Publication Info
Prince Caspian is a high fantasy children's novel written by C.S. Lewis. It was originally published in 1951 by Geoffrey Bles. This book is the second book published in the series, and was made into a movie in 2008 as a follow up to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Unlike its predecessor, however, this movie adaptation was released to poor reviews. While not my favorite book in the series, this story is one that is familiar and magical.
Brief Summary
Prince Caspian picks up once again with the Pevensie children. A year has gone by since the readers last interaction with the children, but it seems as though it has only been days. It is not long before the children find themselves back in the magical world of Narnia. However, things are not as they were before. The children find themselves near an old ruined castle near the beach. It is not long before they realize that these ruins are what was once Cair Paravel, the castle in which they ruled.
As the children are traveling in search of someone or something to help them understand, they come across and save Trumpkin the dwarf. Once saved, he begins to tell the former rulers all that has happened in the last 1300 hundred years. Yes that is right; while only a year has passed in our world, 1300 has passed in Narnia.
Trumpkin tells them that Narnia was invaded by the Telmarines and is being ruled by King Miraz. Miraz stole the throne from his brother by killing him and that it is Prince Caspian X who is the rightful heir to the throne. Caspian escaped from his uncle's kingdom when his life was threatened and now lives in hiding.
The rest of the story follows the children that we know and love as they seek to dethrone King Miraz and help Prince Caspian gain his rightful place as king.
Review
While I enjoy and love all of the Narnia books, Prince Caspian is further down on my list. As much as I am saddened by this truth, my first experience with this story was indeed with the movie. I believe that this not only hindered my enjoyment of this story, but tainted it as well. Now I am not saying that I hate this story by any means. Rather I am saying that I enjoy other books in the series more than this particular book.
There are several redeeming qualities within this book that keep it from being my least favorite however. Once such addition is the character of Prince Caspian himself. I love his character and who he becomes later in the series, and this book is a great introduction into his character. Another redeeming feature is the Pevensie siblings. Once again we get to see these characters that we already have a connection with and are able to deepen our relationship further.
Recommendation
While this is not my favorite book in the series, I absolutely believe that it is a must read for everyone. (And should also be read fourth in the series)
Rating - 5/5
Currently Reading:
Inland - Tea Obreht
The History of the Hobbit (part 1) by John D. Rateliff
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