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beautifulordinary 's review for:
The Black Cauldron
by Lloyd Alexander
Man, so good.
This series is deceptive. The names are all odd and annoyingly similar, to my American sentiments. The first half of each book drags, and I struggle to gain momentum. With both books, I set it aside half way through to read another book, and then picked it up again grumblingly. And both times, the books shocked me with the excitement, depth, and goodness in the last half. Twice now, I've closed Lloyd Alexander's books with a deep sigh of contentment.
The theme of honor is entrenched throughout this whole book. In a way, the story is simply a frame for the significant lesson you're expected to walk away with. However, it doesn't feel the least bit preachy.
I've heard it said that fantasy writers fall into one of two catagories: those who write characters well and those who create worlds well. I feel that Alexander falls into the former category. While descriptions of the setting abound, he really shines in the way he depicts the characters, especially their growth. I want to know them all! Gurgi is my favorite. I, too, enjoy crunchings and munchings.
This series is deceptive. The names are all odd and annoyingly similar, to my American sentiments. The first half of each book drags, and I struggle to gain momentum. With both books, I set it aside half way through to read another book, and then picked it up again grumblingly. And both times, the books shocked me with the excitement, depth, and goodness in the last half. Twice now, I've closed Lloyd Alexander's books with a deep sigh of contentment.
The theme of honor is entrenched throughout this whole book. In a way, the story is simply a frame for the significant lesson you're expected to walk away with. However, it doesn't feel the least bit preachy.
I've heard it said that fantasy writers fall into one of two catagories: those who write characters well and those who create worlds well. I feel that Alexander falls into the former category. While descriptions of the setting abound, he really shines in the way he depicts the characters, especially their growth. I want to know them all! Gurgi is my favorite. I, too, enjoy crunchings and munchings.