4.0 stars—-

This collection presents five remarkable stories that unfold at various times within the enchanting world of Earthsea.

"The Finder" earns a solid 4.5 stars and is set 300 years before the first book. It offers a captivating glimpse into an earlier era.

"Darkrose and Diamond" is a romance that can be placed at any time, lacking a specific setting. It receives 3.5 stars for its engaging love story.

"Bones of the Earth" about the teacher of Ged’s teacher, scores 4.0 stars. It delves into the history and teachings that shaped Ged.

"On the High Marsh" is set while Ged is the Archmage and garners 4.5 stars. It showcases Ged's leadership and the challenges he faces.

"Dragonfly" comes after "Tehanu" and also gets 4.0 stars. It continues to explore the rich tapestry of Earthsea.

The main novels also have their own ratings. "A Wizard of Earthsea" stands out with a perfect 5.0 stars, while "Tombs of Atuan" and "The Farthest Shore" both receive 3.5 stars. "Tehanu" once again earns 5.0 stars, and "Tales from Earthsea" and "The Other Wind" each get 4.0 stars. Overall, this collection offers a diverse range of stories that will delight fans of Earthsea.

In this volume, after years of writing the fourth volume, the author once again returns to the collection and describes the ancient history of past events on the island of Rock until it reaches the contemporary era of the fourth volume. Up to that point, according to the predictions, a female sorcerer is found who must be chosen as the supreme sorcerer of the castle. However, in a period when all the great sorcerers are men and misogyny prevails, this woman has to fight to gain her position.

This story not only presents a thrilling adventure but also delves into the themes of gender equality and the struggle for power. The female sorcerer's journey is filled with challenges and obstacles as she tries to prove herself in a male-dominated world.

The author's vivid descriptions bring the characters and the settings to life, making the readers feel as if they are part of the story. As the plot unfolds, the readers are kept on the edge of their seats, eager to find out what will happen next to the female sorcerer and how she will overcome the odds.

Tales from Earthsea is a captivating anthology consisting of five stories set at different times before, during, and after the previous four books. As the author states in the introduction, these stories are best read after the initial four. I wholeheartedly concur; without the context of the larger narrative, some of these tales would lose their significance. Generally, I find anthologies rather unfulfilling due to the brevity of the stories, as I prefer more substantial and in-depth narratives. However, this anthology was a pleasant surprise as the stories felt like integral parts of the overarching series, with the larger framework adding depth and context.

The first story, The Finder, is the lengthiest,占据了全书的三分之一. Set long before the first Earthsea book, in a time when those with magical abilities were feared and either killed or forced to serve powerful men for unethical purposes, it centers around a boy named Otter who possesses such powers. Although this story is set too far in the past to feature familiar characters, it does provide valuable history related to some well-known aspects of the main series. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and liked Otter.

The second story, Darkrose and Diamond, had no direct connection to the previous Earthsea books. It too tells the story of a young boy with magical abilities, but it is a rather different tale. The boy, Diamond, is also musically gifted and in love with a girl who lives nearby. His potential wizardry, his father's expectations, his love for music, and his love for the girl all seem to be in conflict. This story was a bit too romantic for my taste. Overall, it wasn't a bad story, but it had some of those romance tropes that drive me crazy, such as one character automatically assuming the worst and the other failing to provide a simple three-word explanation that could have resolved the situation quickly. I despise it when characters are made to act foolishly for the sake of increasing romantic tension.

The third story, The Bones of the Earth, was excellent. We gain insights into Ogion's past and learn the details behind the event for which he is famous. The story is mostly told from the perspective of the master to whom Ogion was apprenticed. Although it left me with more questions about Ogion than answers, I really enjoyed it and wished it had been longer and more detailed.

The fourth story, On the High Marsh, introduces us to an adult sorcerer who seems somewhat deranged. He is good with animals, bad with people, and generally confused. Eventually, we learn his story, which ties in with a familiar character from the main books. I enjoyed this story and had fun trying to figure out what was going on with the sorcerer.

According to the author's introduction, the fifth story, Dragonfly, is intended as a bridge between the fourth and sixth books. We are introduced to a new character, a girl named Dragonfly. Like most of the main characters in this series, she has power, but there is some confusion about the nature of her power. I really liked this one and look forward to seeing what happens to Dragonfly next. I assume she will be a major character in the sixth book.

The author truly tells a variety of "coming of age" stories within this one series. We have Ged in the first book, Tenar in the second, and Arren in the third. One could arguably include Therru in the fourth book, but the core of the story was more about Tenar and Ged, so I wouldn't count it. Then, in this anthology, we have Otter, Diamond, and Dragonfly. I'm not counting Ogion since our glimpse of him was so brief and limited. One might expect this common theme to become repetitive, but it didn't for me. Each of the characters was distinct and interesting, and the stories were all different.

