Book Review – A Wizard of Earthsea

Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
Publisher: Bantam Spectra
Binding: Paperback MassMarket
Publication Date: 2004

Long before a young boy wizard by the name of Harry Potter journeyed to a magical school of wizardry, Ursula K. Le Guin’s Earthsea series introduced readers to a boy named Ged, who would become the greatest sorcerer in all the land. A Wizard of Earthsea is the beginning of it all, set in the rich and detailed world of islands and oceans and towers. During his ambitious youth, Ged, while only just learning his magical powers, released a dark shadow into the world. Only he can destroy it, but unfortunately for Ged, the shadow knows his name and thus has advantage over him. He must find a way to win for his life, and many others, rest on the hopes that he is a great sorcerer.

I’ve yet to be let down by Le Guin’s writing. Her strength lies in showcasing the smallest of details and making them so earthy and real. She draws the reader in right away, letting them know what is to come:

“This was Duny’s [Ged’s] first step on the way he was to follow all his life, the way of magery, the way that led him at last to hunt a shadow over land and sea to the lightless coasts of death’s kingdom. But in those first steps along the way, it seemed a broad, bright road.”

Usually I’m not a fan of a story that reveals the ending, or at least implies the ending right away, but for A Wizard of Earthsea the pleasure is the journey to the ending. Ged is a compelling character, young at heart and unsure of the world. He makes other boy wizards seem meek in contrast. As is her taste, Le Guin’s magic is nothing beyond flashy and requires words as its power source. Words and language are the most important aspects of her worlds and the islands of Gont and Roke are no different. A classic in both story and prose, A Wizard of Earthsea is a fun adventure spanning multiply islands and a vivid set of characters. Stop reading this review and go read the book!

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