The Book of Three Chapter by Chapter 9 |CXC44

What did you think of The Book of Three Chapter 9 by Lloyd Alexander?

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Picking Up the Pieces: Growth Through Failure in The Book of Three

By MJ Muñoz – Author, Artist, Analyzer – MJMunoz.com

When Plans Fall Apart

What do you do when everything’s lost? When you had a plan that’s been completely ruined? You pick up the pieces and move on. Sometimes it’s hard—especially when you must admit that a lot of it is your own fault.

This is precisely what we’re dealing with in Chapter 9, “Fflewddur Fflam,” of Lloyd Alexander’s The Book of Three. At the end of the previous chapter, we were introduced to a mysterious hooded figure standing with Melyngar (Gwydion’s horse). Now we learn he’s a relative of Gwydion—but he isn’t Gwydion himself.

Confronting Reality

The new reality our characters face is stark: Gwydion is gone, possibly dead. Achren is either dead or has fled. The Cauldron-Born remain a threat. Taran must now continue his mission to find Hen Wen while also taking up Gwydion’s mission of carrying word to Caer Dathyl.

This situation isn’t entirely Taran’s fault—but much of it is. His capture at Spiral Castle set numerous problems in motion, and his negative reactions have compounded issues. Now, he must face the consequences and make difficult choices about how to proceed.

Not Just Another Transition Chapter

What could have been merely a transitional chapter is instead filled with purpose. It provides texture to the world, reveals new information, and delivers crucial emotional and character beats.

There’s significant foreboding as Gurgi returns to warn them of dangers ahead—the Horned King still hunts. Fflewddur attempts to convince Taran to fight, but here Taran demonstrates real growth. He thinks, “No, that’s not what Gwydion would do right now. He would be smarter and play this differently.”

I appreciate the practicality shown in this chapter. The group scavenges weapons from fallen guards, arming themselves as thoroughly as possible against potential threats. They’re sticking together for survival against enemies who seek them out.

Fflewddur as a Character Mirror

Fflewddur Fflam serves as yet another foil for Taran, continuing Alexander’s pattern of surrounding our protagonist with characters who reflect what he could become—or what he’s lacking.

When Taran wrongly accuses Eilonwy of being Achren’s accomplice and sends her away in tears, Fflewddur steps in with wisdom Taran needs:

“She’s a winsome lass,” he tells Taran, adding that Gwydion wouldn’t have dismissed her. He points out that Gwydion would seek justice and follow through on his commitments.

In this way, Fflewddur mirrors what Taran lacks: diplomacy, tact, and maturity. He highlights how Taran’s treatment of both Eilonwy and Gurgi reveals his deficiencies—Gwydion would treat them better, with more respect and understanding.

Opportunities for Growth

What makes this chapter particularly compelling is how it offers Taran clear opportunities for growth. Through Fflewddur’s guidance, he can see exactly where he’s falling short of the hero he aspires to be.

The beauty of Alexander’s character work is how organic these lessons feel. They aren’t heavy-handed morality lessons but natural consequences of character interactions. Taran’s flaws create problems that he must then solve—the perfect recipe for meaningful character development.

The Continuing Journey

This chapter effectively sets up the next phase of the journey, with new group dynamics and clearer stakes. The company is more vulnerable without Gwydion’s leadership, yet they must press on with their dual missions.

Fflewddur, though claiming competence, doesn’t take charge the way Gwydion might have. Instead, he serves as an advisor—another subtle way Alexander shows that Taran must gradually step into a leadership role, whether he’s ready or not.

Looking Forward

As we continue through The Book of Three, I’m increasingly impressed by Alexander’s ability to craft chapters that serve multiple purposes. Even seeming “transitional” chapters like this one advance character development, worldbuilding, and thematic elements while maintaining narrative momentum.

If you’re enjoying these chapter-by-chapter analyses, check out my other reviews at MJMunoz.com. I’ll soon be reviewing Wings of Fire: Book One as part of my exploration of middle-grade fantasy novels similar to my upcoming book.

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A Personal Update: Mockwing Mayhem

I’ve been working hard on my debut middle-grade novel, Mockwing Mayhem. It’s about magical bugs battling monsters—specifically, a creature called a Mockwing discovers where the magical bugs live and aims to destroy them all. A couple of young, untrained Grobugs seize the opportunity to save one of their mentors and battle this misty bird monster that can hide in fog. IF they can defeat it they still have to survive the REST of the monsters!

The book is finished and I’m currently working with an artist on the cover. I’m aiming for a Summer 2025 release. If you enjoy stories like The Book of Three with real stakes, danger, and triumph over obstacles, I think you’ll enjoy my story too. The book doesn’t talk down to younger readers but addresses challenges in a meaningful way.

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Until next time, take care and be well!