Prince Caspian is one of the tales of The Chronicles of Narnia. It takes place after Peter, the high king and his siblings left the kingdom many years before. They returned to find animosity between the realms of prince Caspian and the magical creatures. A knight called Reepicheep that is a talking mouse, a dwarf and the cast off prince find themselves on the same side as the high king Peter and his siblings. After they learn to trust each other, they unite to bring peace to all races and the throne to his rightful heir. A great tale full of action.
Anna del C.
Author of "The Elf and the Princess"
The Elf and The Princess: The Silent Warrior Trilogy - Book One (The Silent Warrior Trilogy)

I saw the movie first, and I believe that was a mistake. Because once I sat down to read this book, I was expecting the movie to follow the book. I was, of course, wrong.

To read this book, I believe you got to have somewhat of an open mind and be imaginative. The Kings and Queens come back, and they come back many years later. The last time they left Narnia, they were much older...like young adults, and they come back in this book as children again. Narnia has changed and has changed for the worse. But the children, Prince Caspian, and the other Narnians fight to set things right.

Aslan is not throughout the book, but shows up just in time. But I must admit that I was sad to read that Peter and Susan could not come back because they were too old, and the same time, I completely understood why.

Overall, this was an excellent read, and C.S. Lewis writing is such a treasure. But this one was the book I liked the least out of all the books in the series. I guess the movie did ruin it for me.

Thanks.

Imagine if you once saved a magical other world... only to return later and find that centuries had passed, and everything had changed.

Well, since the movie adaptation of "Prince Caspian" is about to come out, it seems appropriate to revisit C.S. Lewis's classic novel, the sequel to his even more classic "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe." While it has some drippily allegorical moments near the end, Lewis does a pretty good job with what must have been a difficult sequel.

When his aunt gives birth to a baby boy, young Prince Caspian finds himself on the run from his usurping uncle Miraz -- and in the hands of Narnia's secret army of dwarves, centaurs, talking animals and nature spirits. Soon Caspian has an army backing his claim to the throne, but in a moment of desperation, he is forced to blow the magic horn of the legendary Queen Susan -- and subsequently pulls the Pevensies back into Narnia.

But while only a year has passed on Earth, centuries have passed in Narnia, and the kids find that it's no longer the place they left -- they and Aslan are distant memories, and their castle lies in ruins. And as they are led by a very skeptical dwarf to help Caspian, Lucy keeps glimpsing Aslan along the way -- a sign that things are about to change drastically in Narnia, both for the human and magical inhabitants...

The Chronicles of Narnia were probably the first books to feature what is now standard in the fantasy genre -- an ordinary person gets dragged into another world. Just take a look at successful, unique authors like Diana Wynne Jones and Garth Nix to get an example of how Lewis' stories have influenced the entire genre.

If you don't like allegory (religious or otherwise), then steer clear of "Prince Caspian," especially the second half. While Lewis's beliefs are presented in a more complicated and subtle manner in his other fictional works, here the parallels to basic Christian beliefs are very obvious. Reportedly even Tolkien, one of Lewis's best pals, found the allegory annoying.

But if you can get past the slightly ham-handed treatment, it's a lovely little read. Lewis interweaves mythical elements -- dwarves, nymphs, talking animals, witches -- with the chatty, slightly precious style of traditional British storytelling. But this one is a bit darker and more action-packed than "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe," with some unexpected twists in the middle of it all. The scene with a strange witch and a werewolf is downright chilling, in fact.

But Lewis' plotting does sag near the end, during a drippy scene where Aslan wanders around fixing life for Narnian subjects. Fortunately after that, he gets back to a mystery that hangs over the whole book -- just where did all these humans come from, if they were such a rarity in the previous adventure?

Peter seems a bit more jaded than before and Edmund a bit more mature, but sadly the girls don't get enough to do this time around. But Caspian is a likable and believable prepubescent king-in-waiting, and surrounded by a bunch of unique Narnians -- a gentle yet fierce badger, a hostile dwarf, a fiery mouse, and the delightfully skeptical Trumpkin, who doesn't believe in lions.

