The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander

Good old-fashioned fantasy for kids. Welsh names, terrifying villains, and dashing heroes. This is what made me fall in love with the fantasy genre. And as I re-read all the books on my bookshelf, I fell in love all over again. These were originally published in 1964 by a man who looked born to write a fantasy, but I still find the story relevant for today.

Taran is a young man who has a strong dose of wanderlust. Being raised on a small hamlet by a talented enchanter watching after a very unique pig are not fulfilling enough to keep this boy's feet on the ground. He spends the majority of his day focused on heroes and proving he already knows how to be one.

Is this destiny that pushes him to flee a noble home life for uncertainty and pain? Or is he just a crazy teenager who thinks he knows everything about life? I'm going to vote for the second one. Even if the first one proves to be the truth. Taran is the epitome of teenage hubris. Fortunately for him, life decides to play along and sends him some incredible companions. And is Eilonwy just an absolute treat. 

The pacing of the story is perfect for middle grade readers. The characters are easy to relate to and don't have too much angst to get me annoyed enough to put the book down. I'm glad this story charmed me as much in my 30s as it did in my 20s and can keep its 5 stars.

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