The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! š
estrick's review against another edition
5.0
I fell in love with these books when they were first read aloud to me as a child, and they remain just as wonderful now that Iām an adult. My husband and I read them aloud to each other during our first year of marriage, and ended up staying up far too late reading on nights when we had to work the next day. The characters are unforgettable, and we find ourselves making allusions to what certain characters would do or say in our situation. I canāt wait until our son is old enough to enjoy them as well.
The tale is of adventure and daring, of finding oneself and coming-of-age. The story unfolds in the fantasy realm of Prydain, a world steeped in Welsh mythology. Taran, a young Assistant Pig Keeper (to a very special pig) longs to be a hero, but finds heroism to be quite different than he expected when he is caught up in the strange deeds of his time. He is joined in his adventures by Eilonwy (a loquacious princess), Fflewddur Fflam (a bard whose harp strings break when his tales get a bit too ācolorfulā), and Gurgi (a loyal though scruffy creature who takes delight in his ācrunchings and munchingsā). One comes to expect the unexpected: deathless warriors, talking crows, invisible dwarves, melancholy giants, evil enchantresses, giant cats, and prophetic pigs.
One of the things that I particularly love about this series is that it doesnāt take itself too seriously. It has a healthy dose of heroism and characters reaching beyond themselves to help others, but the heroism stays rooted in humor and humanity. The characters still make mistakes, and peopleās personality quirks clash. This series doesnāt fall into the vein of āHe was the best warrior in the world. With the strongest sword in the world. Until he met this other warrior who was even the better-bestest warrior in the world. With an even longer sword.ā The trope of overly-heroic fantasy can get a bit laborious at times, and I find this series to be refreshingly down-to-earth. We can still escape from our daily lives into a world of wonder and adventure, but we have to chase some pigs and laugh at ourselves along the way.
The tale is of adventure and daring, of finding oneself and coming-of-age. The story unfolds in the fantasy realm of Prydain, a world steeped in Welsh mythology. Taran, a young Assistant Pig Keeper (to a very special pig) longs to be a hero, but finds heroism to be quite different than he expected when he is caught up in the strange deeds of his time. He is joined in his adventures by Eilonwy (a loquacious princess), Fflewddur Fflam (a bard whose harp strings break when his tales get a bit too ācolorfulā), and Gurgi (a loyal though scruffy creature who takes delight in his ācrunchings and munchingsā). One comes to expect the unexpected: deathless warriors, talking crows, invisible dwarves, melancholy giants, evil enchantresses, giant cats, and prophetic pigs.
One of the things that I particularly love about this series is that it doesnāt take itself too seriously. It has a healthy dose of heroism and characters reaching beyond themselves to help others, but the heroism stays rooted in humor and humanity. The characters still make mistakes, and peopleās personality quirks clash. This series doesnāt fall into the vein of āHe was the best warrior in the world. With the strongest sword in the world. Until he met this other warrior who was even the better-bestest warrior in the world. With an even longer sword.ā The trope of overly-heroic fantasy can get a bit laborious at times, and I find this series to be refreshingly down-to-earth. We can still escape from our daily lives into a world of wonder and adventure, but we have to chase some pigs and laugh at ourselves along the way.
wwatts1734's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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
bmeaden's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
emlickliter's review against another edition
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!Ā
raven_acres's review against another edition
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