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vhenderson93's reviews
512 reviews
Taran Wanderer by Lloyd Alexander
5.0
I have found words....
And yet I still lack words to describe how much I adored this book. There was just so many things, so many elements to this story. Taran's journey takes him much further than he ever intended and along the way he learned so many great life lessons that even apply today. I especially loved Taran's time spent among the Free Commots. I strongly believe that this book could have been longer and slightly more in depth concerning the part with Morda and the Fair Folk. CRADDOC!!!! That man had no idea how badly he destroyed Taran. It was a selfish and cruel thing to do. I literally had to put the book down and just...AHHHH!
I was so happy to see good old Doli rejoin the group. I'd missed him in the last one. And I love how Fflewddur keeps turning up. And there's Gurgi...who doesn't love Gurgi?? I really missed Elinowy and her clever/amusing sayings and comparisons. I hope she has a bigger part in the next one.
Of the series this one is my second favorite, only after The Black Cauldron and closely tied with The Book of Three. I am so so pumped to finish the last book and yet I really don't want this series to end. Thank you, Lloyd Alexander for creating this amazing story and sharing it with the world.
And yet I still lack words to describe how much I adored this book. There was just so many things, so many elements to this story. Taran's journey takes him much further than he ever intended and along the way he learned so many great life lessons that even apply today. I especially loved Taran's time spent among the Free Commots. I strongly believe that this book could have been longer and slightly more in depth concerning the part with Morda and the Fair Folk. CRADDOC!!!! That man had no idea how badly he destroyed Taran. It was a selfish and cruel thing to do. I literally had to put the book down and just...AHHHH!
I was so happy to see good old Doli rejoin the group. I'd missed him in the last one. And I love how Fflewddur keeps turning up. And there's Gurgi...who doesn't love Gurgi?? I really missed Elinowy and her clever/amusing sayings and comparisons. I hope she has a bigger part in the next one.
Of the series this one is my second favorite, only after The Black Cauldron and closely tied with The Book of Three. I am so so pumped to finish the last book and yet I really don't want this series to end. Thank you, Lloyd Alexander for creating this amazing story and sharing it with the world.
The High King by Lloyd Alexander
5.0
If I could only chose one series to read during this Corona Virus freak-out, it would totally be The Chronicles of Prydain. From start to finish, this series was packed with heart-racing action and battles, witty humor that made me smile, characters that I deeply cared for, and lessons to learn and live by.
This book in particular was fantastic. A lot of sacrifices, not only in death, were made and many of them tugged at my heart strings. I do wish that Arawn had had a slightly bigger part toward the end. Or at least a bit more dialogue. To be honest, I've been waiting since book 1 for he and Taran to meet and go head to head. Speaking of endings....LOVED IT! That last paragraph!! I was so sad to see it end.
I have truly enjoyed entering the world of Prydain and watching the characters mature and grow over the years. It's been a real treat. You need to read this series. Period.
P.S- in my review of book 3 I said that I wasn't sure what I thought of Rhun. Now I can honestly say that he's one of my favorite semi-minor-secondary characters.
This book in particular was fantastic. A lot of sacrifices, not only in death, were made and many of them tugged at my heart strings. I do wish that Arawn had had a slightly bigger part toward the end. Or at least a bit more dialogue. To be honest, I've been waiting since book 1 for he and Taran to meet and go head to head. Speaking of endings....LOVED IT! That last paragraph!! I was so sad to see it end.
I have truly enjoyed entering the world of Prydain and watching the characters mature and grow over the years. It's been a real treat. You need to read this series. Period.
P.S- in my review of book 3 I said that I wasn't sure what I thought of Rhun. Now I can honestly say that he's one of my favorite semi-minor-secondary characters.
The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander
5.0
I needed this book. After finishing book 5 (which is technically the last one aside from this) I was anxious to return to Prydain because I missed it so, and I consumed this book in one night. My only complaint is that it was too short.
This book answers a lot of questions and fills in the gaps to some backstories. How Dallben came to live with the three witches, the dark and gruesome history of the sword Dyrnwyn, and how Fflewddur Fflam was given his harp, to name a few.
The stories contained the same charm and magic as the rest of the series and it was a delightful taste after the bitter sweetness of reading the High King. Even though it's super short, don't forget to pick this one up.
This book answers a lot of questions and fills in the gaps to some backstories. How Dallben came to live with the three witches, the dark and gruesome history of the sword Dyrnwyn, and how Fflewddur Fflam was given his harp, to name a few.
The stories contained the same charm and magic as the rest of the series and it was a delightful taste after the bitter sweetness of reading the High King. Even though it's super short, don't forget to pick this one up.
The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
5.0
If I could give six stars I would. Fans of this series will be on the edge of their seat in this final book. C.S Lewis does a fine job of-well I can't spoil that for you. And the alarming fact that, I shouldn't spoil that either. This grand tale will leave readers wanting to begin the series again.
The Moon-Spinners by Mary Stewart
3.0
When I found out that the 1964 Disney movie, The Moon-Spinners was based off a book I was very intrigued to give it a try. I enjoyed the movie and hoped the book would be just as good. Usually, book to movie adaptations don't work out. It's rare when the movie is actually better than the book (I can only think of two right now) And, in my opinion, it's a bad idea to watch the movie first and then read the book. So I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading. The book and the movie both have similarities and differences. The plot is slightly different and some of the characters were different or even missing but overall, it was pretty close and I thought that both were good.
