wwatts1734's review
5.0
The Chronicles of Prydain tell the story of young Taran, the Assistant Pig Keeper, who embarks on several adventures to battle evil in the mythical Kingdom of Prydain, a land modeled after Wales. The stories are based on Welsh mythology, but Alexander makes the stories very accessible to modern young readers. The characters in these stories are very well developed - the assistant Pig Keeper who would be a hero, the young lady who is the heiress to a line of magic princesses, the would be bard, a furry companion who provides comic relief. All of these characters grow in their own ways and develop to the delight of readers. The stories are engaging and the setting is wonderful.
Many readers have comparied the Chronicles of Prydain to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings triology. In my opinion this is an unfair comparison, as Tolkien had a completely different mythological basis for his stories, and also because Alexander wrote his Prydain stories for young adults. While I don't believe that the Prydain saga is better than Tolkien's saga, I do believe that it has tremendous merit and can stand on its own.
I would recommend the Prydain chronicles to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels or young adult novels. This series is a must-read for young adults who want to read novels that offer adventure and a healthy dose of imagination.
Many readers have comparied the Chronicles of Prydain to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings triology. In my opinion this is an unfair comparison, as Tolkien had a completely different mythological basis for his stories, and also because Alexander wrote his Prydain stories for young adults. While I don't believe that the Prydain saga is better than Tolkien's saga, I do believe that it has tremendous merit and can stand on its own.
I would recommend the Prydain chronicles to anyone who enjoys fantasy novels or young adult novels. This series is a must-read for young adults who want to read novels that offer adventure and a healthy dose of imagination.
mupo's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
scottthepetty's review
3.0
I would have given this book 3.5 stars, but I don't know how to give half a star. In any case: fun, light-hearted read. The story is cute, enchanting even. I originally picked this up out of my love for Disney's The Black Cauldron, this being the source material. This set builds on what Disney used. If you're looking for a tale that is a traditional sort of fantasy jaunt without any scheming or grey areas, this is a good choice!
madamdun's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
alex_wordweaver's review against another edition
4.0
I'm glad to've finally finished the entire series. It's been a fun ride, Prydain. A really satisfying conclusion.
micho_214's review
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
emlickliter's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
5.0
The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander - This is high fantasy that is clean enough for kids, but still flashy enough for their jaded adults to enjoy along side them! Happy Reading!
raven_acres's review
4.0
Book 1 - 3 Stars, Read 5/28/13
Book 2 - 3 Stars, Read 5/31/13
Book 3 - 4 Stars, Read 6/2/13
Book 4 - 4 Stars, Read 6/4/13
Book 5 - 4 Stars, Read 6/5/13
Book 2 - 3 Stars, Read 5/31/13
Book 3 - 4 Stars, Read 6/2/13
Book 4 - 4 Stars, Read 6/4/13
Book 5 - 4 Stars, Read 6/5/13
togdon's review
3.0
Read-aloud for the boys. Having missed this series as a kid I went into it without many expectations. The books (there are five+ included in the volume we read) seemed to improve as the series went on. It felt both a bit derivative and tidy in comparison to the other big fantasy tent-poles, but we definitely found it charming and readable.