Like most of us, he dreams of a more adventurous life. If my glowing accolades have yet to convince you that The Prydain Chronicles is a must-own set, continue on to read summaries and highlights of each of the five individual books. Alexander creates moments, dialogs, and characters which will make you grin and chuckle. Last, but just as essential, is the humor.

Expect to spend a lot of time resisting the urge to skip ahead to know a character’s fate and have tissues ready because there are lots of joyous and tragic moments. Like a bed that provides the perfect support, Alexander’s descriptions enhance The Prydain Chronicles by immersing one into its imaginary Wales-like world while also temporarily relieving one’s heart from the anxiety. Nestled between battles and other dramas are details of unique individuals and beautiful (or harsh) landscapes. Then there are the sensory-laden descriptions. They are honorable, fallible, quirky, and complex. Speaking of which, most of the main characters are folks you’d likely identify and enjoy getting to meet. Indeed, every time I read The Prydain Chronicles, I feel as if I am growing up right along with Taran and Eilonwy. One won’t read far without gaining deep insights into people, places, and life itself. Yet unlike many modern young adult fantasies, the series is not merely action without substance. One can’t read a single chapter without wondering what will happen next. What makes The Prydain Chronicles exceptional? First, there’s the plot. While some books lose their magic over time, The Prydain Chronicles still enthrall me.

As its beloved main characters of Taran and Eilonwy found their identity in adulthood, so I believed that I might too. The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander proved an exception. Sadly, when I stumbled blindly through adolescence, very few of my beloved books could help me understand the intensity of my emotions. During my childhood, I lived and breathed books.

The chronicles of prydain review