creatura di palude, salva il libro dalla noia totale.
Si ripete una storia già letta .
Libro 7
L'ultimo libro della serie di Narnia mi è parso più "vivo" del precedente e chiude il corollario dei concetti religiosi proposti da Lewis.
Le cose si fanno interessanti quando entra in campo la manipolazione ai danni delle creature di Narnia, che vengono tradite nella fiducia dai propri simili.
Brutta storia, perchè sembra proprio roba nostra, di noi umani.
Il finale alleggerisce il senso di oppressione dai mali di un mondo che ci ha mostrato una crescente e inarrestabile corruzione. Tutti, nonostante la morte e la distruzione, potranno vivere felici e contenti per sempre.
September 1, 2012
The Narnia Series is a most excellent series for young adults and children. C.S. Lewis' imagination is awesomely whacked, but perfectly believable to children. I enjoy reading this series, not because of the film versions, but because the narrative adventures are smooth and flowing . . . in a queer way.
I give the novel 4 stars because it did lack a sort of needed intensity ... as one would expect in most adventures. More fighting, more heroics? Not in this novel, but there is always Book #5 .... next in the series . . . . .
I give the novel 4 stars because it did lack a sort of needed intensity ... as one would expect in most adventures. More fighting, more heroics? Not in this novel, but there is always Book #5 .... next in the series . . . . .
September 3, 2016
The Silver Chair:
I have to admit this is my least favorite book in the series so far. I didn't find it as entertaining as the other instalments and even boring at times...
The Last Battle:
Having read all other Narnia books in random order, it's funny that the last one I should read is actually the last on in the series;-) I really enjoyed reading The Last Battle and thought it was a very fitting ending for the series.
I have to admit this is my least favorite book in the series so far. I didn't find it as entertaining as the other instalments and even boring at times...
The Last Battle:
Having read all other Narnia books in random order, it's funny that the last one I should read is actually the last on in the series;-) I really enjoyed reading The Last Battle and thought it was a very fitting ending for the series.
September 24, 2008
if you feel a need to read fiction you might as well have a simbolic story that is also action adventure. Asland has a task for Eustace and Jill, save Narnia! How many times does Narnia need to be saved?
September 24, 2008
The last battle, great book, good ending to the chronicles.
November 19, 2008
The Last Battle...so awesome. The funny thing about this book is that it isn't a truly amazing book until the last few chapters--then the genius of C.S. Lewis comes out in full.
January 18, 2009
It was an awesome book. It is my favorite out of the Narnia series.
February 24, 2009
The Silver Chair (1972)
January 5, 2012
This was another of my favorite books in the Narnia series.
May 19, 2012
it was good, a big part of my childhood
August 27, 2017
The Narnia Series is necessary reading for everyone who has been a child (everyone).
June 12, 2013
Nothing prepared my for the ending of The Last Battle. Very unexpected and good, though the religeous aspect could not more obvious. Not a bad book, and a very good way to round out the book series.
September 13, 2015
Prince Rhillian was very brave. King Trilian was a bit of an idiot but he fought bravely at the end. In this installment, Reepicheep established himself as my favourite character in Narnia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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