Despite a few rough spots, "Prince Caspian" is a slightly darker, more intricate story, and its finale marks a turning point in the Chronicles of Narnia. Definitely give it a read before you see the movie.

It's funny, how you come at these books as an adult and take something completely different away from them than you would as a child. I read these books about 20 years ago when my uncle gave me a complete set for my birthday. As a child, I think I read them simply as a fantasy/adventure story. As an adult, I can see the subtle religious references sprinkled throughout, and while some may see this as a hindrance to the story, at least through the first 2 books (I go by the original published order, not the new chronological order), I can look beyond that to the story underneath.

However, in the case of Prince Caspian, there doesn't seem to be much in the way of story. It seems to me that the book can be broken up into two sections: the first being the Dwarf relating Caspian's understanding of his role of Narnia's future leader (the entire importance of this seems to be related to him over the course of one evening while star-gazing) and the second being Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy's trek through the jungle to get to Caspian. The ending seemed too contrived for my liking and far too rushed. It was all build up and no follow through as far as I'm concerned.

Looking at the story differently, it is a story about faith; about how faith can be hard to see sometimes, but it's always there and as long as you believe in that faith, it will lead you where you need it to. Overall a good moral to the story, if a little didactic in the telling.

I largely credit my love of reading with The Chronicles of Narnia. My fourth grade teacher read the entire series to our class and I loved every minute of it. With the contemporary release of theatrical versions of the first two installments, I've enjoyed rereading the books for the first time in twenty years.

Prince Caspian is beautifully simplistic. Aimed at children, the ideas of duty, compassion, and heroism are wonderfully relayed in an easily digestible format. When I was a child, I found the stories incredibly stimulating, but now as an adult I realize the life-lessons Lewis taught with each installment of The Chronicles of Narnia. Prince Caspian is the story of doing the right thing even when you must go against everything that seems natural. It is the story of putting your faith in a higher power and purpose and leaving mundane worries behind.

Keep in mind, however, that Lewis offered more than just a morality tale. Prince Caspian lays the groundwork for an epic story to come. In Narnia, Lewis created a varied and fantastic world where mythology, religion, and reality seamlessly meld.

I so look forward to reading the rest of this series as an adult and critically analyze Lewis' style and purpose. I also, however, look forward to reading the series to my daughter when she's old enough. I can't wait to see the wonderment in her eyes that only a child can experience.

~Scott William Foley, [...]

It's difficult for me to assign a star-rating to this book. I think because I'm so used to "epic" youth fantasy that I find this lacking. But, I must remember that it is a "children's" book, and I must take it for what it is.
The book reads a bit more like a beautiful outline. Some things are delved into, but for the most part situations and characters are only touched on the surface. But, this does make for a fast and intriguing read. And for whatever reason I do feel invested in the story and characters. A few sections seemed a little overlong or confusing but those were very few, and for the most part the story flows quite effortlessly. And Lewis manages another batch of delightful friends (or "DLFs")! I'm still a little unsure of the ending, but perhaps it will be explained further in the next story. And as always, there is something so special about the world of Narnia and Aslan the lion!!

The Pevensie children are called back to Narnia in order to save it from the tyrannical rule of Prince Caspian's uncle, who has destroyed almost all of the magic and wilderness from Narnia. Aslan also joins the children. Peter, Susan, Lucy, and Edmund all return to their roles of Kings and Queens of Narnia. Not as clever and imaginative and exciting as the first book in the series, but still very magical and delightful. The enchanting and complex characters of Reepicheep (the brave mouse) and Trumpkin (the conflicted dwarf) definately make the journey worth it.

To say this is the worst of the series is rather to say how great the series is. This book is highly recommended, but the other six even more so. Prince Caspian is simply less engrossing as story. It is a book about bringing justice to the disenfranchised. It is perhaps the most character-driven of the Narnia books, which is probably why it would be difficult to make into a movie. And the primary character is of course Aslan.

