I had read the first book earlier and truly liked it.

Now, I have read it again.

I firmly believe that the first book might actually be my absolute favourite within the quartet.

Although all the books in the series are good, there is something special about the first one.

It's not all just a source of pleasure though.

All in all, the series is rather sad and even has a dark undertone.

However, the writing is simply amazing.

The author's way of penning the story and creating the atmosphere is truly remarkable.

Moreover, the characters are extremely interesting.

Each one has their own unique traits and personalities that draw the reader in.

For a book series that is essentially centred around wizards, it's quite surprising that there isn't much traditional 'wizard business' here.

But this different approach is refreshing and makes it compulsory reading for anyone who has an interest in this genre.

It offers a new and exciting perspective on the world of wizards that is sure to captivate readers.

The original article is not provided, so I will create a sample article for you and expand it as required:

**Original Article**: This is a short article about a new technology. It has the potential to change the way we live.

**Expanded Article**:

This is an exciting and thought-provoking article that delves into the realm of a remarkable new technology.

This technology holds the immense potential to bring about a significant transformation in the way we lead our lives.

It could revolutionize various aspects, from the way we communicate to the way we work and even how we entertain ourselves.

The possibilities seem endless, and it is truly fascinating to consider the impact it might have on our daily routines and society as a whole.

for BBC radio listeners

These books are simply wonderful.

I wholeheartedly concur with Le Guin being held up alongside Tolkien.

The Wizard of Earthsea: Firstly, the pace of this book is truly refreshing. In the very first chapter, it presents a young boy with a hint of a gift. Suddenly, he defends his village and is promptly wished away to apprentice with a wizard - all in just one chapter. It's so great! The world created is incredibly full, and the lore is beautiful. Magic lies in the understanding of the true names - magnificent.

The Tombs of Atuan: There is a huge change from The Wizard of Earthsea. It's slower and more deliberate. But this slow pace builds a menacing situation and then finally reveals a beloved old friend. Tenar is such a wonderful character. I absolutely adore her.

The Furthest Shore: This story is a long (yet exciting) drifting sadness. The premise of enthusiasm and magic leaking out of the world is told in such a haunting way. Dear goodness, I want to meet a dragon. It also truly showcases how skilful Le Guin is at writing about doubt, self-doubt, despair, and then turnarounds from that. She is masterful at capturing the human experience.

Tehanu: Much less seems to happen in this compared to the first and third books, but it was still marvellous. It was so exciting to see Tenar again. And the hinting of the power of women's magic was fantastic. I did wonder why, in the first book, a female author would adhere to the rather boring trope of magic being for men. But now I can see what she was building towards (whether originally intended or not). Apparently, the following books expand on this even further. I'm really, really excited about that. The climax and revelations of this story had me squinting through excited tears.

Dear Le Guin, oh my word. I can't type enough < or 3s to express my adoration of these characters and this world that you have created for us.

I'm truly overjoyed to have finally embarked on the Earthsea series. For some inexplicable reason, I continuously postponed picking up this collection of the first four books, and now I can't fathom why. These four relatively short stories are brimming with magic, magnificent folklore, and outstanding wit. Le Guin writes in a straightforward yet fantastical manner, the words seemingly rising off the page and etching themselves into your mind. We all appreciate a great map in a fantasy novel, but they're scarcely necessary here. Ged is an ordinary goatherd, residing on the island of Gont, when, by chance, he discovers his magical powers amidst the bountiful nature. Thus commences his journey to the School of Wizards on Roke, to refine his skills. This is the essence of the first book, which feels vibrant and exquisitely whimsical.

The subsequent three books immerse us in tombs and labyrinths, and transport us to distant shores and the darkest recesses of Earthsea, each presenting a new challenge for the powerfully wise Ged. It's a delight and a wonder to explore each aspect of the Earthsea world, and I adored how Le Guin takes her time to meticulously craft this world. There are some beautiful passages in these books, all of which I gladly noted down. I can't wait to continue delving into this enchanting series and uncovering more of its mysteries and charms.

