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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
The Black Cauldron is darker, more mature, and heavier than its predecessor and is much better for it. Taran is still imprudent and rash, but is also rapidly maturing in his manhood. Given the chance to pause and think, he is able to demonstrate who he truly is and the man he will become.
It's tough to say but I think I like the book of three a little better because there is a bit more diversity in the plot line, but I dearly love these books, and so do the kids.
I'm listening to it as my light summer read. It scared me to death as a child, but I'm truly enjoying the audiobook.
Old Shit I'm Revisiting: The Prequel: Part 2
Aw this is more like it. As I said I was a bit disappointed reading The Book Of Three this is more like The Prydain I remember. There are still flaws, writing at times can be a bit flat, and the exposition a bit heavy. But the moral universe of the characters has grown nicely adding shades of grey to what was starkly black and white before, there's room for some apt and surprisingly lovely metaphor (The broach that causes everything to look different is as good a metaphor for loss of innocence as I can think of) and the characters have deepened, though I can still see a bit of the stockness. (blah blah blah classic archetypes yada yada yada collective unconscious, what I can I say I calls them like I see them).
Once again though the heart of the book comes from Alexander's fertile and surprisingly dark imagination. He plays for keeps and he can play mean, the Cauldron Born themselves are a skin crawlingly creepy concept (It's always bothered me how they don't even bleed), The Huntsmen blew my God Damned mind when I was twelve, and the Cauldron itself is creepy as hell. It's a clever idea really, Tolkien always did the thing with the ring where it would purposely hinder transportation or put itself in someone's hand. Well that all well and good, but Alexander does the same thing here with a several hundred pound cauldron, which believe me can do some damage when it doesn't want to be moved. Even the allies are creepy as hell, the three sisters who control the cauldron have the same strange elliptical menace as Gaiman's Kindly Ones from Sandman. In fact I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn that this was a major influence on Gaiman's portrayal. (blah blah blah classic archetypes yada yada yada collective unconscious, what I can I say I calls them like I see them).
Anyway it was a significant step up from The Book Of Three. I might see some cracks a bit more clearly now, but I can still appreciate a ripping good yarn.
Aw this is more like it. As I said I was a bit disappointed reading The Book Of Three this is more like The Prydain I remember. There are still flaws, writing at times can be a bit flat, and the exposition a bit heavy. But the moral universe of the characters has grown nicely adding shades of grey to what was starkly black and white before, there's room for some apt and surprisingly lovely metaphor (The broach that causes everything to look different is as good a metaphor for loss of innocence as I can think of) and the characters have deepened, though I can still see a bit of the stockness. (blah blah blah classic archetypes yada yada yada collective unconscious, what I can I say I calls them like I see them).
Once again though the heart of the book comes from Alexander's fertile and surprisingly dark imagination. He plays for keeps and he can play mean, the Cauldron Born themselves are a skin crawlingly creepy concept (It's always bothered me how they don't even bleed), The Huntsmen blew my God Damned mind when I was twelve, and the Cauldron itself is creepy as hell. It's a clever idea really, Tolkien always did the thing with the ring where it would purposely hinder transportation or put itself in someone's hand. Well that all well and good, but Alexander does the same thing here with a several hundred pound cauldron, which believe me can do some damage when it doesn't want to be moved. Even the allies are creepy as hell, the three sisters who control the cauldron have the same strange elliptical menace as Gaiman's Kindly Ones from Sandman. In fact I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn that this was a major influence on Gaiman's portrayal. (blah blah blah classic archetypes yada yada yada collective unconscious, what I can I say I calls them like I see them).
Anyway it was a significant step up from The Book Of Three. I might see some cracks a bit more clearly now, but I can still appreciate a ripping good yarn.
adventurous
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I actually really liked this! I had one main problem with it, but I can't say what it was because it's a spoiler.
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
This is an amazing series and is a foundation fantasy book. Taran has been tested, and he now knows that war isn't just a game and that a warrior's goal is for there to be an end to war. He is now tasked by the Prince to help in a quest. Find the Black Cauldron and destroy it so that the Death Lord can no longer make his deathless warriors. Dark and fun this is a series that shouldn't be ignored or forgotten. For kids fifth grade on up who enjoy fantasy and are looking for something that isn't just about magic.
Just as good as the first, if not better. There's a darkness building in the storyline that I'm really excited about -- but at the same time, there's a uniqueness and episodic quality to this series that I enjoy. It's not following the same path as many traditional epic fantasy series that reveal the 'Big Bad' and his evil plans almost completely in the first novel, and then just watch them play out for the rest of the series. Very refreshing, still impeccably written. Definitely looking forward to continuing on to book three!