The Newbery-winning fantasy series now available in gorgeous new paperback editions!
Since The Book of Three was first publi... read full description
Since The Book of Three was first publi... read full description
reviews
Feb 28, 2008
Evil_Dead_Junkie
rated it: 
Old Shit I'm Revisiting: The Prequel: Part 2
Aw this is more like it. As I said I was a bit disappointed reading The Book Of Three this is more like The Prydain I remember. There are still flaws, writing at times can be a bit flat, and the exposition a bit heavy. But the moral universe of the characters has grown nicely adding shades of grey to what was starkly black and white before, there's room for some apt and surprisingly lovely metaphor (The broach that causes everything to look More...
Aw this is more like it. As I said I was a bit disappointed reading The Book Of Three this is more like The Prydain I remember. There are still flaws, writing at times can be a bit flat, and the exposition a bit heavy. But the moral universe of the characters has grown nicely adding shades of grey to what was starkly black and white before, there's room for some apt and surprisingly lovely metaphor (The broach that causes everything to look More...
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Jun 16, 2008
X
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Yet another fast moving, easy reading book. I wish I had read it sooner, as I was confused in the beginning trying to remember who all the characters were. However, after the first chapter or two it was quite good. A few parts were disturbingly LOTR reminiscent, but not enough to make it a cheap rip-off. Most of the characters were good and the mythological influences were nice. I'll think I won't wait so long to read the rest of the series.
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Apr 02, 2007
Scott
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The first book in the Prydain series didn't exactly impress me. I was afraid the whole lot of them would be stories where this motley crew of adventurers makes one mistake after another because they're silly and self-righteous but somehow manages to magically win in the end.
The Black Cauldron changed my mind. While the characters didn't get too much smarter, they matured quite a bit. Their bumbling isn't quite as tiresome, and they seem to learn a lot quicker and think less about More...
The Black Cauldron changed my mind. While the characters didn't get too much smarter, they matured quite a bit. Their bumbling isn't quite as tiresome, and they seem to learn a lot quicker and think less about More...
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Oct 12, 2011
Jenna
rated it: 
Lloyd Alexander's cast of quirky characters returned in full form for this second Prydain adventure. Faced with the enemy of his own pride, among other foes, Taran goes through some rather striking character development; his friends provide support, tonguelashing and comic relief.
The humor and Taran's character progression really make the book. Though a lot of the quirky personalities run dangerously close to gimmickry, the tale is short and fast-moving enough that it doesn't matter. More...
The humor and Taran's character progression really make the book. Though a lot of the quirky personalities run dangerously close to gimmickry, the tale is short and fast-moving enough that it doesn't matter. More...
Aug 01, 2011
Abby
rated it:
The Black Cauldron is the second book in Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of Prydain series, and it is by far better than the first book The Book of Three. The Book of Three focuses on the fact that the protagonist is an Assistant Pig-Keeper for an oracular pig. Do I care about assistant pig-keepers? Do I care about oracular pigs? No. So I didn't care much about the events and characters in the first book.
The Black Cauldron mercifully had little to do with pigs, and more to do with character d More...
The Black Cauldron mercifully had little to do with pigs, and more to do with character d More...
Jul 19, 2011
Andrea
rated it: 
Lloyd Alexander never ceases to amaze me!!
This installment of the Prydain Chronicles is, I think, the best...although I've only read this one and the first one. (thank you Ivy for adding it to my ever-growing stack of library books!!)
The surprising twist with Ellidyr at the end is brilliant, not to mention rather tear-inducing (okay, I really didn't cry...I ALMOST did, which is a huge improvement for me!!! :)).
Also, Eilonwy proves to be more and more like me e More...
This installment of the Prydain Chronicles is, I think, the best...although I've only read this one and the first one. (thank you Ivy for adding it to my ever-growing stack of library books!!)
The surprising twist with Ellidyr at the end is brilliant, not to mention rather tear-inducing (okay, I really didn't cry...I ALMOST did, which is a huge improvement for me!!! :)).
Also, Eilonwy proves to be more and more like me e More...
Jul 13, 2011
Gail
rated it:
This is the second book in the Prydain series for Lloyd Alexander. In this book Taran goes on a journey to try and get the evil cauldron that is being used to bring back the dead. As they are separated into groups with different assignments, Taran finds himself with Elliyr, a royal with a bad attitude and Adaon, a bard and dreamer. Even though Eilonway and Gurgi were not invited on this dangerous trip, they find Taran and go with the group to try and destroy the cauldron. Along the way, Adaon
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Feb 12, 2010
Jasmyn9
rated it:
The evil Lord Arawn is creating mindless, undieing cauldron-born. The familiar companions from The Book of Three join forces with the greatest lords of the land with a plan to steal the cauldron and destroy it. Plans like this never seem to go well, and this one seems to be foiled from the very beginning. We are intruduced to a handful of new characters, I'm not sure if they will continue throughout the rest of the series or not.
I enjoyed this book more than the first in the ser More...
I enjoyed this book more than the first in the ser More...
