All C.S. Lewis Books In Order (Fantasy Novels)

Known for writing one of the most beloved series in the fantasy genre, C.S. Lewis has enjoyed enormous success due to his ability to blend different myths and legends into thrilling narratives surrounding heroism, morality, and courage. Few people haven’t heard about The Chronicles of Narnia, and even fewer haven’t enjoyed its beautiful coming-of-age narrative of four siblings traveling into the beloved magical realm of Narnia. Read on to discover the best reading order of Lewis’s treasured series as well as how to approach his other novels. 

All C.S. Lewis Books In Order (Fantasy Novels)

Born in Belfast, Lewis grew up surrounded by Celtic and Nordic legends as well as Christian myths, due to his mother’s devotion to Christianity. Despite being uncertain about his own religious beliefs for much of his life, the influence of his mother’s faith is more than apparent throughout Lewis’s impressive collection of novels. From serving in World War I to working as an academic at both Oxford and Cambridge alongside J.R.R. Tolkien, Lewis lived an incredibly varied life, all of which influenced both his fiction and non-fiction works. 

Lewis’s unique array of books has been translated into over thirty languages across the globe, selling millions of copies as more and more people set off to explore his vivid fantasy worlds alongside his loveable, deeply human protagonists. In recent years, Lewis’s work has been introduced to a new generation via the film and stage adaptations of The Chronicles of Narnia, which achieved enormous success and critical acclaim. 

There are several different ways readers can approach the world of Narnia. Readers can choose between the publication order of the novels or the chronological order, both of which will be listed below. Lewis’s other works and series were all published in chronological order, offering a straightforward order for readers to follow!

All C.S Lewis Books in Order

The Cosmic Trilogy

Out of the Silent Planet (1938)

Out of the Silent Planet: (Space Trilogy, Book One) (The Space Trilogy 1)

Written during the tumultuous years of World War II, Out of the Silent Planet chronicles the struggle between the forces of light and darkness. Abducted and taken to the planet of Malacandra by a crazed scientist to serve as a human sacrifice to the alien population, Ransom must fight for survival and return to his home planet. 

Perelandra (1944)

Perelandra: (Space Trilogy, Book Two) (The Space Trilogy 2)

As Ransom continues his intergalactic adventures, he is recruited by the denizens of Malacandra to protect the peaceful planet of Perelandra. A malevolent being is set on Perelandra’s destruction in order to create a new world order that would see it gain immense power and authority. 

Perelandra has been compared to timeless classics such as Orwell’s 1984 due to its awe-inspiring storytelling as well as its fixation on moral concerns and humanity’s fate. 

That Hideous Strength (1945)

That Hideous Strength: (Space Trilogy, Book Three) (The Space Trilogy 3)

After saving countless other planets on his adventures through the universe, Ransom must now protect Earth against the malevolent forces that have gathered to destroy it. As a diabolical technocratic organization amasses power on Earth, rumor has it that Merlin, the mighty wizard from Arthurian legend, has returned. The fate of the world rests on Ransom’s shoulders as the forces of good and evil battle in the thrilling plot of That Hideous Strength

The Chronicles of Narnia – Chronological Order

The Magician’s Nephew (1955)

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Set in 1900, The Magician’s Nephew follows young friends, Digory and Polly, as they travel to the Wood between the Worlds, an enchanted woodland filled with portals to alternate dimensions. Their adventures through these portals lead to countless unforgettable moments, from accidentally waking the evil witch Jadis to witnessing Aslan create the world which would come to be known as Narnia. 

Lewis’s unforgettable prequel reveals the origins of iconic characters and features of the world of Narnia. 

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (1950)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: The Classic Fantasy Adventure Series (Official Edition) (Chronicles of Narnia Book 2)

To avoid the danger and horror of World War II, the four Pevensie siblings are sent to the countryside. The boring country manor they’ve found themselves in holds a great secret – a portal to another dimension. As Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy step into the land of Narnia, they find a fantastical world ravaged by the same horrors that plague Earth. Trapped in an eternal winter, the Pevensie siblings must liberate the world of Narnia with the assistance of the legendary Aslan.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe returns readers to Narnia’s beautiful realm as they have never seen it before.

