Lucian, a young man of ancient Greece's Arkadia, embarks on a classical quest of danger, daring, and romance and encounters a remarkable cast of heroes, poets, seamen, horsemen, wise women, kings, and peasants.
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"I enjoy Lloyd Alexander and his use of all ready well-known mythology and folk tales. I once had a friend criticize J. K. Rowling because she did not have true originality. What is originality sometimes then to take some well known ideas or stories and give them a twist. I enjoy the echo of familiarity. This is much of what Lloyd Alexander has in this book as well as others and the twist is delightful."
— Mandy (4 out of 5 stars)
" I read this book about 5 years ago and decided to read it again because I enjoyed so much. I'm disappointed to say that it wasn't as good the second time. Although, I will always love to read books written by Lloyd Alexander. "
— Kimbermae, 2/14/2014" Though highly reminiscent of an amalgamation of Greek myths upon which the story draws much of its plot, thus detracting mildly from the creativity, The Arkadians was still humorous and fun, and Lloyd Alexanders adds his own creative wit and style to produce a relatively good book and a fun read. "
— T, 2/8/2014" This book is a lot of fun. It's even better if you know a little Greek. "
— Brynna, 2/7/2014" Alexander is a master of storytelling and of commentary on the story. His characters are wonderful creations and I smile with pure appreciation everytime I read one of his perfectly crafted books. Read it, he is a master! "
— Belynda, 2/3/2014" I didn't really like this story and would say that this is definitely not Lloyd Alexander's best work. "
— Mikaylah, 1/7/2014" I enjoy most of Lloyd Alexander's books, but this is one of my favorites. It includes a lot of allusions to Greek mythology and the characters are enjoyable. "
— Libby, 1/6/2014" My husband liked this book but doesn't quite know why, as he admits that the plot isn't as well-structured as in the Prydain series. Taran and Eilonwy and other old friends are reincarnated here as Ancient Greeks. "
— Rosemary, 1/4/2014" A fun read from Alexander. "
— BQ, 12/28/2013" Greek myths mashed together with a dollop of humor, all in Alexander's easy-to-read style. "
— Grillables, 12/16/2013" This book was good. Not great, not bad. I thought that the plot format seemed VERY similar to that of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, so if you enjoyed that book you will probably like this as well. "
— Talia, 10/20/2013" My favorite Alexander book. I use this when I have insomnia and I am sad or worried. "
— Willow, 10/13/2013" I loved this book! Very clever and witty with lots of comedic lines from the characters. This is the sort of book you curl up in front of the fire with and read through from start to end. "
— Marianne, 9/17/2013" Reminds me of the Chronicles of Prydain series, similar theme, interesting characters some of whom share traits with the Prydain folks. This was published in 1995 though and the Chronicles were about 30 years previous, 1963-68. "
— Catherine, 7/4/2013" This is my all-time favorite Lloyd Alexander, who may be my favorite children's book author. To watch his, as usual, endearing characters in the midst of retold Greek myth was great. "
— Sarah, 5/31/2013" Just finished this one. Great story with lots of twists. "
— Cindy, 5/11/2013" I really should have read this when I was younger to appreciate it. It definitely has some women's rights undertones in it...ironic, since the author is a man. "
— Shannon, 10/2/2012" Absolutely loved this coming of age tale set in a land and time teeming with myth and legend. "
— Erin, 9/5/2012" A palace accountant, a poet turned donkey (don't drink from sacred pools!), an oracle girl, and a king in rags unite and travel together to ask the Lady of Wild Things for help. Think The Wizard of Oz in a Greek mythology setting. A witty, humorous romp, and one of my favorite Lloyd Alexander books. "
— Jackie, 2/27/2012" this was a really good book, and it had a great plot line "
— Molly, 10/24/2011" The sequel to <em>The Book of Three</em> provides an opportunity to revisit Taran and his friends as they continue their fight against the Horned King's boss, Arawn, by obtaining the Black Cauldron of the title. There is a new journey, new characters, and new challenges to face. A good follow-up. "
— Marissa, 5/19/2011" Just found this series. Wow! I love it. I'm going to use the whole series in a literature class for 7th and 8th graders. The characters are amazing and they grow and learn. I love this series. "
— Susan, 5/12/2011" Amazing book, well written with entertaining characters and a fantastic plot. "
— Zach, 4/20/2011" I really liked all the characters, the strong contrast between good and evil, and the compassion for character's such as Mordant and Ellydir, one who chose evil in the end and one who redeemed himself and discovered life's purpose: "This is my body which I give for you." "
— Dana, 4/19/2011" I can't wait for these to be my boys' favorite books! You can't miss the Lord of the Rings similarities - but, it is still definitely its own thing. "
— Kati, 4/19/2011" I would definitely categorize this book as Adolescent Literature, or as my professor puts it: YA for Young Adolescents. Still, the book was a lot better than I thought it would be. "
— Sarah, 4/2/2011" The ending was exceptional, but I got bogged down in the middle, so that's why I gave it a three. The recording with James Langton and his Welsh accent was outstanding. "
— Etta, 3/20/2011" 2nd of the Chronicles of Prydain series. <br/>And very good the series is, too. Can't wait for the next one. <br/> "
— Sho, 3/19/2011" Very enjoyable! Nothing too complex about it, but that's the beauty of Lloyd Alexander. He somehow maintains a great story without making it long and arduous as often happens in fantasy books. The characters are fantastic! I can't wait till Tillie get a little older so we can read these with her! "
— Morag, 3/4/2011" one of my favorite series "
— Jan, 3/4/2011" One of my favorite books as a kid. A very well done audio book. "
— Dan, 3/1/2011" Chronicles of Prydain is strongly recommended. clear-cut characters, straightforward fantasy, however the characters are easily likable, the books are funny, and they read breezily. "
— Paroxysmcleave, 2/17/2011Lloyd Alexander (1924–2007) was the author of more than forty books for children and adults, including the beloved children’s fantasy series, the Chronicles of Prydain, one of the most widely read series in the history of fantasy and the inspiration for the animated Disney film The Black Cauldron. His books have won numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal, the Newbery Honor, and the National Book Award for Juvenile Literature.