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Summary: A crow, a fool, and a big ole cat
Review: The continuing epic story of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his rag-tag motley crew of kings, princes, and furry ape-like creatures. This book in the Prydain Chronicles is, truth be told, far more usual than its predecessors. While the first two books in the series were fairly new and different adventure tales, this one falls back onto the standard rescue-the-princess-from-the-evil-enchantress mode. Eilonwy is in trouble, and we learn much more about her background and history than ever before. Added to the usual mix of characters for spice (the dwarf Doli fails to make an appearance in this tale and, I assume, leaves a gap) is another unwanted Prince. This time it's Prince Rhun, a good-hearted if completely incompetent young man. His betrothal to Taran's beloved Eilonwy does nothing to make our hero love him more, but the prince's sweet nature and good spirits eventually win everyone over. Also introduced by the cat loving Alexander (remember, this is the author of the interesting "Time Cat") is Llyan, an over-sized mountain cat that has taken quite a liking to bard Fflewddur Flan's harp playing. All in all, it's a pleasant mix of lovable characters. As you might be able to tell, this is not a good book to begin the series with. At this point, we know these people (and animals) fairly well and nothing they do will come as much surprise to anyone. It still amazes me to no end how prolific kings and princes are in this land. Though I understand that much of the point of these books is to show how little birthright counts when it comes to being good and strong. And it is quite a relief to see Taran doing something other than hot-headedly rushing into danger as he's done in the previous two books. Alexander's characters are growing, slowly but surely. It is with glee that I look forward towards reading yet another installment in this enjoyable series.
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Summary: Eilonwy has to learn to behave as a lady on the Isle of Mona
Review: The Princess Eilonwy has to go to the Isle of Mona to learn how to behaeve as a young lady. When she arrives she is captured by Achren, an evil enchantress. Her friends, Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, Fflewddur Fflam, A bard, Prince Rhun, and Lord Gwydion set out on a mission to rescue her from Achren. This is the third book in the Prydain Chronicals.
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Summary: Just for kids? NOT!
Review: The third book of the Prydain Chronicles is excellent, but somehow a little awkward. It is reminiscent of the teenager that Taran has become by this time, as he learns to help an inept prince to become more of a man. It teaches excellent values that adults as well as children should have. Enjoy this book, but read it as the third, following "The Book of Three" and the "Black Cauldron" or else it may loose some of its majesty.
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Summary: A pleasant side adventure in Prydain
Review: The third volume of Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles, "The Castle of Llyr," is something of a diversion. The action leaves Prydain, and the adventures have less to do with the larger struggle against evil in the wider lands.That doesn't mean this isn't a fun and humorous book. It is. Consider it something of a side adventure. One of the great joys of this series is the steady progression from lighthearted children's fantasy to more adult themes and a grimmer tone, allowing the reader to grow along with the characters. What begins as a light fantasy becomes very serious, and it works well. By the end, you feel as if the characters have taken a life's worth of journeys, learning from them as they went. The five wonderful books in this series feature an interesting cast of characters. Most of the action centers 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. In this volume, the cast find themselves in another kingdom, where Eilonwy is busy learning to be a lady. A conspiracy of sorts appears, and our hapless heroes find themselves caught up in it. They encounter another batch of odd and interesting creatures, including a giant stuck in a cave too small for him and a giant cat, and grapple with corrupt (or simply irritating) nobles. By the end, we have some new and welcome cast members. While on the surface this volume is not wholly essential for the broader Prydain story, "The Castle of Llyr" advances Taran and Eilonwy's relationship and introduces some characters who will appear again later. The writing is direct and lively throughout, frequently using humor to disarm serious situations, though the pacing is not as perfect as other volumes. The Prydain Chronicles, including "The Castle of Llyr," are recommended reading for anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially classic children's fantasy. This series is among the best of children's fantasy literature, walking the fine line between being accessible to young readers and being appealing and engaging enough for adults to enjoy.
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Summary: Yet another masterpiece!
Review: The transition from somewhat aimless humor and action to the gripping "conclusion" is fairly abrupt, which is why it seems like a finale when it's really about a third of the book. However, that's not a complaint. It easily lives up to the first two books, and it certainly has a distinct style - you should read it even if you didn't enjoy them.
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Summary: Least importaint as well as the most in the series......
Review: This book introduces plenty of new characters, but lacks much action. Flewddurr(correct spelling?) now owns a very (VERY) big feline...(TWANG)err, so to say, gets stuck with it... sheesh, I wish I never took this harp...(TWANG)
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Summary: My Favorite Book Ever even now!
Review: This book is an exiciting tale for the third book of the chr. of Prydain. It's about Taran realizing much care for the witful princess Eilonwy. Its a wonderful book and I had so much fun with it. I recomend it to everybody!
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Summary: The 3rd story of Prydain.
Review: This book is very enjoyable.Eilonwy finaiiy gets alot of action.Taran and his friends meat prince Ruhn,and Fflewddur Fflam finally gets a horse...or some ridding animal.I would tell you what it is but thats half the fun.Right now I am working on finishing THE HIGH KING and the story in CASTLE OF LLYR is very important to the story of Eilonwy.If you are planing on reading all 5 books this is a MUST READ book to understand.
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Summary: Another great by Lloyd Alexander
Review: This book seems to go away from its fantasy roots. It doesn't have the same kind of majesty that Alexander's other books have. Still, it is a very good book and adds humor where action is absent and allows Taran to discover his feelings for Eilonwy. Although it is my least favorite of The Prydain Chronicles, I would still recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy.
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Summary: My favorite of the series!
Review: This book was my favorite of all the Prydain chronicles. Partly because a lot of the focus was on Eilonwy, though she was absent most of the book,(she has always been my favorite character) but also because it had great moral questions, and we finally begin to see Taran turn into an adult as he realizes as much as he cares about Eilonwy, he must let things be. In this book, Dallben decides that Eilonwy must leave Caer Dallben because it is time for her to learn how to be a young lady. He sends her to the Isle of Mona, and allows Taran to go with her, at least for the journey. On the way Taran struggles with his feelings for Eilonwy and his annoyance at Rhun, Prince of Mona, who is a bumbling fool, at least on the outside. Through an interesting chain of events, Eilonwy is kidnapped, and Taran learns that she is betrothed to Rhun without even her knowledge. They all go on yet another epic adventure to save her, as Taran must come to terms with his conflicting emotions. Another amazing thing about this book was that I didn't hate the love story part. Usually I hate mush because it seems as if they put it there just to be mush, and it rarely has any overall effect on the story. This however, was completly different, and I was actually hoping they would end up together. So, this is an excellent book that any fantasy lover would adore, though it would make more sense if you had read the other two books first.
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