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A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, Bk 1)
A Wizard of Earthsea - Earthsea Cycle, Bk 1
Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
This is a tale of wizards, dragons, and shadows, played in an archipelago of imagined islands. The young boy Sparrowhawk becomes apprentice to a Master Wizard; but impatience to learn faster takes him far from home to Roke Island, where he enters the School for Wizards. As a student of magic, Sparrowhawk exceeds his years in accomplishment, but ...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780553101355
ISBN-10: 0553101358
Publication Date: 6/1976
Pages: 183
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 16

3.8 stars, based on 16 ratings
Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

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.
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.
reviewed A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, Bk 1) on + 10 more book reviews
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.
mazeface avatar reviewed A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, Bk 1) on + 66 more book reviews
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.
reviewed A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
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
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ssplam avatar reviewed A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, Bk 1) on + 3 more book reviews
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.
reviewed A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
I read this book straight through in one sitting, it was that captivating.
reviewed A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle, Bk 1) on
A good read, done in narrative style.


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