One of the absolute classics of fantasy literature - brilliantly written, well plotted and full of interesting ideas.
If you consider this book difficult to read, I suggest you learn to read better.
Interestingly among the few fantasy books with non-white protagonists. Also, disregard the TV series. It was a travesty and bore no relation to this wonderful book.
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This book is ok, the story line is good but its writen as though its older. This book came out in the 80's or something but the way she has done it, well you would think it was 1800's.
I put it down before the end, I watched the TV programe years ago so I know how it ended
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When I first started reading this book I did wonder what all the fuss was about. The writing is quite straightforward yet so eloquent. There are deep themes explored here and the book works on both a children's and adult level. Forget Harry Potter (written over 30 years later)- this is classic storytelling about a wizard and a powerful one too.
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I enjoyed every single minute I spent reading this book, the only real complaint that I have was that it was much too short! Ursula K. Le Guin does a wonderful job of crafting this story. I found myself wishing I could be sucked into the pages to travel Earthsea for myself. If you're into things like Harry Potter, then give this a go, I promise you won't be disappointed.
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Either people will be interested in le Guin's Earthsea stories or they won't, so reviews aren't too helpful with this kind of fiction. I can only say that despite being "high" fantasy - wizards, magic, dragons etc. - this still feels incredibly fresh and something different which is sadly lacking in a lot of modern fantasy!
The writing is superb, brief yet full of details, with all the emotion and character you could ever want in fantasy prose. It beats most mainstream fiction and le Guin should really be commended.
Talking about this book specifically, the story is well crafted though follows a fairly standard format - young boy learns he has talent, goes to school to hone talent, makes mistakes and then has to face them - but that can be forgiven in fantasy provided the rest of it is original and beautiful, as this story is.
Ged, or "Sparrowhawk", is one of fictions greatest characters. I always recommend that if you start reading the Earthsea books, read them in publication order and start with this one. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed with this courageous and beautiful little novel.
9 / 10
David Brookes
Author of "Half Discovered Wings"
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