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Book Reviews of The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1)

The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1)
The Magician's Nephew - Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1
Author: C. S. Lewis
ISBN-13: 9780064405058
ISBN-10: 0064405052
Publication Date: 7/8/1994
Pages: 208
Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Rating:
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 224

4.1 stars, based on 224 ratings
Publisher: HarperTrophy
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

47 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

Leigh avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 378 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This, I think, was the best Narnia book, as its motivations were the truest and purest and it offered the explanations for the beginnings of so much in the future books with which we are already so familiar. Funny how Lewis turns the tables on this one -- the pursuit of an apple for a *good* reason by a man, for a woman.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Beginning of the classic, "Chronicles of Narnia." This was not one of my favorites but it lays down some interesting background to the other stories and presents the introduction of evil into the world of Narnia.
jai avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 310 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
There is a reason why these books are classics. I loved this books as a young girl. They probably belong in everyone's reading.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Reading this now with the religious aspect in mind, the symbolism is very clear and very strong in this book, and also the entire series. Excellent and well-written.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is the beautiful story of how the land of Narnia was created. I'm glad I read it before diving into the series (there are two different philosophies as to how the Chronicles are arranged, and one of them has this one as the first book).
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The Focus on the Family Radio Theatre adaptation of C. S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia are excellent. They are by far my favorite adaptation.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 204 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Book 1 Narnia series
How Narnia was created, who went their first and why.
Be aware of British slang/words maybe hard for some children to comprehend
nccorthu avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 569 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A fine start to the Chronicles of Narnia. Read several of them and have enjoyed each more. Recommended
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first Narnia book, set before the movie.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Good adventure book for young and old alike.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I thought this book was a great beginning for the rest of the books to come in the series
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 54 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. The Chronicles of Narnia is one of my favorite series and should be read by everyone, young or old.
Cheese avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 324 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The beginning of Narnia. You don't have to read this book first but it sets up the next book. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It explains where the Lion, Witch and wardrobe came from....well maybe not so much the Lion.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
Great book. It begins The Chronicles of Narnia.
goddesslovingbookworm avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 170 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
How I got through my childhood and beyond without reading this series, I don't quite know, but it is truly regrettable that I did. The recent movies brought the series to my attention. This is the first--the beginning of Narnia. It is certainly not the most well-known of the seven books but it tells much that makes the later stories more understandable and enjoyable. From here, you believe in Narnia as a true place with a true history (at least as long as you are turning pages).

Yes, the writing is quaint and more reminiscent of The Hobbit than the Lord of the Rings, simply because it is definitely written for a young audience in an era that was much simpler. However, do not think the story to be trite or dated--it is not. There is much the same sense of morality and parable present here as in the watered-down Grimm's or the stories of Hans Christian Andersen. Christian parallels do exist, but not in such a way that non-believers are repulsed. That, perhaps, is this tale's greatest contribution to the world--that a non-Christian can be exposed to so much of God's love in such an innocent fashion. No judgement or condemnation is felt--the characters are all given choices and consequences.

This is yet another series that is well worth re-reading, not only for children but adults as well.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The secret passage to the house next door leads to a fascinating adventure. It is the first of the seven books of The Chronicles of Narnia series. I thought it was very good.
DameEdna avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 149 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Child or adult, you will enjoy the Chronicles of Narnia series.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
super fantastic book to explain all the items and meanings behind the 2nd book, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Explains why the wardrobe is 'magic' and the meaning behind the lamp post.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Yeehaw! Great beginning to a great series. Check it out!
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
This was one of my favorite Narnia books. I've read the first 4 in the series. 4 stars.
magoosey06 avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
One of my favorites from the series. It tells of how Narnia was started, among other things. Its a really great adventure for all.
LovesBooks avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 84 more book reviews
The Magician's Nephew is a timeless classic. It sets the stage for the rest of the Narnia books. It gives us the history of Narnia and teaches some valuable lessons. In this book, it seems that the most prominent lesson is on the dangers of greed. This is a book for all ages and one day I plan to pass them on to my children.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on
This book was excellent reading to find out the beginning of Narnia. Great writing and a fun adventure.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
This book was so Amazing. It is a must read for all ages. You must read this book before the others in the series.
thereader94 avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on
"The Magician's Nephew" tells of the creation of Narnia by the great and powerful Aslan, and the temptation of a son of Adam, by a deceiver, with an apple from a forbidden tree.

This is the story of Digory and Polly, two friends who, upon an accidental meeting with Magician wanna-be Uncle Andrew, find themselves in a head spinning adventure involving other worlds, magical rings, an evil sorceress, a cabby and his horse, talking animals, and a collection of fauns, satyrs, dwarves and naiads.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
Very interesting...it gives you a lot of the background as to how Narnia started and how the wardrobe in the later books came to be.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 14 more book reviews
Fantasic fantasy series. While this book in not my favorite in the series, the story is good as is the writing. A must read for all fantasy lovers.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 19 more book reviews
I love fantasy, I read this series as a child and I just wanted to refresh before the movie came out:)
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on
Great series! Digory and Polly find their way to Narnia. They encounter the evil sorceress Jadis before they return home. Full of adventure, great characters.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 163 more book reviews
Book 1 of 7; Digory and Polly are friends who are sent into other worlds through tricker. Magic rings that Digory's Uncle Andrew made. The two friends find themselves in an adventure of a life time. Bringing an evil witch back from one world and watching the creation of another.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
It was amazing! I couldn't stop reading and it was so sad that the book has finally ended... I can't wait to read the next.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on
My son has read this whole series and loved it.
CozyLover avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 335 more book reviews
Book 1 of the Chronicles. Not my favorite, but not bad either.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 59 more book reviews
This is the first book in the Narnia series...you find out how the Ice Queen came to rule in Narnia.
marcym avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 159 more book reviews
First book in the Chronicles of Narnia series. I haven't read in many moons, but step daughter loved it!
garythefowler avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 65 more book reviews
I recommend that you read this great little book before "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," though many people (and commercial packaging) often begin with LWW. In the full set of 7 books in the Chronicles set, this is the one that tells how Narnia began, and where the great magic came from. A great story: Collect and read all seven!
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on
This is the first in the series of seven books "The Chronicles of Narnia"
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
I'm not a good one to ask about a review. I am a huge Narnia fan and have read them all on numerous occasions, save this one.
First reading and loved it! As good as any of the Narnia books and better than some.
Great story line and the good guys win. Fiction that makes you want to do better in reality.
Try it, you'll like it.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 60 more book reviews
Chronicles of Narnia:
How Aslan created Narnia and gave the gift of speech to its animals.
rapunzel avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
Like the rest of the series my son said he adored this 1st installment of the Narnia series.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 3352 more book reviews
I love this book. The only reason I'm listing it is because I have two copies. This is the first (although not the first written) in the Narnia series.
Gaddiel avatar reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 31 more book reviews
Excellent start to a fun and magical series! Loved it and highly recommend it!
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 504 more book reviews
Wonderful
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 41 more book reviews
good used condition, no marks on any pages that I can find...older book with different cover.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 17 more book reviews
Narnia where talking animals come alive,,,,..book 1
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
The picture on the book that I posted is different from the one shown. There is also 221 pages in my book vs. the 240 as stated in the description.
reviewed The Magician's Nephew (Chronicles of Narnia, Bk 1) on
This copy has the 1994 cover art.