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hidekisohma's review against another edition
3.0
So after reading "The book of Three" a few weeks ago, i decided to jump right into the 2nd book "The black cauldron". Seeing as this is the titular title the disney movie was based off of. and...it was...fine?
Funnily enough, i have to say that i really liked the first book more. There were a bunch of extraneous characters in this one that weren't really necessary and i didn't really care about.
The story to the film in terms of the group has to get the black cauldron before someone evil can use it and have to get it from some witches. that stays the same, but pretty much everything else is different. The reason they're getting it, their journey to GET the cauldron, who wants to use it, etc. Since there's no horned king in this one, they have to go for the big baddie (who we don't see in this book).
Pretty much everyone from the first book returns and we see Taran starting to develop as a character as he's getting a bit older. We see he has to really overcome his pride and sense in this one, and you can tell the author was going for a "growing up with every book" thing.
There really wasn't a "we need to fight a big baddy" at the end of this one as there was in the previous one as it really is all about getting that titular black cauldron. Without too many spoilers i'll say, there is SOME action, but the action definitely is NOT the focal point of the story.
the bard, princess, gurgi, and taran are all back to form and they're all recognizable from the previous book and their banter made the book interesting enough. as i have the remaining three books in the series, i'll definitely be reading them.
all in all, not bad. not great, but not bad.
3 out of 5.
Funnily enough, i have to say that i really liked the first book more. There were a bunch of extraneous characters in this one that weren't really necessary and i didn't really care about.
The story to the film in terms of the group has to get the black cauldron before someone evil can use it and have to get it from some witches. that stays the same, but pretty much everything else is different. The reason they're getting it, their journey to GET the cauldron, who wants to use it, etc. Since there's no horned king in this one, they have to go for the big baddie (who we don't see in this book).
Pretty much everyone from the first book returns and we see Taran starting to develop as a character as he's getting a bit older. We see he has to really overcome his pride and sense in this one, and you can tell the author was going for a "growing up with every book" thing.
There really wasn't a "we need to fight a big baddy" at the end of this one as there was in the previous one as it really is all about getting that titular black cauldron. Without too many spoilers i'll say, there is SOME action, but the action definitely is NOT the focal point of the story.
the bard, princess, gurgi, and taran are all back to form and they're all recognizable from the previous book and their banter made the book interesting enough. as i have the remaining three books in the series, i'll definitely be reading them.
all in all, not bad. not great, but not bad.
3 out of 5.
stellarae2000's review against another edition
5.0
This book popped off and I’m really enjoying my reread of this series.
helenafaustina's review against another edition
5.0
A thrilling story! The character development of the main character, Taran, is beautifully gradual. I love the theme, that although taking pride in who you are is a noble thing, do not seek it out and try to be a hero in dishonorable ways. The chemistry of the main characters makes you long to be a part of their group, and the book is so well written that you do feel that way! After the first book, [b:The Book of Three|24780|The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Prydain, #1)|Lloyd Alexander|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1405184012l/24780._SY75_.jpg|1149593], which leaves you wanting more, this following book satisfies you and excites you for the rest of the series! I would highly recommend it!
rwxtd's review against another edition
5.0
This series is one of my favorites. This book is probably my favorite one in the series, but it's hard to say why without spoiling it...
mattdld's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
knitasgonnaknit's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
fractaltexan's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful sequel to 'The Book of Three'. With a host of new characters, such as Adaon, Ellidyr, and the return of other well loved characters, it was a wonderful book! I look forward to 'The Castle of Llyr'
raeneptune's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
kevinscorner's review against another edition
4.5
The Black Cauldron is darker, more mature, and heavier than its predecessor and is much better for it. Taran is still imprudent and rash, but is also rapidly maturing in his manhood. Given the chance to pause and think, he is able to demonstrate who he truly is and the man he will become.