Rating: 
Summary: A great book by a great author
Review: It is a great book by a great author. I have to say that this book has brought me back into the fantasy genre, which, I hadn't read in a long time. The sophisticated writing and description of the characters of the magical land of Pryland puts you right in the character's shoes. The Book of Three has a great plot, which mixed with a touch of humor, makes you want to lock yourself up in your room and keep reading until you finish the book. The Book of Three sometimes is a little hard to follow because of the many strange names of the characters. However, the map illustrated in the first page makes everything easier. In conclusion, it is a great book for young adult fiction.
Rating: 
Summary: Alright, but Could be Much Better
Review: This book was a pretty good book, but far from perfect. The biggest problem was the final battle with the Horned King. It would actually be interesting if Taran didn't pass out right at the beggining and require it to be told to him. I also would prefere Taran's running away to not be so early to let the reader get a feel to how life is going for him. It would also be a lot better if there was a little bit more violence.
Rating: 
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...
Rating:
Summary: Really good book!
Review: This is great! I have never in my life read a better book. A must have for any fantasy lovers! The story is about Taran of whom, finds himself on a journey to find a pig which turns into a journey to stoop an evil king. The diverse characters, suspense, and humor makes this book the best of the series and an instant classic.
Rating:
Summary: I Love This Book
Review: This is one of the gretest books I have read. I don't want to give to much away, but the whole way through is great. I liked the Black Cauldron alot but it took a little while before the action started. Though Eilonwy ( a princes Taran finds bothers me) all of the other characters were great. I will say that if you are a fiction fan , and really you don't have to be this is a great book to read if you like action read this. To give you a start of how exciting this book is here is just a part of what happens on one the early chapters. Everything seems normal (besides there being a rumor of an evil warrior known as the Great Horned King roaming somewhere in the land of Prydain) then all of a sudden on a town (actually a type of farm) known as Caer Dallben chickens start to fly and all of the animals start getting really nervous over something. Just when all of this is happening Taran, a younger person around the age of seventeen I'd say has to guard an orracular pig named Hen Wen. Well Hen Wen gets nervous and runs into the woods so Taran chases her and gets lost in the woods which he was forbidden to go to, and gets lost, and can't find Hen Wen. Just then he looks up and standing over him is The Great Horned King. The rest you will have to read and don't just read one read book of the series read all of them. They are great!
Rating:
Summary: THE BOOK OF THREE is the BEST
Review: You better not get hooked ao this book if your Mom makes you go to bed early because this book will make you want to stay up all night long! This book is for people who like adventure,mystery and combat, for girls and boys. A young pig keeper (Taran) has a dream to be a warrior and a hero, he sets out with a prince warrior Gwydon. Little does he know that a big adventure with all kinds of enemies is about to begin. I guess my favorite part is when Taran meets his first monster, a cauldronbottom. I give this story five stars for the way it makes you never want to stop reading.
Rating:
Summary: A good start to one of the best children's fantasy series'
Review: I first read this book several years ago when I was about twelve, and I was thourouly enchanted from page one all the way to the end. Before this I hadn't read much fantasy and science fiction, but now that is pretty much all I read, since nothing else can quite measure up now! In this story, Taran Assistant Pigkeeper dreams of adventure far beyond the boring farm where he is fostered. He finds it sooner than expected, and is instantly catapulted into an adventure far beyond his wildest imaginings, as he and his newfound companions face terrifiying enemies, dangerous territory, and become a part of a much bigger scheme that is only just beginning to take shape... Taran himself in this book was not my favorite character, that spot being taken by Eilonwy, who is just plain awesome. She does what she wants no matter what anyone else says or does. This book was also easy enough, without lacking character development or action, so that I could easily lend the series to my younger brother who was 8 at the time. I would recomend this series to any young reader who loves fantasy, and even those who don't since this book might change their minds! In my mind, this series stands far above Harry Potter and many other less heartfelt fantasy books.
Rating:
Summary: If you like Star Wars, try the Prydain Chronicles
Review: This book begins Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles, the books that turned me on to fantasy when I was about 10. At 36, I'm re-reading them, and they definitely stand the test of time.Though set in an imaginary medieval kingdom, the Prydain chronicles remind me of Star Wars -- or, to be more exact, Star Wars reminds me of the Prydain Chronicles, which I read before Luke ever heard of the Force. A naive, headstrong boy of unknown parentage dreams of glory while spending his days in dull farm chores -- until he unexpectedly finds himself in the midst of a cosmic battle between good and evil. He journeys away from his home and discovers beauties and terrors he never dreamed of. Although the adventuring life isn't at all what he expected, and his mistakes are many, he eventually discovers his own inner strength in ways he never imagined. These wise and witty books are gorgeously written. Adults with an ear for poetic language may recognize this; children may appreciate it without being able to identify exactly what makes this book more than just another sword and sorcery adventure. Although the Book of Three is probably the weakest of the series, it is the introduction to the marvelous world of Prydain, so it's worth finishing to be ready for the full flavor of the other four. However, you can still pick up the series in the middle: I started with the last book & still got hooked!
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful and moving
Review: The "Book of Three," and the stories which follow it, are all rightly considered to be classics of their genre. I remember reading them for the first time, I believe it was during my summer vacation between second and third grade, and being totally absorbed. I remember spending hours drawing crayon pictures of all the characters, and hanging them all over the house... Every kid should have that experience. A couple things I just want to point out. If you are a child reading these for the first time, or an adult buying them for a child, please be careful about all the violence in these books. Yes, violence is a part of the world, and it's good to prepare kids to think about it, but... As a parent reading this to your kids, maybe you could offset it a little, with stories about heroic figures who aren't so intent to wield a sword. For example, a good children's version of Plutarch's "Lives" will include a description of Archimedes, the absent-minded professor who was centuries ahead of his time in the physical sciences. Now that's what I call a hero! Or read to them about musicians, maybe. Why not? Fantasy doesn't always have to be about bloody combat. Beyond that, be aware that these stories are based on real legends, and real (or at least POSSIBLY real, at one time) characters (Gwydion, Arawn, etc.) from Celtic-speaking Wales, which today is in the western part of the United Kingdom, AKA Great Britain. In fact, if you whisper the word "Prydain," and then whisper the word "Britain" you will see that they are the same word. It's true, Prydain was an early way to spell and pronounce what today we call "Britain." If any kids, or adults are interested, the most important book you should read to follow up on an interest in this body of Celtic mythology is, without question, "The Mabinogion," which also includes one of the earliest known authentic versions of the King Arthur tales. Or, do a search on Amazon.com for any book called "The Celts." There are several with that title, and all the ones I've seen are decent introductions to the Celts, including the Celts of Wales (who are called "Welsh," for any younger fellow Americans who might not know that) and their mythological figures. Anyway, these stories are incredibly cool. Worth owning, without a doubt. Two thumbs up.
Rating:
Summary: EVERY CHILD MUST HAVE!
Review: Appropriate for both boys and girls, this book is a must-read for every child. It is the first of a beautiful series of books which stretch the imagination and take the young reader on a journey where he or she will meet unforgettable characters and have phenomenal adventures. It contains good moral lessons, but they are subtle, and children won't catch them right away. Extra praise to this book for having a strong female character in addition to the boys!
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