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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
Beautiful simple and stirring. I love how respected and valued nature is in Ursula Le Guin's writing. It always seems soothing and wise.
While I did enjoy The Farthest Shore and, as I’ve come to realize about Earthsea and Le Guin’s writing in general, found the prose to be gorgeous with some excellent moments and quotes, I think the third entry and conclusion to the so-called Earthsea trilogy is my least favorite of the three. This mostly comes down to my lack of interest with the book’s protagonist, Arren. In comparison to Ged and Tenar before him, Arren lack’s personality and his story feels more driven by that of Ged’s choices than his own. Their journey together felt meandering at times and while the ending was strong, it didn’t make up for the drag I felt at the beginning. I still enjoyed The Farthest Shore, but definitely think I need a more extended break before jumping back into the tales of the archipelago of Earthsea. Three stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
I always find myself struggling to write down my thoughts and feelings on the Earthsea series. It's such a profound and impactful series that is (rightfully) well regarded as peek fantasy.
Le Guin is one of the most thoughtful and reflective authors when it comes to making fantastically balanced characters. She's able to breathe life into what seems like a simple fantasy world on the surface but is slowly revealed to be just as complex as the characters she weaves into it. Every little detail Le Guin adds to the story feels like a part of a bigger whole, one we get glimpses throughout the series. It makes me, as a reader, feel so small yet so significant all the same.
The difficulty I have with her writing is just how meloncholly it all feels. The world, the characters, and the story fell so impactful, and yet by the end of each story, I could not say I end the book feeling satisfied. These characters and the world the inhabit I've come to truly love and understand, especially as I age and keep returning to the series. This book truly made me FEEL, and in every way that matters, it's a massive compliment to the authors skill in being able to do so in what are not very long books. Especially as an avid fantasy reader where the average book length can be into the 600s of pages.
I will continue to love and cry over this series, no matter how conflicted it makes me feel. I hope I can continue with this reread and get to the later books.
Le Guin is one of the most thoughtful and reflective authors when it comes to making fantastically balanced characters. She's able to breathe life into what seems like a simple fantasy world on the surface but is slowly revealed to be just as complex as the characters she weaves into it. Every little detail Le Guin adds to the story feels like a part of a bigger whole, one we get glimpses throughout the series. It makes me, as a reader, feel so small yet so significant all the same.
The difficulty I have with her writing is just how meloncholly it all feels. The world, the characters, and the story fell so impactful, and yet by the end of each story, I could not say I end the book feeling satisfied. These characters and the world the inhabit I've come to truly love and understand, especially as I age and keep returning to the series. This book truly made me FEEL, and in every way that matters, it's a massive compliment to the authors skill in being able to do so in what are not very long books. Especially as an avid fantasy reader where the average book length can be into the 600s of pages.
I will continue to love and cry over this series, no matter how conflicted it makes me feel. I hope I can continue with this reread and get to the later books.
The triumphant finale of the original trilogy. Again, more concerned about coming to grips with the more universal condition of humanity. In this case, exulting in our abilities, but struggling and coming to terms with our mortality. Le Guin does a great job making such a story action packed. Also, it's great to be on another adventure with Ged. While a very powerful wizard, Le Guin manages to make clear his greatest ability is his kindness, and his appreciation and love of life. In the end, it wraps up a bit too nicely. Nevertheless, the ending is earned.