Brad Washburn
Author's posts
Aug 17
Book Review: Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth
Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-Earth By J.R.R. Tolkien Edited by Christopher Tolkien Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-Earth is the first book in a study of the many fragments of Tolkien’s writing on his legendarium. Tolkien’s son Christopher collects several lengthy fragments stretching from the First Age of Middle-earth to the beginning of the …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.operationbrainleak.com/book-review-unfinished-tales-of-numenor-and-middle-earth/
Aug 08
Book Review: The High King
The High King The Chronicles of Prydain, Book 5 By Lloyd Alexander In the conclusion to the Chronicles, all Prydain is at war. Arawn, Lord of Annuvin, has attacked Prince Gwydion and stolen the magical sword Dyrnwyn. Gwydion rides to recover the sword, but the companions soon learn the threat is greater than they ever …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.operationbrainleak.com/book-review-the-high-king/
Aug 07
Book Review: Taran Wanderer
Taran Wanderer The Chronicles of Prydain, Book 4 By Lloyd Alexander With Eilonwy learning to be a princess on the Isle of Mona, Taran is desperate to discover his parentage, hoping to be born of royalty. Dallben gives him permission to seek his parents, and Taran sets out with Gurgi by his side. Taran’s quest …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.operationbrainleak.com/book-review-taran-wanderer/
Aug 06
Book Review: The Castle of Llyr
The Castle of Llyr The Chronicles of Prydain, Book 3 By Lloyd Alexander Princess Eilonwy is sent to the Isle of Mona to learn to be a lady, and Taran and Gurgi accompany her on the voyage. Shortly after their arrival, Taran is warned that Eilonwy’s life is in danger. Failing to protect her from …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.operationbrainleak.com/book-review-the-castle-of-llyr/
Aug 05
Book Review: The Black Cauldron
The Black Cauldron The Chronicles of Prydain, Book 2 By Lloyd Alexander Prince Gwydion calls a council of war at Caer Dallben and Taran is invited. To prevent Arawn, lord of Annuvin, from creating more of his deathless Cauldron-Born, Gwydion proposes an expedition to Annuvin to steal Arawn’s cauldron. While Gwydion, Coll, and Fflewddur Fflam …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.operationbrainleak.com/book-review-the-black-cauldron/
Aug 04
Book Review: The Book of Three
The Book of Three The Chronicles of Prydain, Book 1 By Lloyd Alexander Set in the fictional land of Prydain, The Book of Three follows the adventures of Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper, as he seeks to find his lost sow, the oracular pig Hen Wen. Frightened by the dreaded Horned King, Hen Wen escaped her …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.operationbrainleak.com/book-review-the-book-of-three/
Aug 03
The Mabinogion and The Chronicles of Prydain
Most fantasy books draw upon myths and legends in some way or another, even if only in their use of such fantastical creatures as dragons and elves. Lloyd Alexander’s The Chronicles of Prydain is one such series, based on the Welsh legends in The Mabinogion. While the plots of his Chronicles are original, Alexander draws …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.operationbrainleak.com/the-mabinogion-and-the-chronicles-of-prydain/
Aug 02
Book Review: The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain
The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain By Lloyd Alexander The Foundling and Other Tales of Prydain is a collection of short stories set in the world of The Chronicles of Prydain. First published in 1973, five years after the last book in the Chronicles, this collection of short stories is set before the events …
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Jul 24
Book Review: The King of Elfland’s Daughter
The King of Elfland’s Daughter By Lord Dunsany In the kingdom of Erl, the citizens appear before the king and ask for a magic lord to rule over them, thinking that magic will make Erl known throughout the world. Though the king knows they will come to regret their decision, he agrees to send his …
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Jul 16
The Childhood of Christ
Aside from his birth and a brief incident in the temple at the age of twelve, the Christian Bible gives little information concerning the early years of Jesus of Nazareth. What events transpired during the family’s sojourn in Egypt? When did Christ perform his first miracle? While these questions are not answered in the biblical …
Permanent link to this article: https://www.operationbrainleak.com/the-childhood-of-christ/