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Summary: you never get "too old" for Prydain, do you?
Review: I am 18 years old and have not read "Prydain" in some six years, though the books have always occupied a space on my bookshelf, no matter how many others come and go. Reading everyone else's reviews brought back so many wonderful memories I felt I had to give Alexander and his amazing tales my own little tribute! "Prydain" is something you never grow out of--once it touches your heart it's pretty much stuck there. The characters are all so wonderfully crafted and fully-realized you find yourself turning back to the books many years later, to reread chapters of their lives. Alexander's prose is easy-going enough for a young adult to understand, clever, funny, and beautiful enough to entrace older readers. As for the plot (I'm covering all five books here, I guess)--it encompasses everything: the trials of growing up, forming lasting friendships, young love, facing evil and unimagineable dangers, finding truths and discovering that, as the old enchanter Dallben once says, "Sometimes the seeking counts more than the finding." This holds true for all the main characters, and in real life, too. On to the characters. Alexander has C.S. Lewis beaten there, too. I think everyone, at some point in their lives, has experienced Taran's feelings (not battling undead warriors, of course!) How often do you meet characters whose exploits can make you laugh out loud in one chapter, and then touch your heart in the next? (I'm thinking about Fflewddur, Gurgi, Doli, and some others, now.) But Princess Eilonwy was always my favorite. And how could she not be? For a young girl who'd only read about Lewis's heroines who faint at the sight of blood and run off after a battle to chatter about clothes and boys, how could Eilonwy, Alexander's outspoken, spirited, sword-wielding heroine NOT fail to make an impression? If parents are looking for a strong role-model for a young person who enjoys reading fiction but is discouraged by the docility of most heroines, look no further than Eilonwy. OK, since this is a review, here's the low-down on the five books:"The Book of Three": 5 stars: Gwydion's a bore, but, fortunately, he disappears after the fifth chapter or so! Anyway, this is the lightest and probably the funniest of the chronicles, in which we are introduced to and almost instantly smitten with the main characters. Hey, you know you're on a delightful and whimsical adventure when the object of your quest is a clairvoyent pig. "The Black Cauldron": 4.5 stars: Darker than the Book of Three, but almost equally enchanting. (Adaon is like a younger version of Gwydion.) Gwystyl and the Witches of Morva ROCK! "The Castle of Llyr" 5 stars: as a hopeless romantic, this third book stands out as my favorite, it being the most poignantly romantic of the chronicles. "Taran Wanderer" 4 stars. This was the only one I only read 2X. I seem to recall missing Eilonwy's presence keenly, but it's still a very important chapter in Taran's life. And how can a book with Fflewddur, Doli, Gurgi, Smoit, and Taran be anything but good? "The High King" 5 stars: What an ending! Everything is resolved...in one of the most exciting and bitter-sweet endings I have ever read. By the last sentence you are cheering for Taran and his companions with whatever's left of your heart. Ahhh! Now excuse me. I have some re-reading to do, I think!
Rating:
Summary: A Classic!
Review: I first started reading the Prydain chronicles in fifth grade. My teacher introduced the class to The Book of Three. I quickly read the rest of the series in sucession. Now I'm 21 and I've read a LOT of other books, but the Prydain Chronicles remains my favourite. And Lloyd Alexander does such a terrific job in ending the series with The High King. He follows through and delivers a great conclusion for the stories.
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Summary: Well-deserving of the Newbery Medal!
Review: One of the best books I've ever read (and I've read several!) When you're finished with this series, check out Susan Cooper's "Dark Is Rising" sequence - both are excellent!
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: In this book, Taran at last finds his destiny.And magic passes from the world.. A gorgeous book, like the other four!
Rating:
Summary: Don't read this book unless you've read the other 4 first!
Review: You will be sorely disappointed if you read this book before reading the first four Chronicles of Prydain. This allegedly children's series is actually a heart-rending tale of the tragedies and triumphs of the trip from teenager to adult. It is, I believe, one of the best stories ever written and a landmark in teenage literature. do yourself a favor--start with The Book of Three and read the other four books before you read The High King. If you do, Taran and his friends will remain with you for life.
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Summary: This is one of the best books I've ever read!
Review: Lloyd Alexander has a very creative mind and is a very excellent writer. He developes his charectory wonderfully, you can almost see yourself as Taran, see yourself as Dalbin.I highly recommend that you buy this book and the other books in the series. Another author similar to Lloyd Alexander, is JRR Tolkien, and I also strongly suggest you read his, the Lord of the Rings (see my review). Read this!
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Summary: This book is not just for kids!
Review: As an adult who read these books for the first time shortly after their publishing, I have enjoyed the Chronicles my entire life, especially The High King. I have recently purchased the series for my children, and to my joy, they love them as much as I did--and still do. Seldom have so many truths of life been presented in such a noble, compelling fashion. Lloyd Alexander's works are more than stories, they are lessons as well. Read them yourself and be captivated, no matter how old you are--these books have no target audience, they are for everyone.
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Summary: My favorite book ever!
Review: Though I realize this book is written for young adults, The High King is my favorite book in the world...and I'm 26! It is the quintessential tale of good triumphing over evil, but it also goes on to show there is an after in ``happily ever after.''
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Summary: This is so great, you can't afford to miss reading it!
Review: I have to admit, this was the first Chronicle of Prydain I read and it was so great, I looked for all of the other books in the Chronicles of Prydain as soon as I finished reading it! I was so fascinated by the book, I finished it in 2 hours! This starts when Prince Gwydion's sword Drynwyn falls into the hands of Arawn, the Death Lord. Now Gwydion, Taran, the Assisstant Pig-Keeper, Princess Eilonwy, and several of their friends must journey to Arawn's stronghold in Annuvin to get the sword back. Full of unexpected twists and turns, The High King is a story you wouldn't want to miss! Plus, it has a totally unexpected ending!
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Summary: Taran will find joy and sorrow in his search for Drynwn.
Review: This book is a great read. For anyone who reads Lloyd Alexander this is his greatest work. The High King is a book jamm packed with adventure, war, and love.The book is capable of making you cry. When Taran's companion and friend loses his life it is impossible to hold back, the tears just flow out. The deaths of everyone is dramatic. Lloyd Alexander really draws you into this epic adventure and captures your heart! This book is a newberry honor book and now I see why. This is to everyone who reads this review I suggest you read this book!
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