Feb 02, 2010
Mr. Graham
rated it:
Great book. This is a fantasy with a human element in the hero that is rare. Taran, a lowly "Assistant Pig-Keeper," is humble, though often hot-headed. To this hero honor matters, but integrity rules. His decisions are always selfless and courageous, though often youthfully unwise. His companions and superiors are often the more wise and honorable, yet Taran's leadership takes them where they must go. The self sacrifice and humility he shows makes him a great hero for young peopl
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Jan 30, 2010
Venla
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jul 12, 2009
Madeline
rated it:
Book 2 of the Chronicles of Prydain series, which I sort of worshipped as a kid. I really wish that my copy of the book features the cover pictured with this review, as it seems to ignore Taran completely and just features Eilonwy doing something badass, which is pretty cool.
Also, I will repeat a warning I made in my review of The Book of Three: The Walt Disney Corporation, in a well-intended but disasterous move, decided to make an animated movie called The Black Cauldron several y More...
Also, I will repeat a warning I made in my review of The Book of Three: The Walt Disney Corporation, in a well-intended but disasterous move, decided to make an animated movie called The Black Cauldron several y More...
Jan 21, 2009
Elijah
rated it:
Granted, The Black Cauldron is quite a short book, but I still think it says something that I read it in two days, with a lot of other stuff going on in my life. Honestly, I can't even put my finger on what it is that makes me give it four stars instead of five... the absence of some intangible something. Nonetheless, a great book.
The Book of Three was fun but took awhile to get going, and only moved out of normal kid adventure now and then, but the second book goes into grander, mor More...
The Book of Three was fun but took awhile to get going, and only moved out of normal kid adventure now and then, but the second book goes into grander, mor More...
Sep 17, 2010
Layton
rated it:
So much better than the first book! I can see why it got a Newbery Honor. True, I could tell by Chapter 2 who would die, who couldn't be trusted, and who would redeem himself before the end, but I don't think that detracted from the story too much. I felt that Taran did a lot of growing in this one. I didn't like that it was his magical brooch helping him do it, but he was able to retain what the brooch taught him after it was out of his possession. Eilonwy and Gurgi weren't nearly as obnoxious,
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Mar 29, 2011
Drew
rated it:
This second book in The Chronicles of Prydain is an excellent continuation of the series. The stakes are higher as the good guys plan to confront the evil Death-Lord Arawn himself and steal the Black Cauldron before he can use it for his wicked purposes, and the writing reflects the increased threat and danger, but is still somehow really fun to read. I love how the core characters are already progressing. Taran, Eilonwy, Fflewddur and Gurgi are being treated with more depth and history, and
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Apr 14, 2009
Joe
rated it:
Like the first book, my review is split on this one--3 stars for me, 5 for my boys, so an average of 4. One thing is sure, this book is better than the movie version. Disney took a lot of liberties, and in many ways, spoiled it. I enjoyed this one better than the first book in the series. It starts to branch out a bit into more original territory--although the parallel between the cauldron and the one ring is a bit obvious. I liked the witches--that part is rather entertaining. I saw the
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Dec 06, 2011
Lyn
rated it:
As a whole, this book is actually quite well written. The storyline of the first half of the book was not very happening, but the second half was much better, faster-paced and there was at least one twist in the plot.
In the first half of the book, there was a lot of travelling involving Taran, Eilonwy, Gurgi, Fflewddur and Doli. Not much action as the book dealt more with their emotional journey – how they matured through their experiences. In fact, Taran was advised (more than neces More...
In the first half of the book, there was a lot of travelling involving Taran, Eilonwy, Gurgi, Fflewddur and Doli. Not much action as the book dealt more with their emotional journey – how they matured through their experiences. In fact, Taran was advised (more than neces More...
Oct 24, 2009
Caitlin
rated it:
This has always been my favorite of the series. It has such danger & humor & the various hero's journeys deepen as the story continues. Here we meet Gwystyl & Kaw & the tragic figures of King Morgant & Ellidyr & Islimach.
When I read this book as a little girl, I was quite taken with the character of Adaon, the son of Taliesin. I hated Ellidyr, the last son of a poor family who has nothing but his sword, his horse & his prideful rage to carry him through. As an adult I found mysel More...
When I read this book as a little girl, I was quite taken with the character of Adaon, the son of Taliesin. I hated Ellidyr, the last son of a poor family who has nothing but his sword, his horse & his prideful rage to carry him through. As an adult I found mysel More...
Sep 21, 2011
Bonnie Jean
rated it:
I really enjoyed The Black Cauldron a lot more than I enjoyed The Book of Three. For one, Taran has matured a great deal since the beginning of the last book. He is still impulsive, still cares a great deal about his honor... but while in The Book of Three these traits caused him to mostly just get into scrapes while everyone else actually accomplished what needed to be done, in The Black Cauldron, he is beginning to think more about the consequences of his actions on society as a greater whol
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Jan 04, 2012
Scott
rated it:
An excellent continuation to this series. While I loved The Book of Three, this sequel might be even better. The characters are more complex and even more vibrant than in the first volume. Significant character development/growth occurs, and not just in the main characters (who are noticeably less childish). The plot (although using a standard fantasy formula: a quest to destroy the deadly magical item belonging to the dark lord) is fun, gripping, and well-crafted, with a number of twists and tu
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Aug 28, 2011
Justyn
rated it:
A truly wonderful book that delivered on its promise to be a bit darker with a bit more at stake!
