A Wizard of Earthsea: I initially took some time to get fully engaged with this book. Ged, the main character, was rather insufferable in the beginning. However, when he finally received his well-deserved comeuppance, that's when I was truly pulled into the story. I gave it a 4/5.

The Tombs of Atuan: From the very start, I was hooked. I have a soft spot for a good cult-themed story, and Tenar as the protagonist was a great choice. I just love her character. I wholeheartedly support women's rights and, in this case, women's wrongs. This book definitely deserves a 5/5.

The Farthest Shore: Unfortunately, this one was the weakest for me. I'm sorry Arren, but I just didn't like you. The big bad reveal was strangely underwhelming, and by the end, I was just trying to get through it. I rated it a 3/5.

Tehanu: I absolutely loved seeing all the protagonists of the past novels in one book. It also provided some great introspections on womanhood. I gave this book a 4/5.

After reading more of Le Guin's work, I've discovered that it's often the unspoken elements that stay with me. I believe that's the mark of a great writer. They can make the reader reflect long after the story is over without it feeling like a plot hole or something deliberately missing to make you fill in the blank. It's like the difference between when a teacher leaves a sentence hanging in the air for you to provide the answer and looking at a piece of art in a museum. I'll probably add this to my rotation of books to re-read because I'm certain there's so much more I'll be able to gain from it.

I'm actually not finished with this book, but I gave up approximately 300 pages in.

At the beginning, I was extremely looking forward to this being a truly fabulous book. However, the archaic wording in it sometimes really annoyed me.

Book One still seemed to show a great deal of promise. It had some interesting elements and storylines that kept my attention to a certain extent. But as I reached halfway through Book Two, I just got bored.

The plot seemed to drag on, and I found myself losing interest more and more. I realized that life is simply too short to waste on reading books that bore both your pants and shirts off you.

There are so many other great books out there waiting to be discovered, and I didn't want to spend any more time on this one that wasn't engaging me.

So, I decided to put it aside and move on to something else that might be more exciting and fulfilling.

A Wizard of Earthsea - 4/5
The Tombs of Atuan - 4/5
The Farthest Shore - 5/5
Tehanu - 5/5

I am truly overjoyed that I finally took the leap and delved into the works of Ursula K. Le Guin. This quartet (I'm aware there's another book and short stories) made all my fantasy dreams come true. The impact was intensified by reading these four books consecutively in my compilation edition. For nearly a week, I was completely submerged in her world, and it was magnificent. It also enabled me to perceive the 'difference' I'd heard so much about regarding Tehanu, but to be honest, it was my favorite of the four.

Let's be clear - if you generally don't like fantasy, you won't enjoy this. It's a classic of the genre, and at the start of A Wizard of Earthsea, I thought it showed its age. Published in 1968, I initially found her style a bit challenging to adapt to. However, after pushing through the first 30 pages or so, I was hooked.

It was astonishing to witness the inspiration behind JK's Harry Potter (which she apparently doesn't really admit). A young boy, growing up humbly, is endowed with extraordinary powers. He goes off to wizard school, forms a rival, makes friends, and enhances his powers. It's now a classic formula, and hey, it works! If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

I'm a sucker for a great training montage in a movie, and Ged's time learning at the school on Roke fully delivered on that front. Ged is a typical fantasy protagonist - a touch arrogant and in need of a lesson before he gets too big for his boots. I can definitely see the inspiration behind moody Harry in HP5, ha! But I came to love him and his brooding ways.

I think some fantasy authors stumble because they attempt to handle too many characters, lore, and plotlines. Not so with Le Guin. Each installment of Earthsea has a distinct plot, a journey. And that's not to say they're overly simplistic - definitely not! But she presents her stories clearly, which is truly refreshing in the world of fantasy. I also adored the more philosophical aspect of A Wizard of Earthsea, as Le Guin's worldbuilding is based on balance and equilibrium. Ged learns the hard way that his actions have consequences, that every decision affects the balance of the world in one way or another. She takes her time with storytelling; no detail is overlooked, and yet you never feel like the story drags. It unfolds gradually but surely, and it kept me enthralled.

