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The High King Review

Lloyd Alexander, The High King (Henry Holt, 1968)

And so we come to the end of the saga of Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper and his companions. I was a little too young for these, back in the day; when I was in grade school, it was that time between the original release of the books and the books being declared classics. I saw them on the library shelves back in first and second grade and meant to get round to reading them. I finally have, thirty-odd years later. I find myself wondering if I'd have loved them as much as I did this time around if I'd read them when I was six or seven (I'm finding that the blush seems to be off the lily where Narnia is concerned this time around...).

As we open, Taran and Gurgi have finally made it from the Free Commots back to Caer Dallben. The welcoming is cut short, however, when Fflewdur Fflam struggles into camp carrying a grievously wounded Gwydion. It is soon established that Arawn Death-Lord has left Annuvin in order to steal Dyrnwyn, Gwydion's sword, and succeeded in doing so. Thus, there's no time to rest. Taran and the companions, with the new additions of Coll and Rhun, head off to retrieve the sword. But nothing can ever be easy, and before the companions reach Annuvin, they will have to face many trials.

Lloyd Alexander's Prydain books are a treat for readers of all ages; if you never quite got round to reading them back in the day, it's well worth doing so now as an adult. Alexander's understanding of pacing is more advanced than that of many writers of adult fantasy, and his characters are likable, if sometimes irritating. (That just makes them more lifelike, of course.) A fantastic series I was sad to see end. I do, at least, have the book of related tales to look forward to. ****

The High King Overview

In this fifth and final chronicle of Prydain the forces of good and evil meet in ultimate confrontation.

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Customer Reviews

Of Noble Worth - Miz Ellen - Bovine Universe
Taran, a nameless orphan who once had great hopes but who learned to live with disappointment in the previous book TARAN WANDERER, is on his way home. He reaches it only to find a great disaster has befallen. Prince Gwydion has been attacked and the magical sword he carried stolen from him by Death Lord Arawn. Taran and all his friends set out in a desperate effort to retake the sword and save the land from falling under the spells of the Death Lord.

THE HIGH KING is the capstone of one of the finest fantasy series ever written. Whether you call it children's literature, young adult fiction or just 'great literature' may depend on your age. This is one of those timeless classics that can be read while young and then carried with you on your life's journey. Within these magical pages is romance and friendship, battle and adventure and a message that is not sugar-coated but only stated in simple words.

The author does not pull punches. Characters that are greatly beloved from previous books are lost. The ending is sublime, bittersweet -- one of the finest in all fantasy. The theme of responsibility and sacrifice to attain a noble goal is perhaps more poignant for adults. I don't want to say more for fear of spoiling the fun for any readers who have not yet had the good fortune to read this for themselves. Despite the epic scope of this work, the author continues his tradition of putting in many humorous touches. His characters are not stiff and noble waxworks, but amusing people with funny mannerisms who do and say funny things even while battling evil. Don't miss this book and don't fail to read the whole Prydain Chronicles Series.

A fitting end - Christopher M. Fulton - Streator, IL United States
This is a fitting end to a great series. All that is meant to happen in these characters lives do happen. Our characters have come, in their own ways, full circle. They all play their parts in this story, and they all fulfill their missions and duties and become the adults they are supposed to be. Sure, we all learned about life and death along the way, but that is how it is in "the real world" is it not? We don't always get what we want, but we always get what we need. And we cannot always hang onto that which we used to. We must all grow up, we must all carry multiple torches during our lives. That, I feel, is what this overarcing story is all about. That, and the adage "we can never go home again." These five books are a great tale, both as just a story and how to treat others. We also learn fortitude to stick to what we believe in the face of adversity. Sit back and enjoy this wonderful series.

Great books - Jeffrey A. Hensley - Harrisonburg, VA
I read the Prydain Chronicles as a child and still find them enjoyable today. I look forward to one day sharing these tales with my children.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 30, 2010 07:50:05

Children's Books

Monday, August 30, 2010