I'm glad that Earthsea is in its own way my childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. And I look forward to when I will be a grandmother in a rocking chair with worn-out slippers, when I will open it again and still find peace in it, the slow fluidity of being and the world, love for fantasy, the beauty of language, and something that perhaps wasn't there before.

This is a great book (and not just in the sense that one could kill time with it), supplemented by Le Guin's comments on the amazing illustrations. Worn out. I've been reading it for three months and I want the second volume.

Earthsea is truly a magical world that has captured my heart and imagination. It takes me on a journey through different islands, introduces me to unique characters, and explores profound themes. The language is so beautiful and rich that it makes me feel as if I'm right there in the story. Le Guin's comments add an extra layer of depth and understanding to the illustrations, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. I can't wait to continue my exploration of Earthsea with the second volume.

Really excellent and engaging.

Le Guin's writing is fresh and direct, which makes it a joy to read. I love the way she handles her characters.

She manages to achieve meaningful and significant growth for them within just a few short pages. It's truly remarkable.

And over the course of four novels, it becomes even more fascinating to watch them grow old.

The character development is so well done that it feels like you're getting to know real people.

I have no doubt that I'll be returning to Earthsea.

It's a world that has captured my imagination and won't let go.

Le Guin's work is a testament to her talent as a writer, and I can't wait to explore more of her stories.

In my opinion: The Tombs of Atuan > Tehanu > The Farthest Shore > A Wizard of Earthsea.

"A Wizard of Earthsea" is a great foundation for developing the world. However, the rituals in "The Tombs of Atuan" appeal much more to my interests. The suffocating setting seemed wonderful to me. The entry of crime into Terramar in "Tehanu" broke my heart, but I love the point of view and the conversations between Tenar and Moss. Finally, just after finishing "The Farthest Shore", I dreamed of dragons (white and red, lurking among branches, which I pointed out as an ornithologist). And few things better can a book give you.

+1 to the magic of names and to witches/wizards in the service of their people.

In "The Tombs of Atuan", the mysterious and ancient rituals draw you in, making you feel as if you are part of that strange and otherworldly place. The description of the tombs and the actions that take place within them add an air of mystery and excitement.

"Tehanu" presents a more complex and emotional story. The introduction of crime into the peaceful world of Terramar brings a sense of reality and darkness. But the relationship between Tenar and Moss, and their conversations, offer a glimmer of hope and a deeper understanding of the characters.

"The Farthest Shore" takes you on a journey to the edge of the known world. The dream of dragons after reading it shows the power and beauty of the story. It makes you imagine a world full of magic and wonder.

Overall, each of these books in the Earthsea series has its own unique charm and吸引力. They all contribute to the rich and complex world that Ursula K. Le Guin has created.

Balance, darkness, death, disfigurement, doors, dragons, evil, farming, healing, islands, light, labyrinths, magic, names, religion, romance, sailing, and treasures. These are the elements that seem to dance around in the story, creating a world full of mystery and wonder. For some reason, my mind kept fixating on the image of Ged looking like Jack Dorsey, the co-founder and CEO of Twitter. I don't know why this association formed, but it just wouldn't go away. Maybe it was the way Ged carried himself, with an air of confidence and a touch of mystery, similar to how Dorsey presents himself in the public eye. Or perhaps it was the way they both seemed to have a connection to something greater than themselves, whether it was the power of magic in Ged's case or the influence of social media in Dorsey's. Whatever the reason, this image of Ged as Jack Dorsey continued to play in my mind, adding an unexpected layer to my perception of the story.

4.5 / 5

"A Wizard of Earthsea" - 4/5

This is a captivating tale that takes readers on a magical journey through the world of Earthsea. The story follows the adventures of Ged, a young wizard, as he discovers his powers and learns to use them wisely. The author's vivid descriptions bring the world to life, making it easy for readers to imagine themselves in Ged's shoes. The plot is engaging and full of twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

"The Tombs of Atuan" - 4/5

This book continues the story of Earthsea, introducing readers to a new character, Tenar. She is a young girl who is chosen to serve as the High Priestess of the Tombs of Atuan. The Tombs are a mysterious and dangerous place, filled with ancient magic and secrets. As Tenar explores the Tombs, she discovers a dark and powerful force that threatens to destroy the world. With the help of Ged, she must find a way to stop this force and save the world from destruction.

"The Farthest Shore" - 4/5

In this installment of the Earthsea series, Ged and his friend Arren set out on a perilous journey to the Farthest Shore. The Farthest Shore is a place where the dead go, and it is said that no one who goes there ever returns. Ged and Arren are determined to find a way to stop the spread of death and decay that is threatening the world. Along the way, they face many challenges and must use all of their skills and magic to survive.

"Tehanu" - 5/5

"Tehanu" is a powerful and moving story that explores the themes of love, loss, and redemption. The story follows the life of Tehanu, a young girl who has been scarred by a terrible event. She is taken in by Ged and his wife, Tenar, and they help her to heal and find her place in the world. As Tehanu grows up, she discovers her own magical powers and uses them to help those around her. The author's writing is beautiful and poignant, making this book a must-read for fans of the Earthsea series.

4,5 stars - what an adventure!

It had been years that I wanted to read Earthsea and it's done with this beautiful baby of 1800 pages!

It's difficult to summarize my impressions. I would say that Earthsea is very different from all the fantasy I've read so far. I find that Ursula Le Guin's ideas stand out from what is usually found in fantasy. So don't expect a fantasy like Sanderson's! Here, there are no big battles, no real big "villains" but rather atypical heroes and heroines, a lot of contemplation and introspection.

What I particularly loved were the author's afterwords. What a woman! I have a lot of admiration and even affection for her. The very last part titled Earthsea Revisited is extremely interesting as Ursula Le Guin offers a reflection on her work, on the codes of fantasy, on the question of gender, on heroes and heroines, on so many interesting subjects. Really, I recommend you to read what she has to say to us.

The only negative point of my reading, the short stories. Unfortunately, I don't get hooked on this author's short stories while it's usually a format that I really like. Some I liked but not more. Others I was completely bored with and I skipped them.

In short, I highly recommend the 5 Earthsea novels:

- A Wizard of Earthsea: 4 stars, you get to know Ged and what a pleasure to see a main character of color (it was written in the 60s so it's even cooler)

- The Tombs of Atuan: 4 stars, you meet Tenar and you will love her. She is wonderful.

- The Farthest Shore: 5 stars, a reflection on life and death, the quest for immortality. I particularly liked the author's vision of the hero.

- Tehanu: 5 stars, the hardest book as it deals with very difficult themes (TW rape in particular). Women are at the center of this story. I didn't remember much of this novel during my first reading but this time, it really marked me. I'm thinking in particular of the theme of victim shaming, of the gaze of others, of the role of women... probably my favorite book of this saga.

- The Other Wind: 5 stars, a perfect ending, the loop is closed, I loved it.

Finally, a big thank you to my reading friend, The Dilettante Octopus. I loved traveling to Earthsea for 3 months with you ♥

Bon ça fait des mois que je l'ai fini mais flemme de lire les textes supplémentaires à la fin lol. It has been months since I finished it, but I'm too lazy to read the supplementary texts at the end. lol

Si je devais à l'avenir citer les lectures qui m'ont le plus marqué dans la vie, Terremer en fera indubitablement parti. If I had to cite in the future the readings that have most marked me in life, Earthsea will undoubtedly be part of it.

L'univers de Le Guin étonne et désarçonne par son avance sur son temps, son rythme lent et ses résolutions inconventionnelles pour le genre de la fantasy. The universe of Le Guin astonishes and disconcerts by its advance over its time, its slow rhythm and its unconventional resolutions for the fantasy genre.

Mais le respect de ses personnages, de leurs différences uniques et de leurs aspirations est le véritable phare de son écriture quant certains privilégient l'aventure pour elle-même. But the respect for her characters, for their unique differences and their aspirations is the true guiding light of her writing while some privilege adventure for itself.

Se confronter à la lecture Tehanu en particulier, à la radicalité d'un récit de fantasy du point de vue des gens normaux qui vivent dans un monde où les magiciens existent, c'est assurément une expérience qui transforme le regard. Confronting the reading of Tehanu in particular, the radicality of a fantasy story from the point of view of normal people who live in a world where magicians exist, is surely an experience that transforms the gaze.

Lire l'intégralité de cette série a demandés des efforts amplement récompensés mais c'est un faible prix à payer pour les émotions et les pensées fertiles qui en découlent en cascades. Reading the entire series has required efforts that are amply rewarded but it is a small price to pay for the emotions and fertile thoughts that cascade from it.

Everyone who believes that fantasy novels are merely shallow tales of chosen heroes, whose difficult lives are effortlessly transformed by half-explained magic based on shaky axioms, should definitely read this book. In fact, if it weren't for the presence of magic and the chosen individuals, it could very well be regarded as a classic. Le Guin has infused so much wisdom and thought into each character and the overall structure of the four parts of this book. The fantastical elements in this story serve more as a bridge to deeper topics rather than a hinge that holds everything together. By the end of this journey, I find myself pondering numerous things, almost none of which have any connection to magic.

Le Guin's masterful storytelling takes the reader on a captivating adventure that goes beyond the surface level of traditional fantasy. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, each with their own unique struggles and growth. The overarching structure of the book is carefully crafted, building upon itself to create a rich and immersive world. The use of magic is not the central focus, but rather a tool to explore deeper themes such as identity, power, and the human condition. Through her writing, Le Guin challenges the reader's preconceived notions about fantasy and invites them to engage with the story on a more profound level.

This book is a testament to the power of fantasy to transport us to other worlds while also making us reflect on our own. It shows that fantasy can be much more than just entertainment, but a means of exploring the human experience and gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Whether you are a die-hard fantasy fan or someone who has never given the genre a second thought, this book is well worth reading. It will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the depth and complexity that fantasy can offer.

Tehanu is a character that holds a special place within my heart.

Whenever I think of Tehanu, a warmth spreads through me.

The story of Tehanu is one that is filled with depth and emotion.

Her journey, her experiences, and her growth all contribute to the profound connection I feel towards her.

She represents strength in the face of adversity, courage in the midst of fear, and love that perseveres through all obstacles.

Tehanu's presence in my heart is like a guiding light, always there to offer comfort and inspiration.

I am constantly amazed by her and the impact she has had on my life.

She will forever remain a beloved and cherished part of my inner world.

One of my favorite sagas! A rereading that does a lot of good...

And perhaps I will reread it in a few years because the words of Ursula K. Le Guin are not so easily tamed.

There is always a message to discover or rediscover with a new eye.

Le Guin's works are like a vast and mysterious ocean, full of hidden treasures and profound meanings.

Each time I read her books, I feel as if I am embarking on a new adventure, exploring different worlds and cultures.

The characters she creates are vivid and complex, and their stories are both engaging and thought-provoking.

Rereading her works allows me to see them from a different perspective, to notice details that I may have missed before, and to gain a deeper understanding of the themes and ideas she presents.

In short, Ursula K. Le Guin's sagas are a source of无尽的 joy and inspiration for me, and I look forward to many more rereadings in the future.

This was a series that gave me a lot of joy and strength. It is such a human and warm-hearted series, where love is important, kindness is important, and one can manage if one only meets others with these qualities.

It is about how power can destroy, that power perhaps at its core is only what one creates oneself.

It is also about how one must accept things about oneself, take care of and protect the bad parts of oneself, while at the same time cultivating the strong and good qualities one also has.

It is about suppression, about how one can become free from bad pressure, that one can be tested and shaped, but in the end it is oneself and those you love who are there for you and can help you become the person you really are.

It is about death, life, and how not to be afraid of either of them, how to take hold of life's difficulties and handle them.

And finally, it is about family, about stability, and about the wool we carded that is still left for us.

Thanks to Mar and Jenny who gave me this collection for Christmas. I would probably never have read it if you hadn't given it to me, and I think it has enriched my life infinitely.

Here are all my reviews from when I read the books (all reviews can also be found under the individual books)

A Wizard of Earthsea:

5/5

"Now the first book was finished.

For a heartwarming, but also heartbreaking book!"

Tombs of Atuan:

5/5

"❤️

The only way to escape the darkness is to hold each other well and tightly in the hand, and never be alone. We must trust each other, and be willing to receive help and comfort. It is the only way we can come out on the other side and see the sky again in a more dedicated and safe way.

This is a heartbreaking but incredibly beautiful book. It has an aesthetic in it that attracts me very much, while the story itself is fantastic.

It describes a difficult life, and how receiving love can change you, and how it helps.

I also think one can easily read this even if one has not read the first in the series, and I really recommend picking it up"

The Farthest Shore:

5/5

"crying and crying and crying and crying

The first novel in this series is wonderful.

The other three, as mentioned, were terrible.

Not in terms of writing, because Ursula K. Le Guin knows how to write, but in terms of the plot.

It was a verbose nothingness with some ideological sketches that were extremely boring.

The story seemed to lack a clear direction and failed to engage the reader.

Despite Le Guin's writing skills, the overall experience of reading those three novels was rather disappointing.

It's a shame that the promise shown by the first novel wasn't carried through in the subsequent installments.

Perhaps if the plots had been more developed and interesting, the series would have been a great success.

As it stands, however, it's a case of a good start that didn't lead to a satisfying conclusion.