From A Wizard of Earthsea, we leave Ged behind for a while in The Tombs of Atuan - but he returns, don't worry! When I say this was my 'least favorite' of the four, it doesn't really mean much as I'd still give it a solid 4 stars (4.5 for A Wizard of Earthsea). I think this one is more about storytelling and less about philosophical reflection than the first book. Not a bad thing, but when read back-to-back, it feels like it's lost a bit of its depth.

But I still loved being introduced to Tenar and the creepy sect (cult) of the Nameless Ones. Her journey from being hailed as the Priestess reborn at just 5 years old to questioning her faith in her Gods as a young woman was captivating. Then Ged arrives, and all hell breaks loose.

Gosh, it's really difficult to discuss all of these without giving too much away! And I intended to be fairly brief, but I guess that's out the window. But without a doubt, the last two books in this collection were my favorites.

The Farthest Shore presents a grim threat to the magical realm, with people losing their powers everywhere. Ged and Arren, a young prince, set off to, as you might have guessed, The Farthest Shore to discover what's happening. Dragons are involved. Who doesn't love dragons?! This was the perfectly paced adventure. We get more of Le Guin's beautifully written wisdom as Ged imparts his worldly knowledge to Arren on their perilous journey. It just felt like perfect fantasy. Like I was sitting by a fire with a huge mug of tea while Le Guin spun a yarn as a storm raged outside. I was transported.

And then there's Tehanu. Tehanu, which apparently caused some controversy for being an 'outlier' of the series. On one hand, I can understand why some people didn't like it, but on the other hand, how could you not? In Tehanu, Le Guin puts the magic on the back burner and we get to see a more human side of the characters we've met so far. She addresses much more real topics here - abuse, family, the role of women, power dynamics between men and women, love. I can imagine a 15-year-old boy might be disappointed, but there's just so much heart in this story that I hope others can see too.

This book made me love Tenar even more than I did in The Tombs of Atuan. Her compassion, her tenacity, her generosity. And Therru. Oh, Therru. This book made me unbearably sad in parts, incredibly angry in others, but also gave me a glimmer of hope. The harsh mistreatment of women in this world reflects real issues in our own. And if you can't handle that in your fantasy, then I don't know what to tell you. I think the issue lies with you.

This wasn't the concise review of the four books I had in mind, but it's nice to just express your feelings sometimes. If you're a fantasy fan and you haven't picked up Le Guin yet, then do it! You won't regret it!

I've said it before, and I truly believe that the world would be a far better place if it had everything that Harry Potter has to offer.

Think about it. The magic, the adventure, the sense of wonder that fills every page of the Harry Potter series. In a world like that, there would be no limits to what we could achieve. We could soar through the sky on broomsticks, cast spells to make our dreams come true, and explore hidden realms that we never knew existed.

Not only that, but the values that are taught in the Harry Potter books are ones that we could all benefit from. Friendship, loyalty, courage, and the importance of standing up for what is right. These are lessons that would make the world a more caring, more just, and more harmonious place.

In conclusion, while we may not be able to have actual magic in our world, we can still strive to incorporate the spirit of Harry Potter into our lives. By doing so, we can make the world a better place for ourselves and for future generations.

Obyčejně neobyčejný!

This simple phrase holds a world of meaning. It implies that something which may seem ordinary at first glance actually has extraordinary qualities.

In our daily lives, we often encounter such things. For example, a common flower may have a unique fragrance or a beautiful color that catches our eye.

A seemingly ordinary person may possess hidden talents or a kind heart that makes them stand out.

We should learn to look beyond the surface and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.

By doing so, we can appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us every day.

This phrase also reminds us that we ourselves can be obyčejně neobyčejný.

We may have our own special qualities and abilities that make us unique.

Instead of striving to be someone else, we should embrace our individuality and let our true selves shine through.

In conclusion, obyčejně neobyčejný is a concept that encourages us to look deeper, appreciate the ordinary, and embrace our own uniqueness.

It is a reminder that there is beauty and wonder in everything if we only take the time to see it.

