Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
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.
This is probably the best of the original Earthsea trilogy. The adventures of Ged and Arren were a blast to read about.
Spoiler
I especially enjoyed the encounter with the wandering sea people. The ending was tense and heartbreaking. Ged's time as Archmage was eventful but far too short, but his sacrifice was worthy.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What an excellent end to the first trilogy of Earthsea. I also found it to be a wonderful exploration of death and the fear of it. I really enjoyed the journey through the islands and I wish that I, too, could see the dragons flying on the wind just one time.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-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:
Yes
Definitely starts off slower than the others. Felt more like a world building book but this makes sense coming third in the original quartet
I liked this one less than the first two. Like them, it's a coming-of-age story, but it has elements of the prophesied chosen one pattern that I dislike in fantasy novels.
After the second book, I thought I would really like this one, but it took quite awhile to get into. Granted, I was a bit sleepier when reading these chapters to him (it's been a long, busy summer), but overall I didn't think the first 3/4 of the book was as compelling. There are some parts at the end that made it all worthwhile, but I hoped for something else. We'll continue the series and see how it goes.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
The Earthsea Trilogy (before it became the Earthsea Cycle) cemented its reputation and its literary standing with this fraught and eerie quest in search of a man who has returned from death and therefore destroyed all meaning in life magic is draining from the world, but not just magic; all craft and drive, ambition and openness. Archmage Ged and a young prince Arren voyage across the archipelago to find a place from which there is no returning.
If the trilogy has been about anything, it has been about growth to maturity, of mastering oneself and the nature of responsibility. The Farthest Shore is a return of the king narrative, ultimately, where the greatest good that can happen to Earthsea is for a king to assume the throne. I suspect we're in allegorical territory here, with Earthsea's fairy tale roots on show, where a person can only truly be said to rule oneself when one has confronted death and accepted it and found greater joy and meaning in life having done so. Or maybe LeGuin's a monarchist.
I suppose on reflection that this makes it seem worthy and dry, a heavy spiritual message for a piece of children's fantasy, rest assured this is a beautifully written, keenly observed, wise, harrowing, terrifying and ultimately quietly uplifting book. It has dragons, too.
If the trilogy has been about anything, it has been about growth to maturity, of mastering oneself and the nature of responsibility. The Farthest Shore is a return of the king narrative, ultimately, where the greatest good that can happen to Earthsea is for a king to assume the throne. I suspect we're in allegorical territory here, with Earthsea's fairy tale roots on show, where a person can only truly be said to rule oneself when one has confronted death and accepted it and found greater joy and meaning in life having done so. Or maybe LeGuin's a monarchist.
I suppose on reflection that this makes it seem worthy and dry, a heavy spiritual message for a piece of children's fantasy, rest assured this is a beautifully written, keenly observed, wise, harrowing, terrifying and ultimately quietly uplifting book. It has dragons, too.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes