Prince Caspian

 Prince Caspian 1951) by C. S. Lewis

A year (real world time) after Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy discovered the world of Narnia and ruled for years (Narnia time) as benevolent Kings and Queens, they find themselves recalled to that world by Susan's own horn. In Narnia, it is hundreds of years after the events in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Prince Caspian, rightful human ruler of Narnia, is forced to flee for his life when his uncle, usurper to the throne, produces an heir. Caspian's tutor, who knows of the old ways of talking animals, dwarves, centaurs, and giants, tells Caspian where to go for safety and how to summon help. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy's arrival also heralds the arrival of Aslan. With his assistance and that of the forest creatures, good once again triumphs over the evil which has overshadowed Narnia for too long.

The second Narnia book to be published, Prince Caspian is apparently the fourth book in the Narnian chronology. I never read beyond the first book of the chronicles when I was young, so it was interesting to see what happened next in the children's adventures. It's not quite as magical as learning about the world for the first time, but Lewis provides some interesting new characters to get acquainted with. I especially enjoyed the mice and Trumpkin (thought in this day and age the name reminds me a bit too much of a certain political figure....). The final battle feels a bit rushed, but all in all a very good follow-up to the Wardrobe. ★★★★

First line: Once there were four children whose names were Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy, and it has been told in another book called The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe how they had a remarkable adventure.

Last line: "Bother!" said Edmund. "I've left my new torch in Narnia."