The Horse and His Boy (1954)

The Horse and His Boy (Chronicles of Narnia Book 3)

When he is sold as a slave, Shasta flees to Narnia with Bree, a stallion who astounds the young boy by speaking. During his travels, Shasta encounters another runaway, Aravis, who has taken to the road to escape an arranged marriage. Seemingly detached from the world of politics and duty, these two unlikely heroes and their horse companions find themselves at the center of a battle that will determine the fate of Narnia. 

Through The Horse and His Boy, Lewis returns to the reign of the Pevensie siblings and explores the turmoil they sought to resolve as benevolent, peaceful rulers. 

Prince Caspian (1951)

Prince Caspian: The Classic Fantasy Adventure Series (Official Edition) (Chronicles of Narnia Book 4)

When Caspian is denied his birthright, he amasses an army to rid his people of a usurper. As the situation grows fraught, two men must fight for their honor and the future of the realm of Narnia itself. 

Once again caught on the cusp of battle, Prince Caspian explores the warring forces of good and evil.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (Chronicles of Narnia Book 5)

A tale of dragons, walking stars, and an unforgettable voyage, fans of the Narnia series won’t be able to put down The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The king and his companions depart on a voyage to explore beyond the known but quickly find themselves caught in a quest with far larger implications than they ever imagined.

The Silver Chair (1953)

The Silver Chair (Chronicles of Narnia Book 6)

After a prosperous and happy reign, Caspian encounters an unforeseen tragedy. His beloved son and future heir, Prince Rilian cannot be found within Narnia. Fearing that sinister forces are at play, Caspian must find his son before more time passes and his son is lost forever in the twisting plot of The Silver Chair.

The Last Battle (1956)

The Last Battle (Chronicles of Narnia Book 7)

An enemy within Narnia is spreading lies and treachery throughout the kingdom. Used to fighting foreign invaders, the king and his few remaining loyal followers must face their own people in The Last Battle, the magnificent conclusion to The Chronicles of Narnia

The Chronicles of Narnia – Publication Order

  • The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (1950)
  • Prince Caspian (1951)
  • The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)
  • The Silver Chair (1953)
  • The Horse and His Boy (1954)
  • The Magician’s Nephew (1955)
  • The Last Battle (1956)

The World of Narnia Series

Lucy Steps Through the Wardrobe (1997)

Lucy Steps Through the Wardrobe

Adapted from Lewis’s original novels, the World of Narnia series offers readers beautifully illustrated versions of key moments taken from the narrative of The Chronicles of Narnia.  Returning readers to Lucy’s first encounter in Narnia, Lucy Steps Through the Wardrobe, details the afternoon tea she shares with Tummens the Faun.

Edmund and the White Witch (1997)

Edmund and the White Witch (Chronicles of Narnia)

When Edmund stumbles into the world of Narnia, he is enchanted by the beauty and mystery of the White Witch. Ignoring the witch’s dubious intentions, Edmund finds himself caught in a plot to destroy Narnia. Edmund and the White Witch is ideal for younger readers.

Aslan (1998)

Aslan (Chronicles of Narnia)

Readers are introduced to Aslan in this beautifully illustrated version of the Pevensie siblings’ first encounter with the regal and courageous lion. 

Aslan’s Triumph (1998)

Aslan's Triumph (Chronicles of Narnia)

Accompanying Aslan, the Pevensie siblings set off on an unforgettable adventure to rescue Naria from the clutches of the White Witch. Together, they will bring about Aslan’s Triumph and save Narnia.

Uncle Andrew’s Troubles (1998)

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In Uncle Andrew’s Troubles, Maze’s charming illustrations introduce readers to Uncle Andrew, the amateur magician who sets off the events of The Magician’s Nephew.

