Jessie S. (----strangeling) reviewed A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, Bk 1) on + 48 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
The first time I picked up this book to read I couldn't get past the third or fourth chapter - I was bored out of my mind by the text. Months later, after finishing another book, I decided to force myself to plow through the rest of this book. It's a shame, really, because the story is actually good, but the writing just drones on and on, it was too wordy for me to enjoy it. I appreciate rich descriptions, but when 95% of a book is drawn out with them, it gets a bit dull and tedious. Needless to say, I don't think I'll read the next book in this series.
Helpful Score: 2
Before there was Harry Potter, there was Ged, also known as Sparrowhawk. He has the potential to become the greatest wizard of Earthsea, but his youthful arrogance keeps getting him in trouble''and may get him killed. A Wizard of Earthsea is the first in this series by Ursula K. LeGuin.
I enjoyed this book even though Le Guin uses less narrative than exposition (more "tell" than "show). It's almost like reading something in the style of the Old Testament. After I thought about it, I decided it was not a bad way to present this story. It would have been too drawn out otherwise.
I enjoyed this book even though Le Guin uses less narrative than exposition (more "tell" than "show). It's almost like reading something in the style of the Old Testament. After I thought about it, I decided it was not a bad way to present this story. It would have been too drawn out otherwise.
Helpful Score: 2
This book is the first of the Wizard of Earthsea series. Although some consider this series for teens and young readers, I enjoyed this book very much. If you like The Lord of The Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia, wil may like this one as well.
Helpful Score: 2
I balked at this one; I've never held much interest in dragon stories; but Ursula Le Guin's name is everywhere, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. What a surprise! Very simply told, yet it draws you in immediately. The story is ageless. I've requested Book 2, so I can read more of Le Guin's work. And in actuality, the dragon bit is pretty minimal.
John T. (Rhino10e) - , reviewed A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, Bk 1) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Ive tried other Ursula K. Le Guin books but dont seem to care for them. This whole series I love. Just like coming home.
Helpful Score: 2
If you are a lover of fantasy and science fiction this book has it covered. It's a magnificent read for anyone of all ages. This woman writes so well. You never stop turning pages
Karen R. (karendawn) reviewed A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, Bk 1) on + 287 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A nice simple fantasy book and a good beginning to a series. The world building was well done - I felt a sense of history with Earthsea.
Helpful Score: 2
Often compared to Tolkien's Middle-earth or Lewis's Narnia, Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea is a stunning fantasy world that grabs quickly at our hearts, pulling us deeply into its imaginary realms. Four books (A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore, and Tehanu) tell the whole Earthsea cycle--a tale about a reckless, awkward boy named Sparrowhawk who becomes a wizard's apprentice after the wizard reveals Sparrowhawk's true name. The boy comes to realize that his fate may be far more important than he ever dreamed possible. Le Guin challenges her readers to think about the power of language, how in the act of naming the world around us we actually create that world. Teens, especially, will be inspired by the way Le Guin allows her characters to evolve and grow into their own powers.
Helpful Score: 1
the first in a series of fantasy books, if you like Tolkien or Lewis, I bet you will like this series too.
Spectacular book about magic. A classic for any fantasy fan. World renowned author.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was good, but was obviously written to set the groundwork for later books as part of a series. It was a great beginning, but it\'s short.
Carla G. (readragon) -
Helpful Score: 1
Great book. Very good for YA readers who like slightly dark fantasy. I love to read this book when I want something moody. You know fall rains or stuck inside winter reading.
I read this book when I was a teen and at 46 will still pick it up and read it.
I read this book when I was a teen and at 46 will still pick it up and read it.
A co-worker of mine recommended a story he remembered reading in his teen years, knowing that I enjoy tales of fantasy and magic (like Tolkien, Rowling & Pratchett). So I set out with the help of PaperBack Swap to acquire them.
This first book is short, but still took me a few days to get into it. I did have a bit of trouble getting started, because it just didn't grab me right away, but I committed myself to finish and I'm glad I did. Waiting to crack open book # 2 now.
You follow a young boy who learns very young that he has some magical powers, and follow him on his journey to learn more about it. From little charms and games to help out at home, to saving his village, and being given an opportunity to go learn from masters. While there his arrogance and pride get him into trouble and he learns very quickly why our elders tell us to do as they say and becomes quickly humbled by an unleashed danger, set forth at his own hands. Ready and willing anew to set about actual learning, he finds he becomes quite powerful among his peers, and sets off to end the trouble he brought about the world in his younger stupidity.
I must say I was underwhelmed by the end of the story. Like climbing a tall mountain to see the view from the top, only to find a step or two valley as far as you can see. Who knows, maybe walking a bit farther in this valley will lead me to the view I seek, but only time will tell.
This first book is short, but still took me a few days to get into it. I did have a bit of trouble getting started, because it just didn't grab me right away, but I committed myself to finish and I'm glad I did. Waiting to crack open book # 2 now.
You follow a young boy who learns very young that he has some magical powers, and follow him on his journey to learn more about it. From little charms and games to help out at home, to saving his village, and being given an opportunity to go learn from masters. While there his arrogance and pride get him into trouble and he learns very quickly why our elders tell us to do as they say and becomes quickly humbled by an unleashed danger, set forth at his own hands. Ready and willing anew to set about actual learning, he finds he becomes quite powerful among his peers, and sets off to end the trouble he brought about the world in his younger stupidity.
I must say I was underwhelmed by the end of the story. Like climbing a tall mountain to see the view from the top, only to find a step or two valley as far as you can see. Who knows, maybe walking a bit farther in this valley will lead me to the view I seek, but only time will tell.
A good read, done in narrative style.
Charlene (ATraveler) -
This is the first of four books. It was written in 1968 but shows no age. The back of the book mentions it is one of the greatest creations of fantacy worlds and compared to J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. I am in agreement.
This world is interesting and magic is the key. Though there are dragons, no other mythical creatures are needed for this magical world.
Like most Fantacy/Magic Fiction, the good vs evil is the dominate theme.
This is good for all ages to read.
I will now pursue the other three books
This world is interesting and magic is the key. Though there are dragons, no other mythical creatures are needed for this magical world.
Like most Fantacy/Magic Fiction, the good vs evil is the dominate theme.
This is good for all ages to read.
I will now pursue the other three books
I read this book straight through in one sitting, it was that captivating.
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
I can honestly say "this was terrible". This may have been the best stuff available in 1968 when it was written but I don't understand the hype.
The protagonist is a young boy, Ged, with the potential for great magical power but very impatient for it to arrive. He is supremely jealous of the other boys (especially Jasper who is slightly older and more magically experienced). Showing off Ged does some dark magic which he isn't prepared to handle endangering the entire village and himself. His situation goes downhill from there. Now he has evil forces following him and endangering everyone he comes in contact with. Ged comes off as a spoiled brat and his thoughts are proof that he thinks he's better than everyone else even though it is obvious that he may some day be a great wizard but he certainly isn't one now.
IMHO the world building leaves much to be desired. Too many islands that (as of this book) have nothing to do with the story. There are maps throughout the book but they have so much unnecessary detail that you can't even figure out where Ged is or where he is going. They are more a hindrance than a help. I found the travels from one location to another boring and kept thinking "get on with it already." Even the scene with the 9 dragons was lame. Ged basically tells the big bad dragon, who has terrorized local villages, you will not do...blah blah blah (no secrets here) and low and behold, the dragon agrees. Huh? Granted this is only a 198 page book but the greater details were in the wrong place. I think the focus should have been on Ged's training (very little of this) after all he is a wizard's apprentice. And the dragon scene could and should have been more of a challenge for a young boy (12 or 13). It just was not a believable outcome of an apprentice with such a fearsome dragon.
