A Wizard of Earthsea

by Ursula Le Guin, Ursula K Le Guin
A Wizard of Earthsea cover
Good Books rating 4.24
Fantasy
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Paperback • £7.99–£12.99 Hardback • £14.99
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Technical
  • ID: 852
  • Added: 2025-09-20
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • 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 immense magical potential who becomes an apprentice to the renowned wizard Ogion. As he grows in power and understanding, Ged's recklessness leads him to unleash a shadowy force that threatens the world of Earthsea. To atone for his mistake, Ged must embark on a perilous quest to master his fears and subdue the evil he has created. This classic fantasy novel explores themes of balance, identity, and the consequences of one's actions, set against a richly imagined world of islands and ancient magic. The book is celebrated for its lyrical prose and deep philosophical undertones, making it a cornerstone of the fantasy genre. Ursula K. Le Guin's intricate world-building and compelling narrative have made A Wizard of Earthsea a beloved and enduring work of literature.

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.

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.

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.

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