The Horse and His Boy is the third book in the Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis and a fascinating one at that. The story is basically a series of events as follows: a boy escapes with a horse from captivity, where along the way the meet another refugee and their horse. This team travels to a great city where a sinister plot is uncovered, and so it is a race against time to prevent evil from triumphing. There are many trials and adversities faced and the recurrences of many familiar faces from the the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but most surprising of all was the world in which the story takes place. Calormen is a place like no other, and I guess it represents the Muslim Middle East, complete with gods, prejudice, excess, and slavery. The differences Lewis illustrates plays well for the story as a sort of Arabian Nights themed adventure and will definitely keep the reader's attention. As always Lewis does a great job of implementing Christian themes throughout the theme, especially in the contrasts. He also gives a rich look into the life of those living, whether from Narnia or elsewhere. And the action is pretty packed for a children's book. Overall, a great and interesting tale for children to read and is an excellent book on its own right, especially with the author speaking directly to the audience. 5 stars and a great read for all ages.
In my own opinion, this is a great standalone book. It does use references from the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but it doesn't take away from the story. If anything it helps flesh out the Narnia lore (if you're reading it in the preferred order) and really has great insight on the culture of Narnia and its mythos. It also delves into really interesting areas such as pride or societal structure, which Lewis does his best to present in child form, which surprisingly works. Another part is the way Lewis carries out Narnia to be, a sort of free and egalitarian society, but with a clear order to things. Again made for children, one can easily comprehend it, but adults might find reality different, but that's just personal observance. And how life is carried out by the inhabitants, from whatever part of the world, kept my interest piqued. To me it certainly plays out like Aladdin or Arabian Nights, thanks in part to the contrasts. I enjoyed this book and hopefully so too those who read it. Recommend for children but all ages too.
