Although Ged is more complex and conflicted than the typical protagonist in an adventure novel, I still found myself a bit inundated by the constant traveling from one location to another within the archipelago. Often, his movements were guided by a "feeling" or mere luck.

The diverse islands and towns could have been presented more as distinct places with their own unique colors and locales, rather than simply serving as revolving panels for confrontations. Nevertheless, the main character is well-portrayed as an eager, arrogant, and thus human and relatable boy. His actions have real consequences that he can only overcome through arduous struggles and lengthy journeys. However, in the end, I felt that the resolution of how Ged handles the often-described "dreadful" result of his actions was too abrupt and perhaps too easy for him to be truly satisfying for me as a reader. What ultimately impressed me was how skillfully the ethics are depicted, especially in the conversation with a dragon that presents Ged with a choice between his own safety and the safety of those he is responsible for. This moral dilemma adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a thought-provoking read.

Overall, while there were aspects of the book that I found lacking, the well-developed character of Ged and the engaging ethical dilemmas made it an enjoyable and worthwhile read.

The fantasy classic "A Wizard of Earthsea" by Ursula K. Le Guin was first published in 1968. This remarkable fantasy book truly merits the acclaim it has frequently received.

The fantasy world of Earthsea, crafted by the author, is replete with intricate details. The fishy aroma at the dock of each village and the salty tang of the sea seem to literally waft off the pages, immersing the reader in this vivid realm. The magical system unveiled by Le Guin is also convincingly real. The way in which wizards, witches, and sorcerers integrate into society feels natural and logical to the reader.

The story chronicles the life of Ged from his childhood to his maturation as a wizard. Ged, the son of a blacksmith, was born with an innate talent for magic, and the village witch serves as his first teacher. When his village is assaulted by marauders, he defends it with a confounding mist that gives the villagers the advantage.

With his power so evident, Ged is overly proud. He desires to flaunt his abilities and impress others. When a wizard named Ogion takes Ged on as an apprentice, the association does not endure long as Ged is impatient for knowledge. With Ogion's blessing, Ged transfers to a wizard school on the enchanted island of Roke. While there, Ged is further goaded to show off due to a higher-born wizard student constantly making him feel inadequate. Foolishly, Ged accepts a dare to summon the dead, resulting in the release of a perilous shadow from the netherworld. This shadow will haunt Ged throughout the remainder of the story.

The strengths of this fantasy book :

1. The narrative possesses a graceful old-style tone that makes you feel as if you are sitting by a fire, listening to a wise old wizard spin the tale.

2. This concise novel is filled with abundant action on every page. There is always something happening, and the story never lags.

3. The development of Ged's character is skillfully executed. Initially, I did not like Ged because of his excessive pride. However, after he is severely injured by the shadow he summons, his remorse for his foolish pride is genuine, and I could empathize with it. Most people have made a mistake due to the desire to show off, and in severe circumstances, the lessons learned from such incidents can be life-altering, as it was for Ged, who became much wiser after his error.

4. The entire fabric of "A Wizard of Earthsea" is tightly woven, and the texture of the environment shines through in every phrase of the fantasy book. You can almost sense the windy coastlines, smell the cooking food, and the awe of the common people whenever they see a wizard is palpable.

Le Guin also incorporates clever and creative twists throughout the story. For instance, Ged has a pet Otak for a time, and the affection between the wizard and the pet allows the reader to connect with the character as many can relate to the comfort of a dear pet. In another episode, Ged encounters two strange old people marooned on a small island where they have lived for years. Their pitiful existence on their island prison is shocking to consider, and their punishment is so severe that they cannot even accept Ged's offer to take them to land as they have been separated from society for too long to return.

Weaknesses of this fantasy book:

Only minor issues are present in this novel. In my view, although the world is named Earthsea, the story contains more descriptions of boats on the open sea than necessary. The ending of the story is also a bit anticlimactic, albeit meaningful in its relation to Ged's character.

Overall, "A Wizard of Earthsea" is a magnificent fantasy book. It may not satisfy readers of fantasy books who prefer multiple characters and subplots as it is predominantly a story centered around a single character. Nevertheless, all fantasy readers will relish Ged's battle with the Dragon of Pendor. My review rating for this fantasy book is an enthusiastic five wizard staffs.

