I liked The Black Cauldron because it has a lot of adventure. Because I like to go on adventure because some adventures are highly dangerous like mountain climbing is dangerous. There are a lot of other dangerous adventures but there are to many to list. I also liked it because of Eilonwy -- she knows how to take care of herself -- she's strong magic and cool! The girl has all the moves. I think she could beat up Taran like Taran was a stick.
Still, there is much to love in this story. Taran finally meets a boy that rivals and beats him in quick thoughtless action. Flewddur the bard is still abandoning his kingdom to go fight and play the harp. Princess Eilonwy is just as feisty as ever. It's a wonder to think that even though this series was written at the same time as Britain's "White Mountains" chronicles, this particular group of books stands out for its far-sighted take on women and their abilities. Eilonwy may not be invited to the men's war councils, but she objects heartily to the fact. She fights as well as any (considering her circumstances) and is always of great help to others. It's funny, but you can't help wondering how Taran keeps ending up in the company of so many members of royalty (Eilonwy, Fflewddur, Gwydion, etc.). They seem to be as numerous as the leaves of spring.
In the end, "The Black Cauldron" (why wasn't it named "The Black Crochan" as the book calls it?) is a worthy, if slightly less impressive, successor to "The Book of Three". Readers who decide to start the series with this book will have little difficulty catching up with the action at hand. It is an enjoyable story that deserves to be remembered in the hearts and minds of fantasy lovers everywhere.
I did not enjoy the story as much as the first one. I did not like the beginning of it or the middle of it. I thought it was boring because they were always arguing. But I did like the part when Gurgi broke loose from his captors and flung himself toward the king.
