This is the first novel in C.S. Lewis’s science fiction space trilogy. The book takes place mostly on Malacandra (Mars), and tells the story of kidnapped earthman Elwin Ransom as he mingles with the natives and deals with the antagonists, Dr. Weston and his associate Devine.
The series explains through myth the Christian doctrine of temptation and the fall from grace, and this first novel does an admirable job of demonstrating how three different species of intelligent beings, the Hrossa, Seroni and Pfifltriggi can live together without discord under the direction of the Oyarsa.Â
The world of Malacandra is well built and internally consistant. The book fulfills its purpose, and is mildly interesting besides.  A very light read, but with allegorical depth. Â
