Reviews

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander

rchluther's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny fast-paced

5.0

Such an old favorite. When I am in the mood for some YA comfort reading from my childhood, it is so easy to go back to Prydain. Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper, Dallben the Enchanter, Gwydion the mighty Prince, Eilonwy and her bauble, Fflewddur and his harp, Coll and Hen Wen, and of course Gurgi! Lots of wonderful friends always makes for a fun read. Great fantasy reading for late elementary readers.

Update in 2023: This series is still as amazing as ever.

claytell's review

4.0

As an adult reading it for the first time, you would likely give this a 3. But this is a children’s story (imo) and should be thought about in that light.

I have very distinct and positive memories of Taran wanderer and the black cauldron. I thought after 40+ years this deserved a revisit.

summerdreams56's review

adventurous funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.0

I think it was a cute cozy little book. I love the movie the black cauldron and that's why I read this. And honestly I love getting to see even more of the story. I also like that the main character isn't perfect and didn't become a mighty hero but he helped the cause in his own way. I loved the banter between him and eilonwy. Gurgi is adorable. 

taliesinpendragon's review

adventurous inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

arsilyn's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

apochemu's review

4.0

A fun listen. Unfortunately I lost attention at a few parts so I got a little lost every now and then, but we really enjoyed it. For a kids book, it was pretty well done.

ameserole's review

3.0

While this book hasn't been on my TBR for that long, I was a bit excited to dive into this. Even if it was only on my radar due to a challenge.

The Book of Three was a surprisingly quick read. It probably would've gone by a bit faster if some things didn't annoy me. For example, Gurgi could easily annoy me. He was an okay character that was pretty entertaining. Yet, there was just something about him that would annoy me at times. It was like his secret gift or whatever.

Besides him, there was Taran and Eilonwy. At first, I didn't really think much of Taran and towards the end of the book... I'm still sort of feeling that way. As for the princess, she was okay. When these two were together they definitely made me laugh here and there. I just don't think I have an absolute favorite character at this point. However, I don't know if I will feel the same when I dive into the next book or the rest of the series.

Then there's the actual story of the book. In the beginning, it started off pretty good but then I just got a bit bored with everything that was happening. Or not happening. If I was reading this when I was younger, I probably would've enjoyed this a lot more. It might be a bit weird that I'm just now finding this series in my late 20's.. but I'm going with it.

In the end, I hope the next book is better.

johnnymacaroni's review against another edition

3.0

Just after I got finished telling someone I don't like to listen to fantasy books on audio because it gets too hard to keep track of all the characters and subplots and settings...I went and listened to this one. I had a long car ride ahead of me and I basically finished this in one day. But there were times when my mind wandered and I didn't quite get everything that happened and I feel like there are a few holes but those I suppose could be filled in by reading the rest of the series. (like what exactly is the Book of Three? I thought it would have more of a role in a book named after it. And I don't quite get what Henwen does...is she a psychic pig?)
I wasn't too hot on the characters either but all that said I do see the appeal here for young fantasy lovers or those just beginning to explore this genre. I do think the audio was good, great narration-good pace, good change of voices and accents. But if you're a listener like me who gets easily distracted then I would recommend reading it instead.

alima's review

Wanted to give this a re-read because I loved this series when I was a kid! Perfectly fine, very Tolkien inspired, I still enjoyed it as an adult but not enough to finish it!

lauriestein's review

2.0

I wish I had read these when I was much younger. Action-packed plot, but the setting seems rather threadbare for fantasy. The characterizations are entirely predictable, but I guess that's how cliches become cliches.