The book focuses on Aslan throughout, whether or not he is there. Indeed, the overarching theme is trusting in Aslan, whether or not you see him. Pervading all the scene is Aslan- discussions about him, discussions about how he doesn't exist, and a presence that can't be seen but some know is there. Character develops in response to the dilemma of the unseen Aslan.

Aslan isn't the only character though. We are entertained by beautiful descriptions, like a bear who must put his foot into his mouth (suck his paws), or a giant who is always putting his foot into his mouth (metaphorically). Indeed, battle plans are drawn up precisely because of the characters of the different participants. And we are introduced to perhaps the finest character of the Narnia series- Reepicheep, the valiant Mouse.

But while character-driven, Lewis seems to have taken a step back from writing good character in this novel. There are good insights into the nature of belief, but the characters don't quite ring true. And while it makes sense that Aslan would save the day, as after all, the novel is about him, we don't get enough of a connection between the presence of the Pevensies and the salvation of Narnia at the end of that day.

Thus there are two excellent reasons to read this book. Dawn Treader doesn't make sense without it. And for the lessons on faith that are gently told through story, as only a story can.

Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis was the last book I needed to complete my Chronicles of Narnia series. I was very happy with not only the condition of the book, but with the book itself. After I read the book, I went to see Prince Caspian, the movie. While the movie was great, the book was even better. It encompassed all the mythology and classic C.S. Lewis many have grown to love.

Mary Anne

This is a great story. I didn't think so when last reading it over twenty-five years ago. Then I thought it weaker compared to the other Narnia stories. But now, being older, I can see the richness of this story and its imagery. It's about faith and leadership, about our longing for ruins to be renewed, and about the dangers of trying too hard to tame the wildness of nature. Most of all, I loved the scenes of Aslan and the Dancing Trees.

Prince Caspian is the second published installment of the Chronicles of Narnia series. It is a little darker than The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe but still definitely kid friendly. As I stated in my review of The Lion... Christian themes are woven throughout the book; however, I believe you can still thoroughly enjoy the book even if you are not a Christian.

Prince Caspian picks up one year in earth time which is approximately 1,300 years in Narnia, after the great battle and victory portrayed at the end of the first book. This time Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are summoned back to Narnia to help Prince Caspian, the rightful king to take his place. Aslan, which from a Christian theme, is portrayed as Jesus Christ does not play as visible of a role in this book as he does in the first. He finally makes a formal appearance about two thirds into the book

C.S. Lewis' writing style lends itself to a quick and pleasurable read that can be enjoyed by young and old alike and I would highly recommend the first two books in the Narnia series and plan to continue to read through the rest.

Having written "The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" to fulfill his own love of fairy stories which were seemingly no longer written, C.S. Lewis found that a whole world of stories existed in Narnia. With "Prince Caspian", the second published chronicle of Narnia, Lewis gloriously returns to the world that the Pevensie children encountered in the first book. However, Narnia has changed: while it's been one year for the Pevensies, over a thousand years have passed and Narnia is in a dark hour, waiting for the rightful king to take his place.

The story begins with Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy waiting on a train platform to return to boarding school: suddenly they are tugged into another world, and it slowly dawns on them that it is Narnia, although their castle is now in ruins. They save a dwarf from certain drowning and learn the tale of evil that has befallen the land: for talking creatures have all but disappeared from this magical land, and the evil King Miraz wants to make sure his nephew, Prince Caspian, doesn't take his place as the rightful heir to the throne. Battle ensues, and when the Pevensie children arrive to help Caspian claim his throne, they usher in an entire army of magical and mythical creatures to help out.

