\\n  \\"It is very hard for evil to take hold of the unconsenting soul.\\"\\n

This seemingly simple statement actually delves deep into the complex realm of human nature, much like all the Ursula Le Guin's books I've had the pleasure of reading so far.

A Wizard of Earthsea presents a captivating and magical coming-of-age narrative. The story follows the journey of a young wizard, Ged. He begins as a brash and overly confident boy who, due to his arrogance, accidentally unleashes a terrifying Shadow upon the world. However, through various experiences, he matures and eventually comes to terms with the darker aspects of himself. It's important to note that this isn't your typical action-packed fantasy adventure. Instead, it's a deeply introspective work that encourages readers to look within themselves.

\\n  \\"You thought, as a boy, that a mage is one who can do anything. So I thought, once. So did we all. And the truth is that as a man’s real power grows and his knowledge widens, ever the way he can follow grows narrower: until at last he chooses nothing, but does only and wholly what he must do.\\n

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The book contains the traditional elements of a coming-of-age fantasy, such as a wizarding school, a true friend, a bitter rival, a fight against a dragon, and the discovery of love. But what truly sets this story apart from others in the same vein, like those featuring Kvothe and Harry Potter, is its unique approach. The narration, for one, adheres to the fairy tale tradition, with a rhythm that is both strangely enchanting and lyrically beautiful. But the main difference lies in its focus. Instead of merely highlighting the surface-level aspects like learning and adventures, A Wizard of Earthsea delves straight into the deeper meaning, exploring what lies beneath the surface.

\\n  \\"You must not change one thing, one pebble, one grain of sand, until you know what good and evil will follow on that act. The world is in balance, in Equilibrium. A wizard's power of Changing and Summoning can shake the balance of the world. It is dangerous, that power. It is most perilous. It must follow knowledge, and serve need. To light a candle is to cast a shadow. \\n

With her remarkable talent, Ursula Le Guin transforms what could have been a straightforward tale of good versus evil into something far more profound - a profound lesson in self-discovery and the acceptance of the darkness that resides within all of us. This story explores the allure of knowledge, the temptation of power, the perils of presumption, and the importance of maintaining the natural balance. It's about getting to know oneself, even the darkest corners of one's soul. And the climactic battle between good and evil? Let me tell you, the resolution is not only brilliant but also poetically executed, catching me completely off guard.

\\n  “He knew now, and the knowledge was hard, that his task had never been to undo what he had done, but to finish what he had begun.” \\n

Ursula Le Guin takes what could have been potential pitfalls in the hands of other writers and turns them into the strengths of this book. The characters, for instance, with the exception of Ged, are more like sketches that serve to support the central ideas. This unconventional approach somehow works, adding to the book's charm. She also manages to breeze through the years of Ged's life and training with just a few words, avoiding the tedium that many writers often fall into. Her worldbuilding, though not overly detailed, effectively captures the essence of this fantastical world with a few deft strokes. Despite the fact that we know Ged is ultimately safe from the beginning (as the book refers to his future adventures as a great mage), this doesn't detract from the suspense or the enjoyment of the story.

My only criticism is the slight overuse of symbolism in some parts. But hey, even the great Ursula Le Guin can't be perfect all the time.
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Overall, this is a wonderful and mesmerizing read that fully deserves 4.5 stars. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to all fans of fantasy and those seeking a thought-provoking story.

If there were ever a moment when I would curse my incessant reading of Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, or YA lit, it would surely be now.

Because, without a doubt, this is a truly remarkable book that warranted being completed. Ursula K Le Guin is an outstanding writer, and although this book (up to the point where I stopped reading) was not entirely flawless, it was captivating. It was distinct, it was of high QUALITY.

However, I didn't finish it because, due to the aforementioned reading habits, my ability to concentrate and relish in quality literature has deteriorated to such an extent that I am incapable of focusing on a book unless one of the following scenarios is taking place or about to occur.

1) Someone employs their super amazing powers to defeat five bad guys using Kung Fu or a massive sword. Preferably a glowing sword. Preferably also while spouting witty one-liners.

2) Someone is engaged in a passionate encounter.

3) Someone is contemplating a passionate encounter but can't yet until the sexual tension is appropriately built.

