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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
I read these years ago and have many fond, if hazy, memories of my time in Prydian :)
It's surprising how much of a character arc you can fit in such a short book. Not everyone gets a chance to grow and change but Taran and Ellidyr change throughout the book.
Having never read the series, I'm enjoying the depth and themes beyond it being a straight up fantasy tale. Which I also enjoy it for as well.
Having never read the series, I'm enjoying the depth and themes beyond it being a straight up fantasy tale. Which I also enjoy it for as well.
I loved these books as a kid, and the stories are still compelling, but dang they're heavy handed at times.
I again enjoyed the concept. I found the witches to be enjoyable and annoying. I think Ellidyr had the most interesting development in the book, since in the end he turned to be a good person. I was reminded of a book I've read before where the main villain believed it was possible to turn a morally good man bad, but not turn a bad man good. So I'm glad Ellidyr proved him wrong. On to the next.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This installment was boring, and really the best part were the witches during the scene of them trying to get the cauldron back.
I need to know if there is a omnibus version of this story because reading them in small chunks isn't doing it for me!
I need to know if there is a omnibus version of this story because reading them in small chunks isn't doing it for me!
Taran and his companions find themselves along another quest. Taran is growing up and growing wiser, Eilonwy is sweeter, Fflewddur is funnier, and the adventure is perfectly nail-biting.
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I used to really really love these although I was always a bit annoyed that Eilonwy was treated as less than Taran just because he was a man. Now I can see more clearly how the whole book is about manhood and she really is there just so he will have someone to marry when he grows up.
It's full of tropes and archetypes. It was written in the 60s so some of them were probably less tired back then. The stuff around Elidwyr is done in quite a sanctimonious and preachy way but again I think it worked better in its time. Certainly you could argue that in 2024 we are all too individualistic and cynical but the masculinity of this book makes me prefer now to then.
I'm not sad I reread it but I don't think I will worry too much about finding and rereading all of them
It's full of tropes and archetypes. It was written in the 60s so some of them were probably less tired back then. The stuff around Elidwyr is done in quite a sanctimonious and preachy way but again I think it worked better in its time. Certainly you could argue that in 2024 we are all too individualistic and cynical but the masculinity of this book makes me prefer now to then.
I'm not sad I reread it but I don't think I will worry too much about finding and rereading all of them
The librarian told me that they enjoyed the book far more than the movie. But having such a childhood attachment to the movie, I don't think I can feel this way. Regardless, I did like the story line in the book. It is more mature and in depth than the Disney adaption (go figure!). I can't wait to get the next book in the series!
So, this is the second book in the Chronicles of Prydain and it follows the continuing adventures of Taran, Eilonwy, Gurgi and their companions as they hunt down the Black Cauldron.
I personally really enjoyed going back into this story and into this universe, and I’m enjoying each of these characters as they grow and mature. And it’s interesting to see how the land and mythology has been created by Alexander and how he weaves all of these elements together to create this narrative.
Plus all the Welsh names are making me very happy, so that’s nice.
I personally really enjoyed going back into this story and into this universe, and I’m enjoying each of these characters as they grow and mature. And it’s interesting to see how the land and mythology has been created by Alexander and how he weaves all of these elements together to create this narrative.
Plus all the Welsh names are making me very happy, so that’s nice.