The Horse and His Boy is the fifth book in the Chronicles of Narnia (in publication order) It has always been my favorite, if one can pick a favorite among the Chronicles, and I was looking forward to hearing Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's adaptation. It did not disappoint.

I really like the actors they chose for Shasta and Aravis. Shasta especially had a slightly breaking quality to his voice that I found pleasant. It helped to distinguish him from the other young male actors in the series. Aravis had just the right balance of youth and attitude. Bree was fantastic, and so was Hwin. The four really picked up on the subtle underlying humor of their interactions.

I do have to say I'm not a fan of some of the music in this one. The "Arabian Nights" feel is great, but the calmer guitar-picking reminds me terribly of the music from The Princess Bride. And it's not a connection I want to make with Narnia, much as I enjoy that story!

I was disappointed when I got to the scene with the Tisroc and Rabadash and there was no Ahoshta Tarkaan! He doesn't add much to the plot importance of the scene, of course, but the scene as originally written is one of the comic highlights of the Chronicles for me. I don't know if they were trying to tighten the timing or what, or make sure the action wasn't obscured by the fun, but I wish Ahoshta would have been there.

But these are probably my only quibbles. Overall, it's a great adaptation that loses nothing of the adventure and excitement — and thrilling spiritual parallels — of the original story. For Narnia and the North! ( )