Lloyd Alexander - The Black Cauldron

Pros: Taran and return of other familiar characters; perilous quest; moments of humor and heroism
Cons: Welsh names hard to pronounce

There's something in most of us that loves unlikely heroes. Whether they're skinny kids with glasses, orphan girls dressed in rags, or small furry creatures carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, the best fantasy stories give us vulnerable, ...

Pros: a stirring tale with delightful characters and great themes
Cons: a bit slow in the first half

Just coming out of The Book of Three, your imagination fired by the adventures of a certain Assistant Pig Keeper? Lloyd Alexander doesn't keep us waiting for the fun to continue - he jumps right into the action with The Black Cauldron, the...

Pros: beautifully realized themes of redemption and sacrifice
Cons: if I think of one, I'll let you know

Unfortunately, I don't feel I can discuss this book without giving some serious spoilers. If you want to read the book without knowing of certain events, please read no further.




There is something about a perfect character,...

Pros: Great moral examination, written for children....
Cons: This is very heavy for a bed time story...

Well, here it is... the second installation of my review on the Prydain chronicles. Much of my analysis can be found in my first epinion "The Book of Three"... however, I will repeat some of the more important information for readers who are interested...

Pros: Fast paced , well integrated moral values
Cons: Should be longer

The realm of high fantasy has rarely produced a book such as this, Which is not only a great product of the imagination but is readable by an 11 year old. Alexander has created a world, based on Wales, with all of it's mythology and magic. The fast paced...