My favorite book in the series, and it's the only one that does not feature a classical good vs. evil epic struggle. On the contrary, it's a very personal quest, where Taran goes away to try to find out who his parents were, but it ends up being about how he tries to find out who he is. I thought that book was a very fine YA coming of age tale. ( )

In which Taran must lose himself to find himself...

The most literary of the series, Taran Wanderer is probably my favourite thus far. Alexander seems to have got all his Tolkien ambition out of his system, and this book retreats back into a lovely, picaresque character study.

While several of the main characters return, many - including a couple of notable omissions - get a rest, which allows the format to focus on Taran's development. Here, he surpasses so many young orphan boys of fantasy lore, establishing a quest to genuinely find himself, whatever the answer may be. Along the way, he encounters numerous paragons of evil, of treachery, of cowardice, self-deceit, hypocrisy, and vapidity. At the same time, he meets people completely contented with their lot, and attempts to find his own place in the world.

There's not as much outright comedy in this book, although there are many moments of truth that earn a warm, knowing smile. And, along with the bard and the Fair Folk, Gurgi provides more than his fair share of joys. Is there any sight more beautiful in this series than that of Gurgi, perfectly cheerful, at the head of a small army of sheep? Adorable.

I'll be interested to see how Alexander ties things up in the final book, but certainly Taran Wanderer is an admirable continuation of the story. ( )

Much more of a fable than the previous adventures. ( )

I loved the Black Cauldron for what it was - true adventure, bravery, camaraderie, excitement. This book, tho...

My first thought was that it’s a powerful coming of age story, but then again, Taran’s been coming of age since the Book of Three. He’s tested his mettle and found himself to be brave and daring and a true friend and hero. But while he rushed off to prove himself and also because he didn’t really have another choice in previous books, he has a clear mission and choice here. He’s looking for his parentage, to find out who he is; partly in hopes to deserve the love of a princess, but mostly because of the innate desire to just know himself.

As he searches he confronts his prejudices and shortcomings, falls victim to despair, and looks deep to consider leaving his quest for things that might be good, but aren’t the thing that he’s truly looking for.

The end isn’t particularly surprising, but it’s good. At least half of learning who you are is learning to accept what you can and can’t do or change. He comes home a wiser and richer boy for all his wandering. ( )

Loved this series since childhood reread every so oftern. This is perhaps my favorite, even over THe High King. Really poignant in its depiction of Taran becoming a man. ( )