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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I've always heard incredible things about Ursula's writing and I fully get it now. In a genre of hard fought wars, world ending plots, and grim characters, Earthsea takes a step back to journey with a young wizard on a quest of personal growth. Cozy storytelling that still seems timeless 55 years later.
Reread: Nov 2024
a man: who, knowing his whole true self, cannot be used or possessed by any power other than himself, and whose life therefore is lived for life’s sake and never in the service of ruin, or pain, or hatred, or the dark.
Reread: Nov 2024
a man: who, knowing his whole true self, cannot be used or possessed by any power other than himself, and whose life therefore is lived for life’s sake and never in the service of ruin, or pain, or hatred, or the dark.
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
Makes me mad that I grew up reading Harry Potter while this book existed.
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
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:
Yes
adventurous
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
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
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I had to force myself to finish this. The imagery of Sparrowhawk chasing the shadow around is cool, but it’s also monotonous. There doesn’t seem to be a ton of character development, aside from some minimal learnings about how foolish he was when he was younger. Vetch is there to carry the plot along and only has a supporting role, no will of his own. The scene with the dragons was probably the coolest imagery, but even that had no particular challenge or fear of the hero losing. For these reasons, the book didn’t grip me.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story! I saw this series mentioned in another book (The Poison of the Earth) and didn't think it was real but then stumbled on it when looking at the challenges here! I had to pick it up and give it a try!
A really fun read, filled with hints at deeper things—great for kids who need something with more substance than Harry Potter. All of the jokers who are trying to ape the Lord of the Rings should stop reading each other and start reading Le Guin.