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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
While I enjoyed the first book in this series, I think part of my enjoyment was due to finally diving into such a classic series that had eluded me for so many years. I did enjoy that first book, [b:The Book of Three|24780|The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Prydain, #1)|Lloyd Alexander|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1405184012s/24780.jpg|1149593], but it did seem to meander a little too much for my taste. This time around, I felt the plot was much tighter and focused on just a handful of characters, allowing me to get to know them much better.
I also liked how Taran, the main character, grew through the novel. He is still an assistant pig-keeper but he really grows into his leadership role this time around as evidenced by the high impact moral decisions he must make. Not all of the good guys turn out to be so good and the concepts of honor and leadership are paramount. The scenes with the three enchantresses are especially fun to read as they mix humor with danger.
Looking forward to the next one, [b:The Castle of Llyr|24779|The Castle of Llyr (The Chronicles of Prydain #3)|Lloyd Alexander|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1405714238s/24779.jpg|3007213].
I also liked how Taran, the main character, grew through the novel. He is still an assistant pig-keeper but he really grows into his leadership role this time around as evidenced by the high impact moral decisions he must make. Not all of the good guys turn out to be so good and the concepts of honor and leadership are paramount. The scenes with the three enchantresses are especially fun to read as they mix humor with danger.
Looking forward to the next one, [b:The Castle of Llyr|24779|The Castle of Llyr (The Chronicles of Prydain #3)|Lloyd Alexander|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1405714238s/24779.jpg|3007213].
I like this second adventure through the land of Prydain even more than its predecessor, perhaps because it has more twists and turns (some easy to predict, others not) and a greater focus on characterization over plot. But there's the same sense of humor, and the same love of traditional Welsh folklore informing the narrative.
First published in the decade after The Lord of the Rings, this series clearly owes that one a debt, but it comes early enough in the line of Tolkien's successors that his vision of a fantasy world had not yet calcified into the tropes that later writers must struggle to avoid. As a result Prydain still feels fresh even a half-century on.
First published in the decade after The Lord of the Rings, this series clearly owes that one a debt, but it comes early enough in the line of Tolkien's successors that his vision of a fantasy world had not yet calcified into the tropes that later writers must struggle to avoid. As a result Prydain still feels fresh even a half-century on.
From his tortured quest for the black cauldron, Taran will learn an unparalleled lesson in heroism and sacrifice.
Make no mistake...this book is nothing like the flimsy Disney movie adaptation. It is dark, terrifying, and tragic. It is possibly the most haunting of the five Chronicles of Prydain, and an experience that stays with you for a long time after the conclusion.
Make no mistake...this book is nothing like the flimsy Disney movie adaptation. It is dark, terrifying, and tragic. It is possibly the most haunting of the five Chronicles of Prydain, and an experience that stays with you for a long time after the conclusion.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
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:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I did not have reading the Prydain novels on my 2024 bingo card but there it is. I liked this one a little less than The Book of Three and am looking forward to The Castle of Llyr since it's Eilonwy's story. I am waiting to get that from a library hold.
I was even able to tolerate Gurgi a little better this time. A small win!
I was even able to tolerate Gurgi a little better this time. A small win!
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I'm a sucker for petty villains and redemption-via-death tropes so this was great for me.
adventurous
fast-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
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated