Review XP The Earthsea Quartet

It took me several months to get through this book. Granted, therein lie four stories, and I think I took a break between each one. I went into this knowing nothing, a Le Guin virgin.

Overall, I should say: there's just something special about Ged. I think, as others have said, it is his flaws that make him compelling. Although he was born with great, innate power, he comes from very humble beginnings, is not omnipotent, and is generally someone we can relate to.

Le Guin gets praise for her world-building, and it is well deserved. I can't tell you how much time I spent studying the world map provided, tracing Ged's travels.

A Wizard of Earthsea is our introduction to Ged and the early story of his life. Because Ged makes mistakes early on, I was unable to predict what would happen. There was no guarantee that everything was going to be alright. Things might go horribly wrong, and it might be Ged's fault. Which is fantastic.

The Tombs of Atuan was my kind of story. A girl, chosen to be the embodiment of evil spirits and roam an underground labyrinth? And we even get a map? Yes! Sign me up.

The Farthest Shore was fantastic in every sense of the word. The journey. The dragons. The Dry Land. So, so good.

I also enjoyed Tehanu, although I accidently spoiled the ending by watching Miazaki's "Tales from Earthsea."

One note. Le Guin makes very clear the double standards by which the sexes of Earthsea are held. Men with power are sent to Roke Island to learn to be wizards, are revered and sought after. Women are called witches and are never taught to use their gifts. It's entirely shitty. I understand I'll have to keep reading the two additions to the series to feel any relief from this particular thorn in my side. And I intend to.


Goodreads: 5/5 stars

J. L. Dodd

P.S. LOL the goats. They ruin everything.

"'What is evil?' asked the younger man. The round web, with its black center, seemed to watch them both. 'A web we men weave.' Ged answered."
— The Farthest Shore

"The sun itself was hidden, but there was a glitter on the horizon, almost like the dazzle of the crystal walls of the Undertomb, a kind of joyous shimmering off on the edge of the world. 'What is that?' the girl said, and he: 'The sea.'" — The Tombs of Atuan