A Wizard of Earthsea

by Ursula Le Guin, Ursula K Le Guin, Ursula K. Le Guin
A Wizard of Earthsea cover
Good Books rating 4.36
Fantasy
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99–£12.99 Hardback • £14.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 852
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2026-01-06
  • ISBN: 9780547851396
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Formats: 29
  • Reviews: 4

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 reckless use of his powers unleashes an ancient evil that threatens the world. The story explores themes of balance, identity, and the consequences of one's actions, set against the backdrop of a richly imagined archipelago filled with dragons, spirits, and ancient lore. /n/n Ged's quest to subdue the evil he has unleashed takes him across the vast oceans and islands of Earthsea, where he encounters diverse cultures, mythical creatures, and powerful sorcerers. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about humility, courage, and the true nature of power. Ursula K. Le Guin's classic novel is a timeless tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-12-17
excellent 4.50

This book is a mesmerizing read that fully deserves high praise. It's a beloved and highly recommended fantasy novel.

This review highlights the book as a wonderful and mesmerizing read that fully deserves high praise. The reviewer loved it dearly and highly recommends it to others. The book is praised for its enchanting storytelling and richly detailed world-building, making it a standout in the fantasy genre. The reviewer's enthusiasm is evident, and they find the book to be a timeless classic that captivates readers with its magical and immersive narrative.

Quick quotes

    Wonderful, mesmerizing read that fully deserves 4.5 stars.

    Loved it dearly and highly recommend.

    Show more. 2012-reads ursula-k-le-guin.

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.

FanFiAddict · 2021-03-22
fantastic 4.75

The book is described as a brilliantly-written cornerstone of the fantasy genre, offering a refreshing read for first-time readers and a nostalgic experience for long-time fantasy fans.

The reviewer at FanFiAddict describes 'A Wizard of Earthsea' as a brilliantly-written cornerstone of the fantasy genre. They find it to be a refreshing read for first-time readers, offering a unique and engaging experience. For long-time fantasy fans, the book provides a nostalgic journey back to the roots of the genre. The reviewer appreciates the timeless quality of the storytelling and the richly imagined world that Ursula Le Guin has created, making it a must-read for anyone interested in fantasy literature.

Quick quotes

    Refreshing for a first-time read, nostalgic for long-time fantasy fans.

    A brilliantly-written cornerstone of the genre.

    A must-read for anyone interested in fantasy literature.

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.

Appears in Lists