Westmark Trilogy

  

My Thoughts:

-    These are awesome! They are written by the legendary Lloyd Alexander! Nuff said!

-    Go read them!

The High King

Goodreads Synopsis:    When the Sword of Dyrnwyn, the most powerful weapon inthe kingdom of Prydain, falls into the hands of Arawn-Death-Lord, Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, and Prince Gwydion raise an army to march against Arawn's terrible cohorts.  After a winter expedition filled with danger, Taran's army arrives at Mount Dragon, Arawn's stronghold.  There, in a thrilling confrontation with Arawn and the evil enchantress Achren, Taran is forced to make the most crucial decision of his life.

My Thoughts:

-    This book had a different feel from the previous books. It is more solemn.

-    I loved that Kaw got his own chapter. It was fun to see things through the eyes of the little trouble maker. 

-    Taran's bravery and loyalty is finally paying off! I was so happy for him when Gwydion made him a war leader. 

-    Gathering the troops and traveling covers most of the book. There are more slower parts, but it was all important. 

-    We finally get to see some of Dallben's powers! Hooray! It only took 5 books to see it! 

-    Despite the slow parts, the ending is worth sticking it out! 

-    The very end is a bit like the ending of Lord of the Rings. I admire Taran's decision and dedication.

-    I really liked finding out what happened to a lot of side characters, especially Achren and Dorath.

-    This was a very fitting end in the Prydain chronicles. Each of these books is special to me, and I think everyone needs to read these at some point in their life. 

Previous books in The Chronicle of Prydain Series

(Click on the cover to see my thoughts)

  

Taran Wanderer

From Goodreads:    Taran has been both Assistant Pig-Keeper and warrior, but his heart is troubled. Who are his parents? Where does he come from? In a quest to learn who he truly is, Taran travels Prydain seeking secrets long buried by time and silence. Accompanied by his loyal friends, Taran begins his search. Maybe, if his parents are as noble as he hopes, Princess Eilonwy with the red-gold hair will think as often and as fondly of Taran as he finds himself thinking of her.









My Thoughts:

-    I don't remember this story as much as I do the previous books, so it was almost like reading it for the first time, and I loved it!

-    Taran grows and learns so much in this tale. He finally makes that transition from boy to man. Not only does Taran learn from everyone he encounters on his journey, but he also teaches them things in return. 

-    There are a lot of good messages and morals taught throughout the book, not just for the characters but for the readers as well. 

-    Gurgi's friendship is priceless. He is so loyal and steadfast. Gurgi is always happy and willing to sacrifice whatever and follow Taran in anything. 

-    Taran really proves how hard working he is. He does honest work, and he never does it half heatedly. He does a good job. I wish I had that kind of diligence in everything I did.

-    While there isn't a lot of action, there is a lot of value in this book. 

Previous books in The Chronicle of Prydain Series

(Click on the cover to see my thoughts)

  

The Castle of Llyr

Goodreads Synopsis:    Princess Eilonwy has accompanied Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, on all his adventures. But a princess needs special skills that can only be learned in a royal household, so she travels to the island of Mona to begin her proper education. As it turns out, court life isn't as boring as it seems to the unwilling princess --- friends and enemies appear in many guises, and danger hides in every corner. When Eilonwy disappears and disturbing rumors about the evil enchantress Achren surface, Taran and his companions undertake an exciting and terrifying mission to rescue their princess. But will Taran battle to save Eilonwy's life only to lose her in the end?





My Thoughts:

-    This used to be my favorite book in the series back in the day, but I'm thinking it might not be anymore. They are all so good!

-    I really loved how this one focused a lot on Eilonwy, but she wasn't prominent in the book.

-    Everything Gurgi says is golden! I just love his dialogue!

-    Prince Rhun started out as a complete dweeb, and you just want to strangle him, but his character grows and develops along the way, and by the end, his character is bit more endearing, and someday he'll make a decent king. 

-    I feel like Taran became more aware of who he is and how he feels. It was a different kind of character development. 

-    Llyan was awesome! I want one!

-    I can't remember if Glew makes an appearance in the next 2 books, but I hope so. I feel like his tale isn't over. 

-    I love how the characters learned how to use Eilonwy's bauble, and I love how the bauble is activated. Who knew Eilonwy was so selfless?

-    Since this is the middle book of the 5 in the series, can I safely call this the "hump book" of the series?

-    Bottom line: I loved it! Great adventure! Great characters! Love this series! 

Previous books in The Chronicle of Prydain Series

(Click on the cover to see my thoughts)

 

The Black Cauldron

Goodreads Synopsis:    Peace reigns in Caer Dallben, where Taran works as Assistant Pig-Keeper, but evil threatens the rest of Prydain. The diabolical Arawn’s army grows every day, and his terrible warriors never die. They are born in the Black Cauldron from the stolen bodies of slain soldiers. If evil is to be defeated, the cauldron must be destroyed. Taran volunteers to travel to Arawn’s stronghold and assist in the destruction of the dreaded cauldron. With his faithful friends reassembled, Taran marches off to face great danger with a courageous heart.








My Thoughts:

-    Another epic adventure in Prydain! I love this series! 

-    Our friends set out to complete an impossible task, and new characters are introduced, some good, some bad. 

-    Gurgi's endless bag of food would be really handy. I wish I had one...but with an endless supply of money!

-    Ellidyr was an interesting fellow. His character development was my favorite. He was probably the deepest person in the story. 

-    Adaorn reminds me of the Lord Yupa from Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. I don't know why, but he does. Perhaps it is his wisdom.

-    Taran is a natural leader. He doesn't really ask to lead, but he naturally does it, and his friends follow him diligently. I hope my friends are as loyal as Taran's.

-    There were some tender moments in this book. The characters grieved and made difficult decisions. 

-    These books have something for everyone. I think no matter gender or age, these books will entertain and excite you! 

First book in The Chronicle of Prydain Series

(Click on the cover to see my thoughts)

The Book of Three

Goodreads Synopsis:    Taran dreams of adventure, but nothing exciting ever happens to an Assistant Pig-Keeper--until his pig runs away. A chase through the woods leads Taran far from home and into great danger, for evil prowls the land of Prydain. With a collection of strange and wonderful friends whom he meets on his journey, Taran finds himself fighting so that good may triumph over evil--and so that his beloved home will not fall to a diabolical fiend.









My Thoughts:

-    This series is one of my childhood favorites! Reading this again was like greeting old friends. 

-    Reading an old favorite is just what I needed to get me out of my reading slump!

-    Taran has a lot of growing up to do, and while he grew throughout this journey, I'm glad there are more books for him to grow more. 

-    Gurgi is one of my all time favorite characters! He is right up there with Bilbo! I love the way he speaks, and I love his loyalty and courage.

-    I love the other characters as well. Gwydion was one of my first literature crushes! Eilonwy can be annoying at times, but sometimes Taran needed a good scolding. Fflewddur is a good companion and brings some great comic relief. SO many great characters!! I love them all!

-    Medwyn is full of wisdom and love for all living things. I admire him so much. I wish I had his job. It would be so peaceful and lovely.

-    The book is short, but the adventure is EPIC! This tale is a timeless classic that people will love forever! I can't wait to share Alexander's books with my little gnome!

-    Although we don't see much of him, The Horned King is one of the scariest and baddest dudes in all of fantasy! 

-    Nothing but love and praise from me for this book! This series holds a lot of nostalgia for me. I grew up reading about Prydain and The Shire, and I always wanted my own adventure. This is one of the books that started my love for reading!