Reviews

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

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avalete's review against another edition

5.0

I wasn’t into this book until roughly the last half, then I had to see it through to the end. Le Guin set out to subvert tropes commonly found in fantasy and delivered. Ged and his shadow have one of the most profound stories of self-discovery I have read. It was a struggle at the beginning, but following Ged in his journey and seeing its conclusion was worth any and all headaches this book gave.

pronolagus's review against another edition

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5.0

It's a marvelous, wonderful book. May we all strive to be worthy of a friend like Vetch, and may we all be so lucky to find one! Lyrical prose Le Guin writes, but it's never stilted or ostentatious. Her descriptions of the land, creatures, and flora of Earthsea are enough to paint vivid pictures, but she refuses to linger, quickly moves on to the story, and moves inexorably on.

dg_trout's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

booksmacked's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

effaly's review against another edition

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1.0

I tried. I really did. I fought through 3/4 of the book, but then I couldn't continue anymore. I've never read a book that has such an interesting world and magic system, yet manages to bore me to death. I just can't stand the writing style. It reads like a very long summary. Everything is described only superficially and no one, especially the main character, seems to have any depth.

I'm really sad about it. This could have easily become a new favorite series. :(