The Black Cauldron (The Chronicles of Prydain)

Lloyd Alexander

Cover of The Black Cauldron (The Chronicles of Prydain)

The Black Cauldron (The Chronicles of Prydain)

Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide

by Lloyd Alexander

Reading Level 4-5 Mild (Lvl 2) Ages 9-12 Balanced Read

The text is written at a 4th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content is mild with minimal sensitive material.

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About This Book

The sharp clang of swords echoes through the misty woods of Prydain, where shadows creep and magic stirs the air. A brave boy named Taran must face dark forces that threaten to swallow his world whole. Courage and friendship will be his only shields against the rising evil, but will they be enough?

Quick Assessment

Set in a richly imagined fantasy world, this middle-grade novel follows young Taran as he confronts the dark lord Arawn and his unbeatable warriors. Suitable for ages 9-12, the story includes themes of bravery, friendship, and adventure with mild peril and fantasy action. Parents should note the presence of fantasy violence and suspenseful moments typical of heroic quests.

For Parents

Content Intensity

Level 2 — Mild
Gentle Mild Moderate Intense Very Intense

Light conflict or tension. Mild peril resolved quickly.

Content Flags

Mild Peril Fantasy Violence
Data confidence: high

Was our "Mild" content intensity rating accurate for this book?

Reading Insights

Hook Factor

2/10

A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.

Discussion Potential

2/10

A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.

Book DNA

Multi-dimensional content fingerprint

Vocabulary Level
4
Emotional Weight
4
Theme Richness
6
World Scope
1
Data Confidence
7

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Details

Book Length

208 pages
ISBN
9780805080490
Pages
208
Publisher
Macmillan
Published
May 16, 2006
Type
Fiction
Lexile
760L

Genres

Subjects

FantasyAction & AdventureScience Fiction, Fantasy, MagicScience Fiction, Fantasy, & MagicCourageGood and EvilHeroesPrydainMagicQuestsPigsSwineTaranAdventure and AdventurersNewbery HonorFantasy FictionPotteryWitchcraftUniversal Decimal ClassificationFairy TalesContes De FéesContes

People

ArawnTaran (Fictitious character)