Recommended Reading: The Book of Three

The Book of Three is the first of a series that in my mind is the "Black Cauldron Series" but is actually called The Chronicles of Prydain.

A rather predictable epic adventure coming of age story. They magically defeat the bad guy and live happily ever after... at least until book 2, which I have not decided whether to give a chance or not.

Summary from GoodReads:
Taran the Assistant Pig-Keeper wants to become a hero, joined by Eilonwy, the strong-willed and sharp-tongued princess; Fflewddur Fflam, the hyperbole-prone bard; the ever-faithful Gurgi; and the curmudgeonly Doli--all of whom have become involved in an epic struggle between good and evil that shapes the fate of the legendary land of Prydain.