Lucille Ancrath

“And soon, very soon, before you are an old man and an old woman, great nations in your world will be ruled by tyrants who care no more for joy and justice and mercy than the Empress Jadis.'' — Well that rings a bell, doesn't it?I liked this prequel a bit more than the [b: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe 100915 The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, #1) C.S. Lewis https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1353029077l/100915.SY75.jpg 4790821] because in this one, I think he did a better job of weaving an adult message into a children's story, which for me automatically elevates it to another level. The writing also feels more comfortable and coherent.In conclusion, I think this is a good, self-contained children's story and I'd gladly read it to someone younger.

I liked it. As others have said, nothing much happens and there is a whole chunk of time that is missing for no good reason. But the characters are endearing and the constantly witty writing made me chuckle a few times.

You know how the first few of the Harry Potter books have that childhood innocence about them? They're written through the eyes of a good natured, inquisitive boy and so as children we just went with it, and didn't question where the fuck the adults were... Well the Doldrums give me that same feeling. I think we need a lot more books with yound characters who are still pure and good and see the world as a generally safe place.

As an adult, I prefer to reading books with great parenting, like The House on the Cerulean Sea, but I don't think middle graders care much.

I also listened to this book and missed out on all of the lovely illustrations that come in print.