THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW

So I finally decided to read this series since I believe I've only ever read THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE ages ago. I decided to go in chronological order as there's some debate as to how these stories should be read: by their publication date or chronological order. The only real dispute is in what order THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW and THE HORSE AND HIS BOY should be read but again, I'm for it in order.

These books seem like they're going to be very simple, light and easy books to read. This started out well and was enjoying its simplicity for about halfway through. The second half I didn't quite enjoy as much except for the last few chapters. I think most people's favorite is book 2 (THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE) and it's the one I'm looking forward to the most.

Has anybody else read these? If so, any thoughts?