The Book of Three 50th Anniversary Blog Tour {Review & Giveaway}

I'm thrilled to have The Book of Three 50th Anniversary Blog Tour stopping by today with my review of this classic tale and a giveaway...

The Book Three

(The Chronicles of Prydain #1)

50th Anniversry Edition

9/23/14 

(originally published 1964)

Henry Holt Book

Henry Holt Books for Young Readers is proud to publish this 50th Anniversary Edition of Lloyd Alexander's classicThe Book of Three, the first book in the Chronicles of Prydain, with a new introduction by Newbery Honor–winner Shannon Hale. This anniversary edition is filled with bonus materials, including an interview with Lloyd Alexander, a Prydain short story, the first chapter of the next Prydain book (The Black Cauldron, a Newbery Honor book), an author's note, and a pronunciation guide.

Taran wanted to be a hero, and looking after a pig wasn't exactly heroic, even though Hen Wen was an oracular pig. But the day that Hen Wen vanished, Taran was led into an enchanting and perilous world. With his band of followers, he confronted the Horned King and his terrible Cauldron-Born. These were the forces of evil, and only Hen Wen knew the secret of keeping the kingdom of Prydain safe from them. But who would find her first?

Goodreads / Amazon / B&N / Indiebound

When asked to participate in this blog tour celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Lloyd Alexander’s The Book of Three (The Chronicles of Prydain #1), I jumped at the chance. I had, of course, heard about this book over the years, but never read it...a fact I’m kicking my booknerd self over now! After devouring this whimsical tale, I can now see why it is a beloved classic!

For those unfamiliar with The Book of Three, this first book in the series follows Taran, a newly named Assistant Pig-Keeper who dreams of being a hero. And Taran gets his chance at heroics when Hen Wen, an oracular pig, runs off into the woods. This simple event leads Taran on a wild adventure full of new friends, amazing discoveries, mesmerizing creatures, and the evil Horned King. It’s up to Taran and his friends to save Prydain!

Fantastical, full of whimsy, adventure, thrills, endearing characters, and a classic good vs evil premise, and a wonderful mix of The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, and Harry Potter, The Book of Three is a timeless tale. Alexander vividly lays out his world of Prydain in rich, captivating details.  Brimming with dazzling magic, beautiful scenery, exciting twists and turns, amusing characters, and chances for heroics around every corner, this is a world that will absolutely enrapture readers. Taran’s adventures follow a typical fantasy paradigm, but the story is anything but predictable or boring. Young readers will love every minute of this exciting adventure with its action-packed perils, laugh-out-loud moments, and pitch-perfect voice.

Alexander has crafted some truly compelling and unforgettable characters in The Book of Three! Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper turned hero, is such a wonderfully endearing and lovable young character. Taran’s group of companions make for a spectacular and quirky band of heroes and heroines! And the dreaded Horn King makes for a deliciously spine-tingly villain.

To celebrate its 50th Anniversary, Macmillan has crafted the 50th Anniversary Edition book (edition I read). This special edition is absolutely stunning in person and comes with awesome bonus material (map, pronunciation guide, bonus short story, sneak peek at book two).

My Final Thoughts: I opened The Book of Three as a total Chronicles of Prydain newbie, but walked away a total fan! Lloyd Alexander’s classic fantasy adventure about a Pig-Keeper turned hero definitely stands the test of time and will surely captivate readers for many years more!

MY RATING

• Lloyd 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.

Win a 50th Anniversary Edition copy of 

The Book of Three!

Thanks to the awesome peeps at Macmillan, one winner will get a copy of this gorgeous hardcover copy.

DETAILS

-US/CAN only

-end 10/8

-must be 13+ to enter

-winner will be emailed and must claim prize within 48 hours

-Word Spelunking is NOT responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen prizes in the mail

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