Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
33(33%)
4 stars
31(31%)
3 stars
36(36%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I still have an unwavering love for these books, just as intense as it was when I was twelve years old.

These books are not just ordinary reads; they are truly masterworks that have stood the test of time.

Each page is filled with captivating stories, rich characters, and profound themes that continue to resonate with me.

Whether it's the thrilling adventures, the heartwarming friendships, or the thought-provoking lessons, these books have left an indelible mark on my life.

I find myself constantly drawn back to them, eager to rediscover the magic and wonder that they hold.

They are like old friends that I can always rely on to bring joy and inspiration.

I am truly grateful to have these masterworks in my life, and I know that my love for them will only grow stronger with each passing year.

July 15,2025
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To pigeonhole Le Guin as 'fantasy' is in itself a mistake.

This is literature at its darkest and best. The first two volumes, in particular, are astonishing.

I'll always remember Le Guin's view on nominalism and the Atuan realm. They keep haunting me.

It's a treasure of a book. Just read it - like, NOW.

Le Guin's works cannot be simply confined to the category of fantasy. Her writing delves deep into the human psyche and explores profound themes.

The first two volumes offer a captivating and thought-provoking experience. The concepts she presents, such as nominalism and the unique Atuan realm, are both fascinating and disturbing.

These ideas linger in the reader's mind long after the book is finished.

This book is truly a gem that should not be missed.

Don't hesitate, pick it up and start reading immediately. You won't be disappointed.
July 15,2025
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I embarked on reading this quartet with the intention of joining a readalong.

Unfortunately, the hosts of this readalong abandoned it after the third book. Nevertheless, I persisted and read all four books, and I am truly delighted that I did so.

I discovered that my enjoyment grew with each successive book, with the fourth one emerging as my absolute favorite. Le Guin constructs a world that is vividly described with just a few words, presenting a different kind of fantasy narrative compared to what I have read hitherto.

Although there are moments when the narrative can be slightly repetitive, it is impossible not to appreciate the well-developed characters and the engaging plot.

The quartet offers a unique and immersive reading experience that has left a lasting impression on me.
July 15,2025
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A Wizard of Earthsea: 5/5


The setting of this book is truly perfect, and the pacing is excellent. It is both character and story driven, which makes for a captivating read. My only minor complaint was that it was shorter than I had expected. However, I think this might be because my expectations were set too high after reading The Left Hand of Darkness as my introduction to Le Guin's works.


The Tombs of Atuan: 4/5


This is another compelling narrative. It is set apart enough from the first book to be its own unique story, but I think this is where it loses a few points for me. It felt almost a little too different and had a different tone. Additionally, while it did an excellent job of establishing its setting and mythos, this came at the expense of the action, which only really picked up in the last third of the book.


The Farthest Shore: 5/5


The pacing in this book is excellent. As always, Le Guin creates an incredible and lifelike scene. Compared to the second book, The Farthest Shore feels much more firmly set in the world of Earthsea established in the first book. I was captivated and intrigued throughout by the mystery presented in this story. None of it felt predictable, which was a bit of an issue for me in the first two books.


Tehanu: 3/5


I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but it suffers from the same problem I've noticed in the last three books. The villain is compelling and powerful, but their climax and downfall happen too quickly. I would have liked more from the antagonists in this book, and for some characters and arcs to have been more fully developed. I also felt that the explanations of certain mysteries were a bit rushed and could have been explored more deeply to provide a more satisfying ending. However, I did enjoy seeing a different side to certain protagonists and the exploration of ideas such as gender, power, and predestination (in a non-religious sense).
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