Hello, I'm Richard Nimz, prospector of the written word and literary explorer extraordinaire. From excellence in art to excellence in storytelling, now I move on the John Newbery Medal winners. These are usually books that have been named as the best of their year. However, I would say that this one might also be a recognition of its entire series. It's Lloyd Alexander's The High King, last book in the Chronicles of Prydain series and winner of the 1969 Newbery Medal.
Citation: Alexander, Lloyd (1999). The High King. New York: H. Holt.
Summary: The book begins on the heels of the previous book in the series: Taran Wanderer, with Taran and Gurgi returning home to Princess Eilonwy. Before Taran can ask the princess to marry him, though, Fflewddur Fflam comes in with an injured Prince Gwydion, whose magic sword Dyrnwyn has been stolen by the Death-Lord Arawn. On the way to retrieve it, the company finds that Arawn is planning a battle to conquer Prydain once and for all. Now the final battle is brewing, and anyone can die opposing the forces of the Lord of Death.
Impressions: Good. The prose is right and the plot behind it is gripping. It's interesting to see how Taran has grown as a character since the first book in the series, which is underscored by how he is now able to draw Dyrnwyn, when he was unable to in the first book under similar circumstances. So many things that readers of the series know pass away in this book, and it feels sad to watch every departure. In short, a fitting conclusion to an epic series.
Another person's opinion: "The High King is the end to an epic journey for Taran, the protagonist, who has grown tremendously in wisdom and strength over the course of the series, from an assistant pig-keeper to a great warrior. Taran comes of age and makes the most important decisions of his life, and the book culminates in a mighty battle between the forces of good and evil. The presence of an excellent heroine in Eilonwy gives female readers a strong character to identify with. Alexander’s writing is graceful in dealing with serious themes of death and destruction, juxtaposed with the inner turmoil in Taran’s mind. The characterisation is rich, allowing for still more development of Taran and Eilonwy, and the descriptive passages are lyrical as always. There is subtle humour in Eilonwy’s delicate observations, and the battle sequences are full of excitement. Readers of 12 and older who enjoy fantasy will lap up this wonderful piece of writing; but while The High King stands alone as a superb book and is capable of being read as such, readers will enjoy the series best in sequence, beginning with The Book of Three." (Cumiskey)
Uses: The Chronicles of Prydain series draws heavily on Wales and Welsh mythology, so the whole series (The High King included) can be used in a display for any event involving Wales (perhaps as part of a greater event involving the United Kingdom).
I loved this book; I loved the series as a whole. Don't let any bad words about the Disney movie sway you, the series is well worth your time. You might even like the movie (the author did, after all).
Source:
Cumiskey, Donal (n.d.). Inis Magazine - Review- The High King. Inis Magazine, Issue #17. Retrieved from http://www.inismagazine.ie/reviews/book/the-high-king
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