Wonderful characters with lives outside the book!
My only wish is to spend more time with these characters and understand more about them and there history together. I do have three books left, actually four if I count the collection of short stories. I eagerly await to spend more time in this world though it is with a heavy heart that I creep closer to having to leave it.
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Wonderful characters with lives outside the book!
My only wish is to spend more time with these characters and understand more about them and there history together. I do have three books left, actually four if I count the collection of short stories. I eagerly await to spend more time in this world though it is with a heavy heart that I creep closer to having to leave it.
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Jun 04, 2011
Mary
rated it:
"The Black Cauldron" draws readers deeper into the magical world of Prydain and the evil forces of Arawn that continue to threaten it. Along with all the kings and heroes of the land, young Taran (Assistant Pig-Keeper) leaves his quiet home to find and destroy the black cauldron, the iron womb of Arawn's deathless soldiers. Along the way, he learns the difference between pride and arrogance and must accept that not all heroic deeds will be acknowledged. This is the second in Lloyd Alex
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Aug 16, 2011
dthaase
rated it:
What a tale! A masterfully weaved adventure and how delightful that three books remain in the chronicles. Herein was a gripping story of good versus evil ~ two quotes from the end of the book:
"It is easy to judge evil unmixed...But, alas, in most of us good and bad are closely woven as the threads on a loom; greater wisdom than mine is needed for the judging."
**
"It is strange," [Taran] said at last. "I had longed to enter the world More...
"It is easy to judge evil unmixed...But, alas, in most of us good and bad are closely woven as the threads on a loom; greater wisdom than mine is needed for the judging."
**
"It is strange," [Taran] said at last. "I had longed to enter the world More...
Oct 23, 2010
Darla
rated it:
Okay. I totally messed that up. I accidently posted my review on my son's account since that window was left open. So if it looks like I copied his review, it is because I WROTE his review. I think I deleted it for him, but I will need to wait for him to come home and clean up the mess on his own account. Funny!
(Genre:Children's fiction/fantasy/Newberry Award winner) This is a great installment in Alexander's Prydain chronicles. Taran (assistant pig keeper) is allowed to go on a quest More...
(Genre:Children's fiction/fantasy/Newberry Award winner) This is a great installment in Alexander's Prydain chronicles. Taran (assistant pig keeper) is allowed to go on a quest 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 04, 2011
Wulfette
rated it:
Lloyd Alexander write light Tolkien for kids... I love this book as a kid but never had the chance to read the whole series. Thinking it'll be nice for summer I pick them up again but found the writing too shallow, but probably good for kids. Eg, Gorgi's repeated munching and crunching gets really annoying after a while. That said, The Black Cauldron is still a nice book and the series always sets a lot of moral examples for kids. It also means that Taran sometimes is annoying, because the autho
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Dec 14, 2011
Lori
rated it:
I really like this story, but the dialogue in this book irked me. In the first book (The Book of Three), Taran, the assistant pig-keeper protagonist was a regular joe. He was someone you could relate to (especially those of us who have raised sons - just kidding, Nathan . . . sort of), someone you cared about. Anyway, in this book, now that the teenage Taran is on a quest with the men, his speech suddenly becomes formal. A lot of the writing seemed forced and unnatural, melodramatic in many plac
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Jun 13, 2011
Charles
rated it:
It was a bit better than book #1, The Book of Three, and a bit darker. While there were some interesting plot twists, the important twist at the end was apparent to me the moment it was set up. I don't know if I'll continue with the series, as it's a bit too much oriented toward the juvenile reader -- but they are quick reads that can fill a day or two for you if you aren't looking for anything too deep (and you don't mind how every other time a character speaks, the author uses the word "c
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Jun 22, 2010
Tara
rated it:
Taran, Assistant Pig-keeper of Prydain, joins his friends on a quest to retreive and destroy the evil black cauldron. Taran learns that to be a man he must be aquainted with death; learn sacrifice, loyalty, and wisdom; and understand that actions have consequences that effect not only himself but others too. Taran learns the importance of love and friendship as well. I thought this story was fanciful and adventurous. I liked that it showed the reader that no matter what circumstances one is born
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Mar 25, 2011
Stephanie
rated it:
This is actually book two in the 5-book series, The Chronicles of Prydain, about a quest based on Welsh mythology and one of my favorite children's books (the series). I read these as an adolescent and found a set and purchased them for Chloe when she was 9 and she loved them, too.
Factoid: I was working in our family's used book store in Burbank, California in about 1974 when a man from Disney Studios came in looking for children's books to adapt for movies. I suggested this series an More...
Factoid: I was working in our family's used book store in Burbank, California in about 1974 when a man from Disney Studios came in looking for children's books to adapt for movies. I suggested this series an More...
Jun 27, 2007
Sera
rated it:
Wonderful adventure series for younger audiences. Follows an unlikely group of heroes through the trials they face to save their land. Classic young adult fantasy!
