Classic stories for children and adults.

I have owned the Narnia stories narrated by Sir Michael Hordern on tape for many years and am delighted to find them on a more resilient medium. He reads, as always, with great feeling and expression. My only criticism is that the stories are a little “over-abridged”.

Now if only Audible would issue Sir Michael’s superb readings of the M. R. James ghost stories originally issued by, I think, Naxos.

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2 people found this helpful

A great abridged version apart from the music

The kids enjoyed this version and the narration was expressive but the music was intrusive at times. An excellent adventure story full of battle and excitement!

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Music is fantastic!

I have to disagree with the previous reviewer - the music on this recording is absolutely fantastic, as it is on this entire series of Narnia recordings read by Michael Horden. I grew up with the whole set on cassette tape and am so glad thy have been made available to download. The music really colour each chronicle and it is certainly never too loud to hear the narrator, who's reading is superb. My only complaint is that the whole set are abridges but then, you can't have everything!

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4 people found this helpful

Magical story.

I love this story so much, it is ideal for helping young children fall asleep with exciting and imaginative dreams. The narration and music add beautifully to the whole aesthetic.

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3 people found this helpful

A Legendary sequel.

A wonderous sequel.
Lucy shone through. Believing when many doubted.
Poor Caspian. Betrayed by his uncle who slew his parents. But he found real family in his tutor, the Old Narnians including noble Trufflehunter, wise Glenstorm, loveable Wimbleweather, and valiant Reepicheep.
Trumpkin was cautionary tale on how doubt and arrogance cause harm such as how he influence the Pevensies to doubt Lucy only to almost get them skinny Telmarines; and most severely nearly helping the treacherous Moment in and his accomplices to resurrect the White Witch.
Midas was a monster. He told lies about Narnia's last being myths to preserve his supremecy. He does his own brother and sister-in-law and remove their spiritual siblings. And try to commitgenocides. His end was poetic karma; for those who live by treachery did by treachery.
Bless Aslan. Such a rear one to help. He even showed mercy on the Telmarines when many mighta Spain them. And he reveal their ancestors as buccaneers this showing their 'history's to be propaganda; a reminder how humans can be as monstrous as the White Witch.

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Steady on the percussion+

Great story...bonkers idea to put so much music over the top of the story. I've listened to this series a lot but have never been able to enjoy this book as much. Mad skills on the xylophone, but there's a time and place mate!

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Background music

Why do some audio books have background music which interfers with the spoken word?

As a regular audio book club member I have enjoyed listening to many audio books but sometimes I find background music off putting and annoying.

Trying to listen to Prince Caspian, in this instance, I personally found the introductory music so loud it drowned out the story teller. The music at times appeared repetitive and seemed to be monotonous and without substance. It spoilt my enjoyment.

If you enjoy background music more than the story itself, then this audio book is for you.

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3 people found this helpful