The Newbery-winning fantasy series now available in gorgeous new paperback editions!
Since The Book of Three was first publis... read full description
Since The Book of Three was first publis... read full description
reviews
Oct 11, 2007
Ren the Unclean
rated it: 
I really liked this book. It, along with The Black Cauldron, is probably my favorite in the series so far.
Taran Wanderer focuses entirely on Taran as he struggles to find out where he comes from and who his parents are. It is uniquely written, as each chapter covers (more or less) one leg of his journey, as he confronts some problem, learns from it, and continues his journey. It is very satisfying to see Taran do things right and succeed in everything he does through his own wit, More...
Taran Wanderer focuses entirely on Taran as he struggles to find out where he comes from and who his parents are. It is uniquely written, as each chapter covers (more or less) one leg of his journey, as he confronts some problem, learns from it, and continues his journey. It is very satisfying to see Taran do things right and succeed in everything he does through his own wit, More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jul 17, 2011
Gail
rated it:
This is the 4th book of the Prydain series. We continue to see Taran grow as an individual and make choices that are not usually a part of youth. In the beginning he was head strong and bent on being a hero, someone who fought with others and desired greatly to be able to use a sword. In this book, we see him once again making difficult choices and thinking through what must be done instead of what he wants to be done. He is seeking his parents. He has fallen in love with Eilonway and since
More...
Jul 12, 2011
Brian
rated it:
I'd read this book many years ago...Lloyd Alexander's books were a staple of my youth. But I recently came across a copy of this one particularly in a bookstore and reread it. When I was younger I may not have had a favorite in the series, but now I'm quite sure that this is the best of them.
Many fantasy series subscribe to the classic tradition of "The Hero grows up through his adventures." But they often try to shoehorn it in with the rest of the action. This series a More...
Many fantasy series subscribe to the classic tradition of "The Hero grows up through his adventures." But they often try to shoehorn it in with the rest of the action. This series a More...
Oct 22, 2010
Joseph
rated it: 
Lloyd Alexander's fourth book, Taran Wanderer, is one of the best books in the Prydain Chronicles. I enjoy this book because of how Taran, the main character of the entire series, finally decides to venture out of Caer Dallben to discover if he had noble blood or just some lowly farmer. The real value and interest about the book is that Taran, and the reader, will learn some of life's hardships and values.
One example comes from Hevvyd the smith, “Life is a forge, say I!” telling Tar More...
One example comes from Hevvyd the smith, “Life is a forge, say I!” telling Tar More...
Apr 14, 2010
Jasmyn9
rated it:
Taran has finally admitted his feeling for the Princess Eilonwy. The problem now is that he doesn't believe that his bloodlines are worthy of her. She is a princess after all, and he is but a lowly assistant pig keeper, a orphan that does not know where he really came from. So he sets of with the ever faithful Gurgi as his companion in a quest to find out who he is.
We are visited by several old friends from previous books in the series and introduced to a handful of new bad guys. I h More...
We are visited by several old friends from previous books in the series and introduced to a handful of new bad guys. I h More...
Jan 18, 2012
Scott
rated it:
Another excellent volume in the Prydain Chronicles series, this one is quite different from the others. As a teenager, this was my least favorite of the five, but now as an adult, I recognize it as a great work of fantasy literature, and in some ways it is even better than the others.
While the plot may seem a bit disjointed and directionless if viewed as a typical fantasy adventure like its predecessors, the arc of the plot makes more sense as "literary fiction," where the More...
While the plot may seem a bit disjointed and directionless if viewed as a typical fantasy adventure like its predecessors, the arc of the plot makes more sense as "literary fiction," where the More...
Apr 12, 2010
Jason
rated it:
Like with the other books in this series, straightforward storylines and developments are at once to be admired and resisted. Taking on the task of discovering the nature of his heritage, Taran sets out to find an answer from the witches and then gropes the landscape in pursuit of clues. Predictably, the issue of class struggle is raised, but portrayals of noble serfs and childish royalty are painfully simplistic.
Taran's character evolves rapidly during his travails here, making me th More...
Taran's character evolves rapidly during his travails here, making me th More...
Jan 27, 2009
Elijah
rated it:
This, like The Black Cauldron, is only just short of five stars by way of a certain something I can't put my finger on.