I recently came across unbound world's top 100 fantasy novels list. As I perused through it, I found several novels that I had not read and felt that I had truly missed out on. A Wizard of Earthsea was the first one on the list that I decided to tackle. However, my experience was rather mixed.

This is a highly regarded novel, and I was aware of that before starting this review. Sadly, I have to admit that I was disappointed. I simply didn't like the book very much. It is written in an almost textbook-like fashion. Not in terms of complex writing, but rather in the way it keeps the reader at a distance. I never felt like I was a part of the story, but always an observer who was never allowed to get too close to the action. It's borderline impersonal, which is strange considering that you're supposed to feel enlightened by its concepts. This style may work in some novels, but it's not to my personal taste, and this one wasn't good enough to change my mind.

I also wasn't a fan of the ending. Halfway through the novel, I could predict exactly how the situation would be resolved, and when it happened, I almost rolled my eyes. One of my friends had reviewed this book negatively, saying that it felt preachy. I wouldn't go that far, but the ending did come dangerously close. It was also resolved so quickly that I couldn't help but laugh at how abruptly everything ended after the confrontation. Realistically, if I were to rate it purely on enjoyment, I'd probably give it a 2/5.

So, what made it gain an extra star? There are two things. Firstly, Le Guin does something very clever. She plays with our expectations and knowledge of the genre. She creates a fantasy world and doesn't describe any of her characters for quite some time. The first description we get is of a barbarian-like tribe attacking the main character's hometown. With her description of these "strange pale" people, she leads many readers (myself included) to immediately picture the classic European fantasy look in our heads for these characters. But I had to change that after about 30 pages. This is something to be applauded in my opinion, especially considering that it was published in the 1960s.

The second thing is that this is a fantasy novel without war. Don't get me wrong, I love military fantasy, but it's so refreshing to see a fantasy novel that is simply about adventure. As a personal aside, I've always preferred Tolkien's "Hobbit" to the "Lord of the Rings" novels because the idea of adventure was always more appealing to me than the epic quest. This novel reminded me of that and brought back a wave of pleasant nostalgia.

This is one of those books that I respect more than I like. I appreciate it for what it is and its place in the genre, but I can't say that it was a particularly enjoyable read. That being said, I do plan on giving the second book a try at some point. Hopefully, that one will be more to my liking, but I'll go into it with lowered expectations and a desire for a simple adventure.

Mis gibi fantastik. It's so incredibly wonderful. It has such an easy and flowing language that it was officially finished in just two sittings. I really loved it. I had already started to explore my fantastic love with The Witcher, and it truly came like a drug. By the way, I'm reading Ursula for the first time, and I had prepared myself for a denser language. Moreover, I had gone to the library with the intention of picking up something fun in the middle-grade style at the beginning, and lo and behold, I'm already halfway through it. :D I like such unexpected and accurate hits.

**Original Article**: The importance of exercise cannot be overemphasized. It helps to keep our bodies healthy and strong. Regular exercise can improve our cardiovascular system, increase our muscle strength, and boost our immune system. It also helps to reduce stress and improve our mood.

**Expanded Article**:

The importance of exercise simply cannot be overemphasized.

It is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy and strong body.

Regular exercise has numerous benefits for our overall well-being.

For instance, it can significantly improve our cardiovascular system, making our hearts more efficient and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Moreover, it helps to increase our muscle strength, which is crucial for performing daily activities with ease.

Another significant advantage is that it can boost our immune system, enabling our bodies to better fight off diseases and infections.

Not only that, but exercise also plays a vital role in reducing stress and improving our mood.

After a good workout, we often feel more relaxed and positive, ready to take on the challenges of the day.

In conclusion, incorporating regular exercise into our lives is of utmost importance for our physical and mental health.

4 solid stars

I'm not a big "high Fantasy" fan. However, this particular work is a classic for a very good reason. It is a sweeping and epic tale in every sense of the word. Ursula K. Le Guin has managed to make children's literature something truly special.

The story takes readers on a journey through a rich and detailed world, filled with unique characters and exciting adventures. Le Guin's writing is engaging and accessible, yet also profound and thought-provoking.

Even if you're not typically a fan of high fantasy, this book is well worth a read. It has the power to transport you to another world and make you believe in the impossible. It's a testament to Le Guin's talent as a writer and her ability to create something that will stand the test of time.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read, regardless of their age or genre preferences. It's a classic that deserves to be read and cherished by generations to come.

