Voices has been my constant companion during the daily commute to work for the past week or so.

Sometimes, these commutes can be the most cherished moments of the day, with ample time, relative quiet, and a good book to pass the time. However, with Voices, this was not the case.

I felt that it was rather a lackluster book. Although well-written, I had a distinct 'meh' feeling upon finishing it. The concept of the Ald invasion and occupation of the city holds potential, but unfortunately, the story fails to take it in any interesting direction. There are a few moments where a glimmer of conflict and interest seems to emerge, only to be quickly replaced by convenient events that neatly wrap everything up.

There is an underlying message that books are amazing and magical, which I would describe as somewhat subtle. However, the way it is presented feels a bit heavy-handed. This extends to a key character who has a gift with words, speeches, and stories.

I also had difficulty accepting the superiority complex that seems to pervade the pages. Granted, it is narrated by a young, head-strong girl, but the book strongly implies that the Gods of Ansul are real and the God of the Alds is false. This, along with other similar elements, made the book more frustrating than enjoyable for me. I can understand the narrator's hatred for the invaders and her sense of moral superiority, but I'm not sure I can overlook the book's constant implication of their superiority. A significant part of this can be attributed to the choice of narrator, who I found rather irritating.

Overall, this is not a book that I would be eager to read again.

The sea wind that had blown all day had died away, and this was the first breath of the land wind of evening.

The gentle breeze carried with it the scents of the earth, a welcome change from the salty tang of the ocean. It seemed to whisper secrets of the land, as if inviting one to explore its hidden depths.

This beautiful novel is a celebration of words, both written and spoken. It is a joy to read a story told in such a way that the narrator is not just a hero but a witness, observing the events unfold with a keen eye and a sensitive heart.

There is an unwritten book here about Tirio Actamo, a character who seems to hold many mysteries within. One can't help but wonder about his past, his dreams, and his place in this world.

As the evening progresses and the land wind continues to blow, one can only imagine the adventures that await within the pages of this captivating novel.

LeGuin is a master at creating captivating and unique worlds. In this young adult novel, the city of Ansul on the Western Shore exists under the rule of the Alds. The Alds are a force to be reckoned with. They are aggressive, warlike, and extremely intolerant of any religion or god other than their own, Atth. This god even forbids books and the written word in any form.

Conversely, the people of Ansul are more passive. They focus on commerce and scholarship and have a complex set of daily rituals dedicated to their numerous gods. For seventeen long years since the Alds' conquest and occupation of Ansul, the people have endured the destruction of their religious icons and the banning of books, with severe punishment for those caught with forbidden books. The citizens of Ansul have seethed under this oppressive regime, and the situation reaches a boiling point when a talented "speaker," Orrec, arrives in town. Orrec, along with his wife Gry and the young woman Memer (who is half Ald and half Ansul due to her conception during the Alds' conquest seventeen years ago), all contribute in their own ways to unleashing the town's pent-up resentment and sparking action.

However, the outcome is not the expected, satisfying revenge and recapture of Ansul by its citizens. Instead, a compromised, yet ultimately more fulfilling political compromise emerges. This compromise restores most home rule to Ansul without the high cost of bloodshed and death that an outright war of rebellion would have entailed. The quotations in the story add depth and thought-provoking insights. One such quotation ponders whether men find it easier than women to view people as mere numbers and figures, rather than as living beings. It suggests that this detachment can lead to actions taken for the sake of acting and manipulating, rather than for the true well-being of others. Another quotation reveals the inner turmoil of a character who had once vowed to resist and defy the tyrant but had to break that promise in the face of changing circumstances.

Overall, LeGuin's novel takes readers on a journey through a complex and fascinating world, exploring themes of power, oppression, and the search for a better future.

Super Slowwwww Burn

This is not a romance novel, however.

It contains some really interesting discussions. For example, the debate between monotheism and polytheism is one of the highlights.

The exploration of different religious beliefs and their implications adds depth and complexity to the story.

Readers can gain a new perspective on religious concepts through this engaging narrative.

Whether you are interested in religion or not, this aspect of the book is sure to spark your curiosity and make you think.

It shows that the author has put a lot of thought and research into creating a rich and thought-provoking world.

Overall, Super Slowwwww Burn offers more than just a simple story. It delves into important themes and ideas that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.