I found the book very enjoyable and I loved the unexpected twist toward the end! The descriptions were amazing and at times I could actually visualize walking along the dusty roads of Crete or going up into the mountains. It was really breathtaking. I considered this more of a mystery/adventure book than a romance. I think my only complaint was the language. I didn't think it was necessary.
Overall, it was a fun read that I had trouble putting down and I will definitely be checking out more of Mary Stewart's books
I found the book very enjoyable and I loved the unexpected twist toward the end! The descriptions were amazing and at times I could actually visualize walking along the dusty roads of Crete or going up into the mountains. It was really breathtaking. I considered this more of a mystery/adventure book than a romance. I think my only complaint was the language. I didn't think it was necessary.
Overall, it was a fun read that I had trouble putting down and I will definitely be checking out more of Mary Stewart's books
The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander
5.0
One word...phenomenal! I need to own this book.
I liked this one even more than the first one. Once I finally got the opportunity to dive in, I couldn't put it down. This was very character-driven. Centered mostly around Adaon, a gentle and wise man with no hidden agenda or plots of personal gain whatsoever (who was one of my favorites), Ellidyr, the prideful and arrogant prince, AKA Prince Patchcloak. (I laughed so hard at that) and Taran. These characters were so well crafted that they became real. I was totally engrossed in their world.
Aside from trying to find the black cauldron, destroy it and save the world, this journey is about self-worth, the price of pride and what honor and glory really are. There were quite a few quotes that were highly profound and deserved to be slapped on a mug, pillowcase, t-shirt, and mouse pad and sold all around the world.
I could keep going, but I highly recommend you to read this. Start with the Book of Three. It will give you a better idea of some of the character's backstories.
P.S- If you liked the Disney film, you'll LOVE this
I liked this one even more than the first one. Once I finally got the opportunity to dive in, I couldn't put it down. This was very character-driven. Centered mostly around Adaon, a gentle and wise man with no hidden agenda or plots of personal gain whatsoever (who was one of my favorites), Ellidyr, the prideful and arrogant prince, AKA Prince Patchcloak. (I laughed so hard at that) and Taran. These characters were so well crafted that they became real. I was totally engrossed in their world.
Aside from trying to find the black cauldron, destroy it and save the world, this journey is about self-worth, the price of pride and what honor and glory really are. There were quite a few quotes that were highly profound and deserved to be slapped on a mug, pillowcase, t-shirt, and mouse pad and sold all around the world.
I could keep going, but I highly recommend you to read this. Start with the Book of Three. It will give you a better idea of some of the character's backstories.
P.S- If you liked the Disney film, you'll LOVE this
Holes by Louis Sachar
5.0
I'm not sure why, but I never read this book in school but I always wanted to. And after watching the movie. I decided to finally read it. I was honestly shocked at how close the book and the movie are. A lot of the lines are word for word. Overall, the book was amazing! I loved how the author went back and forth between the past and present in such a way that wasn't confusing. Then again, watching the movie first might have helped. It was an enjoyable and easy read with a group of colorful characters.
Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis
4.0
When the kings and queens of old are called back to Narnia, they are dismayed to find their beloved home is not as it once was. Old foes, new allies. The Golden age is over and a new Era of Narnia begins.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
4.0
C.S Lewis opens a new adventure for readers aboard The Dawn Treader. A fun read with life lessons to apply.
Shell Game by Ridley Pearson
1.0
In my review for the first book of the series, I said that the only reason I started reading these was because we're going to Disney World in the Fall and I thought it would be fun to read them before going. As promising as the entire plot sounds, I don't believe the books are living up to what it could be.
I've tolerated books 1-4 but this one...this one was just annoying. The idea of the Kingdom Keepers leaving the parks and taking their adventures on the Dream sounded cool. A change of scenery, new obstacles, etc. The further I read, the more I didn't even want to finish it. I had to make myself finish it because I was reaching my renewal limit at the library.
My main problem was the way Philby was being portrayed. I actually liked his character. His role as the official tech person was very important. But all of sudden, everyone started hating him for pretty much doing his job. So he's smart and he gives a more detailed answer than necessary. Why is that such a bad thing? It's who he is. The entire DHI thing is ALL about technology, so of course Philby would know more and be able to master 2.0 quicker. Finn was so worried about keeping his title as leader for the majority of the book. And what's with all the 'professor Philby'?? The author has done this numerous times in all the books and it's irritating.
There were other things I didn't like, but that was my main issue. I did get through this one but I'm not continuing the series. Especially after finding out that book 6 continues at sea. I've had about as much of the Keepers as I can take. And I mean that in the best way possible.
I've tolerated books 1-4 but this one...this one was just annoying. The idea of the Kingdom Keepers leaving the parks and taking their adventures on the Dream sounded cool. A change of scenery, new obstacles, etc. The further I read, the more I didn't even want to finish it. I had to make myself finish it because I was reaching my renewal limit at the library.
My main problem was the way Philby was being portrayed. I actually liked his character. His role as the official tech person was very important. But all of sudden, everyone started hating him for pretty much doing his job. So he's smart and he gives a more detailed answer than necessary. Why is that such a bad thing? It's who he is. The entire DHI thing is ALL about technology, so of course Philby would know more and be able to master 2.0 quicker. Finn was so worried about keeping his title as leader for the majority of the book. And what's with all the 'professor Philby'?? The author has done this numerous times in all the books and it's irritating.
There were other things I didn't like, but that was my main issue. I did get through this one but I'm not continuing the series. Especially after finding out that book 6 continues at sea. I've had about as much of the Keepers as I can take. And I mean that in the best way possible.