Helpful Score: 1
Sequel to A Wizard of Earthsea, the second book of LeGuin's fabulous Earthsea Trilogy.
They took away everything. Home, family, possessions. They gave her a name. Arha, the Eaten One. They dedicate her life as high priestess to the ancient and nameless Powers of the Earth. And set her down at the Place of the Tombs in the deserts of Atuan. Then, sudenly, a thief came to the dar, endless labyrinth of her kingdom, seeking the greatest treasure of the Tombs, the broen Ring of Erreth-Akbe. A young wizard, Ged...
They took away everything. Home, family, possessions. They gave her a name. Arha, the Eaten One. They dedicate her life as high priestess to the ancient and nameless Powers of the Earth. And set her down at the Place of the Tombs in the deserts of Atuan. Then, sudenly, a thief came to the dar, endless labyrinth of her kingdom, seeking the greatest treasure of the Tombs, the broen Ring of Erreth-Akbe. A young wizard, Ged...
It's been a long time since I read this, but I seem to remember it being a very good book.
Delightful easy read in the category of fantasy. It really is a parable of sorts for all sorts of issues that affect our lives. The series (I've read the first two) is par with Chronicles of Narnia & the L.O.T.R. trilogy by Tolkien.
Sequel to _A Wizard of Earthsea_, this time focusing on a female character (Arha). Essential reading for fans of epic fantasy.
Not as strong as A Wizard of EarthSea, but an interesting and quick read nonetheless.
A lot of female protagonists in fantasy novels are too perfect. The point of view character here was imperfect without being unsympathetic, and I loved how dynamic she was as she discovered that the religion for which she was a priestess was built on a terrible lie.
Imagine being taken away from your family, being told you are the reborn priestess and must spend out your life guarding the tombs of the nameless.
Being led into a life of servitude to Gods you are told exist, but never really get to see actual evidence of.
Then one day you find a stranger in your catacombs. He doesn't belong there, but you're intrigued and choose not to sacrifice him to your Gods, but keep him a live. From him you learn many things about lands you've never seen, and the truth behind the lies you've been told your whole life.
I liked this story better than the first. Our primary character, through legends she's been taught, teach young Sparrowhawk about a mystery from the first book, and he teaches her more about the tombs and God's she serves. It seems a few years at least have passed between the first book and this. He's grown even wiser, and has learned more about the world in general. Becoming wiser and more gentle, giving him great patience and strength.
Being led into a life of servitude to Gods you are told exist, but never really get to see actual evidence of.
Then one day you find a stranger in your catacombs. He doesn't belong there, but you're intrigued and choose not to sacrifice him to your Gods, but keep him a live. From him you learn many things about lands you've never seen, and the truth behind the lies you've been told your whole life.
I liked this story better than the first. Our primary character, through legends she's been taught, teach young Sparrowhawk about a mystery from the first book, and he teaches her more about the tombs and God's she serves. It seems a few years at least have passed between the first book and this. He's grown even wiser, and has learned more about the world in general. Becoming wiser and more gentle, giving him great patience and strength.
I liked this book - it was neat to see a completely different part of Earthsea. However, it was a very odd feeling to see Ged from someone else's point of view. Even so, I can see how it was the right POV. From Ged's POV, it would have been a much different story.
Loved this book as a kid, enjoyed it even more now. I didn't get the themes of the book back then, such as politics and secular power replacing religion, people doing horrid things and being fearful of others in the name of religion, and guilt/shame being powerful motivators in religion. It's a fantasy/sci fi book, but so much more.