"Prince Caspian", as well as all of the books in the Chronicles of Narnia, is a sheer delight to read. I've read these books numerous times as a child, and reread them to familiarize myself with the stories before the movie versions come out. Rereading these tales as an adult, I can see what a profound influence C.S. Lewis had on a score of writers - the comments that are directed straight at the reader, the names of places and characters - and what an influence his faith had on these tales. The message that is woven throughout these stories is subtly under the surface, never in-your-face preaching, and the characters realistically struggle with belief and choices between right and wrong.

The Cronicles of Narnia:
Prince Caspian
By C.S. Lewis

5/15/2008

Even though this novel was written in 1951, the books have been big among many children and adults over the years. The motion picture based on the novel, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, has made these classical novels popular once again. Prince Caspian is based on the four children's return to Narnia. Even though it has only been one year in Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy's world, thousands of years have passed in Narnia. Author C.S. Lewis puts an English twist on words and phrases, giving the book a unique language of its own.

This book is full of exciting twists and turns as the reader is given a chance to relive the Nanian experience in a new and exciting time for Narnia. The children arrive at their old castle, which is in ruins, and do not know what magic pulled them back to the other world. Soon they meet a dwarf who tells the kids what has happened in Narnia since their last departure. The author then takes the reader into another part of the book regarding Prince Caspian and his life in Narnia, a boy who lost his parents and resides in a castle with his uncle and aunt. As a boy who is forbidden to ever hear of the old Narnia, about a time of piece and the talking animals and different kinds of nature beings.

The author confuses the reader a bit by jumping to another character, which is unknown to the readers. As the dwarf is telling the story, the author goes on with the story for a good part of the novel, that the reader looses track that it is a story within the novel. The reader is left wondering for many pages what this story has to do with the four children.

The wording is a little outdated since the book was written in 1951, but the language also interests the reader. The length of the book is appropriate. This is not just a book for children, and adults, but also for the family to read together. The author is intent to keep the reader guessing what will come next. As Prince Caspian escapes from his evil uncle, Caspian finds that the old secretes of Narnia are still true, beasts and people of the old times still exist. On the far side of the land the children try and make their way through a large over grown forest and tough waters to help Prince Caspian and the land they have grown to love.

The author paints an imaginative picture that helps the reader to visualize the land of Narnia. It is hard at times to keep focus to the story. The description of the old language is also hard to follow in some parts, but the author steps out of story mode and explains what he means by his wording choice. Thus the author is connecting personally with his readers.

The ending is amazing, yet with a twist no one will ever expect in regards to the future of Narnia and Susan and Peter. This is a great story for all and ideal for parents to read to their kids. Even this book is older it is an unforgettable classic. I can't wait to see how close the book is related to the motion picture. Where will C.S. Lewis take us next?

There were no torn pages and the cover was secure. There were no marks on it. i did expect it not to be as worn as it was. overall the book was fine.

In anticipation of the soon to be released movie version, I decided to familiarize myself with the plot by reading the book. Though this may not be as strong of a story as "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe", it still possesses the charm of the first book in the series.

Since Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy left Narnia, the world changed rapidly. Although only a year has passed in their world, time moves much more quickly in Narnia. Narnia has since fallen under the tyrrany of King Miraz, causing the talking creatures to virtually vanish. With King Miraz's plan to dispose of the heir to the thone Prince Caspian, the future of Narnia is darkening. But when the same horn that once summonded Aslan recalls the Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve, Prince Caspian has allies in his claim to the throne.

While this may not be as strong of a book as the first book in the series, it may be unfair to hold the book to such a high standard. The book is a quick read and easily engages the reader. The Chronicles of Narnia may be the high water mark of C.S. Lewis's writing career. One can only hope the movie matches the standard of the books.

I think that C.S. Lewis was one of the best storytellers of his time. The movies so far are fairly good as well. Try TheNarniaAcademy dot org for a really good accompanying study for the book (the entire academy is free). They work extremely well together.

Bloodline C. S. Lewis is the best. The kids re-visit Narnia and find a totally different world. Can't wait for the movie!

Second book printed, fourth book chronologically.

