4.08 AVERAGE


It always amuses me to recall how little the Disney movie had to do with the original book. What an odd choice for them in the first place! It would never be "fluffy" enough for a Disney audience, and the original story would have had three or four too many characters for them. Thankfully, it's been over 25 years now, and kids can just read the books and enjoy them for the rich and entertaining stories they are. With no cutesy Gurgi.

- Another epic adventure in Prydain! I love this series!

- Our friends set out to complete an impossible task, and new characters are introduced, some good, some bad.

- Gurgi's endless bag of food would be really handy. I wish I had one...but with an endless supply of money!

- Ellidyr was an interesting fellow. His character development was my favorite. He was probably the deepest person in the story.

- Adaorn reminds me of the Lord Yupa from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. I don't know why, but he does. Perhaps it is his wisdom.

- Taran is a natural leader. He doesn't really ask to lead, but he naturally does it, and his friends follow him diligently. I hope my friends are as loyal as Taran's.

- There were some tender moments in this book. The characters grieved and made difficult decisions.

- These books have something for everyone. I think no matter gender or age, these books will entertain and excite you!

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.

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!

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...
adventurous lighthearted slow-paced
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
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

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'
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