Definitely not an author I would read again and I'd assume any sequels would be just as bad or worse. If you're interested in a great coming-of-age tale, try The Bridei Chronicles, the first book is The Blade of Fortriu by Juliet Marillier. This is a spectacular series.
The protagonist is a young boy, Ged, with the potential for great magical power but very impatient for it to arrive. He is supremely jealous of the other boys (especially Jasper who is slightly older and more magically experienced). Showing off Ged does some dark magic which he isn't prepared to handle endangering the entire village and himself. His situation goes downhill from there. Now he has evil forces following him and endangering everyone he comes in contact with. Ged comes off as a spoiled brat and his thoughts are proof that he thinks he's better than everyone else even though it is obvious that he may some day be a great wizard but he certainly isn't one now.
IMHO the world building leaves much to be desired. Too many islands that (as of this book) have nothing to do with the story. There are maps throughout the book but they have so much unnecessary detail that you can't even figure out where Ged is or where he is going. They are more a hindrance than a help. I found the travels from one location to another boring and kept thinking "get on with it already." Even the scene with the 9 dragons was lame. Ged basically tells the big bad dragon, who has terrorized local villages, you will not do...blah blah blah (no secrets here) and low and behold, the dragon agrees. Huh? Granted this is only a 198 page book but the greater details were in the wrong place. I think the focus should have been on Ged's training (very little of this) after all he is a wizard's apprentice. And the dragon scene could and should have been more of a challenge for a young boy (12 or 13). It just was not a believable outcome of an apprentice with such a fearsome dragon.
Definitely not an author I would read again and I'd assume any sequels would be just as bad or worse. If you're interested in a great coming-of-age tale, try The Bridei Chronicles, the first book is The Blade of Fortriu by Juliet Marillier. This is a spectacular series.
Jennifer C. (jenmaine) -
a great plot, but no character development, no atmosphere.
This is a really good book. It's as much about a really fun adventure as it is about the recklessness of youth and learning from your mistakes. Ursula Le Guin earns her reputation. I can't wait to read the next one.
Lora R. (lorabanora) reviewed A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, Bk 1) on + 157 more book reviews
Great series about a boy who grows up and matures, yes, both. He becomes a great wizard and takes on serious challenges in each book of the series. This is the first book, when he is still very young, and how he must face the consequences of his actions. He is clever and arrogant by turns, and a believable and likeable character. Many other characters are good in here, too, and the descriptions and mood excellent. Fantastic writing, great story, great series. For older kids, as it gets somewhat creepy and there is a certain amount of violence. Later books refer to a rape of a young girl, too.
This was my favorite book for 20 years. Beautifully written, and with an important message - shades of Jungian psychology.
Fantastic fantasy book about a young boy's journey of self-discovery. "Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea cycle has become one of the best-loved fantasies of our time. The windswept world of Earthsea is one of the greatest creations in all of fantasy literature, frequently compared with J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth or C.S. Lewis's Narnia." -Back Cover
Intro to the EarthSea world. Also, a great first Le Guin story.
Pippa M. (freakazoidP) reviewed A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, Bk 1) on + 39 more book reviews
If you like scif stuff, you haven't scratched the surface until you have been to Earthsea.
Part 1 of the trilogy.
The story is good, however the writing style just was not my cup of tea.
One of my favorite YA fantasy books, and the first I read by Ursula Le Guin. An evocative coming of age novel, and lovely world building as well. I re-read it today in honor of her passing, 1/22/2018.
This book is just a bit too fantasy for my taste. I did love the overall story arc and certain elements of self discovery. I liked how she dealt with balance and unpacking what it means to have 'light and dark.' However Other incidents and characters in the book just felt like this was really just a forward to a longer story to come. I just never really invested in the main character and there was an incident part way through the book which (without any spoilers) caused me to emotionally check out of the book. I will read more of her books, just not this series.
I like her writing and will order the other books in this series.
Received two of these for my birthday. Haven't read it yet.