Nonetheless, while something of a boy's club without Eilonwy around, Taran Wanderer is a very, very well-done coming of age, that I kind of wish I'd read as a kid myself. For someone who's been reading the whole series, Taran develops so slowly and realistically that by the end it feels like the other characters realize what a hero and a bad-ass he is before the read More...
Nonetheless, while something of a boy's club without Eilonwy around, Taran Wanderer is a very, very well-done coming of age, that I kind of wish I'd read as a kid myself. For someone who's been reading the whole series, Taran develops so slowly and realistically that by the end it feels like the other characters realize what a hero and a bad-ass he is before the read More...
Jun 22, 2010
Patrick
rated it: 
My old book is not this edition, but the old white cover is closest to this picture with the bald sorcerer and Taran.
It's OK just like the others. One good thing is that the disjointed, episodic writing style that bothered me in the first three books actually is OK here since Taran is just wandering around being impetuously noble and winning hearts in preparation for the last book. Fortunate coincidence plays a huge role in all of these books, but the Morva thing was really bad, an More...
It's OK just like the others. One good thing is that the disjointed, episodic writing style that bothered me in the first three books actually is OK here since Taran is just wandering around being impetuously noble and winning hearts in preparation for the last book. Fortunate coincidence plays a huge role in all of these books, but the Morva thing was really bad, an More...
Apr 05, 2011
Drew
rated it:
Based on the first time I read these, as well as reputation, I expected this to be a relatively boring chapter in The Chronicles of Prydain, a sort of somehow necessary segue to the final chapter of the series. Imagine, then, my surprise when I enjoyed it thoroughly! It's definitely different from the preceding three books--It's the longest so far, it covers the longest period of time, and it's pretty unique in style and form, but it's a very interesting coming-of-age story. His exact age sti
More...
Sep 14, 2009
Mikel
rated it:
As a child this was my least favorite of the Prydain Chronicles. After all, there are no battles and no fierce Eilonway wending her way through their struggles.
However, as an adult this is by far my favorite of all the books. I actually have to keep several copies of these books around. I have my nice copies, that even I hardly touch and I have my ratty 'loved' copies. The loved copies are some of my most prized possessions. They are full of underlined quotes that are simply fabulou More...
However, as an adult this is by far my favorite of all the books. I actually have to keep several copies of these books around. I have my nice copies, that even I hardly touch and I have my ratty 'loved' copies. The loved copies are some of my most prized possessions. They are full of underlined quotes that are simply fabulou More...
Dec 06, 2011
Brian
rated it: 
12/6/11 - 4/10
I originally read the Prydain series in elementary school and remembered liking them. I had mentioned them in the past to my daughter and she's been wanting to read them for a while. So the whole family decided to read them. Unfortunately, they were not nearly as good as I remembered. The stories were pretty simplistic and childish with not a lot of detail. The characters were one dimensional with repetitive descriptions based off a single characteristic. A couple charact More...
I originally read the Prydain series in elementary school and remembered liking them. I had mentioned them in the past to my daughter and she's been wanting to read them for a while. So the whole family decided to read them. Unfortunately, they were not nearly as good as I remembered. The stories were pretty simplistic and childish with not a lot of detail. The characters were one dimensional with repetitive descriptions based off a single characteristic. A couple charact More...
Aug 24, 2008
Laurie
rated it:
This book chronicled my favorite part of the bildungsroman - the sometimes meandering journey toward self-realization, with the accompanying maturation/gaining of skills. Much better executed and less predictable than the rest of the series.
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Sep 15, 2009
Mark
rated it:
Having long wondered about his parentage (and hoping that he is of noble birth) Taran goes to seek the truth. Traveling through Prydain with the faithful Gurgi, he once again encounters the fate-like Orddu, Orwen, and Orgoch, as well as Fflewddur the harpist, and Doli the dwarf. Eventually though, he must face his destiny alone.
Though The Black Cauldron was a Newbery Honor Book, and The High King a Newbery Medal winner, Taran Wanderer has always been a personal favorite, for its s More...
Though The Black Cauldron was a Newbery Honor Book, and The High King a Newbery Medal winner, Taran Wanderer has always been a personal favorite, for its s More...
