I used to subscribe to the argument that the Narnia books are best read chronologically, but I've since changed my mind. The stories flow better when read in order of publication due to the way C. S. Lewis' writing style and themes naturally evolve. Time has not been too kind to Prince Caspian, and it's quite a step down from The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Set hundreds of years later, everything that was established in the first Narnia books is gone. All the named magical creatures are long dead, Cair Paravel lies in ruins, and the native Narnians have been invaded and almost led to extinction by an evil race of men called the Telmarines. The previous book had a dark tone too, but it was steeped in magic and fairytale. This time, the enemies are mundane humans and it all feels very depressing.
Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are called back into Narnia via a magic horn and many chapters are wasted with them wandering around trying to figure out where they are. After rescuing a red dwarf named Trumpkin from execution, they are told the story of Prince Caspian, heir to the throne, who is being hunted by his power hungry uncle, Miraz. The backstory runs on for a long time and ruins the pacing of the novel. By the time the Pevensey children are caught up, we're already halfway through. There's then a long trek with the children attemping to meet up with the Prince and his band of surviving Narnians to join the fight against Miraz and his army. Aslan puts in his customary appearance, and new talking animals such as Trufflehunter the badger, and Reepicheep the swordsman mouse are introduced. It's a disappointing, cynical follow up the excellent original story.
Rating: 3/5
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