Taran Wanderer

Despite the fact that Taran was irritating at times, with his “woe is me” attitude, I suppose it wouldn't have been a very good “coming of age” story without a little youthful stupidity.

SpoilerI have two quibbles with this book: One, I find it rather convenient that Morda's spells dissipate with his death. For all Taran knew, when Morda was slain, the spells might have remained in place forever. Two, I also take issue with the fact that the ladies of the Marshes of Morva never collect on their bargain with Taran - in this book or the next. (Sidebar: is there some significance of the similarity in names, “Morva” and “Morda”? I thought it odd.)

The redeeming factor of this book was the Craddoc storyline. SpoilerIt was truly Taran's comeuppance, and his turning point, I thought.

Ultimately, though, this was just a stepping stone to the final battle in the fifth and last book.