"Look into the tiger's eyes. I wish to show you lives different from your own," Soma-Nandi tells the boy-king Tamar. When you join Tamar on his enchanted journey, you too can look into the tiger's eyes. But beware, for along the way, nothing is as it appears to be: forest creatures speak and populate hidden kingdoms, hacked-down vines regenerate before your very eyes, and holy men spring up from ant hills. In a dream, Tamar has lost everything to the impressive King Jaya in a game of dice. Tamar feels honor bound to obey the king's command: he must give up his kingdom to travel to a Jaya's domain. His obligation is confirmed when he awakens to find an iron ring on his finger. Inspired by the classic mythology of India, virtuoso storyteller Lloyd Alexander creates dazzling visions of high adventure and deep humanity. A sprinkling of Hindi and singsong verses add spice to this epic tale. Narrator Ron Keith's clear, compelling English accent adds vivid atmosphere and makes the extraordinary real.
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"I am a fan of Lloyd Alexander's books, even though I've only read the Westmark Trilogy (and enjoyed it). But the one thing I notice about his books is that they start out at a really fast pace and then slow down. This is true of the Iron Ring. I thought this book was very interesting, and I liked the surprise ending. I learned a lot about ancient India and their caste system from this book, which has helped me understand a book I am currently reading, Tusk and Stone, which takes place at about the same period of time. The characters were well devoloped, as in most of Lloyd Alexander's books. I liked the vast array of characters in this book, and the adventure was really exciting to read. I really liked this book1"
— Michael (4 out of 5 stars)
" way better than the books of cornelia funke and madeleine l'engle i was reading during that period i was so into YA. "
— Mine, 2/20/2014" Fantasy, read it to find out what its about. "
— Michelle, 2/16/2014" I like the writing of Alexander "
— Brian, 2/11/2014" I really liked this story, but after the second time reading it, it did get a little bland, but first times always the best! "
— Shaina, 1/26/2014" Not the best, but not the worst. I would hand it to a kid. "
— Valarie, 1/23/2014" This book was so cool in the way it introduced Indian culture and the caste system. Though I'm not sure how accurate it is, it would be a great way to introduce a different culture to kids. It is a very cool story about love and the tests of friendship with magic tied in. I've reread it many times. "
— Krysten, 1/15/2014" I don't like this book because it has a lot of characters in it and it is just so confusing "
— James, 1/13/2014" I think it's a boring book. "
— Seo, 1/10/2014" A young king is beat at a game of chance and becomes a slave to the man who beats him. As a result the king goes on a journey, learning a great deal about the world he lives in along the way. "
— Mary-Beth, 1/3/2014" Not my favorite Alexander, but quite good juvenile fiction, introducing readers to the tradition of a different culture. "
— Kelly, 11/19/2013" I think the book is boring, but some parts in it are interesting, I think the author should think of a better ending, I was kinda upset when the ending was a umbrella. I don't really like to read fantasy books so this book is really not my type of book i wish to read :) "
— Nhu, 9/24/2013" This book is actually kinda interesting and stuff so then I was kinda hooked to it, have fun reading it fellow 6th graders! "
— Tsing, 8/21/2013" The warrior's code, dharma, etc are not my scene - but the writing was good. Stella enjoyed this one more than I did. "
— Lydia, 7/25/2013" I loved this book. After reading this, I feel that I have have been changed in the way that I look at challenges, troubles and my own potential. It's not a self-help book, but the story really made an impact in my life. "
— Melissa, 7/13/2013" This book was OK. I kind of enjoyed the part when people were having a high light moment, but since there were too many characters, it was confusing. I didn't really hate it, but I didn't really liked it either. "
— Cindy, 7/12/2013" I think this book is quite interesting and adventurous, but it is also quite boring in some particular parts.Overall the book is okay. "
— Annie, 7/11/2013" I love Alexander. Fun adventure story with moral lessons. A must for all Pyrdian fans. "
— Summer, 6/7/2013" I've read this book a million times, because it's very cool. Very much into the traditional adventure with a lot of action, good villians, and a whole slew of characters. Lloyd Alexander is a great author. Read anything by him and you'll be happy. "
— Sarah, 6/1/2013" This book was OK. Nothing to get too excited about. An interesting tale from India. "
— Dan, 5/22/2013" Strong beginning, but story was slowed down by time spent putting characters in their proper places, according to Lloyd's world-view. This was a read-aloud to my children. "
— Lisa, 3/20/2013" The book Iron Ring is a epic. It's about a young king of Sundari named Tamar who goes on a quest in a magical forest in where animals can talk. It's an incredible journey by Tamar and will keep you fully entertained. Recommended for teenagers. "
— Nirat, 2/22/2013" Lloyd Alexander effectively combines mythology, history and original fiction in his lovely young adult books. "
— Willow, 2/15/2013Lloyd 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.
Ron Keith, a native of England, graduated from the University of Manchester. He has appeared in the Broadway touring production of Amadeus, in off-Broadway productions such as Hedda Gabler, My Fair Lady, and Candida, and in many regional stage productions. His television appearances include roles in One Life to Live and As the World Turns.