The High King (The Chronicles of Prydain) by Lloyd Alexander Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The High King (The Chronicles of Prydain)
Book Review: The High King
Summary: 4 Stars
The High KingBy: Lloyd Alexander
Reviewed By: JGagnier
Period 1
Lloyd Alexander's The High King is a very good book. It is filled with action and adventure. The main characters name is Taran, and assistant pig keeper. He is asked to go on a quest with Prince Gwydion so the can defeat Arawan The Death Lord and regain the sword of legend Dyrnwyn.
I really enjoyed the book. Like most good books it keeps you in suspense and is hard to put down. I liked in particular the way the Princess and Taran had fallen in love and how she would irritate him.
My favorite part of the book is when the Princess had been captured and was rescued by wolves and bears. The then used these forced to attack Arawan's men, and delayed and weakened them. I like the idea of a girl taking charge and causing damage to enemies.
Book Review: Best Book Yet to be found
Summary: 5 Stars
All I have to saw is, if your going to read this book, good luck trying to stop!Book Review: A parable of life
Summary: 5 Stars
As the other reviewers suggest, this series must be read in order. Read them as a story of Taran's growing up. Without giving too much away, may I suggest that Taran's choice of a kingdom of sorrow over a kingdom of happiness is the final step in his growing up & coming of age: his acceptance of the adult responsibilities he has come to feel toward others. Remember his thoughts of the fallow fields, the unfinished seawall, and so on. Consider each of the books as stages in a young man's life. I'm now in middle age. I can't tell you how many times I've re-read the series. In seeking my career, for many years I felt stuck in Taran Wanderer. I remember the "Castle of Llyr" stage. My thoughts drift back to this series even now, far more often than one might expect for a set of kids books. "At the end of knowledge is wisdom" (Ok, that's from the Foundling.) Read or give this series as a gift of both instrospection and perspective; of wisdom.Book Review: A Satisfying End
Summary: 5 Stars
"The High King" by Lloyd Alexander is the last of the books in the Prydain Chronicles, and is one of his best. I would give this book a perfect score, no matter what the scale. It is brilliantly written, using a light hearted style with a conversational tone that makes this a delightful read for any age.All the characters from the past four books return, even those who were not seen in the previous volume, "Taran Wanderer". All of the characters in this book change dramatically by the end, and Taran finds what it truly means to be a warrior and a hero. Gurgi is back with more determination than ever to prove himself, and so are Princess Eilonwy and Fflewdur Flam. Although this book has quite a different and darker tone to it than the others, the many supporting characters help to add relief to a story full of despair.
If you are someone who loves fantasy, Celtic lore, or any kind of adventure, this is a book for you. I recommend that the Prydain Chronicles should be read in order, starting with "The Book of Three", but this is also a book that can stand by itself and still be a great story. If you liked "The Book of Three", "The Castle of Llyr", or any other book in the Prydain Chronicles, this is definitely for you.
Book Review: The End - but not really
Summary: 5 Stars
After reviewing the previous four books of the Prydain cycle, you would think I would have run out of steam by now, but I'm not done yet! The High King proves to be the best saved for last (or at least as outstanding as the others). Lloyd Alexander can finally stretch his wings here with the marvelous heroes and heroine all grown up and ready to face the world - together. All the great characters that gave the stories their extra sparkle are back, including enemies. Taran, Eilonwy, and Company face the greatest danger to Prydain when Arawn, Death Lord steals a legendary guardian sword.This is probably the most obvious of the books regarding good vs. evil, but don't slight its impact. Alexander has amused, enthralled, and drawn us in with his unique interpretation of ancient Welsh myths as only a master storyteller can. You will laugh and marvel as usual, but there are moments of bittersweetness. You may hate these for being heartrending, but then realize that they couldn't be otherwise.
Alexander is in fine form with his quirky, yet beautiful rendered prose. It is simplistic, soothing, and haunting, making the Chronicles perfect reading for all ages. Kids can handle him and adults can appreciate the poetic rhythm. Additionally, lessons (wise, but not preachy) unfolding in previous books culminate in the last. Answers to questions and mysteries and personal histories are revealed (not to be missed if you read any of the others!). While The High King can stand alone the most of the series, it's merely a good book without the other four. All together, it is the ending to perhaps one of the most meaningful and moving fantasy series - ever. I do not exaggerate, these are books that can change your life, and will continue to reveal wonders and wisdom every time you pick them up again. Highly recommended for everyone, at any age.