I began re-reading the Narnia series after coming across a beautiful boxed set of all seven novels. Mainly this was out of nostalgia, as these were favourites when I was young, and I was interested to see how they held up as adults. I found them all to be written very clearly with provocative descriptive prose, and narrative that often draws the reader immediately into the story.

As the first real sequel to "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe", this manages to draw out the story and history of Narnia so that Lewis' creation reaches its full potential. The character of Caspian is readable although a little stiff at times, and the dialogue does falter occasionally where elsewhere in the books it is very smooth. The description of the voyage and the encounters of the crew are imaginative and still feel very original, and the transformation of Eustace still brings a bit of a chill, even in hindsight!

Great for youngsters and very readable for grown-ups.

8.5/10

Prince Caspian presents an adventurous fantasy tale of how Edmund, Peter, Sue, and Lucy are dragged into the magical world of Narnia. They are faced with the task of saving Narnia from the cruel King Miraz's rule. King Miraz plans to wipe out the magical creatures and beasts of Narnia. His nephew and rightful heir to his throne is Prince Caspian.

The kids had been to Narnia before, so they were not too surprised when they got there. As a matter of fact they were Kings and Queens of Narnia in the previous book. When they finally meet Caspian they go on a great Adventure together and have a magical time as always.

From the cute and loving (and yet serious and deep) tone of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," Lewis takes his fantastical stories even further, proving that this dreamworld of his is more than just a Witch and a Lion, but that there are histories, lives, and truths that are just waiting to be told about Narnia.
Even though this book is definitely a turn for those familiar with the lightheartedness of his first Narnian epic, Lewis' second installation brings more depth and believability to his characters, albeit the darker and bloodier tone this book generates.
Without the rest of his books, Lewis' first classic might have just been another fairy tale that ends when the book is shut. But with the other six installments, the stories get bigger and deeper, and the world of Narnia becomes even more real.

PRINCE CASPIAN, the 4th book in C.S. Lewis' THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA series and the 2nd one published, continues the adventures of the Pevensie children in Narnia. The story opens with Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy waiting at the train station to return to boarding school for the year where they are yanked by magic onto the shores of a strange forested island.

Time, one must remember, does not move the same way in Narnia as it does in the real world; the Pevensies could spend 100 years in Narnia and return to reality to find that no time at all has passed. It turns out that hundreds of Narnian years have passed during the year that the children have been away and the Narnian world has been thrown into chaos -- the animals no longer speak; a new line of kings govern the land with a harsh scepter; the oceans have risen and the landscapes changed; the people have forgotten the ways of the old line of kings; and the stories of the old Narnia have been forbidden to be told. Beyond that, it seems forever since the last time the great lion, King Aslan, has been seen at all, and his existence has been dismissed by most as mere silly legend.

This installment of the series pales only slightly to THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE. The story of our four Narnian protagonists shows us once again that their identities in Aslan's Kingdom have nothing to do with what they do and everything to do with who(se) they are. Lucy is faced with the toughest decisions this time around, as she is asked to choose whether she will follow Aslan even if the people closest to her consider her crazy for doing so. I am struck again by the ease of C.S. Lewis' storytelling voice. While he may not deliver the most complex plots or character arcs, the tone and pacing of his language makes me wish I were a child again and could sit in front of the hearth and listen to his stories aloud.

--- Reviewed by Jonathan Stephens

PRINCE CASPIAN is the 2nd book in THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA. It begins about year after THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE ended. Apparently, the war that was threatening England at the beginning of LION has either ended or isn't as threatening because all four of the Pevensie children are preparing to return to school. Their summer has just come to a close and they are waiting on the platform at a train station to go their separate ways to school. Suddenly, they all feel themselves being violently tugged. One moment, they're in England and the next they find themselves back in Narnia. Except Narnia isn't at all how they remembered it. After all, time doesn't pass in Narnia the same way it passes in our world.

