by Lloyd Alexander
Published 1965
This is the sequel to The Book of Three, a continuation of the Prydain Chronicles, and the adventures of Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper.
One of the things that I love about the Prydain stories is the way that each book is a little deeper and more thoughtful than the one before, while still retaining the light-hearted fun and happiness that make these books so enjoyable. In each tale, Taran learns a bit more about what it means to be a man, and I love watching him grow.
The Black Cauldron deals a great a deal with pride and honor, as Taran accompanies a host intent on seeking out the black cauldron, which is being used by the arch-enemy to create the feared Cauldron Born. These living dead are dead men who have been put in the cauldron and emerge without any memory of life, and they cannot be killed.
As the story unwinds, lives are lost in the attempt to find and destroy the cauldron, and Taran learns more about the true meaning of honor.
I can’t stress enough how much I love these books. Read them!!!!
5/5.
The Aroma of Books 