I would like to give a single opinion on the entire saga consisting of the six novels:

- The Wizard
- The Tombs of Atuan
- The Farthest Shore
- A Wizard of Earthsea
- The Other Wind
- Tales from Earthsea

This is a metaphorical work that uses a fantasy setting to convey something else.

Everything is poetic and ethereal, deep and introspective: the journey, the search for oneself, the dragons as the highest meaning of human nature itself. But be careful, all this might disappoint many.

Rather than a fantasy saga, Le Guin presents us with a story about the human soul, its choices, and the meaning of sacrifice.

--ATTENTION SPOILER--

The first novel begins with high expectations for the protagonist, destined for great things and his ascent in the magical world. It's a pity that in the second novel, Ged has retired to tend sheep... You might stop here, demoralized and disappointed.

Forget the school experience in Harry Potter. Here, the academy is described and developed in the most minimal terms: no mysterious place to explore and no companion to face adventures with. The teachers and their subjects are only briefly mentioned.

The use of the True Name of things to present the magic system is interesting, but in the saga, it always remains in the background, only briefly mentioned, never really used, and never seems epic.

The idea of an archipelago setting is nice, but the world-building is limited to the description of a city visited briefly, a temple in the desert with its cavernous undergrounds, a minimal mention of the politics of the two major islands, and the boundless sea crossed by sailboat.

Peoples, societies, and politics: only some scattered mentions of the social practices of some countries and the secondary role of women, but no attention to politics or intrigues.

Magical creatures: none that you remember except for one or two shadows of dragons.

The dragons are more present in the titles of the novels than within the stories. They appear for the first time in the first book, but the encounter is simply embarrassing, nothing epic. It's what they represent in the story that matters.

Action scenes that don't come through.

Other protagonists: besides Ged, the protagonist of the first novel, now relegated to a cameo in the rest of the saga, we have a girl secluded in a temple in the desert who disappears and reappears in the subsequent novels without bringing anything decisive to the plot. A boy who will become king only for having accompanied Ged on a mission across the sea and then is strangely forgotten. A little girl with a difficult temperament but with a great secret that will prove interesting.

Forget the usual canons of fantasy because they will be overturned and used for other purposes. All the difficulties faced during the six novels are symbolic events and ethical doubts that the protagonists must face with courage and sacrifice rather than with their abilities.

The message of the work can be summarized in a: "Renounce everything for a higher good."

The narration is always deep, engaging, and excellently written. Even if it is disappointing in many other aspects, it remains a landmark of the fantasy genre to be appreciated and read for the meanings and messages about life that it conveys and for its being different from the usual. Then it depends on what one expects from a fantasy.

In the Creation of Ea, the oldest song, it is said, 'Only in silence the word, only in dark the light, only in dying life: bright the hawk’s flight on the empty sky.’ This profound statement sets the tone for the exploration of a world filled with magic and mystery.

Ursula Le Guin's A Wizard of Earthsea was first published in 1968, long before J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. The idea of a "school for wizards" originated with Le Guin, and it was a truly revolutionary concept at the time. The story follows the journey of a young wizard, Ged, as he discovers his powers, enrolls at a school for wizards, and faces many challenges along the way.
The world of Earthsea is a complex and multi-layered one, filled with different races, cultures, and systems of magic. Le Guin's writing style is reminiscent of folklore, with simple axiomatic truths and maxims that add a moral import to the story. The characters in the novel are well-developed and complex, and Ged himself is an anti-hero, at least at the beginning. He is arrogant and reckless, which leads him to make mistakes and raise evil powers that follow him throughout the story.
One of the most interesting aspects of the novel is the use of language as power. In Earthsea, the true naming of a thing is essential for magic, and wizards guard their secret spells and names closely. Ged learns the importance of true names early on, and this knowledge becomes a crucial part of his journey.
The novel also explores themes of good and evil, balance and equilibrium, and the consequences of our actions. Ged's actions have far-reaching consequences, and he must learn to take responsibility for them. The ending of the novel is both dramatic and unpredictable, and it perfectly demonstrates how Ged gains a deeper understanding of himself and his place in the world.
Overall, A Wizard of Earthsea is a remarkable novel that stands apart from other fantasy novels of its time. It is a coming-of-age story that is both exciting and thought-provoking, and it offers a unique and immersive world for readers to explore. Le Guin's writing is beautiful and atmospheric, and her use of language and symbolism adds depth and complexity to the story. If you are a fan of fantasy literature, then A Wizard of Earthsea is a must-read.

