Amazon.com The tale of Taran， assistant pig keeper， has been entertaining young readers for generations. Set in the mythical land of Prydain (which bears a more than passing resemblance to Wales)， Lloyd Alexander's book draws together the elements of the hero's journey from unformed boy to courageous young man. Taran grumbles with frustration at home in the hamlet Caer Dallben; he yearns to go into battle like his hero， Prince Gwydion. Before the story is over， he has met his hero and fought the evil leader who threatens the peace of Prydain: the Horned King. What brings the tale of Taran to life is Alexander's skillful use of humor， and the way he personalizes the mythology he has so clearly studied. Taran isn't a stick figure; in fact， the author makes a point of mocking him just at the moments when he's acting the most highhanded and heroic. When he and the young girl Eilonwy flee the castle of the wicked queen Achren， Taran emotes， "'Spiral Castle has brought me only grief; I have no wish to see it again.' 'What has it brought the rest of us?' Eilonway asked. 'You make it sound as though we were just sitting around having a splendid time while you moan and take on.'" By the end， Alexander has spun a rousing hero's tale and created a compelling coming-of-age story. Readers will sigh with relief when they realize The Book of Three is only the first of the chronicles of Prydain. --Claire Dederer From AudioFile A fine book deserves a fine presentation. Such is true of Lloyd Alexander's THE BOOK OF THREE， the first novel of the Prydain Chronicles. The author himself provides opening remarks to set the scene. As Taran the Assistant Pig Keeper quests after his escaped charge， the mates who join his entourage expand Taran's horizons both literally and figuratively as he comes to see his home， Caer Dathyl， his future， and himself in new light. James Langton enables the listener to enter this fantastical world. Langton's presentation of each character has a depth that brings heightened compassion. Would it be possible for cocky， naive Taran to long to return to the muck and mire of his farm or yearn for the knowledge and serenity that Gwydion and Medwyn possess? Could grumbly， prickly Gurgi show the strength of friendship? Might plucky Eilowny know more than she lets on? Langton cares deeply about each character， and so will the listener! A.R. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award © AudioFile 2004， Portland， Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile， Portland， Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition. See all Editorial Reviews