Paperback, 208 pages

English language

Published May 31, 1984 by Bantam.

ISBN:
978-0-553-26847-8
Copied ISBN!
OCLC Number:
23278312

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4 stars (1 review)

When the prince of Enlad declares the wizards have forgotten their spells, Ged sets out to test the ancient prophecies of Earthsea.

13 editions

Wonderful

4 stars

I listened to the audiobook version of this story, which was narrated by Rob Ingles. Many years ago he performed the Lord of the Rings; it was a wonderful surprise to hear that old favorite voice retelling this story. Perhaps because of this narration I felt there were echoes of Tolkien's work. An old wizard, a rising king, a long journey.

I loved the characters, particularly Ged. The idea of a great person who is also extremely humble, a sorcerer who loves to sail — I appreciate the juxtaposition.

I could also see a bit of Le Guin's interest in the Tao Te Ching seeping into the story. When Ged and the other characters discussed leadership, they depicted Lao Tzu's ideal of a sovreign who did very little and allowed people to govern themselves. Strange to have a story of the ascendency of a King to play upon anarchistic themes.

Subjects

  • Fiction
  • Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Fantasy
  • Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)
  • Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic
  • Fiction / Fantasy / General
  • Fantasy
  • Magic