The Wood Between the Worlds (1999)

The Wood Between the Worlds: Adapted from the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Sent to The Wood Between the Worlds, Digory and Polly witness both the beauty and the horror of the opposing forces of good and evil.

Standalone Novels

The Pilgrim’s Regress (1933)

The Pilgrim's Regress

The Pilgrim’s Regress follows John on his odyssey through different lands as he pursues the unknown object of his desire. Encountering the likes of Mr. Enlightenment and Mother Kirk along the way as he travels through the city of Thrill and the Valley of Humiliation, Lewis employs a world of fantasy to explore concepts of Christianity and faith. 

The Screwtape Letters (1942)

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A seminal piece of religious satire, The Screwtape Letters portrays the foibles of humanity from the perspective of Screwtape, a senior devil who serves as an assistant to ‘Our Father Below’. Offering a unique philosophy on humanity that is at once comedic and somber, Lewis’s writing will keep readers engaged from the very beginning. 

The Great Divorce (1945)

The Great Divorce

In this Christian allegory, Lewis guides readers through a bus ride from hell to heaven. The novel puts forward countless groundbreaking ideas, such as the possibility that the gates of Hell are locked from the inside. The Great Divorce combines Lewis’s renowned descriptive imagery with deep meditations on the human condition.

Till We Have Faces (1956)

Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold

Widely considered to be Lewis’s greatest novel, Till We Have Faces is a reimagination of the story of Cupid and Psyche. Recentered around Orual, Psyche’s sister, Lewis unravels a story of envy, grief, and guilt.

Screwtape Proposes A Toast (1965)

Screwtape Proposes a Toast

In this collection of short stories, readers get to experience the only official sequel to The Screwtape Letters, as Screwtape Proposes A Toast to a graduating class of demons in Hell. With the humor and wit readers loved from the original, Lewis returns to Screwtape’s truly unique perspective of humanity.

Boxen (1985)

Boxen: Childhood Chronicles Before Narnia

Boxen offers readers insight into one of the first iterations of Narnia, Animal-land, a kingdom populated by frog politicians and warrior mice, as well as several exiled chess pieces. Written and illustrated by Lewis and his brother, Warnie, fans of The Chronicles of Narnia will love this addition to the lore of Narnia.

Final Thoughts

For children and adults alike, Lewis offers readers entrance into beautiful worlds full of the moral dilemmas we face in everyday life. Ethical struggles are reimagined as great battles between the forces of light and darkness, guiding readers through their own moral development. From journeys through magical portals to a bus route that stops at both Heaven and Hell, there is no end to Lewis’s imagination or his ability to seamlessly combine religious allegory and fantasy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did C.S Lewis convert to Christianity?

After spending his early teens and twenties as an atheist, Lewis turned to theism in 1930. After developing a friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien, who was a devout Catholic, Lewis was persuaded to convert to Christianity. Lewis continued to question and explore faith throughout the rest of his life, as seen by his countless novels which explore Christian myths and ideas of morality.

Where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien friends?

Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien, the beloved writer of The Lord of the Rings, were close friends for many years. However, the relationship soured due to Tolkien’s disapproval of several of Lewis’s relationships and his dislike of Lewis’s novels. It is thought that Tolkien believed that Lewis borrowed too much from his own writing.

What is C.S Lewis’s bestselling novel?

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe has endured as Lewis’s bestselling novel for decades and has become a staple of fantasy literature.

Did C.S Lewis serve in the British Army?

Lewis enlisted in the British Army in 1917 and later served abroad with the Allied Forces. After being injured in battle, Lewis returned to England and was later discharged from the army.

Are there adaptations of C.S Lewis’s novels?

There have been countless adaptations of Lewis’s work since its publication. His most widely adapted work is The Chronicles of Narnia, with the 2005 film of the same name receiving praise from both critics and audiences alike for reviving the magic and awe of Lewis’s world of good and evil.

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Colton Cowie