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yunera's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
eesh25's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book to be somewhere between middle grade and YA. It starts with us being introduced to a young boy who has an affinity for magic. And we follow him, over the next few years, as he becomes good at magic and learns some lessons about it and about himself.
It's a very short book that spans several years, so we don't go into a lot of detail about every part of the protagonist's life. But we do focus on what the conflict is about.
I read Le Guin's Author's Note after the book, and she talks about how she followed some of the classic fantasy elements but also went opposite to others. Like the protagonist is a person of colour, and the main conflict isn't really the good-vs-evil fight one would expect. I liked those elements as I was reading the book, and I like them even more knowing the intent behind them.
I also liked the theme, which was about magic, power and the ways it can corrupt. And about dealing with the consequences of your actions. Not to mention, the writing in the book was beautiful. I do wish the story could've gone a bit slower so could've spent more time in the various settings, but I enjoyed it overall.
I really wish I had more to say about this book, but my feelings about most aspects were simply that I liked them, and I recommend checking this book out. This is a very complete story. It even works as a standalone, in my opinion. But the world of Earthsea has a lot to explore, so I'm happy to be getting more books. I'd also like to know more about the magic system, which I found to be quite interesting. So I'll definitely be reading the next book soon.
It's a very short book that spans several years, so we don't go into a lot of detail about every part of the protagonist's life. But we do focus on what the conflict is about.
I read Le Guin's Author's Note after the book, and she talks about how she followed some of the classic fantasy elements but also went opposite to others. Like the protagonist is a person of colour, and the main conflict isn't really the good-vs-evil fight one would expect. I liked those elements as I was reading the book, and I like them even more knowing the intent behind them.
I also liked the theme, which was about magic, power and the ways it can corrupt. And about dealing with the consequences of your actions. Not to mention, the writing in the book was beautiful. I do wish the story could've gone a bit slower so could've spent more time in the various settings, but I enjoyed it overall.
I really wish I had more to say about this book, but my feelings about most aspects were simply that I liked them, and I recommend checking this book out. This is a very complete story. It even works as a standalone, in my opinion. But the world of Earthsea has a lot to explore, so I'm happy to be getting more books. I'd also like to know more about the magic system, which I found to be quite interesting. So I'll definitely be reading the next book soon.
chaos_flavored's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first in the Earthsea fantasy series.
I don't know why it's taken so long for me to get round to reading any Ursula K. Le Guin as I've been hearing about her work for decades. It has been an interesting tale to read as it reminded me of the writing styles of Patricia McKillip, John Flanagan, Mercedes Lackey, and Charles de Lint. A combining of lyricism, adventure, fantasy, and people's foibles.
Le Guin tells just enough to keep the adventure rolling while leaving you wondering how and why this young man, Ged, has so much power and just what will he do with it? Ged finally enters the school for wizards at Role as those around him realize he needs help. Ged himself believes himself omnipotent in all his pride and fury until he takes on too much releasing a hideous beast on the world. A beast that will track and absorb Ged unless he learns to guard himself. A difficult lesson to learn. One essential to curb Ged and his superiority.
Ged's exploits in A Wizard of Earthsea introduce us to the world of Earthsea, its peoples and their various cultures and beliefs just as we watch Ged learn and absorb the needed warnings which will shape him into a better man, a wizard for good.
Le Guin is masterful in her descriptions of both settings and characters. Managing to use few words to craft a colorful and individual world.
Le Guin ensures that I realize she is setting the background for further adventures. Whether those quests are Ged's or some others, future tales will tell.
I don't know why it's taken so long for me to get round to reading any Ursula K. Le Guin as I've been hearing about her work for decades. It has been an interesting tale to read as it reminded me of the writing styles of Patricia McKillip, John Flanagan, Mercedes Lackey, and Charles de Lint. A combining of lyricism, adventure, fantasy, and people's foibles.
Le Guin tells just enough to keep the adventure rolling while leaving you wondering how and why this young man, Ged, has so much power and just what will he do with it? Ged finally enters the school for wizards at Role as those around him realize he needs help. Ged himself believes himself omnipotent in all his pride and fury until he takes on too much releasing a hideous beast on the world. A beast that will track and absorb Ged unless he learns to guard himself. A difficult lesson to learn. One essential to curb Ged and his superiority.
Ged's exploits in A Wizard of Earthsea introduce us to the world of Earthsea, its peoples and their various cultures and beliefs just as we watch Ged learn and absorb the needed warnings which will shape him into a better man, a wizard for good.
Le Guin is masterful in her descriptions of both settings and characters. Managing to use few words to craft a colorful and individual world.
Le Guin ensures that I realize she is setting the background for further adventures. Whether those quests are Ged's or some others, future tales will tell.
dwarrowdams's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Read this as a teen and was lukewarm about it, but I really enjoyed it as an adult. LeGuin’s worldbuilding, pacing, and character work are all incredible, and the way the central conflict resolved was so satisfying.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Violence, and Death
gspear's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
pheenic's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kiwifruit7's review against another edition
adventurous
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Cozy
lenaryn's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0