The Chronicles of Narnia Complete Audio Collection

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: Kenneth Branagh, Alex Jennings, Michael York, Lynn Redgrave, Derek Jacobi, Jeremy Northam, Patrick Stewart

Length: 33 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

For over 60 years, readers of all ages have been enchanted by the magical realms, the epic battles between good and evil, and the unforgettable creatures of Narnia.

This box set includes all seven titles in The Chronicles of Narnia - The Magician's Nephew; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; The Horse and His Boy; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The Silver Chair; and The Last Battle.

©2005 C. S. Lewis (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers

A stellar value!

The story, of course, is a classic. The thing worth pointing out in this review is that instead of spending 7 credits over 7 months to get each book of the series separately, one gets them all together & for only one credit. The narrators & production values are impeccable, & the chapters are all helpfully labeled with the individual book titles ahead of them as well. I was dubious of this particular collection at first, based on its unofficial-looking cover art, but I can now report that it is precisely what you’d hope it’d be: the best readings of these classic books all in one superb package.

Classics

These books are one of the few series that have kept me held captive my whole life! I read them to my children, and will read them to my grandchildren (in a couple of years when they are old enough for books of this type!) Lewis is by far the BEST writer! Only thing I wish is that there was a set read by a single narrator, (Jim Dale would be AWESOME!!!!!)

Delightful

I somehow missed these stories as a child. At 77, I found them delightful, entertaining, and worthwhile. You’re never too old to appreciate the ‘classics.” I’m so glad that I decided to put this series on my to-do list!

Pros and cons

I liked the stories, however, I decided to reread them as an adult. They get progressively more lazy in writing, so it becomes a little obnoxious the longer it goes with some of the repetitive natures in the story.

PROS:
Each narrator did a great job bringing characters to life
The stories flowed into each other more easily than I thought they would
Good, nostalgic storybooks

CONS:
I HATED the little music that played between about half of the chapters. Not all of them, just half. There was no consistency with it either. You’d go a few chapters (where they would have the longest possible pause in between) and then hear the music. Other times, it’s the very next chapter. The inconsistency (and unnecessary addition) was completely jarring and brings you out of the book
I hate in series like this where the narrators all switch up. While each one did a great job, it’s also kind of unsettling to have multiple voices over different stories. Just pick one and stick with it…
I don’t like that the chapters don’t include a book break down if you accidentally lose your place. You basically have to search like you’re actually looking for Narnia, or be really good at google.

The Best!

Terrific! All 7 books for one collection! Fantastic performances which I have enjoyed so much! I’ve listened to it over and over countless times. I had the CD set when I was young and I was quite delighted to find these here. You will enjoy this great treasure, the stories are so beautifully narrated and given just the right emphasis in performance. Enjoy your adventure into the world of Narnia!

Great value

Great value here. All seven books with excellent narration for 1 credit! Patrick Stewart reading The Last Battle!? Yes, please!

My favorite books to read as a child

I loved it! Every reader was wonderful but Jeremy Northam's Puddleglum was worth listening to the whole 7 books.

weirder than I remember

I had forgotten about all the odd racist elements in these stories, especially the Horse and His Boy. Still an interesting reflection of the time period. I wrote my humanities final on it.

Such beauty

These books are so great and the very end so beautiful that it almost makes me cry. Just perfect. Lost count of how many times I’ve read the books, this was my first audiobook of the stories. It is as awesome as the books! =)

wonderful

It is a true delight to hear these classics read so well. I loved listening!