Jul 30, 2011
Chris
rated it:
The first and final parts of the book, where Taran wanders about Prydain seeking an identity for himself and to do some right by the world, are uneven at best. The parts where he wanders the Free Commots seeking a profession feel like a fable, where there isn't that much emotionally on the line but you can feel a purpose in Alexander's writing; the parts where Taran witnesses and helps resolve squabbles between two cantrev lords feel irrelevant, like a side tale, fleshing out Prydain but not con
More...
Nov 18, 2010
Darla
rated it:
(Genre:Children's fiction/fantasy) Book 4 of 5 in the Prydain Chronicles. This is one of my favorite books. Taran desperately wants to know his parentage and discover who he really is. He leaves the safety of Caer Dallben with Gurgi at his side to uncover this mystery. The personal growth and understanding that he gains by the end of the journey is wonderful and sets the stage for the final book, "The High King". I most enjoyed the end of the book where Taran spends time with the craft
More...
Dec 14, 2010
Lesley
rated it:
At times, this book dragged on and I wished for some of the excitement that I was used to from the previous 3 books; however, that said, it was an important part of Taran's search of himself and who he is that shouldn't be missed. It was comforting to see the loyal bard and the grumbly Doli again. I did miss Eilonwy, though. Taran Wanderer is not the same boy as we saw from earlier books and as he grows the readers grow with him. It made me think at least once or twice of my own yearnings to tru
More...
Apr 24, 2010
Emily
rated it:
4th in the Chronicles of Prydain books. It was really different than the first three because some of the more major characters are missing, and others pop in and out. While I missed them I felt like I finally got a better sense of Taran and who he was growing up to become. I really liked elements of this book but I never really *got* why his quest for identity was so important. True, there are some reasons spelled out in the book, like his bloodlines not being noble enough for Eilonwy, but I
More...
Feb 16, 2009
Stephanie
rated it:
Now that Taran, Assistant Pig Keeper, has participated in three major battles against evil in Prydain and acknowledged his love for Princess Eilonwy, he finds that he can't move on with his life until he comes to terms with his unknown past and who it makes him. He sets off on a journey to discover his heritage and what he will do with his life.
For a long time, this book didn't resonate much with me. Now, however, it's a different story. Taran, like many or even most of us, is unrema More...
For a long time, this book didn't resonate much with me. Now, however, it's a different story. Taran, like many or even most of us, is unrema More...
Nov 01, 2010
Tessa
rated it:
I've grown very fond of these characters, and very impressed by Lloyd Alexander's ability to spin a short epic tale. Not only am I happy while I skate through the books in the series, I am happily surprised by where the adventure goes. Especially in this book. Even though it's a quest book, and part of the last quest, after a Setback, involves trying three trades (things come in 3s a lot in magical tales), the content itself was more than its familiar format.
I can see myself read More...
I can see myself read More...
Oct 31, 2009
Caitlin
rated it:
This is not my favorite of The Chronicles of Prydain. I think I like it less because it is so much more traditional in its form and is focused squarely on Taran. There's some lovely writing here and the story itself has some beautiful bittersweet moments, but the almost ritualistic hero's journey of this book leaves me a little cold.
With Eilonwy off learning to be a proper princess, Taran and Gurgi set off to discover who Taran's parents are. Along the way they meet bandits (like More...
With Eilonwy off learning to be a proper princess, Taran and Gurgi set off to discover who Taran's parents are. Along the way they meet bandits (like More...
Sep 05, 2010
Thurston
rated it:
A bit darker than the preceding three. Lloyd Alexander sends Taran on a Joseph Campbell quest for the absent father. Will Taran find himself instead? Additionally this book is devoid of Eilonwy, so it lacks her sass and the puppy love between Taran and her. Although fear not as Taran still carries a torch for her if not his sword.
Rather than have mystical nefarious foes, we meet humans who have villanous vices. Also Taran tackles the idea of a vocation, so while the boys enjoyed this More...
Rather than have mystical nefarious foes, we meet humans who have villanous vices. Also Taran tackles the idea of a vocation, so while the boys enjoyed this More...
May 18, 2010
April
rated it:
Perhaps the most tragic of the Prydain Chronicles, Taran Wanderer is a searching book. Taran searches for his parentage, losing what he believes is everything. In spite of all of the challenges he faces, and conflicts both from without and within, the ending is surprisingly hopeful.