Only one more book to go! I've actually only been reading this series for about 10 days because the books are so short, but it feels like I've been living in this world for a longer time.

I received this as a gift from a friend who was well aware that I had read the Earthsea books (the first four) on multiple occasions.

These captivating tales are firmly rooted in the world of Earthsea. The author suggests that they are most effectively experienced 'after' delving into the first four novels of the Earthsea collection. I wholeheartedly agree, as it imparts the essential depth and context required for fully immersing oneself in the world of these enchanting stories.

The initial 'tale' within this book, titled "The Finder," had such a profound impact on me that I found myself quietly shedding tears towards its conclusion. It was truly astonishing to be so deeply moved. It compelled me to physically set the book aside and cease thinking, simply allowing myself to explore the intense emotions coursing through my body. I also felt a quiet sense of gratitude towards Ms. LeGuin for her remarkable prose.

If you have derived pleasure from the Earthsea books, you will无疑 find this collection of tales to be a magnificent addition. And if you haven't yet embarked on the journey of reading the Earthsea books, what exactly are you waiting for? Do not be deterred by the classification of "Genre: Fantasy."

Ms. LeGuin has always been a remarkable woman capable of challenging our concealed assumptions regarding life, culture, and the significance of being human in the midst of chaotic worldly circumstances. She has simply clothed her wonderful explorations within a different milieu than that of contemporary times.

The most captivating book of the series. It was extremely difficult to put it down while reading. When the Sea of ​​Earth stories are told, it also describes the old events a little further back in the timeline. Encountering Ogion's youth and Ged's wizarding periods is like unexpectedly meeting an old acquaintance you haven't seen in years on the road, which makes you happy. While finding answers to the question marks in our minds about the history of Roke, we witness the turmoil Roke is in after Ged leaves and how it recovers from the incident it is left in. None of the stories in the book are independent of each other, each one finds a door that will open in the next story. I really enjoyed reading it, and when I was turning the last pages -even though I had the next book of the series beside me- I couldn't help but say "please don't end".

4.5

I have an unwavering love for books of lore.

These captivating volumes are like portals to ancient worlds, filled with mysteries, legends, and the wisdom of bygone eras.

They transport me to places where mythical creatures roam, heroic deeds are accomplished, and the forces of good and evil clash.

Each page is a treasure trove of knowledge, waiting to be discovered and explored.

The vivid descriptions and enchanting narratives draw me in, making me feel as if I am a part of the story.

Whether it's learning about the gods and goddesses of ancient civilizations or delving into the secrets of magical spells and potions, books of lore never fail to ignite my imagination and leave me longing for more.

They are a source of inspiration and wonder, and I am forever grateful for the joy they bring to my life.

I've been postponing this one for quite some time. The reason is that I was aware it was a compilation of stories rather than a proper novel. Generally speaking, I'm far more particular about short story collections and find it more challenging to maintain my interest in them.

However, this one was truly well-executed. Some parts were less captivating than others, but on the whole, the quality was on a par with the initial four books of Earthsea. It departs from the harsh realism of the previous book, Tehanu, and reverts to the magical mysticism of the original Earthsea trilogy.

The history of Earthsea was extremely fascinating and added a great deal of depth to both the world and its characters. The only story that I actually had trouble getting into was the first one, but the remainder were brilliant. I'm very glad that this was my final book of 2018! It provided a fitting conclusion to the year and left me with a sense of satisfaction and wonder.

I would highly recommend this collection to any fan of the Earthsea series or anyone who enjoys well-written, magical stories. It's a wonderful addition to the canon and a must-read for those who want to explore the rich and enchanting world of Earthsea further.

When I read other reviews, I increasingly realize that I am from a group that doesn't understand Ursula Le Guin. People either completely love Ursula or are hesitant to say they don't like her works. Her narration and language are so different that I don't think there is an in-between.

Perhaps she is writing in an ancient language that I can't read, and that's also possible. Because I am reading works belonging to the fantasy genre. As someone who reads 45 books a year, almost half of my books are of this genre. While I devour books by Brandon Sanderson, Patrick Rothfuss, Peter Brett, and Scott Lynch, why don't Ursula's books appeal to me? This is the main question.

In the Earthsea stories, we also read short stories that are independent of each other yet also interconnected. If we look at the long years in between, for the Earthsea series, I can actually say it's like two and a half books. In the first three books, as the characters progress to the places they come from, they describe to some extent the places they pass through. It's more political, heavier, and more situational. If you can't identify with the characters, what they do won't interest you either. And that's what I find myself thinking when I ask why I'm reading this now.

