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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have been meaning to read this book for quite a while. My students read the first book in the series, The Book of Three. I really like so many elements in that book and the characters are entertaining. The same is true for this one. I think I will read the rest of the series so I can talk about it with any of my students who choose to do the same. It is a great example of hero archetypes.
As with The Book of Three, it is possible I read this decades ago, but I have no memory. This episode of the series is also very derivative of Tolkein's work, but the characters are interesting and the story is well-told.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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
Significantly better than the first book in the series, the author here moves away from the transparent Tolkien imitation to something with both a different feeling and purpose. Even Gurgi becomes less of a store-brand Gollum, though I feel Alexander probably should've cut the cast to one sidekick - preferably picking the more interesting Fflam.
This book is still a bit unsure at times if it wants to be a fairy tale quest or something more epic in scale, and also has too many characters for its short length to support. However its core message is a really nice one and too rare in fantasy. Given that children are the target audience this is especially nice. As opposed to how insufferable he was for most of the first book, Taran's personality development here is quicker and contrasted nicely with that of Ellidyr.
Unlike many of its contemporaries, this book also does not hold up terribly when it comes to gender. Although Eilionwy is never given enough to do and is the sole heroic feminine presence, her strong personality is always shown in a positive light and her judgements to be correct. A character looking down on her is always portrayed as a personality flaw on their part.
Overall a fun read and suitable especially for young readers or older ones tired of the present grimdark trend in the genre. Adult readers may be put off a bit by the simplicity of the plot and characters, but has a more wholesome message than some better storytellers (but worse role models) like C.S. Lewis.
This book is still a bit unsure at times if it wants to be a fairy tale quest or something more epic in scale, and also has too many characters for its short length to support. However its core message is a really nice one and too rare in fantasy. Given that children are the target audience this is especially nice. As opposed to how insufferable he was for most of the first book, Taran's personality development here is quicker and contrasted nicely with that of Ellidyr.
Unlike many of its contemporaries, this book also does not hold up terribly when it comes to gender. Although Eilionwy is never given enough to do and is the sole heroic feminine presence, her strong personality is always shown in a positive light and her judgements to be correct. A character looking down on her is always portrayed as a personality flaw on their part.
Overall a fun read and suitable especially for young readers or older ones tired of the present grimdark trend in the genre. Adult readers may be put off a bit by the simplicity of the plot and characters, but has a more wholesome message than some better storytellers (but worse role models) like C.S. Lewis.
Disclaimer: I read this in middle school, maybe the sixth grade, and it was instantly my favorite book ever... until I read Jane Eyre in the 8th grade and so on. So I'm rating this 5 stars based on my memory of how I felt about it when I read it as a middle school student. I'd like to reread it one day to see if it still makes me feel as much excitement as it did back then.
I enjoyed this one a lot more than The Book of Three. The audio was much easier to follow. Maybe I was just paying more attention?
Anywho, I remember reading this as a child and being completely and totally freaked out. It's not as terrifying as I remember, but it's still genuinely creepy. I was excited by the introduction of the three witches, as well as the return of the characters I already know and love. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
Anywho, I remember reading this as a child and being completely and totally freaked out. It's not as terrifying as I remember, but it's still genuinely creepy. I was excited by the introduction of the three witches, as well as the return of the characters I already know and love. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.
adventurous
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Me gustó mucho este libro! Tenía idea de qué esperar gracias a la película pero como toda adaptación literaria tenía varios cambios que no esperaba y que me hizo mucho más sentido ahora. No me esperaba el final por lo mismo y me sorprendió bastante para bien 😌
This whole book is just Eilonwy continuing to be a badass in a world where no one takes her seriously.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot