Rating: 
Summary: Great... but INCREDIBLY derivative of Tolkien!
Review: I just read The Book of Three to my bright 8 year old daughter -- it's a favorite from my youth -- and it was even better than I remembered!But what really struck both of us was how many zillions of characters & plot points & even specific phrases were directly taken from Tolkien. I bet if I went through the book I could come up with a hundred examples, but just off the top of my head: Gwydion - introduced as disappointing, scruffy figure just like Aragorn, later revealed as princely character; has broken sword; also, "dies" and comes back similar to Gandalf Gurgi = Gollum (but basically good, instead of basically bad), initially despised by Taran mythological hunter figure = Valar Orome gwythant = flying Nazgul mount Cauldron-born = Nazgul Horned King = Lord of the Nazgul Arawn = Sauron Achren = Saruman/White Queen from Narnia Noah figure = Beorn/Radagast/Tom Bombadil, giving Taran/Frodo a Galadriel-like choice to stay Mountain storm plus forbidding Black Lake = similar events facing the Fellowship trying to cross the mountain and at Moria's steps ..etc, etc. Don't get me wrong... this is an incredibly inventive classic book, and many original elements could be listed, but I was stunned by some of the SPECIFIC QUOTES (e.g. Gurgi) taken from Tolkien. Obviously, Middle-Earth and Welsh legends share common sources, but Alexander was pretty obviously specifically inspired by Tolkien. I recall later books are much more removed from Middle-Earth models.
Rating:
Summary: A superb fantasy novel
Review: This spellbinding debut introduces the adventures of Taran and his companions in the enchanted land of Prydain. THE BOOK OF THREE is full of swords, sorcery, and action, but what one treasures even more is the warmth and compassion with which Lloyd Alexander crafts his characters. From bold, impulsive Taran and the lovely chatterbox Eilonwy, to gallant Lord Gwydion to lovable Gurgi, these are some of the most wonderfully memorable characters ever created. There is also a rich vein of comedy. THE BOOK OF THREE is a literate, witty, and entertaining adventure story, a magnificent introduction to one of the best fantasy series ever written. Adults will enjoy this as much as--if not more than--children.
Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put it down,it kept me intrested the entire book.
Review: The book of three was one of the best books I can remember reading. It It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Th authors vivid descripsions and details made me feel like I was actuall in the story. The book is about a young boy living in prydain who wants to be a warrior, but is stuck to being a assistant pig-keeper in his small three person town. When a terrible evil arises tyhe pg runs away. In his search for his oricular pig he meets many friends,including the prince of prydain and many other interesting characters. He then finds his way around the magical realm of prydain. He battles the horned king in a last battle to the death. I thought that this book was terrific, and the best part is that it is only one of a series of five books. I would strongly recommend this book to all people who like fantasy and magic.
Rating:
Summary: The best book
Review: I read this book last year in my sixth grade class. I looked at the cover and thought it would probably be dumb, but when I read it I couldn't put it down. It was so good! Lloyd Alexander is a great writer.
Rating:
Summary: Not just another chidren's book
Review: I don't know how The Prydain Chronicles can be dismissed as a children's book. It contains all the elements of great fantasy. Myself, I am ninteen and have read this series since Junior High. I think it is second only to Tolkien's Middle Earth and is even a step ahead of Brook's Shannara series. This is my favorite book in the series except for The High King. It tells of Taran's first adventure, when he began to become one of the great in Prydain while keeping the humble personality of an Assistant Pig-Keeper. I would recommend this book to all fantasy fans.
Rating:
Summary: This book was so good, I couldn't put it down
Review: This was a book for my reading class at school. I decided to read ahead to see what happened.I finished the rest in one day. I couldn't put it down. I loved the way the author gave each character a unique personality. The medieval settintg is very interesting and gives the book a nice touch. Taran, is very different at the end of the book. This is another way the characters have a unique personality.
Rating:
Summary: Just for kids? NOT!
Review: All I can say about this book is wow! Though not my favorite one of the Prydain Chronicles series, it unarguably one of the most definitive books ever written. It is great for kids and even better for adults, giving them a simple look at the world like they should never lose. If you liked CS Lewis's "Chronicles of Narnia", you'll love this series, too. You'll love the simplicity of the entire tale and once you read the "Book of Three", I'll guarantee you'll be back for the rest!
Rating:
Summary: Second only to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings
Review: I first ran across one of the Chronicles of Prydain in my English teacher's library last year. I read the back cover and was enchanted. After reading it I was even more enchanted than before (even though I didn't quite understand a good deal, having started with the last book.). I soon began looking for the rest of the series. Recently, I finished re-reading The High King, last in the series, and I know I will read it to my children Next to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, I believe Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain is the best fantasy series I have yet read. It is completing enchanting, and you won't want to put it down. Beautifully written, fantasy lover ov all ages will want to read this sereis A terrific read!!! Joy Marie Woods, Cimarron Middle School Age 13
Rating:
Summary: First of one of the greatest series ever
Review: The Book of Three is the first book in Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain. The entire series is so entrancing you'll never want to put it down. After reading one you must certainly go on to the next, so magical is the power of the series. The Book of Three is filled with enchanting characters and plenty of action. Read it, and you won't regret it!
Rating:
Summary: This is the best book (and series) I have ever read.
Review: I was first introduced to the Lloyd Alexander Taran series when I was 11, I am now 37. I have read the series at least tweny times. When I loan my books to co-workers, I have to wait for them to purchase a copy before thier children will let me have my books back. These are simply some of the best books ever writen! They are excelent for young people as well as adults.
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