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, Young Adult (YA)
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Waterstones
Paperback • £7.99–£12.99 Hardback • £14.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 852
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2026-03-04
  • ISBN: 9780547851396
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 1975-01-01
  • Formats: 29
  • Reviews: 4

A Wizard of Earthsea follows the life of Ged, a young boy with immense magical potential. As an apprentice to a Master Wizard, Ged's arrogance leads him to unleash a terrible evil upon the world. The story chronicles his journey from reckless youth to wise man as he seeks to subdue the darkness he has created. /n/nThe book is a classic of fantasy literature, exploring themes of balance, power, and self-discovery. It is the first in the Earthsea series, which has been praised for its intricate world-building and deep philosophical undertones.

Reviews
Reddit - r/Fantasy · 2026-02-15
impressive 4.20

In just over 130 pages, the story delivers a more interesting and entertaining narrative than many longer works.

The reviewer is impressed by the efficiency and effectiveness of the storytelling, noting that the book delivers a compelling narrative in a relatively short span. They appreciate the depth and entertainment value packed into the story, making it a standout read. The reviewer finds the characters and plot engaging, despite the book's brevity.

Quick quotes

    In just over 130 pages Ursula Le Guin gives a more interesting and entertaining storyline than some writers manage to achieve with triple that page count.

    The depth and entertainment value packed into the story are particularly noteworthy.

    The characters and plot are engaging, despite the book's brevity.

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.

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