Yet another amazing story showcases Le Guin's overwhelming mastery of the craft. Her writing is truly a marvel, captivating readers from the very first page. The love of books, peace, and freedom that runs deep within this book is palpable. It is as if these themes are the lifeblood that courses through its veins, giving it a unique and powerful essence.

Just like the Fountain of the Oracle, this book may hold the kind of water that has the potential to save future generations. It has the power to inspire, to educate, and to open the minds of those who read it. It is a testament to the importance of literature and its ability to touch our hearts and change our lives.

Le Guin's ability to create a vivid and engaging world, filled with complex characters and thought-provoking ideas, is truly remarkable. Her work is a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature and the power of storytelling. This book is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of experiencing it.

The city of Ansul has endured a harrowing fate, having been captured and forcibly occupied by The Alds for a long and arduous seventeen years. Memer, the central protagonist, came into this world after her mother, a native of Ansul, was brutally raped by an Ald during the invasion. This is a tale that intertwines the themes of subjugation and rebellion, yet it also holds a glimmer of hope.

Le Guin's focus lies in the victory of democracy and discussion over the brute force of fighting and violence, as well as in the power of the spoken and written word. However, this novel may not be as robust as some of her others. While I found the political aspects in the second half of the novel admirable, the writing did not fully engage me, and I felt that the story became somewhat mired. To make matters worse, few of the characters in this book are fully developed.

Nevertheless, as is the case with most of her novels, Le Guin excels at constructing a vivid and immersive world. The city of Ansul, with its people, animals, the distinct smells of its markets, and its rich history, is both captivating and entirely believable. I also appreciate her interest in those characters who typically do not have the opportunity to shine in high fantasy, such as the kitchen-maids, stable boys, and cooks.

Their inclusion adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the story, making it a worthwhile read despite its flaws.

Fear breeds silence, and then the silence breeds fear, and I let it rule me.

Even there, in that room, the only place in the world where I knew who I was, I wouldn't let myself guess who I might become.

It was as if a dark cloud had settled over my heart, preventing me from seeing any glimmer of hope or possibility.

I was trapped in a cycle of my own making, unable to break free.

There is a voice here, and it must speak through one who can—who can ask, who can read.

He taught me. He gave me that. He kept it for me and passed it to me.

It's not his to carry, but mine. And I have to come back to it. To stay here.

This voice was like a guiding light in the darkness, a reminder of what I had learned and what I was capable of.

I knew that I had to listen to it and follow its lead, no matter how difficult it might be.

So the Lion returned home to the desert and told the beasts of the desert that the Mouse was the bravest of all creatures.

The Lion had learned an important lesson from the Mouse, that courage comes in all shapes and sizes.

And perhaps, I too could find the courage within myself to break free from the silence and fear that held me captive.

Maybe it was time to listen to that voice and see where it would lead me.

Bon livre pour enfant.

I really liked the little touch that resembled "The Tombs of Atuan", which remains one of my favorite books by the author. It added a certain charm and familiarity.

However, I didn't like the poor management of the rhythm at times. It made the story flow a bit unevenly and could have been improved.

Overall, the "Trilogy of the Western Shore" is still a good young adult trilogy. It offers a kind of fantasy that doesn't rely too much on action or epic battles. Instead, it focuses on character development and the exploration of a unique world. It has its strengths and weaknesses, but it's definitely worth reading for those who enjoy this genre.

This book was truly excellent, surpassing even the first book of this series, Gifts.

The two main characters from the first book make a reappearance here, playing crucial roles in the story. However, the viewpoint character is someone new.

Once again, UKL's masterful storytelling immediately grabs your attention and draws you into the action, thoughts, and feelings. It in no way feels like typical Young Adult literature.

Both of these books are outstanding stories. There is nothing simplified or insignificant about them.

The story is set in a city that has been overrun and enslaved by foreign invaders for the past seventeen years. The viewpoint character is a half-breed, the result of the rape of a local woman by a foreign soldier.

Her heart, though, is not divided. She is a girl of her people, the oppressed and enslaved citizens of the city.

The action begins when she meets Gry and Orrec from the first book. They are now twenty years older than when we first encountered them.

