The Book of Three - I originally read this series when I was about 9. I remember because I was reading one them while walking in my great grandmother's backyard and stumbled over a chain link fence laying on the ground and broke my arm in 2 places. The grass had grown up through it, so I didn't notice, didn't help that I had my nose buried in a book (I obviously should have given up reading at that point).

The series has always held a magical place in my heart. I barely ever remember character names, even of my favorite books, but always remembered Taran, Eilonwy and Fflewddur Fflam (it's been almost 40 years!). When I saw the books were available on audio, I started thinking that I would re-read them, I was just worried that I would think they were too childish, but after finishing this one I can see why I loved them so much.

Highly recommended, especially if you're a kid just getting into fantasy. Just don't read them while walking.

Black Cauldron - Read this when I was around 8 and now at 49. I still liked it a lot, although there was some "faulty" logic things that distracted me. Still great, standard fantasy that you should be reading to your kids. I plan on reading the next 3 books, though I was surprised that this one didn't end with a cliffhanger, I thought I remembered it being one overarching story with the cauldron at it's center. I was surprised this one ended so well, that it could be read on it's own. After I'm done with the series I'm going to watch the Disney "Black Cauldron" movie, I'm curious how close it will be to the book.

Castle of Llyr - This one was a little less "epic" than the first two, but still fun didn't ruin my childhood memories of loving this series. It's amazing how lovable these characters are. After only a few minutes of listening to this I immediately wanted to make D&D characters with the personalities of Fflewddur and Eilonwy.

Taran Wanderer - More great memories, though I can't say I remembered a whole bunch of this one. I definitely remember the lich guy with his life force in his finger bone. It's only been about 42 years since I read it the first time, so if I remember anything that's good right?

I can see how Taran's quest to "find himself" could connect with many younger readers (and probably some older ones), but I'm only giving this one 4 stars because it didn't include Eilonwy and didn't really seem as epic as some of the others. It's strange because I always thought the entire series had the heroes fighting again Arawn and the "cauldron born", but really that just happened in book 2. So now I'm really curious what happens in the final book and then I guess after that I have to grow up and read adult books (I am turning 50 in a couple weeks so maybe it's time).

The High King: So this is it. I finished this series for the 2nd time. The first time would have been about 40 years ago. I've always had fond memories of them, but other than names and and few ideas, I didn't remember anything. What an amazing story, these are the heroes you want your kids growing up aspiring to be. Mr. Alexander definitely gets extra points for strong female characters at a time when there wasn't a lot of that happening.

If you've got kids who are into reading at all, you owe it to them to read this series, and if you're an adult who has never read them I also recommend them. ( )

This is an omnibus volume containing the five Pyrdain novels and some related other stories. I did prefer the Evangeline Walton redaction of the Mabinogion. Alexander has few characters in common with the original Welsh tales and tries to maintain the flavour of the medieval Welsh world. I don't think he succeeds, but when he began these novels the Walton redaction was incomplete. So, read them, especially if you are a voung adult or precocious child. ( )

Consisting of The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Lyr, Taran Wanderer & High King, these novels are a good first step into the fantastic. Starts with an assistant Pigkeeper and ends with him as High King of Prydain. Much about character and friendship, but interwoven thru the stories so as not to be pablum or sacchirin. Well done. ( )

I read the yellow paperbacks endlessly in my youth. This is probably the set that launched me on my collecting career: I sold the set at a garage sale, and regretted it ever since. Have gradually become a hoarder, lol!! ( )

This book is the basis for the Disney movie, The Black Cauldron. I enjoyed the book, but I don't think it is quite as much of a classic as some people do. Its a good book to read and enjoy, particularly for younger readers. It is sort of a kIng arthur style book, sort of a Disney fairy tale type book. ( )