They discover that probably over a thousand years has passed since they last stepped through the wardrobe back into their homeworld. Narnia has fallen into a world of chaos. The magical creatures that were the citizens of Old Narnia have either all been exterminated are sent into hiding. There is a New Narnia now--one that is ruled by the wicked King Miraz. Miraz took the throne through murder, but since he had no heir of his own, kept his nephew, Prince Caspian, alive. But on a fateful night, a son is born to Miraz and his wife and Caspian must flee into the night.

Thus begins his crusade to regain control of Narnia and restablish the legacy that the Golden Reign of King Edmund, Queen Susan, Queen Lucy, and High King Peter had left. A war is joined between the armies of Miraz and Caspian and a long siege in the wood begins. When the Pevensies return to Narnia, it is up to them to make things right and aid Caspian so that he can take his rightful place as King of Narnia.

PRINCE CASPIAN basically directly follows the events of THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE and is very much its sequel. The book is full of exciting events, but the tale unravels in a way that one would not suspect. Tolkien and Lewis were very close friends for many years and different as their writings are, there are parts of THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA and the LORD OF THE RINGS that will forever be compared. In this sense, PRINCE CASPIAN is very much like THE TWO TOWERS: it's a bit darker than LION, deals with some deeper themes, and even has a seen where the trees come alive again to help crush an evil army.

LION, though not a complete allegory, was very much allegorical and PRINCE CASPIAN continues some of that same deep symbolism. When I first read the book, I understood some of the deeper meaning (such as when Aslan commands Lucy that she must follow Him even if the others do not), but I was unfamiliar with the history of Christianity to recoginze other elements of the story. Now that I do know about such things as the Reformation, I can see those events being alluded to in the story.

Regardless, PRINCE CASPIAN remains a worthy sequel to THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE. It's a fantasy adventure story that young children will love, especially if they've read LION.

As I go through and reread these novels, I am remembering how I felt when I originally read them. Even when I initially picked up the books to reread I remembered that Prince Caspian was not my favorite of the Narnia books but I hoped to see something in it that I hadn't before. I did but that only added to my ambivalence rather than building up my appreciation. The subtle sexism is less subtle in this novel than in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Not offensively so but undeniably there. Of course, given when it was written it is not unreasonable to expect there to be some sexism. Just disappointing, I suppose.

PRINCE CASPIAN begins a year after the events of THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, the Pevensies' years in Narnia having taken only a few moments of our world's time. As they sit together waiting to catch trains to their respective boarding schools, without warning they're pulled into another world that they don't recognize - a deserted island dominated by a ruined castle. This presents a very serious problem, as between them they have only two bag lunches and the clothes they stand up in - very thin supplies for being stranded for an unknown length of time in strange country. (Lewis' own wartime experiences and peacetime hiking expeditions enabled him to write about such things very realistically.)

Only gradually do they realize that this country is the familiar made strange. It is their own capital of Cair Paravel, after untold centuries have washed over it - enough to turn the peninsula on which it once stood into an island. As they walk through the royal treasury and remember what once happened - from years of chess games with fauns to the talking moles who planted the now-wild orchard grown up to the castle gates - there's a compelling mixture of fascinating nostalgia and heartbreak, remembering all the splendour of the years of restoring Narnia to a free and happy country now reduced to crumbling ruins, where even the magical gifts from the first breaking of the hundred years' winter have been abandoned to dust and silence.

When the first humans the Pevensies have seen in this sadly transformed Narnia appear, they have come to murder a dwarf by drowning him in the sea. Rescuing him, the Pevensies learn that Trumpkin represents the survivors of old Narnia, while the humans represent the worst of the new Narnia, the Telmarines who invaded the leaderless country centuries ago and silenced its magic however they could.

