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ArecRain (8 KP) rated The Castle of Llyr (The Chronicles of Prydain #3) in Books

Jan 18, 2018

One of the more interesting novels of the series because it did not have to deal with Arawn directly yet still progressed the storyline in that sense. Despite Eilonway being my second to last favorite character due to her annoying chatter, I still loved reading about her story and history. Alexander actually made me feel pity for both Eilonway and Archen while wanting for Taran to desperately come to terms with his feelings.

Rhun was a light-hearted addition to the cast. he was a temporary character that made me feel constantly frustrated and yet, sympathetic. The only true nuisance to the story was Glew, who must be excused by mean of insanity. I am disappointed, however, that we never find out what happens to the self-centered, simple-minded creature. I also believe that Llyan was a great addiction to the party. I love animal characters and she is just to adorable to resist. A harp loving cat? Yes, adorable.

All in all, it tends to be my favorite novel of the series because, while it still progress the plotline dealing with Arawn (even if indirectly), it gives you much greater insight to the world, Taran's growing maturity and feelings for his female companion, and Eilonway's history, even if it is destroyed. It's a nice refresher with the dramatic and action filled first two novels.

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David McK (3557 KP) rated A Princess of Mars (Barsoom, #1) in Books

Jan 30, 2019

To most people, if you mention the name Edgar Rice Burroughs the first thing that they will think of, in all likelihood, is his creation of the character Tarzan. Alongside this, however, he also wrote the Barsoom series of books, of which this is the first (published in 1912).

Commonly regarded as classics of the Pulp Sci-Fi genre of books, and with the new Disney movie John Carter of Mars recently released (even if it is getting a panning from the critics), and finally with The John Carter collection (consisting of A Princess of Mars, The Gods of Mars, The Warlord of Mars, Thuvia, Maid of Mars and The Chessmen of Mars) available on Apple's ibooks stores for 99p, how could I resist picking them up?

Having now read the first book, it's easy to see the influence these particular novels had on later writings and popular culture. James Cameron is on record as stating this particular work as an influence on his movie Avatar, while it is also possible to trace elements of Star Wars (inspired by Flash Gordon, itself inspired by this) back to this work.

In short: this is pretty much a prime example of early pulp SF!