The High King

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful conclusion to an excellent series
Review:
I've loved Lloyd Alexander's classic series ever since I read "The Book of Three" in elemantary school. A well-chosen Christmas gift from my parents ensured that I got my hands on the next four books, concluding with "The High King".

One of the strengths of this series is that the characters learn and grow from one book to the next; it's great to see Taran from "The Book of Three", who reminds me rather of myself at that age (*grin*) grow up to take the responsibilities he has earned by the end of "The High King".

Alexander's use of Welsh mythology is excellent and for the most part right on target, though Arawn isn't quite as malevolent a figure in myth as he is in the Chronicles of Prydain, and the Gwydion of the Mabinogion is as much a trickster as he is a hero. (This isn't really a criticism; these are books for children, and I know that making Arawn and Gwydion more ambiguous characters would have confused me when I was younger.) The Triple Goddess, the people of Twylyth Teg, the people of Llyr--they're all here, forming a seamless and very real-feeling backdrop to the main characters' adventures.

Older readers may be interested in checking out the Mabinogion, the main body of Welsh myth that has survived the ages, after finishing this series. Gwyn Thomas and Kevin Crossley-Holland's "Tales from the Mabinogion" is an excellent edition to try, with beautiful illustrations.

Overall, the Chronicles of Prydain remain among my favorite stories, with "The High King" the best of the lot. I highly recommend them.

Rating:
Summary: This was one of the best books I've ever read!
Review: The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander (the set of five books that includes this one as the last in the series) were part of my "reading list" when I entered fifth grade. Thank goodness the first book had a good cover, or else I would have never been drawn into the series that changes my life! I ended up reading the whole series, but the last book, the High King, was the one that affected me the most by far. I was left crying at its end the fist time I read it, and I cry every time I read it even today, four years later. Before I read the series, I didn't enjoy books. Now, I am a book monger and want to be a writer some day. It's difficult to believe that books work miracles, but this one came reaallyy really close! In case you can't tell, this an order to READ THE BOOK TODAY!

Rating:
Summary: This book is so good that you will be reading it non-stop
Review: Lloyd Alexander's The High King is a good book. Taran Wanderer gets word from Kaw (his pet crow) that Princess Eilonwy has come back to Caer Dallben. She is accompanied by an old friend Prince Runn. Actually he's King Runn, because of the fact that Runn's father, King Ruddlum, had died. Be prepared reader. In this book people die. For example King Runn dies. Another character close to Taran dies. Parts of the book are very sad but the whole book is very good. Old friend reunite. Doli and Fflewdur Ffam join up with Taran and Eilonwy. Prince Gwydion, Taran, and the Sons of Don are on a journey to recover the sword Dyrnwyn and to destroy Arawn, the lord of death. Why don't you try fighting against vast armies of deathless warriors and you tell me if you think it would be fun to be a war leader. Taran does and he actually wins. Taran uses his brain and not any magic. In the end the overall quest may or may not succeed. To find out if the group succeeds, you will have to read the book yourself.

I liked this book because it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Some parts of the book are really funny, like when Gurgi and Eilonwy are captured by bandits and Gurgi is saying "No crackings and smackings on poor tender head!" And the bandits are just about to kill them when they are rescued by a pack of wolves. The wolves are a pack of Medwyn's. Two of the wolves Gurgi and Eilonwy already knew. Another reason why I like this book is because there are a lot of war scenes. There are some warriors called the cauldron warriors also known as the cauldron born. These warriors are deathless warriors who, when they are far from their master and Annuvin they get weaker and slower. This book is part of a great series of books called The Chronicles of Prydain. If you plan to read this novel you should plan on reading the series. Start with The Book of Three and finish with The High King.

Rating:
Summary: A Satisfying End
Review: "The High King" by Lloyd Alexander is the last of the books in the Prydain Chronicles, and is one of his best. I would give this book a perfect score, no matter what the scale. It is brilliantly written, using a light hearted style with a conversational tone that makes this a delightful read for any age.
All the characters from the past four books return, even those who were not seen in the previous volume, "Taran Wanderer". All of the characters in this book change dramatically by the end, and Taran finds what it truly means to be a warrior and a hero. Gurgi is back with more determination than ever to prove himself, and so are Princess Eilonwy and Fflewdur Flam. Although this book has quite a different and darker tone to it than the others, the many supporting characters help to add relief to a story full of despair.
If you are someone who loves fantasy, Celtic lore, or any kind of adventure, this is a book for you. I recommend that the Prydain Chronicles should be read in order, starting with "The Book of Three", but this is also a book that can stand by itself and still be a great story. If you liked "The Book of Three", "The Castle of Llyr", or any other book in the Prydain Chronicles, this is definitely for you.

Rating:
Summary: This Book is The Bomb!
Review: The swaord of Dyrnwyn, the most powerful weapon in the kingdom of Prydain, has fallen into the hands of Arawn-Death-Lord. Now Taran, Assistant Pig Keeper, and Prince Gwydion lead an army against the powerful lord. After a winter expedition filled with tons of danger, Taran's forces arrive at Mount Dragon, the Death Lord's Stronghold. There Taran is forced to make the most crucial decision of his life as he confronts the "evil" enchantress Achren and the diabolical Arawn... This book has a lot of action. Parts of the book are sad, and others execiting! If you loved this book you'll love to read the first ones. I loved this book so much that I read THREE TIMES! I recomend this book to anybody that loves action, adventure, and sorrow books! That my friend is YOU!