I'm awarding this five stars because when I was approximately eleven years old, it forever transformed my reading life. Never before had I been so utterly captivated or so deeply terrified by a solitary story. For a certain period, I was unable to walk inside our house alone at night without envisioning Ged's shadow stretching out behind me.

It was the very first genuine fantasy book I had ever read, aside from fairy tales. It accomplished for me what Harry Potter想必在几十年后为众多孩子所做的那样. Subsequently, I devoured every fantasy and science fiction book I could get my hands on in my local library. Although I unearthed many other authors whom I adored, I shall never forget The Wizard of Earthsea and the profound impact it had.

Rereading the book as an adult was not as frightening as that initial encounter, and I was cognizant of everything that would transpire, yet there was still an abundance to relish. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who has a passion for the fantasy genre. However, there is now a plethora more available, and adults might have a preference for more recently penned books targeted at adults. But when my own children are ready, I can scarcely wait to share my copy with them. Simultaneously, because their exposure to fantasy via television and movies, not to mention books, is far greater than my own was at that time, the experience for them will be distinct.

This book combines 4 novels in one place, and as I read each one, I will note down my thoughts.

"A Wizard of Earthsea" - The 1st book

I have misjudged you so wrongly, dear Earthsea world. Although I thought I would be reading a coming-of-age novel (and it is indeed targeted at the youth, but the youth of the 1960s), unlike the modern youth books we are used to, this is a story of self-discovery and coming to terms with oneself in the guise of a gray image.

Ged has the strength of a city dweller thanks to his wizard mother from childhood, and this strength comes into play when the enemy armies attack his villages. The wise wizard Ogion, aware of him, takes the boy under his wing, and thus Ged's adventure begins on the island of Gont. Learning by observing the world and influenced by his teacher Ogion, who abandons a Zen-Buddhist concept, Ged, eager to acquire more knowledge quickly, decides to study the secrets of wizardry at the school on the island of Roke with the advice of his teacher. As he becomes knowledgeable, 15-year-old Ged, who begins to deviate from his peers, brings a shadowy figure into the physical world by trying to call a spirit from the land of the dead with his pride and desire to prove himself, and he becomes the victim of this "nameless" entity that tries to destroy him in a small town. And throughout the book, we witness Ged's struggle with this shadow.

The wizards in this book use a city system where everything in the world has a name and by knowing and calling the true names of beings in the Old Language, they can control them. Le Guin doesn't stop there and shocks our real world with the world, images, and city system she creates. It indicates that by knowing the essence of things, we can understand the world and fulfill our desires. Ged also realizes that he cannot overcome this "nameless" entity without learning its name. Throughout the book, we follow his painful encounters with the shadow, his escape, and his understanding of the nature of the shadow, and we also learn, are impressed, and want to embrace the image.

Even if Rowling doesn't admit it, there is no need to look in the mirror to see that Harry Potter was inspired by Earthsea: the city school, the variety of images, the 9 Ali teachers, the nature of the dark power, etc. The praise was so delicately touched that the dogma of the book, the language of the XX century, the visual journey with ships and boats in the Earthsea world, and the moments when Ged looks back at himself flowed so smoothly that it was impossible to put it down.

I can't wait to read the second book! Fortunately, there are still 5 books left = )

Small note: We are reading this book within the framework of the Ursula Legacy - Earthsea Series Novel Marathon of our Dartanyanlar Book Club. You can write to our Goodreads group to join: https://www.goodreads.com/group/invit...

I love The Earthsea Cycle!

A wizard of Earthsea - I think this is my absolute favourite among the trilogy (the first 3 books). I was really drawn to how Ged was a flawed hero. He had to learn the ways of magic and humility in the hardest possible way. It was fascinating to see his growth and development. I do wish that Vetch had come back in the other books though. I really liked him and his presence added something special to the story. I also appreciate how the events in the first book are referenced throughout the second and third, creating a sense of continuity and depth.