However, the new Narnians are people, not monsters - in the generations since the conquest, many have never learned of Narnia's true history, such as Prince Caspian, whose story Trumpkin relates to the Pevensies. Caspian, the only son of the previous king, loved the tales of the old Narnia he was told as a child by the nurse who was the only person who loved him (his childless uncle Miraz merely tolerated Caspian as an heir of his own blood). When his nurse was dismissed for teaching him such stories, Caspian expected only misery from his new tutor - only to learn to his terror and delight that Doctor Cornelius was part dwarf, and that the old Narnia slumbered under its oppression but had not been destroyed. This is particularly well handled, and is characteristic of the difference between PRINCE CASPIAN and its illustrious predecessor. In THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, Narnia was a magical country oppressed by a magical enemy, and the Pevensies were isolated non-magical elements. Here is Narnia is a disenchanted land where magic has been smothered, and the humans have done almost as much damage to themselves, with lies to explain why they fear the sea from which Aslan always entered his kingdom and the forests which once gave battle.

Cornelius' hope was that when Caspian came to the throne he would not only be a good lord to the Telmarines but might unite the old and the new Narnia, waking the slumbering spirits of the trees and the waters and restoring the rights of Narnia in hiding. Their hopes have had to be prematurely put into action, however, as Miraz' queen has given birth to a son, marking the end of his tolerance for the boy who has a better claim to the throne than the man who sits on it.

In helping Caspian to flee Miraz' castle, Cornelius gave Caspian Susan's magical horn and unwittingly sent Caspian straight into the hands of the old Narnians. Deciding this is their best chance, they have begun gathering for war to gain Caspian his throne and the old Narnians their ancient rights, and Susan's horn was sounded because of its magical properties of bringing strange help to whoever uses it - although the return of ancient kings and queens once more in childhood was something even stranger than Cornelius might have dreamed of.

The War of Deliverance and the reawakening of Narnia do not follow the same pattern as the war against the White Witch, and may come as a surprise to first-time readers in terms of what does happen. PRINCE CASPIAN also has rather more complicated relationships on both sides than were seen in THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, as both sides are divided as to their goals and how best to achieve them. The vicious politics of Miraz' court are something from which Caspian has been sheltered, but become more apparently later in the story - the Telmarines are far from being a united people under his rule, and several lords who helped put him on the throne are not blind to the fact that they could act as kingmakers once again. As for the Narnians, some have given up any hope of Aslan and have little use for humans, and have despaired to the point of allying with darker forces.

Final points worthy of note:
- Lewis' talent for writing superlative dialogue, as in other books, occasionally is most noteworthy for some of the villains. The council scene at Aslan's How - once the hill of the Stone Table - just as Trumpkin arrives with Peter and Edmund is particularly impressive.
- Last but never least, PRINCE CASPIAN introduces one of the greatest heroes and chivalrous knights of Narnian history: Reepicheep, chief of the Talking Mice.

In the begining, the four children are waiting for a train to school. While they are waiting, Edmund, Peter, Lucy and Susan get a weird magical feeling and a moment later, they were in another place entirely! It was dark and there were very many large trees around them, they decided to move around a bit and explore. After a bit of searching, they came to a beach, so they decided to enjoy it. Then they realised that they didn`t have any food or water and the didn`t know how long they would be there, so they went to look for food and shelter. A while of searching had gone by and they found a nice place with large walls around it and a well and a orchard. Once they were all set in, the children had some thoughts about where they were...

I gave this book five stars for its bit of humor and the never-ending adventure. The best part was the little mysteries that made up the book.

This, the second book written in the Chronicles of Narnia, is C. S. Lewis attempt to allegorize the reformation of Christianity, and he pulls it of splendidly. Narnia has been over run by the Telmarines, who do not believe in magic, talking animals, dryads, Aslan, etc. Prince Caspian, the son of King Miraz, has heard tales of the old Narnia growing up, and believes that those things really exist. The rest of the tale describes how the old Narnia is reawakened and defeats the reigning conquerers. This is a picture of how distorted beliefs enter the Church, and someone will come along (like Caspian), realize the problem, and set to reforming Christianity.

