Scan barcode
A review by simbotheking
The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
5.0
I really liked this book and it is my definite favourite of the Chronicles of Narnia series so far. This is saying something as, at this point, I've read all but the last book in the series. There's a couple of reasons I really like this book. Firstly, it feels a little more mature than the other Narnia books - it is definitely still a young adult book but it doesn't feel quite as silly as its contemporaries.
Furthermore, one of my favourite things about fantasy books is their world-building. Up to this point, I feel that CS Lewis' world-building has been a little lacklustre - it was best in the Voyage of the Dawn Treader but outside of this it felt a kinda generic and standard. However, this book has brilliant world-building and it was a treat to see Narnia built from the ground up.
A final point that improved my enjoyment is purely in comparison to the other Narnia books. Prior to this, I always felt my enjoyment was hampered a bit by the poor ageing of the books (sexism, racism etc.) whilst I understand this was of its time it is hard to ignore. Thankfully, this book feels the most modern and, in some ways, it pains me to see that Lewis didn't stick with this tone throughout his previous books as there's no doubt my enjoyment would've been increased. I understand this is just personal to me but I feel it would be remiss if I didn't mention it.
Furthermore, one of my favourite things about fantasy books is their world-building. Up to this point, I feel that CS Lewis' world-building has been a little lacklustre - it was best in the Voyage of the Dawn Treader but outside of this it felt a kinda generic and standard. However, this book has brilliant world-building and it was a treat to see Narnia built from the ground up.
A final point that improved my enjoyment is purely in comparison to the other Narnia books. Prior to this, I always felt my enjoyment was hampered a bit by the poor ageing of the books (sexism, racism etc.) whilst I understand this was of its time it is hard to ignore. Thankfully, this book feels the most modern and, in some ways, it pains me to see that Lewis didn't stick with this tone throughout his previous books as there's no doubt my enjoyment would've been increased. I understand this is just personal to me but I feel it would be remiss if I didn't mention it.