For the Earthsea readalong I'm hosting, #LeGuinAlong! More info here.

Well, this was a rather strange experience. I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with this book. It definitely has that classic fantasy feel, with its detailed descriptions and epic adventures. However, I have to be honest and say that the only thing that made me pick it up again was my role as the host of the readalong. It took me about two weeks to read a 170-page book, not because there was anything really bad about it, but it just didn't quite hit the mark for me.

While I usually enjoy in-depth world-building, in this book it felt a bit off-kilter. Every time Ged arrived on a new island, which happened frequently in most chapters, at least a page would be dedicated to explaining the island, bombarding you with a whole bunch of names and facts that weren't really relevant. If this information had been more subtly integrated into the text as the story progressed, I probably would have loved it. I really like seeing a world that is so thoroughly constructed. But instead, the plot would come to a screeching halt every time, completely throwing off the pacing. And it didn't help that, in comparison, any action or development scenes seemed to be skipped over. We spend the first five chapters being told that Ged is learning magic, but we don't see any of it. Instead, the various buildings of the School on Roke are described, and then it's simply said, "and this is where Ged went to learn next," before skipping to him having acquired this new knowledge. It just felt...unbalanced.

That being said, I did enjoy reading it in a way. It was one of those books that you can't rush through; you have to take your time and appreciate every word. It felt like an epic story despite its relatively short length. I found the magic system quite interesting, especially the idea of names and power, which has been a theme throughout history. Small details like that added to the sense of it being a long, legendary tale.

With only a small cast of characters, there wasn't a whole lot to sink your teeth into. Ged, to be honest, is quite unbearable at the beginning, with all the ego and arrogance you would expect from someone who has been told he is naturally powerful. But it was interesting to see him learn humility, although he still manages to charge into every situation with choices that make you want to facepalm. However, his lack of hesitation in making decisions kept the action going as quickly as it could have been, considering the writing style. There weren't many side characters, but the "antagonists" all had interesting dynamics. When you look at the situation from a perspective other than Ged's, it's not actually as simple as it seems. I have to admit that, even though she had a small role in the book, Yarrow quickly became one of my favorite characters because of her inquisitiveness in an overwhelmingly masculine society...and also maybe because of the teeny pet dragon.

So, all in all, it's a bit of a mixed review. I can't quite decide whether I liked or disliked this book. The liveshow for it should be an interesting one (happening on my channel Saturday 2nd May, 8pm UK). I'm excited to see where the next book takes us, especially after the hints we got about the plot line in this one...

Surprised this series isn't mentioned in the same breath as Harry Potter and LOTR.

It's truly a wonder that this particular series doesn't receive the same level of recognition and comparison as the highly acclaimed Harry Potter and LORD OF THE RINGS.

It's like Dune's watery cousin. In a sense, it has a certain resemblance to Dune, yet with its own unique characteristics.

I suppose it's a bit slower, more pensive. The pacing of this series is perhaps a touch slower than some of its more well-known counterparts, allowing for a more thoughtful and reflective reading experience.

It gives the reader the opportunity to truly soak in the details, the characters, and the world that has been created.

Despite not being in the same league as Harry Potter and LOTR in terms of mainstream popularity, this series has its own charm and appeal that is waiting to be discovered by those who are willing to give it a chance.

Maybe it's time for this hidden gem to shine and be recognized for the wonderful work of fiction that it is.

**On a Quest**

The protagonist, Ged (Sparrowhawk), a 15-year-old trainee boy wizard similar to Harry Potter, embarks on a quest to discover and defeat his unnamed dark shadow. Ursula Le Guin details his journey in ten accessible parts. The writing style is not overly lyrical and is always subordinate to the plot, as if it were a literal translation of a graphic saga rather than a verbal one. To enjoy it as a work of fiction, one really has to suspend disbelief. In the end, I was glad the novel was only 200 pages long, which was one of the main reasons I took it on. The only aspect that interested me as a reader was the metaphysical nature of the shadow, to the extent that it was intentional and not just a figment of my imagination.

**“This Sorcery is Not a Game”**

Ged's quest is one of “self-transformation.” He begins at 15, unsure if he has the powers of a wizard and worried that he is slow to learn. He hears warnings like, “Have you never thought how danger must surround power as shadow does light? This sorcery is not a game we play for pleasure or for praise.” Yet, his ego and desires for glory and action conflict with the patient path Ogion presents.

**“To Hear, One Must Be Silent”**
We soon see that Ged's impatience is an internal obstacle to his quest. Ogion's rune, the “Closed Mouth,” emphasizes the need for Ged to learn the discipline and power of silence. As the saying goes, “To hear, one must be silent.”

**“To Light a Candle is to Cast a Shadow”**
At the School for Wizards, Ged learns a crucial lesson. He discovers that illusion is not the same as true change. Changing something requires knowing its true name, and even a small change can have far-reaching consequences. The power of a wizard is dangerous and must be used with knowledge and in service of need. As the wise words state, “To light a candle is to cast a shadow.”
**Knowing the True Name**
Ged's ego makes him question if he can “drive back darkness with his own light.” However, he realizes that magic is about knowing the true name of a thing, and this is no easy feat. Many mages spend their lives trying to discover just one name. There are powers beyond our understanding, and Ged must come to terms with this.
**“The Shadow You Cast”**
Ged first experiences the shadow while still at school. He learns that the power he used to call it gives it power over him. It is the shadow of his arrogance and ignorance. His battles remind him of the price of the game and the importance of not losing one's self. Ogion tells him that the shadow seeks to destroy his true being and that he must face it. Ged cannot run away; he must “seek what seeks you. You must hunt the hunter.”
**A Shadow Quest**
So, Ged sets out on his shadow quest. He tries to seize the shadow but fails. He realizes that he has no power over it and that this quest may be endless. However, his friend Vetch encourages him, believing that he will learn the shadow's nature and vanquish it. In the end, Ged reaches out and takes hold of his shadow, joining light and darkness and making himself whole. He learns that by naming the shadow of his death with his own name, he becomes a man who cannot be used or possessed by any power other than himself.
**“Only in Dying Life”**
Le Guin concludes her tale with a reference to a fictional creation myth. The words, “Only in silence the word, only in dark the light, only in dying life: bright the hawk’s flight on the empty sky,” sum up the journey of Sparrowhawk. His flight across the empty sky of his youth was indeed bright, filled with challenges and self-discovery. As we reflect on his story, we are reminded that we too are a polarity, and only rarely do we truly understand this.

Frequently, we find ourselves in the midst of darkness, yet it is precisely then that the light begins to shine. In the stillness, the echo of a word can be heard, and words have the power to change your world. Your name, too, holds a power that can transform the entire universe, and never forget that wherever you go, you carry yourself with you.

In far-off lands and tumultuous seas, we encounter the small yet mighty wizard, Sabarouk. We embark on his journey of growth, amazed by his magical abilities and his mastery in the fog. We laugh at his pride and follies, and we observe his choices.

In the school of magic, he engages in battles with himself and those around him. With his angry retorts, a dangerous shadow emerges, wounding him and causing him to lose much. Nameless, it seems that controlling this shadow is a dream born of imagination.

Our wizard is like a bird held back by a leash, yet he persists in his pursuit of the shadow across land and sea. On his travels, like all of us, he sings the "good" truth that will lead him to perfection.

This is a clever read, but it was necessary. Did you like it? No, I didn't feel a connection with the protagonist as if his personality lacked an essential component, much like Frodo in "The Lord of the Rings" for me. Did I hate it? No, for it was ultimately quite enjoyable, but there were about a hundred pages of pure boredom that lacked the spice and all the possible flavors.

This novel, which preceded Harry Potter by about thirty years, will show us the original charms of the magical world of Hogwarts. Therefore, I would never recommend it to Potterheads, for unfortunately, the comparison is inevitable. Thus, it is more suitable for those who oppose Hogwarts.

I am not one of those naïve people who believe that Rowling created a completely original world. In fact, from the very first part, I noticed that its world was borrowed from about ten other novels, but she innovated in the way she blended the worlds in a style that I unfortunately miss from my beloved Arthurian literature.