Of course, there is a situation where Ursula Le Guin's age and her books inspire those who come after her. This is certain. The most interesting thing for me in these books, and a topic that I think has never been explored before, is the ordinariness of magic. The acceptance of magic by humanity in medieval villages, so to speak. The use of magic to heal animals. Muddy roads, squishy shoes. The hatred and suspicion towards the unknown. Humility. Magic and sorcery are looked at in a very different way in these books. If you've read the series, you'll understand what I mean.

This period is like a closing for me. There is one book left from the Earthsea series (The Other Wind), one book from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Mostly Harmless), and one book from the Alcatraz series (The Dark Talent). My goal is to finish these in a short time and return to the fantasies that I "understand" and "enjoy".

Happy reading to everyone!

I have finally decided that the day has come to read the entire Earthsea series from beginning to end. So far, I have only read (admittedly several times) the first four books. And last night, I quickly started to calculate how it could be that I had read so little of Ursula Le Guin and began to list what I had read, arriving at a provisional figure of seventeen books, both novels and collections, plus one for which I'm not sure if I read it or a detailed analysis, so the content is engraved in my mind. WHAT NOW?

The provisional answer is that not all seventeen are equally good or equally important in my life as, for example, the first Earthsea trilogy or The Left Hand of Darkness (I remember The Tombs of Atuan as a bitter disappointment). The second provisional answer would be that Ursula is always a little ;) and the third actually follows on from the first: Earthsea and The Left Hand of Darkness were and remain so important and formative for me that everything else fades into the background.

This collection of stories is not as revolutionary for the entire Earthsea concept as Tehanu, nor is it as tiresome as The Farthest Shore for the most part. Three longer stories and two significantly shorter and "lighter" ones, placed between them, represent parts of the Earthsea story that are set in the various narrative gaps around the first four books. They all speak of the life choices that we must constantly make and confirm anew, and they are all beautifully written: it seems to me that they all function better the longer they are. "The Rule of Names" is perhaps the most important as it represents a direct link between Tehanu and the last novel in the series, The Other Wind, but the almost lifelong suffering and struggle of the wizard Vetch in the first story is classic Ursula, and "Dragonfly" is such a beautiful and tender story about the relationship between teacher and student, and both parental and friendly at the same time, and about aging and sacrifice, that it may well be my favorite in this collection.

On July 10, 2006. The average rating of the 23 books read by the author is 7/10.

The books of Earthsea by Ursula K Le Guin have always been a source of entertainment for fans of fantasy, and the Earthsea series is a clear example. Entertaining stories, with humor, imagination, magic, originality, action... everything we can ask for in a good fantasy book. This comment is valid for what I have labeled as "A Wizard of Earthsea / The Tombs of Atuan / The Farthest Shore / Tehanu / The Other Wind".

However, I have just read the volume titled "Earthsea 6 - The Twelve Houses of Wind" and I have to say that they are very, very short stories that I hardly liked. It's not that they are bad, but I expected more.

By the way, these Earthsea books have been published under different names, compilations, groupings, publishers, etc. and it is almost impossible to tell by looking at the title of an Earthsea book whether you have read it already or not.

"We all do harm by being."

This profound statement sets the tone for a collection of five stories that offer a deeper exploration of the world of Earthsea. Alongside these stories, there is some additional background information that enriches and gives more shape and texture to this fictional realm.

As the description accurately states, the book delves into the complex themes of the love of power and the power of love. However, one theme that particularly intrigues me is the power of words. In Earthsea, words hold great significance and can have far-reaching consequences.

While a few of the stories may have fallen slightly short of my expectations and left me a bit underwhelmed, overall, this is an enjoyable collection. It offers a unique and captivating look into a world filled with magic, mystery, and moral dilemmas. The author's vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling make it a worthwhile read for fans of fantasy literature.

What this woman has written is excellent. It's just a matter of whether it suits you or not.

There is a bunch of her science fiction that is great for me, but there are also parts that I simply left unfinished because something didn't fit.

In the genre of epic fantasy, I really respect and love "Zemljomorje" (The Earth-Sea). These supplements are like chocolate-filled bonbons on the frosting of a cake.

It's interesting to explore different works and see how they vary in quality and personal appeal. Some may resonate deeply with us, while others may not quite hit the mark. But that's the beauty of literature and different creative expressions. We get to discover and enjoy the diverse range of stories and ideas that authors present to us.

Whether it's the science fiction of this woman or the epic fantasy of "Zemljomorje," each has its own charm and value. We can appreciate the good parts and learn from the aspects that don't work as well for us. It all contributes to our growth as readers and lovers of literature.