The Magician's Nephew

The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 1

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: Kenneth Branagh

Length: 3 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

The first in the series of the classic fantasy tales – The Chronicles of Narnia.

Written after The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe but designed by C.S.Lewis to be read first, this enchanting prequel – with its story of time travel, sorcery and magic rings – is essential reading for anyone who wants to learn the backstory to the biggest movie release of the year. Hurled back in time to the birth of a new world, two young friends get caught in the epic struggle between Aslan and his nemesis the White Witch.

On 9 December 2005, Andrew (Shrek) Adamson’s live-action film adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will be released by Disney, and it is already being hailed as the biggest film franchise of all time, guaranteed to appeal to adults and children across the globe. The second film is already in development.

“When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret. Now that I am fifty I read them openly. When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness.” C S Lewis

©1955 C. S. Lewis (P)1955 HarperCollins UK

Critic reviews

“The magic of C.S. Lewis’s parallel universe never fades.” The Times

great performance

Kenneth Branagh's performance is fantastic, he does a great variety of voices, really bringing the story alive. easy listening

Narnia is Born - Genesis reconceived

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Not as a stand alone story, but most definitely if my friend was interested in listening to 'The Chronicles of Narnia'.

I would strongly recommend that they begin their adventures in Narnia with this story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked the cabbie so much - Frank - by name and nature. One who was a king in both of his worlds.

Which scene was your favorite?

My skin tingles when I remember the birth of Narnia - to the song of Lion.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Definitely not a strong reaction.

This very much a prequel, a story that helps to make sense of the next book - ' The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe'.

Without this book that one is diminished, but this book most definitely needs to be linked with the series.

Any additional comments?

This is a must-listen prequel. All the books are relatively short, so no time is wasted.

Very enjoyable

The book takes you on a great journey of fantasy. Great characters including the King of kings, Aslan.

Where it all began

Where does The Magician's Nephew: The Chronicles of Narnia, Book 6 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The Magician's Nephew is one of the best narrated novels I have listened to so far. Kenneth Brannagh does a great job especially with the Cockney accent of the cab driver.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The cabbie is my favourite character with the Cockney accent and his rags to riches story.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scene where the witch tries to tempt Diggory into taking the Apple for himself is my favourite scene, as Diggory has to overcome his fears and his selfish nature to not give into temptation and to do the right thing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The temptation scene again and when Strwberry was given wings and renames Fledge. They are only a couple of the moments that moved me in this story.

Any additional comments?

This is where it all began so if you rereading this series start with this book first and read in chronological order instead of the publishing order.

Entertaining

I watched the movies and now started reading the books. Its shorter than i expected, but well written, and very well done in performance.