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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
4 star. I'm glad the lead is getting less annoying. And my word! The farther you get in this, the more you see the LOTR inspiration.
I noted in my journal from 1985 that this was enjoyable and I intended to read more by Lloyd Alexander.
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked this a lot more than the first instalment of The Chronicles of Prydian, the novel as a whole felt like it had a much more assured direction and thus gave enough time to introduce new characters and further flesh out those we had already met.
A strong and satisfying continuation of the series. Leans in to the fantasy and goes for it which I respect. I look forward to continuing this series in the new year.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
I read this on the heels of "The Book of Three". See my review there for my opinion of this book. Much of what I wrote there is the same here.
I wish I had read these as a child. I do remember trying with the first book, but I never got far. I also remember I didn't like the layout of the book! It was off-putting! My typography and design gene must have developed at an early age. :) Basically, it looked boring. Now, after reading the Narnia chronicles and the Lord of the Rings series, I wish I had had this one under my belt as a child.
Still, it was a fun and easy read as an adult. That's a sign of quality young-adult writing, in my opinion.
I wish I had read these as a child. I do remember trying with the first book, but I never got far. I also remember I didn't like the layout of the book! It was off-putting! My typography and design gene must have developed at an early age. :) Basically, it looked boring. Now, after reading the Narnia chronicles and the Lord of the Rings series, I wish I had had this one under my belt as a child.
Still, it was a fun and easy read as an adult. That's a sign of quality young-adult writing, in my opinion.
I read this to my almost-eight-year-olds, my fourth (?) time reading it. But the last time was about 20 years ago, so this was like reading it again for the first time. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a heavy text even though it is meant for kids, with layered characters, metaphors, and a really engaging plot that does not have a totally happy ending (though none of the Chronicles of Prydain do, if I remember correctly). My kids especially reacted to Ellidyr's character's reappearance and demands of Taran and his companions. I was glad, though, to see him redeemed in the end. I have very little recollection of the last three books in the series, so I am excited to move on to them soon.
An absolute classic with beautiful pacing, real stakes, and a beautiful mythology that the characters move perfectly within. Alexander's characters and dialogue really shine. Is this the best book in the series?
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced