Chronicles of Prydain - Series 
by Lloyd Alexander

The Book of Three

Grades 5 & up

Fantasy

Time Cat
Westmark
Vesper Holly

Book Summary:
The Book of Three is the first in a five-book series based on Welsh legends. Taran dreams of being an acclaimed warrior, but is instead assigned to the role of Assistant Pig-Keeper. When adventures take him away from the safety of his home farm, Taran has to face the fact that his dreams of heroism aren't quite as glamorous as he imagined.

 Book Review:
Complex vocabulary makes this series inaccessible to some readers, and fantasy battles with mythic villains aren't for everyone. Much beloved by a core set of fans. Excellent character-driven series within an action/fantasy backdrop, with a surprising amount of humor. This series, especially the second book, has long been a favorite of mine.

The Black Cauldron is the second book in this series: a Newbery Honor book (1966), and my favorite. Taran and his companions meet a new set of villains in their quest to destroy Arawn's evil cauldron. Taran seeks honor and glory through the chance to fight in battle, but life and death obstacles - including a competitive, surly prince, and the well-intentioned flaws of Taran and his friends - continue to surface.

Few of Taran's regular companions appear in this fourth book, making it my least favorite (it's just not the same without Eilonwy). It could be argued that this is the book where Taran learns what it means to become an adult, as he travels to different lands, learns various skills, and builds connections with people across Prydain.

The third book in the Chronicles of Prydain series takes Taran and his companions to Eilonwy's homeland, where she is assigned to learn how to "behave like a princess, whatever that means." Of course, trouble is afoot and the companions are called upon to battle against enchanters, giants, and corruption in the castle.

This Newbery Award winning final book (1969) reunites Taran with many characters from previous books in the series, and asks Taran to prove his worth in many different ways. The final book is satisfying because it is the journey Taran has wanted to take since the series began, and readers who have traveled with him to this point understand his strengths and failings as he faces each challenge.

"At least I knew, for a little while . . . what it must be like to be a hero."
p. 177

Rites of Passage
Medieval Adventure
Swords and Sorcery

Being Comfortable with Yourself
Identity
Growing Up
Ethics, Honor, Loyalty
Good vs. Evil
The Power of Friendship

1966 - Newbery Honor: The Black Cauldron
1969 - Newbery Winner: The High King

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