Tuesday, 18 March 2014

My Guest Blogger

Finally, the return of Gertrude Millicent Wigglesworth with her conclusion of her book review of The Silver Chair (begun here):

After reaching the ruined city, Eustace, Jill, and Puddleglum end up making their way underground. They are eventually discovered by the Earthmen, who have been ordered to take the trio to their Queen. Upon reaching the queen's castle they discover that the queen has gone out. However the Black Knight is there and invites the three to dine with him. While they are eating he tells them about the enchantment he is under. For one hour every night, the Knight grows violently furious and will kill anyone he sees. Afterwards he transforms into a great serpent. This is why his most gracious Queen has ordered him to be bound to a silver chair every night until he is himself again. The Knight then told them that the Queen had found the only way to break the spell: he must become King of Overland. Her plan was to invade Overland using tunnels. After the meal the Knight is bound to the silver chair, and instructs them not to untie them no matter what he says. Sure enough the hour comes and the Knight does indeed plead with them to untie him, saying, “this is the only hour I am not enchanted, the rest of the time I am under the witch's spell. And in the name of Aslan let me go!” That was the fourth sign! Eustace and Puddleglum cut off the Knight's bonds. The Knight then reintroduces himself as Prince Rilian and hacks the silver chair to bits! He said could not remember who he was whilst under the enchantment. The celebration does not last long though for quite soon after the Queen walks in. Or should I say witch? She sees the Prince unbound with a sword in hand and the silver chair now in many pieces. She walks over to the hearth and throws in a handful of green powder. This causes the room to fill up with a sweet and drowsy aroma, making it very hard to think. The Witch puts them all under a spell making them think there is no Narnia, there never was any world but hers. Brave Puddleglum, in a desperate attempt to stop the spell, takes his foot and stomps on the fire, stopping the spell. After realizing they are no longer under her control, the witch transforms into a huge green serpent and attacks our four heroes. The Prince, Puddleglum, and Eustace manage to dispatch the Witch in the end. After dressing Puddleglum's burnt foot, they set out to find Overworld. With the help of the Earthmen, who were also under the Queen's spell, they find their way to the surface, where Prince Rilian says goodbye to his dying father Caspian X. With their mission complete, Aslan takes them back to their own world.

This book is an interesting book. It has enchantments, giants and a quest to find a lost prince. It appeals to everyone's sense of fun and is a good read for anyone of any age.

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