Have you ever wondered what order to read the Chronicles of Narnia books? With seven magical stories written by author C.S. Lewis spanning a variety of exciting themes, it can be difficult to know where to start.
The Chronicles of Narnia book series has captivated readers for generations with its tales of mythical creatures, epic battles, and mysterious lands.
This legendary work of fantasy literature has spawned several films, adaptations, and merchandise products over the years, making it one of the most recognizable and beloved book series in the world.
About Chronicles Of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narnia has become one of the most beloved fantasy series for children and adults alike.
It has been adapted into various forms such as movies, television shows, plays, radio dramas, and even video games.
The stories are filled with adventure, mystery, and magic that capture readers’ imaginations.
Reading The Chronicles of Narnia in order of publication allows you to follow along with the story as it unfolds, giving you a better understanding of how each character develops over time.
The Magician’s Nephew is the first book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. It tells the story of two neighborhood children Diggory Kirke, and Polly Plummer and is set in roughly the year 1900. They become friends during their summer in London.
It’s an exciting adventure full of magical creatures and wondrous places.
Digory meets many interesting characters along his journey, such as Aslan the lion and the magician Uncle Andrew who the children stumble upon while trying to get into an abandoned home through the attic, who helps Digory understand how to use magic.
But not before making Polly disappear when he tricks her into touching a certain yellow ring.
Basically, the concept is that Andrew believes the yellow ring to carry others to another world, while the very same ring, in green, makes them return to this world.
Along with his newfound friends, Diggory must find a way to save Narnia when he discovers it from a witch and her wickedness before it is too late.
The use of dramatic irony also serves to heighten our anticipation for what will happen next in this beloved series.
We know that something momentous is about to take place—the creation of Narnia itself—but we can only guess at what form it will take and how it will affect the characters involved.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a classic fantasy novel that has captivated readers for generations.
It describes a story of Susan, Peter, Lucy and Edmund, the Pevensie siblings, who stumble upon a wardrobe that is magic which guides them to Narnia.
This is the first time they have ever journeyed into this world, and they soon discover that they must save it from an eternal winter caused by a Witch.
The Pevensie siblings must use their courage and strength to battle against evil forces in order to restore peace to Narnia.
Along their journey, they meet many interesting characters such as Aslan, a noble lion who serves as a protector of Narnia; Mr. Tumnus, a faun who befriends Lucy; and many other creatures who help them on their quest.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is an important part of Lewis’s work and serves as an introduction to his world of Narnia.
It sets up many elements that will be explored further in later books in the series, while also introducing readers to its characters and themes.
Pros
Keeps the reader intrigued about where the story will go next.
Cons
Not a very lengthy book, however it is meant for children.
The Horse and His Boy follow Shasta, a young boy who stumbles upon Bree, a talking horse, and decides to run away to Narnia.
It’s about Shasta’s own journey as he discovers more about himself and his place in the world, as he grew up on the coast with a fisherman named Arsheesh in the land of Calormen.
He was aware from a young age that his appearance sets him quite distinctly apart from others. Which drives him to desire to know about the world around him.
After discovering that Arsheesh is not his real father and intends to sell him to a man named Tarkaan, Tarkaan’s horse hears the boy voicing aloud his concerns in the stable and tells him about being kidnapped from a land named Narnia, long story short, they escape together.
The book does depict death in battle, and acts of slavery, as well as depictions that are problematic of people who are possibly characterized as middle eastern.
So, reader’s digression is advised. However, the author writes this is a thought out way.
Pros
Interesting insights into side characters and the worlds around Narnia.
Cons
Perhaps has not a lot to do with what readers may want to have got from this book.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is a delightful adventure story that follows the Pevensie siblings, Lucy and Edmund, as they join King Caspian on his quest to find seven lost lords. Eustace Scrubb, their cousin, is also along for the ride.
The trio embarks on a journey aboard the ship Dawn Treader in search of these missing lords, who were actually banished by Caspian’s uncle.
Along the way, they encounter many magical creatures and lands, including dragons and islands made of gold.
As they get closer to Aslan’s country, they must rely on each other more than ever before in order to succeed in their mission.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is an exciting tale that will keep readers engaged until its thrilling conclusion.
Pros
Thrilling storyline that stays true to the original.
The Silver Chair is one of the lesser-known stories in C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series. It follows Eustace and Jill, two children from our world, as they are tasked by Aslan to save Narnia from an evil witch.
The story begins with Eustace escaping from bullies, entering along with Jill through a door to Narnia.
Aslan takes it upon himself to task them with finding Prince Rillian who has been missing for 10 years and defeating the Witch.
Eustace and Jill embark on a thrilling journey filled with danger and adventure as they search for the prince.
Pros
Enticing plot with interesting characters.
Cons
May not be for everyone who loves the original storyline.
The Last Battle is the seventh and final book in the series by C.S. Lewis. In this book, all the Pevensie children are back for one last adventure in Narnia.
The story follows their journey as they join forces with Aslan to battle an evil force that threatens to destroy Narnia forever.
The Last Battle is a thrilling conclusion to the beloved series, full of action, suspense, and emotion.
Along their journey, they encounter many obstacles and face difficult choices that will ultimately decide the fate of Narnia.
Pros
Exciting storyline with the original characters involved.
Cons
Last book of the series!
Final Thoughts
The Chronicles of Narnia series is a beloved classic that has captivated readers for generations. The books are full of adventure, magic, and lessons about courage and friendship.
Each book is unique and exciting in its own way, and readers of all ages will be sure to enjoy the journey through Narnia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should You Read Them In Chronological Order?
Reading The Chronicles of Narnia in order is important because it allows you to experience the story as C.S Lewis intended it.
Each book builds on the previous one, so reading them in order helps you understand each character’s development and how their actions affect the overall plot.
Why Is The Chronological Ordering Of The Books So Popular?
The popularity of the chronological order for C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia series is due in large part to Lewis himself.
In a letter to an American reader, he stated that he felt that chronologically was the easiest way to read his series.
Can The Horse And His Boy Be Skipped?
The events in The Horse and His Boy happen parallel to the Chronicles Of Narnia books, so readers don’t need to worry about missing out on any important plot points if they choose to skip them.
Hi, my name is Anna Davis and I have been working with books for five years now. I got a job at my local library, so I could be closer to all of the books! I created this website in the hopes of inspiring others to start reading again. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your new favorite book from my site!
