A Wizard of Earthsea

by Ursula Le Guin, Ursula K Le Guin
A Wizard of Earthsea cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Fantasy
Technical:
  • ID: 852
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780547851396
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Formats: 29
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99–£12.99 Hardback • £14.99

A Wizard of Earthsea follows the journey of Ged, a young boy with a natural talent for magic. As an apprentice to the Master Wizard, Ged's arrogance leads him to unleash a shadowy evil that threatens the world of Earthsea. To redeem himself, he must embark on a perilous quest to subdue the darkness he has unleashed. The novel explores themes of balance, power, and self-discovery, set against the richly imagined backdrop of Earthsea's islands and magical traditions. /n/n Ursula K. Le Guin's classic tale is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, praised for its intricate world-building and profound exploration of human nature. It's the first book in the Earthsea series, which has captivated readers for generations with its timeless themes and unforgettable characters.

Reviews
LitReactor · 2024-10-09
engaging 4.00

The story is engaging and well-told, with vibrant and varied settings. It offers multiple points of entry, making it accessible and intriguing.

This review highlights the book's strength in storytelling and world-building. The settings are described as vibrant and varied, which adds depth to the narrative. The reviewer appreciates the multiple points of entry, suggesting that the book is accessible and intriguing to a wide range of readers. The overall impression is one of a well-crafted tale that captivates from the start.

Quick quotes

    There are so many points of entry for this book, but at its heart, it's an interesting story told well.

    The settings are vibrant and varied.

    The story is engaging and well-told.

Hedwig's World of Books · 2020-01-16
great 4.20

The story is a powerful tale of learning to reclaim personal power, featuring rich and diverse characters that are highly relevant today.

The reviewer highlights the story's focus on reclaiming personal power and the richness of its characters, which they find highly relevant to contemporary readers. They appreciate the depth and diversity of the characters, which add layers to the narrative. The reviewer also notes that the story's themes of self-discovery and empowerment make it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    It's a story of learning to reclaim the power within with rich diverse characters that is more relevant today than ever.

    The characters are well-developed and add depth to the narrative, making the story more engaging.

    The themes of self-discovery and empowerment are timeless and resonate deeply with readers.

Shared Universe Reviews · 2013-03-21
excellent 4.00

The book is an excellent read and a classic fantasy series. It is clear why it is considered a staple in the genre.

This review emphasizes the book's excellence as a read and its status as a classic fantasy series. The reviewer finds it clear why the book is held in such high regard, suggesting that it is a staple in the fantasy genre. The overall sentiment is positive, with the reviewer appreciating the book's quality and its enduring appeal.

Quick quotes

    A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin was an excellent read.

    It's very clear to me why Le Guin's Earthsea series is considered a classic fantasy series.

    The book is held in such high regard.

The Guardian · 2003-09-24
beautiful 4.50

The prose is taut and clean, making it a thrilling and beautiful children's novel. It is considered one of the wisest and most beautiful books in the genre.

The Guardian review praises the book's prose, describing it as taut and clean, which enhances the reading experience. They consider it a thrilling and beautiful children's novel, highlighting its wisdom and beauty. The review suggests that the book stands out as a classic in the genre, making it a must-read for both children and adults.

Quick quotes

    The most thrilling, wise and beautiful children's novel ever.

    It is written in prose as taut and clean as a ship's sail.

    A classic in the genre.

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