Rating:
Summary: Not just the best of the series, but my favorite book ever
Review: This book is it. The climax. The payoff. The ultimate battle between good and evil, with a conclusion that moves me more than any other I've ever read.

The story starts with Taran and Gurgi reuniting with Eilonwy, Rhun, Fflewddur and Gwydion, only to learn that Gwydion's enchanted sword has been stolen by Arawn Death-Lord himself. They set out to find it, but soon realize that not only the sword, but all of Prydain is at stake.

Armies are rallied by both sides, battles are fought on a scale never seen in the previous books, and all the characters previously introduced return to take sides in the conflict.

Betrayal, greed and defeat are countered with courage, loyalty and sacrifice (watch Fflewddur in particular) time and time again. The price required to destroy the powers of evil is never higher, everyone loses something dear to them, many don't survive, and the land of Prydain will never be the same again.

When I re-read this in college I was surprised to learn that this was considered children's literature; the book's power only grows with the passage of time, and while it can be understood by children, its mark of greatness lies in its ability to resonate with readers of all ages.

This book could conceivably stand on its own, though reading the previous four books first is highly recommended. Doing so only adds to the power of this, the capstone of a beautiful series.

Rating:
Summary: Among the best fantasies ever
Review: If ever there was a closing volume of a series that never failed to disappoint, and in fact was so good it raised the quality of every book that came before it, it is "The High King," the last book in Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles.

The Prydain Chronicles is a key series in children's fantasy literature, walking the fine line between being accessible to young readers while being appealing and engaging enough for adults to enjoy. Here in "The High King," that shows itself in spades. This is a serious work comparable to anything the fantasy genre has to offer. While appropriate for children, this is hardly "children's fantasy."

The action here is epic, larger in scope than anything seen in the series before. Sprawling armies clash. Wars are fought. People die. Its grim and serious stuff - but amazingly wholly suitable for readers of all ages.

All of our favorite characters come back for their final appears in this last volume. Taran, now grown and brave and confident, is among those to lead the charge in the final clash between ultimate good and ultimate evil. The fate of all of Prydain hangs in the balance as Arawn Death-Lord prepares to lay siege to all. The others return, too, including Eilonwy, the stereotypical spoiled princess, Gurgi, the crazed Gollum-like creature, and Fflewddur Fflam, the hapless bard who is prone to exaggeration.

One of the great joys of the Chronicles is the progress from lighthearted fantasy to adult themes and a grim tone. By the end, you feel as if the characters have taken a lifetime of journeys, learning from them as they went. It all culminates here, with joy, sadness, pain, death, and sacrifice mixing together to form a classic adventure tale.

Because Alexander draws his stories from ancient myth, these feel like stories you've read many times before - yet that never comes across in a tiresome way. It's a story that operates in a welcome comfort zone, nice in a time when so many books try so hard to be different solely for the sake of being different.

The Prydain Chronicles, and "The High King" especially, is recommended reading for anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially classic children's fantasy. Classic stuff in every way.

Rating:
Summary: A very good ending for a splendid series, but very sad.
Review: The adventures of Taran and friends ends with a war that splits Prydain apart. As the Cauldron-Born invade and conquer, Taran struggles to find a way to stop them. Taran is forced to unite friends and foes alike to drive out the evil forces once and for all.

It is masterfully crafted and a unique fit for an ending to the Prydain series. The book grabs you and doesn't let go until you have turned the last page. At the very end of this book, however, Taran makes a decision that will leave you in tears. Keep a box of tissue close at hand when you reach the final chapter. These were the best written books I have had the fortune of reading. Anyone with dreams of heroism should read the entire Prydian series.

Rating:
Summary: The final battle of good & evil in Prydain
Review: Taran, Eilonwy, Coll, Doli, Fflewdur Flam & the other companions join Prince Gwydion and the Sons of Don to fight one final war against Arawn, the Death Lord.

Taran, who has grown up significantly since The Book of Three, finds his new-found maturity put to the test as some surprises occur, splitting the companions from each other. The land of Prydain, itself, becomes a vital part of the story.

I cannot recommend the Prydain Chronicles enough and almost hate the fact that they are listed as children's literature. Certainly, children will love the stories but only an adult can fully appreciate the depth of the characters and writing.

If you are reading this review and haven't read the first 4 books, please start with The Book of Three and read them in order. You will enjoy them they way they were intended.

Rating:
Summary: one of the best books for young readers
Review: I found my old copy of this book, and decided to thumb through it again. After nearly 20 years since my first encounter, the story and characters still grabbed my attention and I re-read the entire book.
As a child I was impressed with the fantastic story. As an adult the book was still impressive, and much quicker to read.
I would not hesitate to recommend this book (and the entire series) to a parent of a child. It is a clean book with a positive subtext.