Rating: Summary: I mean it when I say five stars. Review: I was forced to read this book for a literature elective and absolutely loved it. It is an awesome fantasy with a plot similar to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde but utterly unique. Le Guin gives her world a feeling of everyday reality as well as believable fantasy elements. This is one of the few books that I have found in which wizards can't do everything. She sets limits on what her wizards are able to do and they are logical understandable boundaries. I certainly recomend this book. I kept my copy.
Rating: Summary: Magic Review: I am writing from the perspective of a working magician, that is, one who actually *uses* magic as Ged does (though not nearly in such a flashy manner!). :-) This set of books is one of the few works of fiction that I have ever read which accurately conveys the *feel* of what magic is really about. It is rich, deep and well worth the time of a serious reader, as well as being a great read for someone looking for entertainment. The previous comments about the descent into the subconscious and the search for the Anima (etc.) are welcome insights to carry during my frequent re-readings. As true and important in its own way as Dione Fortune's The Sea Priestess and Moon Magic for its sensible treatment of real magic. [And it isn't about the spells described in the book or the (quote)language of the Dragons(unquote)that I'm talking about.] Thank you Ursula.
Rating: Summary: A great book Review: This book was a great book. It was slow in the beginning, but once I got through the first three chapters it was really good. I could not put this book down.
Rating: Summary: A decent read Review: I expected more from this book, given the reputation it's received over the years. It's difficult to read..the reader has to really concentrate to read the countless paragraphs without action. The whole evil shadow thing is very confusing.
Rating: Summary: Nice Review: A pleasingly simple book. Bleak and yet involving. A fantasy must-read with a cute little Jungian ending.
Rating: Summary: WOW! can I say more? Review: The earthsea quartet was wonderful. I've read it many times. It takes you on ups, and downs. You see suspence, fear, humor, love, anything you could ask fore. Ged is my hero! These were such great books, and I think everyone should read them!
Rating: Summary: An outstanding book Review: This was, I think, my first fantasy book. Aside from knights and dragons type of thing. And ever since the first time I read it, come to think it was for a school report oh so many years ago, the book has stuck with me. This is my all-time favorite fantasy book and I highly recommend it!
Rating: Summary: A Great Novel whith an astonising philosophy Review: I found this book riveting and exciting through it's use of description. Although some may say that it lacks in motion, I would say that the book is an excellent example of something sensible, rather than most action or sci-fi novels.
Rating: Summary: A modern classic Review: While I have not read any of Le Guin's other works, this book sorely tempts me to try. As others have said, the fast and furious action of sword fights and magic battles is somewhat lacking. It should be stated, however, that the book never pretends to offer that. It is more a story of growth and personal development and this is what Le Guin clearly accomplishes. She writes in such a manner as to engage readers of all ages over 13 with solid writing, incredible plot and character development, and extremely good dialogue. The action, when it is present, is appropriate for the scene and is never the focal point of the chapter. Call it the psychological drama/thriller of fantasy, I just call it a really good book.
Rating: Summary: Probably my favourite book ever. Review: If you are an avid fan of rubbish yet action packed pulp sci-fi such as those books by Terry Brooks, David Gemmel or Anne McCaffrey then don't pick up this book. You will not find an 'exciting' novel full of spacey contraptions, fights with orcs and cardboard characters. What you will find however is one of the most sublime and mature works of fantasy ever written. Le Guin has created a work of genius. Yes it is slow at times, however this book is outstanding. Not a pulp novel but a masterpiece with a philosophy of its own, it more than rivals Tolkiens work. And as for criticisms that Ged, the protagonist, is a poorly drawn and obtuse character, i cannot think of a 'hero' in modern fiction today more poignant than the quiet, deep and flawed Ged. Genius.
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