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Summary: Wonderful Introduction to Taran Wanderer.
Review: This first book in Lloyd Alexander's five-book series introduces most of the characters we come to know and love in the later books: Taran, Eilonwy, Hen-Wen, Doli, Coll, Dallben, Gurgi (with his many munchings and crunchings), Gwydion; and the evil players, Arawn, Achren, the Huntsmen of Annuvin, Gwythaints, the Cauldron Born, and the chief antagonist in this book, the Horned King (depicted on the cover).Alexander draws deeply from Welsh mythology to bring us one of the finest fantasy series ever written, teeming with colorful wizards, princes, dwarves, and assorted monsters. It's heavily laden with virtue and positive messages without ever preaching. In The Book of Three, our hero, Taran Wanderer cuts his teeth in adventure and battle against the Horned King, showing early hints the greatness to come. This first book is not by itself one of the great literary works, but is a worthy and required warm-up to the genius of the complete work. I believe these tales of the land of Prydain rank with Narnia and Tolkien's Middle Earth. Personally, I rank the Prydain series as number two behind the Ring Trilogy, and slightly better than the Narnia Chronicles. Alexander's books are easier reading than Tolkien's, but lack the depth. Of course, that's like saying K2 isn't as high as Everest. Who cares? --Christopher Bonn Jonnes, author of Wake Up Dead.
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Summary: Great intro to fantasy
Review: The Book of Three marks the beginning of the PrydainChronicles, a great five part coming-of age tale. Thus begins thestory of Taran, an orphan who is raised by the wizard Dallben. Taran dreams of the outside world and of being a hero. Even though I have read Tolkien's masterpiece before I came across this book and the rest of the series, I can see why older readers can get nostalgic about the Prydain books. When the psychic pig Hen Wen escapes the farm, a simple search becomes a quest to save Prydain against the Death Lord and his champion. Readers can really relate to Taran, especially younger ones, as he is just barely a teenager. The protagonists are ones that the reader can't help but to just like, and there are not really any slow parts in the book. It has the necessary elements of a fantasy book, but it has a good amount of humor, and is thought provoking. The Book of Three is a quick and easy read, and it motivates you to read the rest of the series. And the Prydain Chronicles is not easily forgotten. If you haven't read any fantasy literature, or just didn't read the Prydain Chronicles, I would suggest to anyone interested to read them.
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Summary: Compelling adventure story
Review: I purchased this book based on a recommendation from a friend. My son has attention deficit disorder and absolutely hates to read. Our school system participates in the Accelerated Reader program, so independent reading is a huge part of the curriculum. Choosing a book with action and adventure is a must. We would read together every night -- and I never had to force him to sit down and do it like I have had to with other books for so many years. He would remind ME that it was time to read. The story is told so vividly that we could both picture what was happening. I could close my eyes and see the battles, the scenery and the characters. And the characters have virtue - something missing in so much literature for middle readers. I've already ordered the next in the series -- we can hardly wait! Bravo!
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Summary: The start of it all
Review: If you've ever seen Disney's "The Black Cauldron," you may already know that it's sort of a hybrid of the first two books in Lloyd Alexander's timeless Prydain Chronicles. "The Book of Three" is the first in the series, in which we are introduced to the characters who will stay with us through to the last book -- young Taran, the foundling who longs for adventure; wise Dallben, the ancient enchanter who raised Taran; noble Gwydion, prince of the realm; Gurgi, the ever-hungry what-is-it who befriends Taran in the woods; Eilonwy, the pretty young chatterbox who aids Taran's escape from the wicked queen Achren; and Fflewddur Fflam, the valiant bard with a tendency to embroider upon the truth. Evil is spreading through the land of Prydain (loosely based on the ancient kingdom of Wales), and it's up to our heroes to stop the advances of evil Arawn, lord of Annuvin, land of the dead. Arawn's champion, the Horned King, seeks the destruction of Dallben's oracular pet pig, Hen Wen; he himself can be destroyed only by one secret weapon. Can our new friends accomplish the impossible? New readers have been discovering the answer to that question for over thirty years.