And the style, for me, is what turns a novel from an enjoyable pastime into a school assignment. We wish it would end, but it doesn't, for beautiful stories end suddenly.

A Wizard of Earthsea is an enchanting fantasy story that features smooth and at times, truly powerful prose. Ursula K. Le Guin had an extraordinary talent for creating a flowing rhythm in her writing, making it feel as if it should be shared aloud with friends gathered around a warm fire.

I have a deep appreciation for the mythical qualities present in both the writing and Ged's captivating story. In fact, I was so inspired that I named our newborn lamb 'Sparrow'. The concept of the True Name and the importance of truly knowing oneself really struck a chord with me.

This book has left such a lasting impression that I will most definitely be delving further into the world of Earthsea in the future. I can't wait to see what other adventures and lessons await within its pages.

The Good:
This book is written in an absolutely amazing mythic style that initially had a profound impact on me. The societies described within it are not simply modern Western cultures with bronze or iron age furniture. Instead, the setting feels like a truly ancient place that has been shaped by its unique geography and rich history. The lack of technology in this setting actually matters, adding an interesting layer of authenticity. Moreover, the magic and metaphysics presented in the book are really cool and engaging.

The Bad:
Unfortunately, the second half of the story really slows down and drags, likely due to several reasons. The mythical style, while captivating, also keeps the reader at a certain distance (which isn't necessarily a bad thing in itself). However, the main character becomes increasingly alienated from the setting, the other characters, and even the reader. At least that was the case for me. Additionally, the main antagonist lacks the necessary substance to create sufficient drama and tension.

'Friends' character the protagonist is most like:
The protagonist, Ged, starts off a lot like Rachel but then evolves to be more like Ross or perhaps even Gandalf by the end of the story. This comparison adds an interesting perspective to the character's development and makes it easier to understand his journey.

"Have you ever thought that just as there is darkness around the light, there is also danger around power? This magic is not a game that we engage in for pleasure or flattery. Think about it: in our Art, every word we pronounce, every act we perform is for good or for evil. Before acting or speaking, one must know the price!"

This is the first book by Ursula K Le Guin that I've read, and I already want to read it again. How beautiful it is! I wanted to read a light novel for this pre-exam period. I knew that if I started a book with more than 300 pages, I would only end up overwhelming myself. So, when I saw that this first part only had 200 pages, I had no doubts and jumped right in.

Until a couple of years ago, I had never heard of the author. It was thanks to the Booktube community that I found out about her existence. They said that she was an author who deserved a chance and that her stories were well worth it, especially the "A Wizard of Earthsea" saga.

The beginning seemed a bit tedious to me, but little by little it changed. To start with, as the author well said in the prologue, the story told here is not the typical fantasy story full of action with a common goal and a villain to overthrow. Not at all, it is the story of a wizard from when he is born until he becomes one of the most powerful in his world.

I want to highlight the importance given to words in this world to be able to create magic. It may seem silly, but in most books when they talk about magic, the characters learn a series of spells, memorize them, and that's it. However, it's more than that. For the wizards of Earthsea, the true magic is knowing the true name of each thing.

"More than one powerful wizard has spent his life searching for the name of a single thing, a unique and hidden name. And the lists are not yet complete. In the world under the sun, and in the other world that has no sun, there are many things foreign to man and to the speech of men, and there are also powers inaccessible to us. But more than that, true magic is the work only of those who speak the Hardic tongue of Earthsea or the ancient speech from which it was born."

On the other hand, there is the setting. Earthsea is an archipelago. Despite the fact that the islands are close to each other, all of them have very different cultures. In addition, the complex of being an islander is implicitly shown, and I really liked that, also because I felt identified. You always have the sea nearby, you can't move unless it's by boat, and sometimes you have the feeling of being locked in a giant cage. But in the end, you always end up missing your place of origin.

Finally, but no less important, I would like to talk about the protagonist. He is a character who has developed quite well in a very short time. He starts with that vanity typical of young wizards, but little by little he discovers what the price of being proud is.

Because of this, our protagonist suffers for it and learns the lesson. He is not a wizard who gets everything right the first time, and that gives more realism to the story. Wizards can cast spells, but they don't always turn out as they want. Life is the same way, you learn from mistakes.

"You thought, as a child, that a wizard was someone who could do anything. I thought that once. And all of us. And the truth is that as a man acquires more power and wisdom, his path narrows, until finally he does not choose, and does purely and simply what he has to do."

To conclude, I want to say that I would have liked to give it five stars. But as I said at the beginning of this review, I read this novel in the middle of a period when I'm only capable of reading light and short readings. The last thick book I had in my hands ended up gathering dust on the shelf. That's why when I finish this stage, I plan to read it again and continue with the saga more calmly, because it's really a gem.

I have been deeply reflecting lately on the enormity of my own limitations. This particular story exemplifies one of my most blatant limitations when it comes to appreciating books. I simply don't understand world building. I believe this is also my shortcoming when it comes to historical fiction. I fail to comprehend why an author would choose to make a story more complicated than what is necessary to convey what happens to the characters. That's precisely how I experience world building in both sci-fi/fantasy and historical fiction - as an over-complication of what could otherwise be an engaging story.

Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately for you), I think "A Wizard of Earthsea" is predominantly about world building (although Ceridwen and Elizabeth have informed me that I'm incorrect, and I assume they know better than I do about the concept of world building. But I will still proceed with my arguably flawed definition of world building).

I accidentally began reading this book simultaneously with Elizabeth, and to avoid adding to the breaking of Ceridwen's heart, I didn't list it as my currently reading. I largely concur with what Elizabeth said, and I don't have a great deal to add. I'm only awarding three stars because my policy is to rate based on my enjoyment, and with the exception of a couple of parts, I can't claim to have enjoyed reading this book. For the most part, it had that "Lord of the Rings" quality of traveling with no action, which truly puts me to sleep. However, I did like the battle parts.

Anyway, I'm aware that many people look down on "Siddhartha" and "The Prophet," but I suspect that what people enjoy about "Earthsea" must be similar to what I like about those books. They all possess a wise, parabolic nature. And I like the self-discovery message of "Earthsea." I just think there's a great deal of elaborate hand-waving and rigmarole to reach that point. I haven't read "Siddhartha" since high school, so perhaps it's the same way, and maybe all of this is related to the timing of reading a book.

I think I've recounted this story before, although I forget where, but when I was in college, I encountered a guy I had a crush on in high school, and it's possible that I ended up dating him for a brief period. He used to come into the café where I was working and follow me as I walked back and forth behind the counter making sandwiches and such. He wouldn't speak; he would simply walk up and down the counter when I did. I eventually thought he was probably brain damaged from all the acid he always took. One day, I grew tired of him silently following me around, so I asked him to tell me a story. He quickly replied, "Oh, no. I don't have any stories," and continued to follow me.

A minute later, he said, "Oh, I thought of a story!" I was relieved and asked him to continue. "Do you know where the hot springs are?" he asked. "No," I answered. "Oh," he responded with evident consternation. "Well, do you know how to get to Dexter?" "No," I sighed, hoping he would get to the story soon. "So, if you're on I-5, you take the Oakridge exit," he explained. "Do you know where that is? I think it's around exit [estimate of exit number] or [estimate of other exit number]." "Oh, okay," I said, pretending I knew what he was talking about. "I know where that is." "Oh good!" he said. "So, instead of following the road left, like you would to get to Dexter, you follow it right." He then proceeded to give me a long and detailed explanation of how to get to the hot springs, all of which I've now forgotten. There were numerous "turn lefts" and "then turn rights." After quite some time of this, he stopped.

"Okay," I said, "What's the story?" "Well, we went there the other day," and that was the end of his story.

Maybe it's not fair to compare world building to elaborate directions, but that's precisely how they make me feel. Or, at least, how they make my eyelids feel (heavy). Sometimes directions are a necessary evil, and I'll concede that some world building is necessary, but I prefer to get there in the quickest, simplest manner possible. In "Earthsea," once I get past the directions and to what I consider the actual story, I like it, but the directions still made me doze off.

\\n  \\n    Puedes encontrar esta y otras reseñas en mi blog.\\n  \\n


\\n  «Sólo en el silencio la palabra, sólo en la oscuridad la luz, sólo en la muerte la vida; el vuelo del alcón brilla en el cielo vacío».\\n


«Un mago de Terramar» is the book that kicks off a fantasy saga consisting of 6 books and is regarded as a classic within this genre. Its author, Ursula K. Le Guin, drew inspiration from classic fantasy works like «La serpiente Uróboros», Nordic mythology, and «El señor de los anillos» to create this story. Despite being published 48 years ago, it has nothing to envy to modern fantasy novels. In fact, Historias de Terramar has inspired a large number of today's most popular fantasy authors, specifically Patrick Rothfuss, Robin Hobb, and Cristopher Paolini.


The story of Ged is told in «Un mago de Terramar», and from the very first page, the narrator hints that it's a tale about a legend. A great number of feats achieved by the one considered by many as the most powerful mage in the history of Terramar are listed. The fact that the narrator is a kind of historian telling us the legend of the mage has its pros and cons. The good thing is that the story's pace is quite brisk, and it doesn't stop to explain many things in great detail. There are many aspects of the world of Terramar that are mentioned briefly, and we learn about them as Ged becomes more powerful. In that sense, the worldbuilding of this book is amazing as it fully immerses us in a world full of magic and fantastic creatures in a highly accessible and captivating way. However, this has the drawback of losing a certain "sense of progress". That is, at one moment, Ged is a skinny boy who doesn't know the basic rules of magic, and a few pages later, he is so powerful that he can face a dragon. The book's pace is so frenetic that some details that would have been very interesting to know are lost. At least, that's the feeling I got as I advanced in the story.


Another element that makes the reading quite brisk is that the magic system is quite simple yet brilliant and extremely original for the time when this book was written. In Terramar, everything is based on the power of names (does it sound familiar?). Whoever knows the true names of things can change reality to their liking, although this has consequences as it affects the balance of the world. One of the recurring themes throughout the novel is the abuse of power by mages.


Even though it's the first book in a saga, it doesn't read like an introduction. This is something that should be highlighted because nowadays, fantasy sagas (not all, but the vast majority) use the first book to establish the characters, explain the world, the magic system, etc., and kind of put aside the events that really matter. In the end, we end up reading a brick that is mostly a huge introduction. Fortunately, this doesn't happen in «Un mago de Terramar». Although at the end of the book, the narrator anticipates Ged's following heroic deeds (in a way that I thought was brilliant and very beautiful), the first book of Historias de Terramar is a self-contained book. The problem presented at the beginning is resolved and not extended to the next book of the saga.


Rating 8.5/10:


«Un mago de Terramar» is a precious and magical book that will captivate you from the first page if you're the kind of reader who loves classic fantasy stories.

What I like most about it is its simplicity. It's not a book that overwhelms the reader with a lot of data about the world, the magic system, and millions of characters. Instead, the story reads like a legend, which gives the novel an extremely brisk pace.

I recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and entertaining read, as well as to those readers who are just starting to read fantasy. Historias de Terramar can be an excellent saga to get started in the genre because it has inspired many contemporary authors.


If you're a fan of Patrick Rothfuss and Robin Hobb, then this book is perfect for you.

A fairytale of self-discovery unfolds in this captivating story - the origin tale of a great wizard. His greatest rival shadows his every step, as close as a shadow can be.

There is an abundance to cherish in this book! With an almost entirely BIPOC cast of characters, it beautifully showcases diversity. The prominent emphasis on the value of platonic friendship is truly heartwarming. Moreover, the message of thoughtfulness, patience, and responsibility is both profound and important. If I were to have children, I would eagerly offer them this series to read, with a slight caveat regarding the treatment of women. However, I have heard that this aspect improves in the subsequent installments.

Although it felt a touch rushed for my personal taste, considering it's a children's book of less than 200 pages, it still managed to possess a great deal of heart. There are some truly beautiful character moments, along with a well-developed and fascinating world and magic system. Our protagonist undergoes significant growth throughout the novel, and his character arc stands out as unique compared to other books of this genre.

I will most definitely continue reading the series and would highly recommend it, even to fellow adults!

Trigger/Content Warnings: parental abandonment, death, violence, blood, child death, animal death, misogyny.

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