This one has always been my favorite of the Narnia books. The journey of the young boy Shasta away from the cruel home he's always known into an unknown land that could be worse, but will probably be better; the long-fought friendship between Shasta and Aravis, who would rather die than be married to a man she does not love; the valiant talking horses Bree and Hwin who not only help them escape but prove their mettle and wisdom time after time. And, of course, an escape to a better life which turns into a desperate race to save that better life from destruction - and the great Lion who "seems to be at the back of all the stories."

It's tight, timeless, well-written, and a bit wry; it's packed full of the hopefulness and appreciation for 'real life' that you could ever expect from the man who wrote about a dinner in a beaver's dam being better than a feast of Turkish Delight on a wicked witch's lavish sleigh. There are cameos by the Kings and Queens Pevensie, as well as the introduction of the good royal family of Archenland, Narnia's good neighbor. The chases are fast, the sneaking is tense, and the ending makes you realize just how much magic Lewis knew was in the world.

My favorite book from my favorite series. I can't wait to read this one to my children.