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Summary: Brilliant fantasy
Review: I have often jokingly told people to read this before reading JRR Tolkein because it's "Hobbit"-lite. But my jest is with all affection. "The Book of Three" is the first of five books (not including the 6th of short stories) involving the fantasy world of Prydain. Lloyd Alexander borrows heavily from Gaelic and Welsh mythology to create the tale of Taran, Assistant Pig-keeper for the enchanter Dallben. In this book we are introduced to Taran, a boy on the cusp of manhood eager to take part in the adventures of the world. Dark forces under the direction of Awran, the Death-Lord threaten the lives of all in Prydain, and none is more feared that the gruesom "Horned King". After leaping "headfirst into a thorn bush" young Taran finds himself face to face with this dreaded champion of darkness who has come from Annuvuin in search of Hen-wen, the oracular pig under Taran's charge. I won't spoil any more of the story except to say that this book introduces many of the characters that appear later on in the rest of the series: the stubborn and lovely Princess Eilonwy, the king-who-wants-to-be-a-bard Fflewder Flam, the cantankerous Doli of the fairfolk, Coll- the warrior turned farmer, and more. Lloyd Alexander's fantasy tale, in my opinion, rivals that of Tolkein as a richly crafted work with wonderful images and a deep understanding and appreciation for the thoughts and feelings of a young man like Taran. The text is easy to read, and the story flows smoothly along. Each book can stand alone, but together create a magnificant epic tapestry. The names of the characters are a little hard to get used to, but not impossible. This is the kind of book you can read out loud at bed-time to young childern. The plot is engaging enough for the little ones and deep enough for adults to appreciate. I recommend this book to just about anyone, and especially for children who are old enough to be reading completely on their own and have reached that point where they are "into" adventures. The best thing about this book (and the series) is that what little violence there is is not glorified, there is no gratuitous sex, and there are morals espoused without sounding preachy. And its the kind of story that girls and boys can enjoy and its perfect for pre-teens and early teens. As the books progress, young teens can "grow" along with Taran, and understand some of his angst. All around, a most excellent novel, and only the begining of a fantastic story...
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Summary: this book is a literary bomb
Review: Ok, just because the Lord of the Rings is the definitive fantasy novel DOES NOT mean that all of the fantasy books have to be just like Lord of the Rings. Theoretically, Lloyd Alexander took a great book, changed a few names, a few words, cut out 1,000 pages, and called it The Book of Three, which he, then, made x amount of dollars in.
here i will compare Alexanders "dark pond" or gloomy, or whatever it was, with Tolkiens entrance to Moria scene-
now come on, how pathetic can you get, and I know both came from mythology, but if your writing with a line of mythology ITS OK to stray from the myths once and a while! though having not read mythology, i do not know the roots of this particular article in question, but do know that Alexander could have done something to interest us, and to keep us from wanting to pick up The Felloship
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Summary: A Great Start to a Brilliant Fantasy Saga!
Review: The Book of Three is an excellent adventure story by a fantasy king, Lloyd Alexander. The book follows the main character Taran, who is an assistant pig-keeper, as he journeys from his familiar home to the very heart of evil, trying to retrieve his oracular pig Hen-Wen before she comes into the clutches of the evil "Horned King"! Interesting characters include the king-who-wishes-to-be-a-bard Flam, whose harp strings break when he tells a lie, to the asinine Doli of the Fair Folk, to the beautiful Eilonwy, who Taran obviously begins to develop feelings for. With adventures like a rescue from an evil Lord's castle, the uncovering of a tomb holding armor and swords, and a battle with the Horned King and his evil minions, The Book of Three is an exciting and enchanting beginning to the five novels of Prydain. The other four in order are; The Black Cauldron(which was a Newbery Honor Book); The Castle of Llyr; Taran Wanderer; and The High King(which won the Newbery Medal). After you read The Book of Three be sure to continue the series with these other great epics! Josh King
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Summary: Just the beginning....
