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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
The third (and for twenty some odd years) final book of the Earthsea Cycle focused on now Archmade Ged and a prince named Arren's journey to discover why magic is suddenly not working in Earthsea. In an nutshell, in the world of Earthsea, everyone has a name they use and their real name, which is only known to themselves and those closest to them. It comes from a lost language that only wizards and dragons know. Magic in Earthsea relies on knowing the names of things. The problem is, that people are forgetting names of things and songs, which means magic is disappearing, which leaves the world lost and lethargic.
Arren is prince that relays this information to Ged (now Sparrowhawk) who is the Archmage of the wizarding school on Roke (yes, Rowling cribbed the idea). Sparrowhawk sees something in Arren, who is not a wizard, and asks him to accompany him on a journey to which Arren enthusiastically agrees.
This allows LeGuin to really open up her Earthsea universe as we encounter multiple communities, including a society that lives solely on rafts in the sea.
It also allows her to dig deep into her favorite theme, the balance of things. The yin and the yang, there can be no darkness without light and vice versa and how we should be judicious when we use magic (the metaphor could be used in various ways in our non-imaginary, actual world), lest we disturb their balance.
And, because she is a great writer, there is much skill and entertainment as she tracks Arren's growth into his true self and Sparrowhawk's inexorable slide into retirement.
Highly recommended.
Arren is prince that relays this information to Ged (now Sparrowhawk) who is the Archmage of the wizarding school on Roke (yes, Rowling cribbed the idea). Sparrowhawk sees something in Arren, who is not a wizard, and asks him to accompany him on a journey to which Arren enthusiastically agrees.
This allows LeGuin to really open up her Earthsea universe as we encounter multiple communities, including a society that lives solely on rafts in the sea.
It also allows her to dig deep into her favorite theme, the balance of things. The yin and the yang, there can be no darkness without light and vice versa and how we should be judicious when we use magic (the metaphor could be used in various ways in our non-imaginary, actual world), lest we disturb their balance.
And, because she is a great writer, there is much skill and entertainment as she tracks Arren's growth into his true self and Sparrowhawk's inexorable slide into retirement.
Highly recommended.
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I did a speedrun of this book so I’m still kinda processing it but I think it’s about as good as fantasy gets in terms of content and moral, and the fact that I read all of it in 2 days (with the exception of like the first chapter I think the day before) speaks to how little dullness there is in this one. I do wish more was done with Tenar of the last book and, as much as a feel conflicted for not thinking this to the same degree in LotR, the whole plot point of the lands falling into existential disarray due to the absence of a supreme king felt stale/forced. That’s what one should expect with fantasy I guess, but for it to be seemingly such a big deal to this world for their not to be a king of Earthsea, it felt at least slightly cheaper since that notion nor the to-be-crowned prince was not introduced until this third installment - but I digress. Love this book, definitely the best of the series in a lot of ways.
The fleetest of the cycle (so far). I think it's my favorite.
of all of the books in this series, i'd say this final one follows the most classic fantasy plot line, lots of dragons and a quest that must be done to defeat a great evil but like anything by Ursula Le Guin it's incredibly written, where not a single word is ever wasted that just adds that special twist that places it a cut above the rest.
This book takes place 17 years after the last one and Ged's old age is often contrasted with Arren's youth.
It's a classic trope but it tied up Ged's story really well as a way to exemplify what the series has been telling us about how we cannot worship the worlds natural darkness or dedicate our lives to the preservation of stagnant power.
Also as a side note it’s very funny how wildly homoerotic
Arrens way of talking and thinking about Ged is and it's clear Le Guin is really trying to signal to the people that will get it that this kid is gay and starting to realise it.
This book takes place 17 years after the last one and Ged's old age is often contrasted with Arren's youth.
It's a classic trope but it tied up Ged's story really well as a way to exemplify what the series has been telling us about how we cannot worship the worlds natural darkness or dedicate our lives to the preservation of stagnant power.
Also as a side note it’s very funny how wildly homoerotic
Arrens way of talking and thinking about Ged is and it's clear Le Guin is really trying to signal to the people that will get it that this kid is gay and starting to realise it.
Absolutely hell yeah this was some great fantasy ish. Builds really well on the previous two novels (except for sidelining the main character of the last one, but at least I know she gets a spotlight again in a later book), and making Ged a supporting character once again works extremely well. Just really beautifully written and plotted and everything.
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Minor: Drug use, Slavery