This was an outstanding piece of fantasy writing. It managed to captivate my attention right from the start and made me extremely curious to know more about this strange and magical world that Ursula K. Le Guin had created.

I even attempted to get my kids interested in reading it. However, they felt that the pace was a bit too slow for their liking. But then again, I have read all of Le Guin's Hainish stories and novels, and I have truly fallen in love with her writing style. I was more than happy to accompany Sparrowhawk/Ged on his quest to conquer his shadow.

The worldbuilding in this work is truly remarkable. The concept of an entire world consisting of islands is not only appealing but also quite novel for the science fiction genre. Additionally, featuring a non-white protagonist adds another layer of depth and uniqueness.

I am really looking forward to reading at least up to "Tehanu" as it was a Hugo/Nebula winner. I have high hopes that it will continue to impress me with its engaging story and well-developed characters.

Fino's Reviews of Ursula Le Guin offer a comprehensive look at her body of work. From "The Lathe of Heaven" to the various volumes of the Hainish Cycle and the Earthsea Cycle, as well as her short stories, there is a wealth of literary treasures to explore. Each review provides valuable insights and perspectives, making it a great resource for fans of Le Guin's writing.

Whether you are a die-hard fan or new to her work, I highly recommend checking out these reviews and delving into the wonderful world of Ursula K. Le Guin.

I am a lover of Le Guin's science fiction, but every time I tried to venture into Earthsea, things didn't work out. Perhaps it was because I was expecting another type of fantasy, with more action and guts, which is what I was reading at that time.

However, every book has its moment, and right now, "A Wizard of Earthsea" has seemed like a small gem to me, and moreover, it has withstood the passage of time very well.

Le Guin's writing in this book is both beautiful and profound. She creates a rich and detailed world, filled with magic and mystery. The characters are complex and believable, and their struggles and growth make for a compelling read.

Despite its age, "A Wizard of Earthsea" still feels fresh and relevant today. It explores themes such as power, responsibility, and the consequences of our actions, which are as important now as they were when the book was first published.

If you haven't read this book yet, I highly recommend that you do. It may not be the type of fantasy you're used to, but it's definitely worth giving a chance. You might just be surprised by how much you enjoy it.

  "Eso no requiere una guerra sino una búsqueda y un descubrimiento. La búsqueda lo conduce a través de peligros mortales, pérdidas y sufrimiento. El descubrimiento le trae la victoria, esa clase de victoria que no es el final de una batalla sino el comienzo de una vida."

4 ★★★★



Ursula K. Le Guin has truly captivated me with her wonderful writing style. It can be said that this author arrived at the precise moment in my life.

Un mago en Terramar tells us the story of Ged and his journey to become one of the most powerful wizards. It's as simple as that. The book revolves around the growth of Ged, and I must emphasize that it has been incredible, brilliant. I was impressed by the development of the character in so few pages.

The story presented by the author deviates from the mold of traditional fantasy stories full of combats and wars for power. Here we find a man who must "…find out who and what his true enemy is. He has to figure out what it means to be himself," as Ursula herself expresses in the magnificent introduction she offers us.

In this book, words and true names are very important, as they are what confer power to the wizards. I loved this concept and how it was worked throughout the story. The world of Terramar is fascinating, and I can't wait to continue my journey with this saga, and probably other books by the author.

Overall, Un mago en Terramar is a must-read for any fantasy lover. It offers a unique and engaging story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end. Ursula K. Le Guin's writing is truly a work of art, and I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

I was truly impressed while reading this story.

Although I am a lover of fantasy literature, I'm not overly fond of a universe where magic is omnipresent and people can make things happen just by snapping their fingers.

However, Le Guin's Earthsea universe has a rather fascinating system of magic.

Wizards in this world are able to manipulate things by knowing their True Name. Every person, every animal, and every object has a publicly known name and a name in the True Speech that must be kept secret. Otherwise, it will give someone else power over you.

The trained wizards of Earthsea, which consists of a group of islands similar to the Philippines, can conjure up wind to make their ships sail, create lifelike illusions, or change their shape.

The plot of the first book centers around a boy named Ged. He is the poor son of a blacksmith with a natural affinity for magic.

The mage of his home island sends him to the wizard school of Roke, where he is trained in the arts of magic.

Unfortunately, Ged is an irascible and arrogant young man who desires power quickly and wants to rise above his peers, especially above the rich Jasper who constantly looks down on him.

In a tragic magical dare to impress his peers, Ged attempts to resurrect a person from the dead, which is an illegal magical activity. As a result, he accidentally frees a shadow from the dark realm that kills the Archmage of Roke and severely injures him.

After a long recovery, Ged realizes that the shadow monster is out to hunt him. He will have to dedicate his life to either escaping or defeating it. Otherwise, it will take possession of his body and use it to work dark magic, bringing destruction to the realm of men.

The climax of the book is Ged finding and facing the shadow, whose name remains a mystery and who seems undefeatable for him.

This story is a captivating quest, following Ged on his path of personal growth.

Even though the writing style is completely different from the point of view narration style I'm accustomed to, I feel that reading this book has enriched me in unexpected ways.

I wholeheartedly recommend Ged's story in the first Earthsea novel, 'A Wizard of Earthsea'.

5 stars!

I am truly sorry to express that this novel failed to make a positive impression on me. I had a genuine desire to like it and indeed expected to. After all, one of my all-time favorite books is centered around a wizard, and a well-constructed fictional world is another highly appealing aspect. I was a devoted fan of Middle Earth even before it became a blockbuster movie. However, despite my best efforts, I simply could not generate a single ounce of concern or caring for Ged or any other character in his world.

This novel read like an allegory to me, and the third-person perspective did nothing to拉近 me to the characters. It was neither character-driven nor plot-driven. Instead, it was merely a sequence of events that seemed to lead nowhere for me. There were some interesting thoughts within its pages, but there was no cohesive story thread to support them. For instance, the thoughts such as "It is very hard for evil to take hold of the unconsenting soul." and "If you go ahead, if you keep running, wherever you run you will meet danger and evil, for it drives you, it chooses the way you go. You must choose." did resonate with me. Nevertheless, they did not seem to justify the effort I put into reading the book.

It was just okay, and that is precisely what a 2-star rating implies. It felt rather strange to assign such a low rating to a book and author of such high respect. However, in the end, honesty prevailed. After all, ratings are ultimately about personal enjoyment, aren't they?

The Wizard of Earthsea is truly a remarkable piece of literature. It is a story that takes the reader on a magical journey through a world of earth and sea.

I wasn't a Harry Potter fan initially. I always claimed not to like commercial or this kind of stories. But then, by chance, I read this book.

It was an amazing experience to enter the world of fantasy, especially this type - ethical fantasy.

This book rivals the famous adventure tale of Sinbad the Sailor. It combines travel, fantasy, ethics, philosophy, and governance within its pages and cannot be simply classified as a fantasy book!

I swear to you that I went with it to the land of earth and sea and imagined it - even painted it around me - in every detail. Then I sailed in the archipelago with our hero friend and raced across the distance between Gont, Roke, and the Isle of the Hand! By the end of the book, I became a student at the School of Magic on Roke. I became an eager student with them for magic and all that - and I never left my room in Cairo.

I imagined before my eyes the silent wizard Ged, who was said to have once controlled a volcano.

I entered with him a castle built of stone, and I lived a magical week with him in a world of magic and travel in a land rich in water and poor in boredom, which I named the land of earth and sea! I searched for the old names among the jungles of the islands and between the waves of the sea and fought a huge dragon with my magic!

For example, we all know that the sun is "the sun" in Arabic and English. But what is its name in the ancient, archaic language? What is the origin of names? Everything around us has an original name and is found in the origin of the language.

The search in the hard language - the ancient language of the archipelago - was unique as it was the language of the dragons.

This is a story and a novel that immerses you in its details, makes you live it beside you, and makes you speak it and about it for a while!

It is worth mentioning now that this novel is the basis of the Harry Potter story, although it preceded it by three centuries. It was the first novel of its kind. The School of Magic, the students, and everything in it was created for the first time. And from the mercy of this novel, the famous Harry Potter series was born for us.

Harry Potter is a ray of light, but this novel is the moon itself!


'Rather than being the hunted? Run behind your shadow and it will flee from you.'

Face your shadow then.