I owed this book a little review at least. :)

Since it is a quartet, it is important to mention that the entire Earthsea world and the particular stories that make up this book were a very bright fantasy conception from the author. The background created was unique and well-detailed, especially regarding the maps and the use of more than just one or two isles in the stories. I really enjoyed the fact that Ged traveled almost all around the Earthsea map, uncovering the differences and the marvels of every land. :)

I read it at a slow pace as I did not have enough free time, but every time I picked it up, I read at least 35-40 pages each time. :)

In the end, I was surprised and a bit sad that I finished it. I wanted more and more. But at least there are two more Earthsea books out there, so the story is not ended yet (for me, hehe)! :)

As a representative of the fantasy literature genre, Earthsea is surely a book not to be neglected. :)

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! *Yayy haha*

Thought I’d never finish this.

But the end did come, and it turned out to be a thought-provoking and compelling read.

In the end, I found myself completely immersed in the story. The characters were so vividly portrayed that I felt as if I knew them personally. Their struggles, joys, and sorrows became my own.

The plot was filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't put the book down until I had reached the very last page.

As I closed the book, I was left with a sense of satisfaction and a newfound appreciation for the power of literature. It had taken me on a journey through different emotions and experiences, and had made me think about life in a whole new way.

This book will definitely stay with me for a long time, and I can't wait to share it with others.

This edition encompasses the initial 4 books of the Earthsea cycle, along with the captivating map illustrations from each individual book.

Le Guin can truly be regarded as a master of writing. The very first time I delved into "A Wizard of Earthsea", I didn't hold a favorable opinion of it. It was only after several years that I came to understand the reason behind it: Back then, I was reading the German translation rather than the original English version. In the world of Earthsea, language holds significant importance. If it didn't, all the spells would cease to function. In the first book, Le Guin embarks on an adventure with you through the Archipelago. In the second book, she transports you into the world of the Kargard Lands. In the third book, she takes you on a journey to mend the world. And in the fourth book, she provides you with deeper insights into magic and Ged's healing.

If you have a penchant for magic, dragons, and clever wizards whose power emanates from words, then this is undoubtedly a book for you. The author vividly demonstrates how words can possess a magical quality, much like how a story has the ability to inspire the reader's mind and paint a vivid picture within.

I just remembered that I left "Peculiar Children" unfinished. It's quite interesting to think about it now, especially after having finished the two books from the series.

Each book in the "Peculiar Children" series offers a unique and captivating world. The characters are vividly described, and the storylines are full of mystery and adventure.

Leaving one of the books unfinished feels a bit like leaving a door ajar in a wonderful house. There are still so many secrets and surprises waiting to be discovered within those pages.

I think it might be time to go back and pick up where I left off. Dive back into the world of the peculiar children and see what new adventures await them.

Maybe this time, I'll be able to fully immerse myself in the story and not get distracted until I've reached the very end.

Just gorgeous and moves from strength to strength.

Tehanu brings the quartet down to earth in a deeply human way. It shows a departure from the heavy reliance on wizard magic that was perhaps more prominent in previous installments. Instead, it delves into the realm of human magic, exploring the power and potential that lies within each individual.

This shift in focus adds a new layer of depth and authenticity to the story. It makes the characters more relatable and the events more engaging. We see them face challenges and overcome obstacles not through the use of flashy spells and incantations, but through their own courage, determination, and the power of their emotions.

Loved it. It's a refreshing take on the fantasy genre that manages to capture the imagination while also tugging at the heartstrings.

Wow! What an incredible journey it has been! I initially began this book back in October 2016. Along the way, I would occasionally take breaks to read other works, such as The Last Wish, only to return to Ursula K. Le Guin afterwards. I was particularly intrigued by this multi-book edition as I was pondering whether I should compile my own Deathsworn Arc series into one book. [https://www.goodreads.com/series/1115...] I was undecided whether to wait until more of the series was complete or to split it into a volume of books 1 - 3 and books 4 and 5.

I've also reviewed each of the books contained in this volume separately:-
Wizard of Earthsea [https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...] - 4 Stars
Tombs of Atuan [https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...] - 5 Stars
Farthest Shore [https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...] - 3 Stars
Tehanu [https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...] - 5 Stars

Of the quadrology, books 2 and 4 were clear standouts. They are both perhaps among my all-time favorite books and definitely favorites for the past 12 months. After adding the scores and dividing by four, I got 4.25, which I rounded down to 4 stars.

