Written by Lloyd Alexander
SUMMARY:
Though the book was originally published in 1966, this 206-page Bantam Doubleday Dell paperback reprint was released in April 1990. Several months after The Black Cauldron, Princess Eilonwy is accompanied by Taran and Gurgi to commence her royal education on the pristine Isle of Mona. Yet, an old foe unexpectedly resurfaces who threatens Eilonwy’s safety. Despite their best precautions, a royal traitor carries out the feisty Eilonwy’s abduction.
Reunited with Prince Gwydion and Fflewddur Fflam, the Companions set out to rescue their beloved princess. They must also simultaneously safeguard their new friend: the well-intentioned yet bumbling Prince Rhun. During their journey, the Companions encounter new characters in the saga, including the gigantic orange tabby, Lylan, and a miserably self-absorbed giant named Glew. Even as her fate remains unknown, Taran is increasingly disheartened knowing that Rhun, per his royal blood, is destined as Eilonwy’s future husband.
Even so, rescuing a mesmerized Eilonwy from her ancestral home may prove far more difficult than imagined, as her latent magical powers stunningly come to life.
REVIEW:
Reverting to the charming fairy tale-style formula of The Book of Three, this third Chronicle of Prydain is refreshingly the series’ most old-fashioned. It’s akin to The Princess Bride film adaptation, complete with wonderful touches of light humor (as seen in Rhun’s contributions). Though it is his series’ weakest in terms of actual plotting and originality, author Lloyd Alexander admirably compensates by adding terrific new characters, as well as resolving loose plot threads left over from The Book of Three. Further, Llyan’s sequences and Fflewddur’s ongoing feud with Magg the Chief Royal Steward make worthy new facets to Alexander’s saga. A few hints of romance complete this entertaining return to Prydain. Considering its crowd-pleasing moments, this third Prydain adventure needs a scenic big-screen adaptation worthy of epics like Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia.
If anything, The Castle of Llyr satisfies fans as a welcome treat after the macabre Black Cauldron and before moving to the far-more complex Taran Wanderer.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
Alexander provides a short ‘Author’s Note.’
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8 Stars
