Reviews with content warning for Animal cruelty - The Magician's Nephew

I'm mad at how much I like this book! It's a genuinely very enjoyable read! Reading this in association with Paradise Lost created a reading experience full of fun easter eggs.

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cubbykay's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted relaxing

4.5

I remember enjoying this one as a kid, and I enjoyed it once again this second time. It's easily in the top three of the series. I love the friendship between the kids, their bond is beautifully written. While I'm often annoyed at prequels that give backstories to things that don't need them, I found the references to the future events exciting. I find the cast of characters loveable, even when they're deplorable. I enjoy the chaotic mess they all get into.

But also, let's not forget that in the first paragraph Lewis made Sherlock Holmes cannon in the same universe. And the portal world keeps the door open for an infinite amount of universe crossover. So I really get a kick out of imagining that Lewis would be a SuperWhoLock fanboy in another life.

Note for Audiobook version, Kenneth Branagh did an excellent job. I loved his voices and he sucked me into the world building.

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rangerwing75's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted sad

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I’ve been wanting to read the Chronicles of Narnia for a long time, and was very excited when I finally managed to get a boxset. The Magician’s Nephew is a book I will never call a favourite, but it was charming and an alright prequel to set up The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

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emmonsannae's review

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adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is my first reread of the Chronicles of Narnia since 6th grade. They're so much more wonderful now! It's an excellent story (and of course it's brilliantly written), but what I enjoy most is how much this book has made me think about God. Not because Lewis is on level with Scripture, but he understood God's character and God's world so well. Reading this book caused me to think more about Scripture and delight more in the character of Jesus. Win!

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