Tweens and up who are fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, Percy Jackson and even Harry Potter will want to give The Chronicles of Prydain series, which includes two Newbery winners, a try. It’s a great time to dive into this series, because right now (as of 1/24/16) volumes 2-5 in the series are priced at just $4.96 each.
Since The Book of Three (the first volume in The Chronicles of Prydain) was first published in 1964, young readers have been enthralled by the adventures of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his quest to become a hero. Taran is joined by an engaging cast of characters that includes Eilonwy, the strong-willed and sharp-tongued princess; Fflewddur Fflam, the hyperbole-prone bard; the ever-faithful Gurgi; and the curmudgeonly Doli–all of whom have become involved in an epic struggle between good and evil that shapes the fate of the legendary land of Prydain.
The five-book Chronicles of Prydain series is available in a Kindle box set, currently priced at $19.80, but each volume can be purchased separately as well:
The Book of the Three – 50th Anniversary Edition- The Chronicles of Prydain 1 (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $7.09)
Henry Holt Books for Young Readers is proud to publish this 50th Anniversary Edition of Lloyd Alexander’s classic The Book of Three, the first book in the Chronicles of Prydain, with a new introduction by Newbery Honor-winner Shannon Hale.
This anniversary edition is filled with bonus materials, including an interview with Lloyd Alexander, a Prydain short story, the first chapter of the next Prydain book (The Black Cauldron, a Newbery Honor book), an author’s note, and a pronunciation guide.
The Black Cauldron – The Chronicles of Prydain 2 (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $4.96)
Note: the Disney film, The Black Cauldron, was adapted from this book!
The Black Cauldron, the Newbery Medal-winning second book in Lloyd Alexander’s The Chronicles of Prydain
In the land of Prydain, evil is never far away. Arawn, Lord of the Land of Death, has been building an army of dark warriors to take over Prydain, and the only way to stop him is to destroy the Black Cauldron he uses to create his dreaded soldiers.
Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, and his loyal companions must journey deep into Arawn’s domain to destroy the Black Cauldron. For each of them, the quest has special meaning. For Taran, it is a glorious opportunity to use his first sword in battle. But war requires a sacrifice greater than he’d ever imagined. . . .
Includes a new pronunciation guide.
The Castle of Llyr – The Chronicles of Prydain 3 (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $4.96)
Princess Eilonwy hates to leave her friend Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper, and her beloved home, Caer Dallben. Why does she have to go to the Isle of Mona to train as a proper lady when she’s already a princess? But Eilonwy soon faces much more than the ordeal of becoming a dignified young maiden, for she possesses magical powers sought by the evil enchantress Queen Achren.
When Eilonwy is put under a deep spell, Taran and his companions set out on a dangerous quest to rescue her. Yet how can a lowly Assistant Pig-Keeper hope to stand against the most evil enchantress in all of Prydain?
Taran Wanderer – The Chronicles of Prydain 4 (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $4.96)
Taran is an Assistant Pig-Keeper no longer–he has become a hero. Now he dreams of winning the hand of Princess Eilonwy, but how can someone who has spent his whole life caring for a pig hope to marry royalty? Taran must find out who he really is. Eager to learn his origins and hoping to discover noble roots, Taran sets off with the faithful Gurgi.
The journey takes the companions to the three witches in the Marshes of Morva and through the many realms of Prydain. At last they reach the mystical Mirror of Llunet, which reveals a person’s true identity. Yet Taran may not be ready to face the truth. . . .
The High King – The Chronicles of Prydain 5 (4.5/5 stars, currently priced at $4.96)
When the most powerful weapon in the land of Prydain falls into the hands of Arawn, Lord of the Land of Death, Taran and Prince Gwydion rally an army to stand up to the dark forces.
The companions’ last and greatest quest is also their most perilous. The biting cold of winter is upon them, adding to the danger they already face. Their journey, fraught with battle and bloodshed, ends at the very portal of Arawn’s stronghold. There, Taran is faced with the most crucial decision of his life.
In this breathtaking Newbery Medal-winning conclusion to The Chronicles of Prydain, the faithful friends face the ultimate war between good and evil.
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