The stakes get higher, and so does the adventure

books:

	• The Black Cauldron (The Chronicles of Prydain) Lloyd Alexander Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks, 2006 - 208 pages average customer review:based on 123 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Keeps getting better

So, here we are, in part 2 of our coming of age story. I guess you could also say this falls under "the continuing adventures of..." Either way, a great continuation to the series. With all these particular books, I am trying not to really go into the story itself, as there are too many spoilers and whatnot one would be wanting to give away. I've read this series once or twice a year since I've been about ten. If this tells you anything, I'm 36 in a few months. Yes, they are books designed for a 9-10 year old, but an adult can even get enjoyment out of them. They do sort of work as stand alone books, but they are better if read from book 1 to 5.

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Great books

I read the Prydain Chronicles as a child and still find them enjoyable today. I look forward to one day sharing these tales with my children.

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The battle is over, but the war is just begun.

Lloyd Alexander, The Black Cauldron (Henry Holt, 1965)

Alexander returns to the world of Prydain with this second chronicle of Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, and his quest to become an heroic figure. In this volume, Gwydion, having struck a major blow to Arawn in the first book, now wants to strike, as it were, while the iron is hot, and hit Arawn as hard as possible by stealing the black cauldron, the vessel Arawn uses to create the undying Cauldron-born. This involves a major mobilization of forces, Taran, Eilonwy, and the gang included, and leads to all sorts of adventures for everyone involved. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, you'll certainly enjoy this one as well. ****

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A Very Good Follow Up to "Book of Three"

Taran, the Assistant Pig Keeper continues his adventures in the second book of the Chronicles of Prydain, "The Black Cauldron". With The Horned King now dead, Arwan relies solely on his magical Black Cauldron to contain his power. The Cauldron has the power to produced armies of the dead, but now it is missing. Taran, along with his friends (from the past book) and some new allies are drafted into locating the Cauldron which is believed to be in the possession of three witches.

"The Black Cauldron" begins much like the previous story ("The Book of Three"), rather slow and predictable, but once the Cauldron is found the book takes off. The plot speeds up and some wonderful twists appear. Character development is okay but could be a little better. Characters are still painted in broad strokes of black and white, after all it's still a kids book. However, "The Black Cauldron" appears to more than just for kids, it's plot is more sophisticated then say "The Book of Three". If you can mangle your way past the Welsh based nouns, it would be a great book to read aloud, for the child as well as for the adult.

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The stakes get higher, and so does the adventure

The Black Cauldron is the second book in the Chronicles of Prydain series. While it is best to read it following The Book of Three, it is not entirely required, as Lloyd Alexander brings the reader up to speed quickly and easily. While The Book of Three saw Taran and his companions battle against the forces of the Horned King, the general of Arawn the death-lord, The Black Cauldron ups the stakes substantially. Now, instead of passively defending against Arawn's attacks, the heroes must take the fight to the villain, stealing and destroying his magical black cauldron through which he creates his invincible warriors.

The stakes are higher in The Black Cauldron, and the book lets you know that. Taran is a little older and a little wiser, and the battles take more of a toll on him. No longer is he the young boy eager for adventure. Now realizing what heroism requires, he embarks upon his quest with a heavier heart. Nonetheless, there are plenty moments of humor and several old friends, such as the grumpy dwarf Doli, the lying bard Fflewdur Fflam, and the babbling princess Eilonwy. Additionally, there are new friends and foes to help Taran on his way or to hinder him. Lloyd Alexander spins his usual intriguing tale and populates it with interesting characters who seem instantly likable.

The Black Cauldron is an excellent book and a suitable followup to The Book of Three. Lloyd Alexander continues to weave an interesting and unpredictable tale that should be standard reading material for fantasy fans of all ages. While many sequels stumble under higher expectations, The Black Cauldron rises to the occasion, meeting and even exceeding the high standard of quality set forth by its predecessor.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

The Newbery-winning fantasy series now available in gorgeous new paperback editions!

Since The Book of Three was first published in 1964, young readers have been enthralled by the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his quest to become a hero. Taran is joined by an engaging cast of characters that includes Eilonwy, the strong-willed and sharp-tongued princess; Fflewddur Fflam, the hyperbole-prone bard; the ever-faithful Gurgi; and the curmudgeonly Doli?all of whom have become involved in an epic struggle between good and evil that shapes the fate of the legendary land of Prydain. Released over a period of five years, Lloyd Alexander?s beautifully written tales not only captured children?s imaginations but also garnered the highest critical praise.

The Black Cauldron was a Newbery Honor Book, and the final volume in the chronicles, The High King, crowned the series by winning the Newbery Medal for ?the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.?

Henry Holt is proud to present this classic series in a new, redesigned paperback format. The jackets feature stunning art by acclaimed fantasy artist David Wyatt, giving the books a fresh look for today?s generation of young fantasy lovers. The companion book of short stories, The Foundling is also available in paperback at this time.

In their more than thirty years in print, the Chronicles of Prydain have become the standard of excellence in fantasy literature for children.

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