So, after reading the first four Earthsea books, what were my thoughts on the whole volume? Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag. There were parts of this extensive book that I absolutely loved and couldn't put down. However, there were other parts that were a real struggle and I almost gave up on. Ursula K. Le Guin writes beautifully, but it's the themes and stories that occasionally caused my interest to wane. Ged as a character was just okay in book 1. In book 3, I didn't really connect with Ged or Lebannen. The strengths of the series for me lie in the more mundane aspects. Arha's life as 'The Eaten One' - Priestess of Atuan and Tenar's life on Gont in book 4 were particularly engaging. The grand adventures, sailing over the sea with a mage-wind in their sails, simply didn't have the same level of appeal. They didn't feel as gritty or as real. To me, this serves as a stark reminder to be cautious when incorporating too much magic into fantasy. Magic is exciting, but it's even more so when used sparingly and subtly.

The characters I felt most for in this series were the children on the reef. I never really got a sense of closure regarding their ordeal or the cruel fate that befell them. I've given up hope that I will. Maybe this is Ursula K. Le Guin's way of telling us that life is messy and loose ends don't always get tied up?

I loved this book, despite not enjoying book 3 as much. I gave it 3 stars because it is very well written, but in my heart, I feel it's more of a 2 for me. I'm not sure why, but I found it really boring. The problem is, I don't think book 4 would have had the powerful impact it did on me if I didn't know the context in which Ged was returning to Gont. So, reading book 3 seems essential.

Many people really enjoy book 3, so it could just be me. My advice is to read the entire quadrology. Books 2 and 4 are by far the best, and I truly loved them both enough that I expect to read them multiple times. You really do need to read 1 and 3 as well. Book 1 is good, and book 3 is okay. The important thing is that it's worth reading 2 and 3 so that you can fully enjoy books 2 and 4.

Overall, this was a compilation with a variety of viewpoints. Each book has its own distinct character, but the story is a good one, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys slightly old-school fantasy and quite poetic prose.

Paperback:- http://amzn.to/2wwEYhq
Kindle Edition:- http://amzn.to/2wxIcRT

Martyn Stanley
Author of:-
The Last Dragon Slayer (Free to download)

I can't believe it took me such a long time to get around to reading these four short novels. Their reputation precedes them of course, and I was so happy to read them and agree that they deserve all the love and attention and respect in the world!

A Wizard of Earthsea: Any fantasy fan reading these books will be sure to see how they have influenced other writers and stories, especially in this first novel. Ged starts his life as a humble goatherd with a great well of magic within him. He is watched over by an older wizard before heading over to Roke, where he attends a great school of magic. However, he suffers from arrogance and this gets the best of him, leading him on a quest. This first story sets up Ged's character and his world so beautifully. While I found Le Guin's writing to be a tad hard to really fall into at first, I loved the world building and the descriptions of this universe, made up of archipelagos and islands.

The Tombs of Atuan: This story is set in the East, where a young girl named Tenar serves The Nameless Ones in some dark and forbidding tombs. Ged is still a part of this story, but the focus shifts to Tenar for the most part, and does a great job of broadening the world of Earthsea and playing with some darker themes. I really loved Tenar and enjoyed this story more than the first, simply because the first is a little predictable (but only because it's so influential!).

The Farthest Shore: The story with the widest scope of the four, The Farthest Shore follows an older Ged who takes a companion on a quest to save the world. Again, it's clear to see how this story has impacted other writers. There are some wonderful moments in this novel, and I absolutely loved the introduction of other sects and areas of Earthsea.

Tehanu: Without a doubt my favourite of the stories. Tehanu is completely different from the classic high fantasy escapades of its predecessors, and focuses on Tenar again, and her life in Earthsea following her adventure with Ged. This story explores sexism, feminism, power, and shame, and is easily the most emotional of the four. I personally also found it the most tense - strange, considering The Farthest Shore was literally about the end of the world! Tenar's story reflects the sufferings of people all around the world so well, however, and it's easy to imagine oneself in her shoes, and feel her terror and her pain. It definitely got the biggest reaction out of me, and balanced hard to read moments with genuinely warm, emotional passages.