The Castle of Llyr: The Chronicles of Prydain, Book 3

Lloyd Alexander's five-part "Chronicles of Prydain" is essential reading for anyone, regardless of age, gender or reading preferences. Although they are classed as both fantasy and children's literature, these books can be enjoyed by everyone, not just for its fantastical elements and the broad good vs. evil conflict, but for their gentle humour, loveable characters and vindication of humanity over, not just fantasy-evil, but the more base qualities of greed, ignorance, spite and pride. At their core, the books are a coming-of-age story for our protagonist Taran, as he journeys from boy to man in troubled times, acquiring wisdom, humility, kindness and responsibility as he goes. The best part is that this process is gradual, but not stagnant. In each book, Taran has grown, and yet there's always more to learn on the path to becoming a man.As such, this third volume of the series "The Castle of Llyr," concerns Taran's developing feelings for his friend and companion Princess Elionwy, who is being sent to the Isle of Mona in order to become a proper lady. The enchanter Dallben, with whom the young people live with, has himself ordered it. Neither are particularly pleased with the decision, and Taran is even less pleased to discover that Elionwy's new guardians have plans to betroth her to their son. Prince Rhun of Mona is hapless and clumsy, and jealousy rears its ugly head when Taran becomes acutely aware of his position in life as an Assistant Pig-Keeper.And yet all that must take a backseat when Elionwy is kidnapped, and Taran must work with Rhun, along with harpist Fflewddur Fflam and the faithful Gurgi, in order to bring her safely home. Their journey takes them into subterranean caves and across mysterious islands, only to find that the object of their adventure has been bewitched by the evil enchantress Achren who plans to use the Princess's latent powers to reclaim control over Prydain.As well as this, there are other familiar faces, such as the warrior Gwydion and the talkative crow Kaw, (though sadly, Doli doesn't make an appearance) and several other characters that play a part in the action both here and in stories to come: Glew, the "smallest" giant in fiction, the beautiful cat Llyan (who Alexander called "the prototype of cat-greatness") and Prince Rhun, whose clumsiness is offset by his endearing cheerfulness and awareness that he isn't quite the prince he should be. We learn more about Elionwy's heritage, particularly the purpose and nature of her glass bauble, though the full story of her people won't be fully explained until Taran Wanderer (The Chronicles of Prydain). And of course, we get the first romantic overtures between Taran and Elionwy that are both poignant and typically awkward, as you'd expect from adolescents.The entire series takes place in the land of Prydain, which is heavily influenced by the mythology of Wales, as found in The Mabinogion (Penguin Classics). Though it sounds like your typical fantasy-setting, there is a particular charm to this series, born out of Alexander's love and respect for life, his wit and wordplay, and the wisdom that he manages to infuse into his story without ever sounding preachy or pretentious. These five books, and the companion anthology of short stories set in Prydain's past, are essential reading for any child, to be put on the shelf right next to The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-6).

The Black Cauldron series is so wonderful for kids, its like Tolkien-lite (and it seems like the author is paying obvious homage to him). This is another good installment, well-worth a read (or two).

Already loved the book from long ago, and have been on the hunt to replace list or damaged ones from the set. This competed the set, and wasn’t ill described either.

The book continues to follow the characters of the Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander. There are some new characters too. We enjoy the books. There is a lot of suspense and action. It is a must read. The characters are relatable. There are many stuggles that make great teachable moments.

I’d give zero stars if I could. This book was advertised as the 2006 edition which is what I wanted as 2 of my 5 books from my 2006 editions went missing. This book is a 2011 edition and is advertised as 2006. Not impressed. I like my books to match.