Unlike the previous installments, this book is far greater on the internal monologue, the hopes and dreams. Because there is less battle, it may seem slow-paced to some. However, it is the turning point More...
Unlike the previous installments, this book is far greater on the internal monologue, the hopes and dreams. Because there is less battle, it may seem slow-paced to some. However, it is the turning point More...
May 24, 2009
Natasha
rated it:
The Pilgrim's Progress for children.
This is my second time through this book--the first time since my childhood. I remember thinking this was the only book in the Chronicles of Prydain that bordered on boring. But reading it as an adult I got the symbolism and it ranks up there with Bunyan's.
There are so many lessons to be learned by the reader along with the protagonist. While Taran searches for his parentage hoping to find himself to be high-born, he learns more More...
This is my second time through this book--the first time since my childhood. I remember thinking this was the only book in the Chronicles of Prydain that bordered on boring. But reading it as an adult I got the symbolism and it ranks up there with Bunyan's.
There are so many lessons to be learned by the reader along with the protagonist. While Taran searches for his parentage hoping to find himself to be high-born, he learns more More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Apr 26, 2011
CuriousLibrarian
rated it:
This is a 4.5 from me.
This book may be the best of the series. It sets out on a standard quest trope, and hits all the usual points. It then systematically breaks down each and every one of them. Wonderfully done!
I can see where The High Kingis more accessible, and why that one won the Newbery over this one. But I think this one, despite some flaws and places where the breaking down of tropes doesn't quite work, is the more skillfully written and enjoyable. More...
This book may be the best of the series. It sets out on a standard quest trope, and hits all the usual points. It then systematically breaks down each and every one of them. Wonderfully done!
I can see where The High Kingis more accessible, and why that one won the Newbery over this one. But I think this one, despite some flaws and places where the breaking down of tropes doesn't quite work, is the more skillfully written and enjoyable. More...
Sep 01, 2011
Andrea
rated it:
This this the most mature book in the series. It's also my favorite. Once again Alexander is master of using few words to paint a rich picture. Except in this book the picture being painted is less about battles and more about an inner-landscape and discovering the different ways to be an adult.
Alexander gives us beautiful varied characters in Taran's journey of self-discovery that illustrates through a fantasy setting the personalities and their virtue and vice that exsist in the real wor More...
Alexander gives us beautiful varied characters in Taran's journey of self-discovery that illustrates through a fantasy setting the personalities and their virtue and vice that exsist in the real wor More...
Aug 18, 2010
Jennifer
rated it:
Definitely my favorite of the Prydain Chronicles so far, Taran Wanderer follows Taran and Gurgi on their journey as Taran seeks to learn the truth of his birth in hopes of being worthy of the hand of Princess Eilonwy. Told in picaresque style rather than the high fantasy style of the previous novels, Taran learns many things from a variety of sources before his journey is through. This whole thing just seemed to ring more true to me than the previous high-flying adventures.
Listening More...
Listening More...
Oct 21, 2009
Scott
rated it:
I'm amazed that as I'm going through the books for the Chronicles of Prydain, I'm getting very emotionally involved with the characters. In Taran Wanderer, the title character goes on a quest that hundreds, if not thousands of other literary characters have gone on before - a quest to find identity and meaning in his life. While on the outside this doesn't seem like such extraordinary reading, once you've put forth the time and effort to read the preceding three books, it becomes something per
More...
Apr 11, 2011
Noah
rated it:
I started reading Lloyd Alexander just last year, when I was 27, so my opinion on the books is probably somewhat skewed... I really wish I had read this one as a kid and it probably is my favorite of the series (though I haven't read the fifth). It's more "episodic" than the others and, in a way, more open to allegorical interpretations (or have interpretations spoken through the mouths of the characters) but I enjoyed reading about Taran a lot more and felt that he went through a bu
More...
Sep 26, 2009
Laura
rated it:
Kind of an annoying detour from the whole defeating evil quest. I actually did like the overhanging sense of peril being put off for a bit, but after a bit it was just a series of meeting random people and learning boring life lessons from them. It was clear that some of these characters were just being introduced so they could be called upon to fight in the Final Battle that would undoubtedly follow, and conveniently, we weren't really attached to them, so they could die. Still, by the end I ki
More...