4) There is some mysterious creature brutally murdering someone in a disgustingly violent manner.

What "A Wizard of Earthsea" has revealed to me is that if my rate of decline persists, then I will rapidly transform from a semi-respectable, semi-intelligent, semi-quality individual into this:

Don't move! It can't see you if you don't move!

What is even more concerning is that I will be proud of my degradation and wallow in it like a pig in mud.

Like this only far less appealing to frat boys and those with strange mud fetishes...

Clearly, this downward spiral must be halted.

If not, the worst might happen. We could all be drawn into a black hole powered by fangirl squeals and far too little shame.

Pictured: Not nearly enough shame...

So, feel free to assist me, Goodreaders. It is evident that I require help. "A Wizard of Earthsea" deserved a better chance on my reading shelf than it received. Even if we have to film a Rocky-esque montage to get me back into reading form, I'm certain it will be worthwhile.

I can use big words again!

3.5 stars

I have been longing to commence this series for an extremely long time, and I am truly glad that I finally did so. This book, which was penned in 1969, is indeed remarkable for that era. I had a fondness for the main character, Ged, and his growth was明显 by the conclusion of the book. However, my principal concern lay with the writing. The prose, while beautiful, was simply excessive for me. There was an abundance of description and narration, yet very little dialogue. I am uncertain if it is vain of me, but I would have derived greater enjoyment from this book had it been written in the YA post-2000 style.

My favorite segments were the beginning, which immediately piqued my interest, and several events that occurred in the middle. I found the very end (the last 3 pages) to be highly satisfying, and I am intrigued enough to read the second book. (Incidentally, I already possess the first 4 books, and I cannot abide having unread books on my shelves, so that perhaps doesn't signify a great deal.) This book set the stage well for the sequels, and I am looking forward to delving into Ged's future adventures. Le Guin crafted an interesting and expansive world with a great deal to explore.

It is also most definitely not a book that one anticipates reading in a single sitting, believe me. It is short, yes, but the writing style made it arduous for me to maintain full focus on the story for an extended period. Each chapter related a portion of the story in a sense, so it was effortless to halt after one or two chapters. There are a total of 10 chapters, and they are of average paper length. In a way, this suited the atmosphere of the story. But oh, how I wished the writing style was different. (It is excellent from a literary perspective, but I could not sense the excitement and suspense for the majority of the time).

I am curious to know how her style has evolved over the years. I hope that the subsequent books will be more dialogue-intensive because we encountered interesting characters along the way, and I would have undoubtedly preferred to witness more interactions with them rather than merely reading the tale. I would not recommend it to any novice in the fantasy genre, only if you are a devoted fan of this particular genre. The books released after the 90s possess more engaging writing. Nevertheless, I do not regret reading it in the slightest because it is truly outstanding for its time and still merits a read if you are a passionate fan of this genre, just like me.

A Wizard of Earthsea holds a special place in my heart. It taught me valuable lessons like understanding a thing's true name reveals its nature and the perils of summoning the dead or changing one's form carelessly. I don't recall how I got this 1977 reprint, but it's in good condition despite its yellowing pages. I read it in the backseat of my mom's van and in a hair salon, associating it with my childhood.

When I discovered China Miéville as an adult, my perspective on his works was shaped by adulthood. In contrast, Ursula K. Le Guin has been a constant presence in my life, yet her books didn't have the same formative impact as others. However, A Wizard of Earthsea is a gateway book for me, connecting me to my childhood and general memories of reading fantasy.

Some might dismiss this book as a 2- or 3-star effort. It has a condensed story and a small cast, with a lot of narration and exposition. It's not the big-budget, epic fantasy of today, and Ged isn't a typical chosen one. But there's darkness in the book, similar to Arthurian legends, with Ged struggling against his flaws and facing temptations.

Ged's encounter with the dragon Yevaud turns him into a dragonlord, but his treatment of Yevaud's brood makes me question the scale of destruction he causes. Afterward, he bums around Earthsea, faces another trial, and almost doesn't survive. Fortunately, Ogion gives him wise advice.

