In which Taran must lose himself to find himself...

The most literary of the series, Taran Wanderer is probably my favourite thus far. Alexander seems to have got all his Tolkien ambition out of his system, and this book retreats back into a lovely, picaresque character study.

While several of the main characters return, many - including a couple of notable omissions - get a rest, which allows the format to focus on Taran's development. Here, he surpasses so many young orphan boys of fantasy lore, establishing a quest to genuinely find himself, whatever the answer may be. Along the way, he encounters numerous paragons of evil, of treachery, of cowardice, self-deceit, hypocrisy, and vapidity. At the same time, he meets people completely contented with their lot, and attempts to find his own place in the world.

There's not as much outright comedy in this book, although there are many moments of truth that earn a warm, knowing smile. And, along with the bard and the Fair Folk, Gurgi provides more than his fair share of joys. Is there any sight more beautiful in this series than that of Gurgi, perfectly cheerful, at the head of a small army of sheep? Adorable.

I'll be interested to see how Alexander ties things up in the final book, but certainly Taran Wanderer is an admirable continuation of the story. ( )

Much more of a fable than the previous adventures. ( )

I loved the Black Cauldron for what it was - true adventure, bravery, camaraderie, excitement. This book, tho...

My first thought was that it’s a powerful coming of age story, but then again, Taran’s been coming of age since the Book of Three. He’s tested his mettle and found himself to be brave and daring and a true friend and hero. But while he rushed off to prove himself and also because he didn’t really have another choice in previous books, he has a clear mission and choice here. He’s looking for his parentage, to find out who he is; partly in hopes to deserve the love of a princess, but mostly because of the innate desire to just know himself.

As he searches he confronts his prejudices and shortcomings, falls victim to despair, and looks deep to consider leaving his quest for things that might be good, but aren’t the thing that he’s truly looking for.

The end isn’t particularly surprising, but it’s good. At least half of learning who you are is learning to accept what you can and can’t do or change. He comes home a wiser and richer boy for all his wandering. ( )

Loved this series since childhood reread every so oftern. This is perhaps my favorite, even over THe High King. Really poignant in its depiction of Taran becoming a man. ( )

You can find this review and many more on my blog:
Into The Heartwyld

While I may be rounding up to a 4 I feel like this is more of a 3.5 in reality for me. This story has Taran as the full front and center of the tale, and while he has always been the main character this one is just strictly him. Yes I missed Eilonwy again, but I do understand the lack of her in this book as this is all about Taran going on a journey to discover who his parents are.

Through out this story Taran learned more about himself mentally and his internal method of how he approaches situations, this focused more on Taran truly discovering who he is as a person and his place in the world regardless of his parentage. What I liked most about this journey was that it did not shy away from having him realize that he is capable of having less than desirable reactions/thoughts to certain situations but that how he chooses to respond to these thoughts is what will truly make him the type of person he can become.

While the idea of how Taran is learning this is amazing and I thought well handled, my rating reflects the repetitive nature of the story, and for me everything after a particular event seemed to draw the story out unnecessarily.

It's a another great tale in the Chronicles of Prydain but definitely not my favorite. ( )