Tombs of Atuan - this is probably my second favourite. It's a refreshing change from the Ged-focused story as it shifts the spotlight to Tenar. I was intrigued by the concept that she was taught to serve the dark powers but ultimately discovers right from wrong through her own being. Her character is well-developed and I could really relate to her. The story unfolds quite consistently, keeping me engaged from start to finish.

The Farthest Shore - this one is the weakest for me. Mainly because I didn't really like Arren very much. I understand that he is on a journey to find his place and grow up, but I just couldn't connect with him on a personal level. I also thought the story was a bit muddled and I wasn't entirely sure why Ged and Arren were on this quest. It would have been better if the story had developed more smoothly rather than just popping up out of nowhere.

Tehanu - I really loved this one and if I had to choose, it would probably be my favourite out of the 4. Since it was written some time after the trilogy, it has a distinct feel to it. I know some reviewers have criticized the trilogy for being misogynistic, with Ged as the hero and Tenar as the damsel in distress. But I don't share that view at all. I don't feel the need to read gender equality into every story. However, I do appreciate the more feminist viewpoints in Tehanu. I love how Tenar questions why males and females are treated so differently and how the wizards with their'male powers' can be quite evil in this book. There are other strong female characters as well, like the witches and Therru herself. I liked their character progressions in the book and the ending was simply great. Just when I thought the book was going to end, Le Guin threw a curveball at the very end!

Echoing other reviews, Le Guin writes with such clarity and directness. Her characters are so well-fleshed out that I can easily relate to them and understand their motivations. This is really important for me to fully immerse myself in a story.

What can I even say about Earthsea? It was truly fantastic, beyond words.

It took me an incredibly long time to read. In fact, it felt like it took ages just to get through a single page. For a long while, I was afraid that I might get bored or that the stories would drag on and on. However, to my great surprise, that never happened.

There isn't even a whole lot of what one would consider a conventional plot in these books. And yet, the reading experience was excellent. There is so much depth to unpack, so many ideas to think about, and so many powerful messages, hearts, and loves within the pages.

Frankly, I wouldn't be at all surprised if I were to lie in bed tonight and suddenly start crying just thinking about Tehanu.

Also, I noticed that each story seemed to become increasingly stronger as I went along. I really didn't know much about the book other than what my mother had told me when I was maybe 12, and that Ursula K. Le Guin is widely regarded as the queen of fantasy. So, despite my ignorance, I had high expectations.

The first book was good, and it was pretty much up to par with what I expected from a high fantasy novel, to some extent. The second book took me by surprise. At first, I wasn't sure about it, but in the end, I absolutely loved the themes of re-birth/death and the Dark Ones and all that. (The way I'm describing it might sound a bit stupid, but I promise you, it's actually incredibly profound once you really get into it.)

From that point on, I expected that I wouldn't be able to anticipate the third book, and I was right. I had thought for sure that the third one was going to be my favorite. I have a soft spot for books that deal with death, not in a morbid "dying" way, but rather books that treat death as a moral and philosophical topic. I like seeing personifications of death in books and thinking about the implications it has on our imagination of death and such. So, this was supposed to be the best book of Earthsea, right? Well, then the fourth book came along and it completely shredded my heart to pieces.

I also want to mention that I can sometimes be rather impatient with stories. If I see a certain twist or ending coming from a long way off, I can get a little fed up and even spoil myself on purpose just to prove that I was right in my slight annoyance. (Please don't judge me.) But throughout all four books, once I had oriented myself within the story, I saw most, if not all, of the major plot points coming from far away, and yet it never once annoyed me or made the reading more tedious in any way, shape, or form. For me, the "plot" itself became almost negligible in comparison to the journey and the personal development of the characters.

Finished it!

I really liked it!

This is precisely the kind of thing that I had expected from The Name of the Wind but never actually got.

Here we have a super powerful wizard and all the related awesomeness.

It's truly captivating and has left me completely enthralled.

Now, I am extremely excited to go and look for other books in this series.