If read as a straightforward fantasy, A Wizard of Earthsea may disappoint. Its strength lies in its subtext, embodying literary fiction better than much of what's marketed as such today. The cover and description might give the impression of a children's book, but it's for both children and adults and should be read early and often.

I've read A Wizard of Earthsea as a child, adolescent, and adult, each time learning something different. It's memorable and magical for what it teaches, deserving five stars for its slim 200 pages filled with truth.

This is old school fantasy at its finest.

It has all the classic elements that one would expect. There is a young and naïve protagonist who gradually learns the perils of power. He starts off rather stupid but manages to overcome this and figures out how to use his power effectively. The story also features wizards, fearsome dragons, and creatures of great evil.

It's a standard fantasy plot, presented in a basic way, yet it's still really great. I believe this is due to the plot itself. Le Guin managed to draw me in completely and made me race through to the ending. I was eager to discover how a young mage could defeat a dark and corrupted version of himself, one that had left him scarred for life and constantly running in fear.

Ged is your typical hero; he is brave, honest, and good. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery where he learns the boundaries and potential of his power. He comes from humble beginnings as a goat herder, which taught him to be self-reliant. However, he is also very young and impulsive. With his innate magical power comes an innate arrogance typical of a wizard. He is easily tempted and provoked. A fellow apprentice lures him into a magical duel that turns into a disaster. In the process of casting an extremely complex spell aimed at the other wizard, Ged accidentally summons great evil into the world.

He spends the rest of the novel trying to make up for this initial mistake and trying to survive the horror that he has unleashed. It's a dark and terrifying entity that only he can defeat because he was the one who brought it forth. This is a harsh lesson for Ged, but undoubtedly one that will make him a much better mage. He learns to be cautious, develops wisdom, and learns to listen to and take the advice of those more experienced than him. But more importantly, he learns not to be so reckless with magic in the future as it could easily lead to his own downfall. Magic is extremely dangerous in this world and must be handled with great care.

The narrative of this book is incredibly simple and straightforward, which is quite surprising. The author doesn't dwell on details but keeps pushing the story forward. The prose is basic and unadorned, yet it's delivered perfectly. She entices you to reach the end and witness the worthy resolution for yourself. The ending is also presented in a quick and honest manner, which reflects her overall storytelling style. This book could have easily been four times as long, but Le Guin's style is fast and sharp. She doesn't waste time with her characters; they are there to be seen rather than described in excessive detail. This is a style that is rarely found in fantasy and often doesn't work well, but in this case, Le Guin does it masterfully. She gives you just enough to add depth without wasting a single word or taking you on a long and tiresome journey. I don't think many authors could achieve this balance in the genre as well as she does.

I can't believe I've only just read this. Le Guin is clearly a major figure in the fantasy genre, yet I was previously unaware of her. While reading this, I noticed many ideas that I've seen numerous times before in fantasy, but I never really thought about where they originated. In fact, Le Guin created the first school of magic. It's vast and excellent, although it's not given as much prominence in the story. Pat Rothfuss and J.K. Rowling took this idea and developed it further in their novels, making it the central point of their worlds. However, Le Guin uses the entire world of Earthsea to tell her story. I think this gives me a clearer mental image of her world compared to other fantasy universes. One thing is certain, this won't be the last Le Guin book I read.

Earthsea Cycle
1. A Wizard of Earthsea - Four worthy stars
2. The Tombs of Atuan - A redeeming four stars
3. The Farthest Shore - A strong four stars

The thing to remember about Earthsea, like all of LeGuin's writing, is that it is less fiction than it is Taoist parable. LeGuin is a philosopher cleverly disguised as a sci-fi/fantasy writer. Her writing is beautiful and languid, with a certain charm that draws readers in.

Her characterization and plotting range from excellent to mediocre. However, it's important to note that character and plot serve as a vehicle for the themes of balance, simplicity, and serenity that infuse all of her works. Earthsea, on its face, appears to be a fantasy saga along the lines of Tolkien or Rowling. But beneath the thin veneer of fantastical literary convention lies a compelling story about action and consequence, and the nature of the self.

Reading Earthsea as if it were just fiction is missing most of the point and will likely leave the reader confused. The story is told in fragments and scenes, and much of the important action takes place off the page. This may seem frustrating and senseless at first, but only if the reader fails to understand that the "important action" is not the actual focus of the narrative.

I believe there is a certain amount of the "Emperor's New Clothes" phenomenon surrounding Earthsea, as seen in the recent TV miniseries. People often try to read it as regular fantasy and then claim to like it because others do, afraid to admit that they don't truly understand it. If read in this light, I don't think Earthsea stands up very well against the other greats of fantasy fiction. However, the beauty of LeGuin's writing and the significance of Earthsea's message make it a worthy addition to the genre and to every reader's library.

One of the initial aphorisms in a creative writing class is "Show, not tell."

Now, I'm not one to shy away from challenging aphorisms, but this particular one holds merit.

Le Guin, for a significant portion of the book, simply tells the story.

This results in a rather painful reading experience.

In the 21st century, children's literature has a vast range.

A boy in a fantasy realm becoming an amazing magic user is just one of the many possibilities.

Therefore, the dull setting, plotting, and characterization of "A Wizard of Earthsea" are perhaps best left unread.

In 1967 when this was published, the literary environment was less diverse.

So, the novel might have some historical significance.

However, the painstaking nature of its prose outweighs its possible insights.

It's a work that, while perhaps having had its moment in a different era, struggles to hold up in the more vibrant and varied landscape of contemporary children's literature.

Ged is a copper-skinned wizard who embarks on an endless voyage across the sea. He sails from one island to another, much like Odysseus journeyed across the Mediterranean or the hero Māui of Polynesian mythology traversed the Pacific Ocean. However, this fantasy novel from the 1960s possesses something truly original and almost abstract. It lacks the grand choral and dramatic scale of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings (1954). It also doesn't have the charming and childish mannerisms of J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series (1997 to 2007), although Rowling owes a great deal to Le Guin in many respects.

Most of the characters in A Wizard of Earthsea, with the exception of Ged and Vetch, are mere fleeting sketches, shapeshifters, and in a sense, disembodied. Ged is engaged in a battle against an evil force, yet he has nothing in common with Merlin or Gandalf, and his opponent is nothing like Sauron or Voldemort. Ged is striving against a shapeless Shadow and ultimately against himself, in order to become his true inner Self. Even the map of Earthsea, which seems to be a prerequisite for legendary stories since Tolkien, is like an abstract painting: a scattering of islands on an infinite sea. Moreover, the journey itself, if one were to trace it on that map, is like a perfectly geometrical spiral that rotates clockwise from the center towards the outer edge of the world, towards a barren and almost metaphysical landscape.

The magic in this story revolves around summoning the actual names of beings, similar to the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale, as speaking something's real name is like accessing its very essence and its power to be what it is. However, the true magic in this book lies in Ursula Le Guin's dry yet rhythmic prose. It conjures up in the mind ghost-like vistas of a timeless twilight, an inexhaustible wind blowing over the waves, and an endless cloud cover overcasting the ocean, rarely broken by blinding sunbeams.

A boy discovers he has the power of magic within him.
This classic young adult/middle-grade fantasy book has an interesting premise. I'm glad I finally got around to reading it. However, I'm not completely invested in the series just yet. I didn't love it, but that doesn't mean it was bad. In fact, I liked it enough to give it 3 stars.

The story starts off quite well, but as it progresses towards the end, I found myself struggling a bit. It felt dry and unengaging, and I wasn't really all that interested in what was happening. I know I have to give it some leeway as it is meant for a younger audience and was published in 1968.

Despite having all the right elements like magic, arrogance, guilt, and redemption, it just didn't really grab my heart. Maybe it's because there isn't much tension regarding whether or not Sparrowhawk will survive, since it's already stated that this is the story of how he becomes the world's most powerful wizard. Or maybe it's because the storytelling felt a little dull to me.

I'm not sure exactly what it is, but I'm not ready to give up on this series just yet. I plan on coming back to it at some point to see if it grows on me more.

\\n   “To hear, one must be silent.”\\n

Recently, I haven't delved deeply into the world of fantasy. However, I have long been a fan of Ursula K. Le Guin's works. So, I decided to take a chance and pick up her latest offering. And boy, was I glad I did! This tale of Ged, a true-born wizard, and his harrowing journey is nothing short of captivating.

