Reviews

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

phoenix2's review against another edition

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2.0

A Wizard of Earthsea had a nice story to tell, but I didn't really enjoy the way it was said. Somehow the book didn't keep my interest high enough to make me want to read it. Also, the pace of the narration was a bit too fast and it was difficult to get to know the characters. But maybe that is because this is a kid's book.

wagesof's review against another edition

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adventurous reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

tiernagan's review

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adventurous inspiring tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

nobody7734's review against another edition

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I remember loving and finding this plot refreshing 

I think I've seen this called a better hairy porter replacement I think?
And while there's decent aspects I don't see it at all

abbeyreading's review against another edition

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4.0

Had a nightmare about this book so slayy, the author made such a compelling story I was even thinking about it while sleeping! The story wasn’t as exciting as other fast-paced fantasy novels but I was invested in it nonetheless.

skand_prateek's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A seminal work in the fantasy genre, featuring deep philosophical underpinnings and a richly developed world, "Wizard of Earthsea" is a time-tested masterpiece by Ursula K. Le Guin. It follows the journey of a young and talented wizard named Ged, also known as Sparrowhawk, from his humble beginnings to his confrontations with dark forces that threaten his world and himself. His journey is not just a physical adventure but also a profound inner quest. Ged’s struggles with pride, fear, and the consequences of his own actions make him a deeply relatable and human character. The themes of balance, the shadow self, and the power of names are intricately woven into the narrative.
With lyrical and precise writing, Ursula creates a vivid and immersive setting. The archipelago of Earthsea, with its diverse cultures feels like a living, breathing world.
Instead of a simplistic battle between good and evil, "Wizard of Earthsea" presents a more nuanced exploration of morality and personal growth. Ged's journey is one of self-discovery and acceptance, where true power comes from understanding and embracing all parts of oneself.

popiloey's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

shandyt's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5/5 stars.

If I had read this book as a child, I might have rated it differently. Adult Me didn't find it 'toothy' enough. The book wasn't completely substanceless, but I wouldn't call it much of a novel, or even a novella. It's more like a fancy plot summary, or an extremely literary bedtime story. I found it difficult to connect with any of the characters--even Ged. We never got a real look inside his head, nor was it easy for me to picture him, the scenery, or even the world itself. If you missed this book as a kid, I'd say go ahead and read it if you're ticking off a list, or if you feel like you're missing out on allusions and references from other works. Otherwise, maybe start with Le Guin's sci-fi oeuvre instead.

yamiresse's review against another edition

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adventurous reflective

4.0

I had difficulties throughout with the sentence structure, making the reading experience a bit challenging for me. 

direton1's review

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adventurous slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.75