Griffin Reads – The Book of Three

Title: The Book of Three

Author: Lloyd Alexander

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Summary:

The Book of Three, the first volume in Lloyd Alexander’s The Chronicles of Prydain series, introduces readers to the land of Prydain, a fantasy world inspired by Welsh mythology. The story follows Taran, a young Assistant Pig-Keeper at Caer Dallben, who dreams of heroism and adventure. When Hen Wen, a magical pig with the ability to foresee the future, goes missing, Taran embarks on a perilous journey to find her. Along the way, he’s joined by a memorable cast of characters, including the feisty Princess Eilonwy, the bard Fflewddur Fflam, and the odd but endearing Gurgi. Together, they must confront the dark forces of Arawn, the sinister lord of Annuvin, and his champion, the fearsome Horned King.

Content Guide:

• Mild fantasy violence
• Themes of danger, loss, and evil forces, but all handled in a way suitable for young readers
• No explicit language or mature content

My Thoughts:

I had no nostalgia for this title when I read it for the first time recently. I remembered watching The Black Cauldron years ago as a kid, but that’s all I knew of this book going into it. And while I had some issues with the structure of the plot (more on that later), I’m ultimately glad that I took a chance on this book.

One of the first things I noticed while reading this book is how incredibly fast-paced it is. For a book written back in the ’60s, it feels neither dated nor experimental. It reminded me of playing an indie video game. You saw the keywords, you know how games work—let’s go. This book operates much the same. This is a YA fantasy novel. You know how it works—let’s get straight to it.

This isn’t to suggest that it’s calculating or has a breakneck pace. Despite its brevity, there’s a surprising amount of charm in its simplicity, warmth, and heart. What makes The Book of Three stand out for me is its characters. Taran isn’t a seasoned warrior or chosen one—he’s an ordinary boy longing for greatness. He makes mistakes, he apologizes, he tries again. I liked him. The other characters are good too, especially Gurgi, who had surprising depth to his cartoony little character. I will admit that Eilonwy sometimes comes across as a bubbleheaded girl trope disguised as a capable female character, but I’ll accept that as a product of its time.

There’s something delightfully old-fashioned about the way Alexander tells this story. It doesn’t try to be overly complex or subversive—this is a classic tale of good versus evil, but told with genuine affection for its characters and themes. That said, the plot makes a lot of promises it doesn’t really deliver on by the end. Without giving any spoilers, I will say that the payoffs to set-ups come so unobtrusively that you can’t really call the ending anything but a deus ex machina. Still, if you’re reading this to a child or with a child’s heart, that too can be forgiven.

One of the things I appreciate most about The Book of Three is how it lays the groundwork for the deeper themes and emotional growth explored in later books in the series. While this installment is largely an introduction, it never feels like mere setup. It’s an enjoyable adventure in its own right, with lessons about bravery, friendship, and the value of trying, even when you’re unsure of yourself.

Fans of C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia will find much to like here. If you’re looking for a timeless fantasy that’s accessible for all ages, The Book of Three is a great choice. Remember, even the humblest beginnings can lead to great adventures.