The story builds slowly at first, carefully laying the groundwork and introducing the characters and their world. But around the halfway point, when the dragons make their entrance, the pace suddenly quickens, and I found myself unable to turn the pages fast enough. My hands were a blur as I raced to find out what would happen next.

A Wizard of Earthsea is a magical romp that takes readers across enchanted lands and blackened seas. It's a journey of self-discovery and redemption for Ged, as he searches for the truth about himself and his powers. Le Guin's writing is beautiful and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a world that is both magical and dangerous. If you're a fan of fantasy, then this is a book that you simply must read.

I couldn’t have chosen a more opportune moment to experience LeGuin’s reimagining of the story. Pardon me, I mean The Story, which we intricately weave into our own lives and the lives of those around us. At 35, I’m not ancient by any means, but I no longer often feel that youthful zest. It’s only now that I sense I’m finally grappling with my shadow and wholeheartedly embracing who I am.

There are countless methods to reflect upon, analyze, and understand our life experiences. However, LeGuin offers a framework that suits me perfectly. Her rendition of The Story is one that I can readily comprehend, one that aligns with and mirrors many of my own life events. A Wizard of Earthsea is the tale of Ged, a young man endowed with a natural gift and immense potential. Ged's journey to fathom his gift will prove lengthier and more arduous than his impatience permits him to concede. He is dispatched to learn from those who know how to govern such a gift. Then, just as Ged is truly commencing to harness and develop his latent power, his pride causes him to overstep his bounds and unleash a fearsome shadow upon the world. Ged’s life then transforms into one of fear and evasion until he resolves to turn and face his shadow. Now, I don’t delude myself into believing that I possess the power to release some malevolence that imperils the world. But LeGuin's story fits my life in its own manner, albeit on a smaller scale.

So, A Wizard of Earthsea furnished me with a much-needed archetype to contextualize my experiences, including my fair share of physical and emotional tribulations, of the past 18 months and to articulate what is transpiring in my life. I’ve ceased running from my shadow. I’ve become the hunter and cornered my shadow on the distant sea. I’m embracing the entirety of “me,” for better or worse, even as I pen these words. Already I have an affinity for the person emerging from this fusion. Perhaps of equal significance, I surmise that my loved ones do too.

This poses the query: Was it sheer coincidence that I read A Wizard of Earthsea at this juncture, in this particular place in my life? Or was I steered... influenced in some subtle fashion by some deliberate force... to read it now? That’s an unanswerable question, I suppose, and that’s quite alright with me. What matters is that I did indeed read this book. No, that’s not entirely accurate; I experienced this book, and at a time when I could extract the most from it, at a time when I most craved the counsel of an author who knows how to meet people where they are.

I still haven't perused the text of A Wizard of Earthsea; instead, I listened to the audiobook narrated by Harlan Ellison. What a potent way to engage with LeGuin’s work! Mr. Ellison’s sense of pacing, tone, volume, and timing, not to mention his prowess in dramatizing and captivating the listener, were an ideal match for LeGuin’s innate storytelling. I listened to the book while commuting to and from work, or mowing the lawn, or—my favorite way—lying on the couch with eyes shut, immersing myself in LeGuin’s world as her words saturate my senses. My five-star rating applies with equal vigor to LeGuin’s story and Ellison’s reading.

Thank you, Ms. LeGuin. Thank you, Mr. Ellison. And thank you to my GR friends whose reviews persuaded me that I couldn’t delay reading A Wizard of Earthsea any longer!

Do you ever find yourself drawn to re-read the books that your younger self adored? Do they still hold the same charm and appeal as they did back then?

This particular book most definitely does. I'm well aware that it doesn't require yet another five-star review from just anyone. However, if you're on the hunt for a book to introduce a youngster to the world of fantasy, this is an outstanding choice. It has withstood the test of time remarkably well. The language employed is simply lovely, and the challenges that our young magic user has to encounter are both substantial and engaging. Moreover, although it hints at the possibility of more exciting adventures in the future, it also functions extremely well as a standalone story.

Highly recommended.