They travel from town to village along the Western Shore. Orrec is a storyteller, reciting history, myth, fiction, and nonfiction, mostly in the form of powerful poetry, perhaps similar to Homer or Virgil.

They have a pet lion trained by Gry. Their arrival in the city sets in motion a series of events that lead to significant changes.

The action is captivating, but as in all of UKL's tales, the people, the characters, and their emotions, thoughts, actions, and growth are more important than the action itself.

I highly recommend these books to anyone. I'm looking forward to reading the third one, Powers, next.

The peaceful merchant city of Ansul, renowned for its university and the pursuit of learning, was brutally invaded a generation ago by an army. The Alds, who hold the belief that anything written is an abomination and that the educated populace are dark wizards, firmly believe they will discover their religion's prophesied final battleground within Ansul. They wreaked havoc, pillaging, raping, and torturing the citizens, and destroying every book and shrine they could lay their hands on.

Seventeen years have passed, and the Alds remain as uneasy masters in this slave-city. They still sleep in tents, dress as if they are still in the desert, and have made no effort whatsoever to understand their new subjects. An entire generation of Ansul has grown up, with freedom and their history known only as rumors.

Memer is luckier than most. Everyone in the city is hungry and overworked, but due to her mother's position in the Waylord's household, she has access to the last library in Ansul. She hungers for knowledge as much as she craves revenge. A chance encounter with the famous storyteller Orrec and his animal-tamer wife, Gry (the main characters from "Gifts", some twenty years later), serves as the catalyst for an explosion of revolution and social change.

This was an outstanding book. It feels like a YA exploration of the same themes as Laurie Marks's "Fire Logic" series. The clashing of religions, races, and cultures, along with invasion and enslavement, the contrast between written and spoken words. Le Guin's societies and individuals seem entirely real and independent of the reader. For every scene where a book or a speech is crucial, there is another about creating a feast from a fish and some greens. Neither form of knowledge is given preference over the other. A miracle occurs, and Memer's friend the hostler simply remarks, "oh, look at that," and then returns to work. Memer's by-mother is far more concerned with her daughter's upcoming wedding than the birth of a new government. Memer is both Ald and Ansul, yet she is not overly troubled by it, and it only surfaces a few times (a refreshing departure from the overused "Tragic Caught-Between-Two-Worlds!" trope). Bloody, dramatic vengeance is juxtaposed with a compromise that fails to fully satisfy anyone.

Le Guin is undoubtedly still a Grand Master of Fantasy.

I truly enjoyed the first volume, but unfortunately, I couldn't quite connect with this second story.

I did appreciate the strong emphasis on various aspects such as books, knowledge, wisdom, family legacy, and misconceptions.

However, the politics within the story didn't really capture my interest.

Some of the favorite passages in this book really stood out to me.

For example, "CASPRO'S HYMN" with its beautiful imagery and powerful words.

The description of how they drowned books and people was also quite haunting.

And the line "Your mother's shadow dwells here, with the shadows of our ancestors" added a touch of mystery and depth.

Another passage that stuck with me was "I let the book fall open. There were drops of blood oozing from the page. They were wet."

It created a vivid and disturbing image in my mind.

The entire story is filled with such powerful and thought-provoking passages that make it a truly engaging read.

Despite not fully connecting with the second story, I still found many aspects of it to be值得欣赏的.

The characters are well-developed, and the world-building is detailed and immersive.

I look forward to seeing where the story goes from here.

Marifetler, Güçler ve Sesler'i okuduğum bu döneme hayatımın Batı Sahili dönemi diyebilirim.

Reading Marifetler, Güçler ve Sesler has truly been a remarkable experience for me. It feels as if this period can be regarded as the Western Coast era of my life.

As I delved into this series, it was like a transformation was taking place within me. I found myself emerging as a different person.

The words on the pages seemed to have a magical power, captivating my mind and soul. Each story, each character, added a new layer to my understanding of life and the world around me.

This series has opened my eyes to new perspectives, made me question my beliefs, and inspired me to look at things from a different angle. It has been a journey of self-discovery and growth, and I am truly grateful for having had the opportunity to read it.

Now, as I look back on this period, I can see how much I have changed and how much I have learned. Marifetler, Güçler ve Sesler will always hold a special place in my heart and will continue to influence me in the years to come.