Review: Like all great fantasy series, the Prydain Chronicles will resonate with you for a long while after you put them down. The Book of Three begins the legendary adventure of Taran, Eilonwy, Fflewddur Flam, Gurgi, Doli, and Gwydion. The heroes are witty, warm, and wise; the villains are frightening, chilling, and insidious. You will laugh and shudder by turns as Taran faces the Death Lord's minions on his search for the cute and prophetic pig, Hen Wen. Lloyd Alexander's writing is first-rate and grand, like listening to a superb storyteller. His paints a vivid landscape peopled with truly unique characters. There is some argument about similarities with Tolkien, Star Wars, C.S. Lewis' Narnia, etc. Actually, you can take any epic about the battle of good and evil and point fingers, but isn't a good story worth another excellent retelling? This is one those rare treasures you read as a child, and rediscover as an adult again and again. Why? Besides the lovely writing, the characters aren't simple bystanders or perfect people caught up in the action. They make choices (and mistakes), face consequences, and struggle through personal challenges. It's reality in an unreal setting. In this first book, Taran, in a rush to grow up, leaves his post as Assistant Pig-keeper to become a Hero. Everyone who has ever been an adolescent can relate to wanting to break away. Finding yourself is the hard part, and one aspect of the series is about this universal phase. But it isn't all Serious and about Learning A Lesson. There is cheeky humor, poked at our valiant, though sometimes too earnest Taran. Things can't go according to the great Hero Plan with Eilonwy cutting him down to size, Doli scoffing at the young 'uns, and Gurgi wanting "munchings and crunchings" all the time. This is one of those books that you will feel ends too soon. Be sure to have the next one close at hand, because The Book of Three is just the beginning once you have tasted Alexander's magic.
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Summary: It's Gurgi that sold me, with his crunchings and munchings
Review: Never have I read a series of books that has commanded as much of my attention or affection as Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles. I was a fan before I even read the books, having been told about them by my older brother whose third grade teacher would read them to her class every day after lunch. At the mention of Gurgi's name, and hearing the phrase "crunchings and munchings," I HAD to read this book, and soon thereafter swiped a copy from an aunt. And the book itself didn't disappoint! Taran leaves the safety of his home to find his runaway pig, only to encounter his hero, Prince Gwydion, and the most terrible warlord in all the land, the Horned King. After he and Gwydion are captured by the evil queen Achren, Taran is joined by the Princess Eilonwy, bard Fflewddur Fflam, and simple-minded creature Gurgi on a quest to warn Gwydion's people of the Horned King's threat. The excitement continues all the way to the end, Taran becoming older and wiser with each new experience he faces and person he meets. Entertaining for all ages, and a perfect introduction to the land of Prydain. I can't recommend this highly enough.
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Summary: A quality start to a classic series
Review: Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles are one of the key series in children's fantasy literature, walking the fine line between being accessible to young readers and being appealing and engaging enough for adults to enjoy. The five wonderful books in this series feature an interesting cast of reoccurring characters, all centering on Taran, a pig keeper destined for great things. Others, including a stereotypical spoiled princess, a crazed Gollum-like creature, and a hapless bard, take part in a series of increasingly epic adventures. Because Alexander drew his stories from ancient myths and legends, the themes and situations always feel familiar. These will feel like stories you've read many times before, but never in a tiresome way. They're "comfortable." And that's a welcome trait, especially when so many books try so hard to be different. This first volume if five, "The Book of Three," is probably the weakest of the series (though it is by no means bad, or even average). Taran seems to get caught up in his adventure rather too easily, and initially, before we become comfortable with the characters, some of them are a little grating. Gurgi is almost a downright annoyance. But then the story really kicks into gear and develops into a nice adventure tale, setting the stage for the better Prydain books to come later. What "The Book of Three" does best is put in place the pieces of the great big puzzle that is put together throughout the next four books. And who couldn't love the delightful early stages of Taran and Eilonwy's relationship? Delightful and funny is every way. Children will relate to the characters and the way they pick on each other, while adults will smile knowingly as Alexander winks and nods. The writing is direct and lively throughout, and the pacing absolutely perfect. Just when one suspects a lull in the action is looming, Alexander races us forward and advances the adventure some more. Things are always progressing, always pushing forward, offering a tale that one is hard-pressed to put down. One of the great joys of this series is the steady progression from pure children's fantasy to more adult themes and a grimmer, more mournful tone, allowing the reader to grow along with the characters. The first book does not well reflect the last. What begins as a light fantasy becomes very serious. And that is a good thing. "The Book of Three" and the rest of the Prydain Chronicles are recommended reading for anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially classic children's fantasy.
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