Now, the actual book is not nearly so boring as the way I described it. All of what I described is entwined in a magical tale of magic, glory, and believable yet extraordinary people and animals. To the best of my knowledge, only C. S. Lewis is able to talk of such a subject and make it so interesting and fascinating, hiding the real subject deep in a labarynth of powerful allegory. It is very possible that you should miss the whole allegorical meaning if you are not looking for it, so great a job he has done of hiding it, yet it is there, waiting to be uncovered if we look deep enough below the magical surface.

Lewis did it again, creating a wonderful tale for both young and old alike. It is the simplicity of the way he writes, even though we know how complex Lewis can be, that is always appealing to the younger fairy tale readers, but also, surprisingly, the older readers as well.

With Prince Caspian we find another good and noble king, a leader that others will follow. It is good to see the tides changed in this the second book of the series as the talking animals are forced into hiding and the Old Narnia is all but gone. As well, in this book, Lewis hints at some tantalizing possibilities for the rest of the series.

No matter your age, read this book and series and let yourself be drawn into a fun and simple read that makes you become involved with the characters.

This book didn't have the same novelty, and it seemed to be paced a little slower than the firt book in the series, but it was still very good. It gives a lot more insight into the world of Narnia, and more information on the surrounding nations and people.

If you liked the first book, you'll like this one as well, though it lacks some of the wonder. But if you're reading the series for the first time, make sure to read them in the correct order, with this book being second following The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, no matter how they're labeled.

In "Prince Caspian", the second book in the Narnia series (chronologically the fourth), Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy, the children from "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" return once again to Narnia. It's been a year since their last great adventure. The children are waiting at a railway station to go off to boarding school, when they suddenly experience a peculiar sensation, and find themselves whisked back to the magical world of Narnia. Gradually familiar landmarks give the children clues that they are standing in the ruins of Cair Paravel--their once great castle. Slowly, and rather unwillingly, the children realise that a long passage of time has taken place since they left Narnia.

But time is not the only thing that has passed in Narnia. Narnia is no longer a land of talking animals, of dryads, fauns and dwarves. A cruel king now rules the land, a Telmarine named Miraz. These are the "New Narnians." Deep Magic calls the children back to Narnia, and it's their task to save the kingdom for the "Old Narnians" and deliver it to its rightful king, Prince Caspian.

Of the seven books in the wonderful Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, "Prince Caspian" is one of my favourites. The four children must endure tests of courage and self-reliance in this adventure, and the story particularly deals with the idea that Magic has withdrawn from Narnia and is now only a legend. Magic is a delicate element, and even the two oldest children, Peter and Susan, struggle to regain their former connection with Narnian ways. As a "grown-up", it's still possible to feel regret for those who will soon no longer be aware of magic as they move away from childhood into the far less interesting world of adult concerns--displacedhuman

Of the many things we learn from Lewis, one is that time is not quite what we think it is. The Pevensie kids find themselves a second time in Narnia, and come to realize that even time is the servant of Aslan. Furthermore, they realize they are both part of the current story and part of history, and must feel a little like you would feel if you suddenly read your name in a History book, and read about all your great exploits. It would give existential experience a vivid demonstration to say the least, and this is just one of the many fantastic things happening to Peter, Edmund, Susan and Lucy in the book.

Among other things the background story of the decline of Narnia is intriguing, and one can recognize the decline of the church in Lewis's day, especially of the miraculous represented in this. But even as the church has revived a bit in the past 40 years so we get to witness that there is still a remnant of true Narnia that has more power than their enemies realize. The True Narnians are represented more or less by a Red Dwarf, Trumpkin, who symbolizes the upright agnostic that Lewis loves to insert in his stories. Trumpkin's encounter with Aslan is one of the many inspiring scenes of the book.

Like all the Chronicles of Narnia- Prince Caspian is enjoyable on many levels- and like all Lewis fiction it is inspiring without being pedantic. The characters are well-developed, the dialogue authentic, the theology subtle but powerful, and the story itself delightful. A must read.