Chronicles of Prydain: The Castle of Llyr

Lloyd Alexander

Average Rating 8/10 (1 Review)

The Chronicles of Prydain - Book 3

Princess Eilonwy hates to leave her friend Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, and her beloved home, Caer Dallben. Why does she have to go to the Isle of Mona to train as a proper lady when she's already a princess? But Eilowny soon faces much more than the ordeal of becoming a dignified young maiden, for she possesses magical powers sought by the evil enchantress Queen Achren.

When Eilonwy is put under a deep spell, Taran and his companions set out on a dangerous quest to rescue her. Yet how can a lowly Assistant Pig-Keeper hope to stand against the most evil enchantress in all of Prydain?

KS2/3 E; Age 10+

Review by Nadine (060408) Rating (8/10)

Review by Nadine
Rating 8/10
Book Three of the Chronicles of Prydain begins with a journey. Taran’s friend Eilonwy turns out to be of noble lineage, and despite the fact that she would much prefer to stay in Caer Dallben and be a scullery maid, it is decided that she should travel to the court of King Rhuddlum where she can learn to be a lady.

Taran finds himself unexpectedly saddened by the news, but he accepts the decision and agrees to escort Eilonwy on her journey to her new home. All seems well until their arrival at the castle of Dinas Rhydnant, where they meet the King and Queen, and the sinister castle steward. Taran immediately senses that something is wrong, and his friend and mentor Prince Gwydion seems to think so too when he turns up in disguise, spying on courtly proceedings.

In spite of their vigilance, their worst fears come true when Eilonwy is kidnapped. Once again Taran and a few companions must set out on a quest, this time to rescue the girl he didn’t realise he had grown to care for.

Taran is getting quite good at quests. This is his third, after all, and it’s just as well he has gathered some experience because he encounters some particularly perilous obstacles in this episode. It’s possibly the most exciting plot so far, but that wasn’t what I liked best about this book.

The outcome has a cleverness about it that I didn’t expect. There is a surprising turn of events regarding Eilonwy’s disappearance, and details about her heritage that take the series onto a new level. It isn’t quite as simplistic as it first appeared. Seemingly innocuous details that I thought were just there to develop her personality, turn out to be crucial to the storyline and the entire reason behind her abduction.

Once again a highly entertaining tale, and at least as good as the first two. Recommended particularly for young readers, but anyone with a fondness for classic fantasy will find it engaging.
Nadine (6th April 2008)