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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
I really enjoyed this book, especially after seeing what Disney tried to do with it in an animated feature. The book is a million times better than the movie and I would hope that the cartoon only leads people to read this series.
An excellent read. Characters with great depth and a plot twist that took me completely by surprise, this book was fantasy at it's best. Important note: the Disney movie by no stretch of the imagination does this book justice. For all readers hesitant to give it a go because they were disappointed in the movie, just disregard the movie (This is only fair as they disregarded the book when they wrote the script).
Everyone's favorite assistant pig-keeper, Taran, is back and tasked by Prince Gwydion to join him in a quest to recover the enigmatic Black Cauldron from Annuvin. In the Prince's effort to destroy the Cauldron, an unexpected twist occurs (as often happens in these novels) and Taran is forced to once again lead his band of friends on a journey to find and destroy this instrument of evil.
The themes of loyalty and friendship ring throughout this novel and Taran's experiences are guiding him on the path of righteousness. Our young Taran is turning into much more than just an assistant pig-keeper. A fun predictable young adult fantasy read.
The themes of loyalty and friendship ring throughout this novel and Taran's experiences are guiding him on the path of righteousness. Our young Taran is turning into much more than just an assistant pig-keeper. A fun predictable young adult fantasy read.
I remember basically nothing about this book except that I loved it as a kid.
I'm enjoying the series mainly because I'm into Welsh myths but I find they're moving extremely slowly because of one reason; the protagonist is more a pig than an assistant pig-keeper. I hope that extreme character development is on the horizon because at the moment Taran is the only thing about the story that I really can't enjoy and beliiiieve me, I am trying!
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
tense
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
I liked this one much more than the first one. Good character growth. I particularly liked the bargaining sequence for the Black Cauldron.
adventurous
dark
reflective
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:
Complicated
I liked this book much better than the first one, The Book of Three. I think that is it is because the characters are more grown up and less annoying (specifically Eilonwy, she is not as combatative). Taran, the main characte , has some great character development in this one from the first book.
One thing I liked about this book is that because Taran is more grown up (or is growing up) the book is darker than the first. The main premise is that the people of the realm is going to steal a cauldron that the basic king of the underworld uses to raise the dead, using dug up corpses! I was not expecting such a dark concept to be in a book for middle schoolers (it isn't too perpetrated on but if you catch on to the implications, it's dark).
I put misogyny and sexism in the content warnings, but there is a few here and there sexist comments towards the female main side characters, Eilonwy. They're always along the lines of "you should go back to working in the scullery" or "I shouldn't take advice from a girl." They are kind of just casually said to her face 🙄 but can you expect anything more from a book written in 1965?
One thing I liked about this book is that because Taran is more grown up (or is growing up) the book is darker than the first. The main premise is that the people of the realm is going to steal a cauldron that the basic king of the underworld uses to raise the dead, using dug up corpses! I was not expecting such a dark concept to be in a book for middle schoolers (it isn't too perpetrated on but if you catch on to the implications, it's dark).
I put misogyny and sexism in the content warnings, but there is a few here and there sexist comments towards the female main side characters, Eilonwy. They're always along the lines of "you should go back to working in the scullery" or "I shouldn't take advice from a girl." They are kind of just casually said to her face 🙄 but can you expect anything more from a book written in 1965?
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Grief, Murder
“There is a destiny laid on us to do what we must do, although it is not always given to us to see it.”
A classic quest tale with endearing characters.
A classic quest tale with endearing characters.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Such a sweet and thought provoking tale. A little disappointed I had not read it when I was still a kid.