Introduction
Over the past few months I have reviewed each book in the Narnia series. The series as a whole is one of my favorites that I have ever read. While I only read them for the first time last year (in 2019), and many people regard them as a children's novel, I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters, lore, and story that flows throughout these pages. I do agree that these books were written for children, I believe that readers of all ages can and will enjoy these books if they allow themselves to be won over by their magnificence.
With all of this being said, I do believe that there are weak points throughout the series. While the series as a whole is phenomenal, several of the books are just mediocre or feel disjointed from the rest of the series.
This list is my own opinion, and is just that, an opinion. While I may not have enjoyed a particular book, I am sure that it is someones favorite in the series. The format of this list will be my least favorite (#8), to favorite (#1). Without further adieu, here is my ranking of the Narnia series.
Ranking
7. - the Last Battle
Those who read my blog regularly will know based on my last post that I am not the biggest fan of this book. As the final book in the series, this book has the difficult job of closing and finishing out the story of Narnia. While the closing scenes of this book are good and serve as a satisfactory ending, the rest of the book feels disconnected from the other books in the series. Because of this, this book finds itself at the bottom of my list.
6. - the Silver Chair
While this book comes in at sixth, I must point out that there is a significant gap between it and The Last Battle. There is nothing in this book that stands out as a glaring flaw, but there is nothing that truly separates this book from the others as well. Because of this this book, while not bad, is mediocre at best, and finds itself at number six on this list.
5. - Prince Caspian
Once again we come to a book that while regarded as one of the best in the series, falls a bit flat with me. I hate to say this, because once again we follow all four of the Pevensie children. One of the only major things that I love about the book is that it sets up the character of Prince Caspian who becomes one of my favorite characters in the following books.
4. - the Magician's Nephew
This book is where we start to get into the books that I truly love. This book serves as the creation story for the world of Narnia. The creation account for Narnia is beautiful and breathtaking. This book also helps to set up one of the major villains in the series, the White Witch. While this book was written to be the sixth book in the series, I believe that it serves the reader to start here and enter the world of Narnia as it is created (this is how I read the series).
3. - the Horse and His Boy
Well here we are, the top three. I honestly cannot explain why this book is in my top three, but I absolute love this book. The relationship of Shasta, Bree, Aravis, and Hwin captivated me in such a unique way. Like I said there is no one thing that makes me love this book, rather a lot of little things.
1. - the Voyage of the "Dawn Treader" / the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Okay...I know this is cheating, but I love both of these books. If I am being honest, I do not think that I could choose one as my definitive favorite. Because of this I am going to discuss why I love both of these books and then justify my decision in doing this.
- the Voyage of the "Dawn Treader"
This book is amazing. The story and characters within this story are extremely captivating. I absolutely hated Eustace at the beginning of the book. However, something happened throughout these pages, I began to love his character. The closing of this book also is one of the most beautiful scenes within the entire series.
- the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Once again, I love this book. This story was my first introduction into the world of Narnia. (even though it was the movie version.) This story is one that many know, and many love. And for good reason. This truly is a story of good and evil, and is perhaps the best example of that throughout the entire series. Reading this book through the eyes of Lucy helps the reader to feel as though they themselves are a child. And therefore this book has a magical quality that sets it apart from the others.
So what am I to do? I guess say this...both of these books hold a special place in my heart. Which of them is my favorite I feel depends on two things, which one I am currently reading, and what my current mood is. I know that is anti-climactic, but it is the truth.
Conclusion
The Chronicles of Narnia is a beautiful, magical, and wonderful series and piece of literature. It quickly became one of my favorite book series. If you have not read this series yet, I urge and implore you to do yourself a favor and read these amazing books.
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