I can't wait to explore more of this magical world and see what other adventures and surprises await.

I'm sure they will be just as amazing as this one.

I'm already imagining all the wonderful stories and characters that I'll encounter.

It's going to be a great journey of discovery through the pages of these books.

I'm really looking forward to it! :D

What can I say about this book series that hasn't already been said?

It's truly a remarkable collection that has captured the hearts and imaginations of countless readers.

The stories are filled with rich characters, engaging plots, and vivid descriptions that bring the fictional worlds to life.

Each book in the series builds upon the others, creating a seamless and immersive experience.

Whether you're a fan of fantasy, adventure, or just great storytelling, this book series has something for everyone.

So, if you haven't already, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy and start reading.

You won't be disappointed!

To light a candle is to cast a shadow...

A teacher once forced the first book on me when I was around 11 years old. At that time, I truly hated it. I think a significant number of parts in it really creeped me out, and I stopped reading it long before reaching the end. However, when I was probably 17 or 18, I picked it up again. Since then, I have re-read the original trilogy on a yearly basis, every summer. For me, they serve as the template for writing intelligent and thought-provoking fantasy. I believe LeGuin's world is fully realized and completely recognizable. More importantly, I have always found it instructive. In the sense that time and again, it makes the point that while knowledge may be power, power is dangerous in the hands of those who are ignorant of wider contexts. It values craftsmanship, patience, control, and the natural rhythms of living, and it shows this by being sublimely crafted, measured, wise, and endlessly rewarding. These are things that my 11-year-old self could have benefited from knowing about, and certainly, they seem to be disappearing from real life with dismaying rapidity.

In no particular order, I like its lyricism. It follows the archetype of a quest story (but in a secular way). It is about the importance of mastering language and the ability to express oneself appropriately and clearly in a confused world. The "evil" in it is palpable when it is supposed to be and realistically banal at other times. It shows that acting on behalf of others is actually very often good for you too. It is about growing up, the value of education (in many forms), and facing our mortality rationally. Lastly, I think it beautifully shows how the world tends to betterment through human effort, human openness, and human honesty.

All of which I think is pretty remarkable for a book that is intended for children and manages to maintain a strong narrative throughout.

Sold?

A Wizard of Earthsea: 4.5/5
The Tombs of Atuan: 4.5/5
The Farthest Shore: 4/5
Tehanu: 3/5

There is indeed a downward trend in the ratings, either because the theme starts to be exhausted or because the years pass and the Muse does not visit us as often anymore.

The first of the tetralogy, and I would say also the introduction, we learn about the world of the books (which is very sympathetic) and the main character, whom we follow in his gradual maturation, his inner struggle and his coming to terms with the darkness that each of us hides within.

The second, and my favorite, The Tombs of Atuan, which loses half a star not because it has flaws but because it seems incomplete. It has managed to create a stunning, dark, gothic atmosphere, almost claustrophobic, and then, just like that: poof, it has nothing more, Ursula simply decided that she didn't want to expand it further.

The theoretical peak of the first three (and more closely related) books. Which is very good, very close to the first in atmosphere, but a little bit the ultimately aimless wanderings, a little bit the "abstract" finale, a little bit the fact that it tried to throw all its arsenal in, somewhere you lose the thread and end up, although the size of any of the four books is not large, waiting patiently for the last few pages.

The fourth and last book, with characters from the first and second parts reappearing, and while the expectations are high, not only are they not met, but it is also slow in pace! I don't know if it's a spin-off type in the series, but personally it gave me the feeling that it didn't fit as well. As if it wanted to give an extension? I can't understand, I don't find a particular reason for its existence, not that it's bad, apparently none of her books are bad, but it is lacking.

Finally, and to conclude, a common denominator is how well-written the four books are, the language is almost poetic, and although one might expect that in practice it would turn the books into a slow read, ultimately such a thing is not true.

P.S. At some point I must rewatch Miyazaki's movie to remember how close it is to the books (not very).