alisonburnis's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Starting off 2023 strong with Le Guin! I’ve always wanted to read her work, but felt somewhat intimidated - so an omnibus edition like this was perfect for me to get into one of her worlds. Earthsea is a world of islands, populated with different kingdoms, sorcerers, witches, and mages - magic being practiced in many different ways and levels. I read this all straight through, which was certainly a choice. Not a bad one! But it’s a real commitment.
This omnibus edition contains the six books of Earthsea, plus a number of short stories and an essay. I really did enjoy getting into the world of Earthsea but I find myself thinking about the afterwards to each of the books, where Le Guin explains her thought process and context for each book. The illustrations were also lovely, and very much in line with what Le Guin expressed repeatedly throughout the afterwards. Anyway! Amazing fantasy! Subversion of fantasy tropes and rules!
This omnibus edition contains the six books of Earthsea, plus a number of short stories and an essay. I really did enjoy getting into the world of Earthsea but I find myself thinking about the afterwards to each of the books, where Le Guin explains her thought process and context for each book. The illustrations were also lovely, and very much in line with what Le Guin expressed repeatedly throughout the afterwards. Anyway! Amazing fantasy! Subversion of fantasy tropes and rules!
un_sharp's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
silvae's review against another edition
5.0
I reread this story multiple times the evening I finished my big Earthsea collection book. This story recounts Ged's final moments, looking back at the adventures he embarked on over the course of his long life, and the people he met along the way - I desperately missed Estarriol in The Other Wind, so it was nice to know that Ged still remembered him after all these years.
Once I finished reading the story the first time around, I felt immensely sad. I started reading Ursula K. Le Guin after she passed, and I feel an ache knowing that I can't send a letter to her or her publisher, thanking her for these stories and also the vulnerability with which she wrote this final story. It was released posthumously, but I do think there is a lot of her in this reminiscing.
Have you ever looked into a fire on a dark evening and just zoned out, feeling your thoughts ebb and flow in front of your mind's eye? Reading Firelight feels exactly like that.
Once I finished reading the story the first time around, I felt immensely sad. I started reading Ursula K. Le Guin after she passed, and I feel an ache knowing that I can't send a letter to her or her publisher, thanking her for these stories and also the vulnerability with which she wrote this final story. It was released posthumously, but I do think there is a lot of her in this reminiscing.
Have you ever looked into a fire on a dark evening and just zoned out, feeling your thoughts ebb and flow in front of your mind's eye? Reading Firelight feels exactly like that.
lysippos's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
__apf__'s review against another edition
4.0
Ged of Gont reminisces about his life in the comfort of his home as he prepares to pass on. Firelight is a short story full of warmth that brings closure to Earthsea, and also to Le Guin's own life. Published posthumously, it's hard not to hear Le Guin's own voice in Ged's -- saying goodbye along with her beloved character. It brings a deep feeling of warmth and peace.
Firelight is difficult to find. You'll need a subscription to The Paris Review.
Firelight is difficult to find. You'll need a subscription to The Paris Review.
tinuviel77's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jackh's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Some of the best works of fantasy. Beautifully written, thoughtfully conceived.
lamusadelils's review against another edition
5.0
Tiene muchísimo que leí estos libros y fuera de releer partes ocasionalmente, no había experimentado toda la serie de principio a fin en una sentada.
A la fecha, sigue siendo una de las series de fantasía que más me gustan. Además admiro mucho que Úrsula haya cambiado tanto con sus personajes y su universo.
Esta edición es una belleza, las ilustraciones de Vess tienen ese toque antiguo y fantasioso que es tan particular de él. Es agridulce tener al fin esta edición cuando mamá Úrsula ya no está, pero si hay algo que rescatar de esto es que dejó muchísimas historias e ideas que siempre van a estar ahí.
Confieso que no releí el libro físico completo. Lo revise cuidadosamente, analicé las ilustraciones minuciosamente conforme avanzaba y admiré el libro por todos lados pero de hecho lo leí en versión electrónica porque me daba cosa ensuciarlo, así de hermoso es.
A la fecha, sigue siendo una de las series de fantasía que más me gustan. Además admiro mucho que Úrsula haya cambiado tanto con sus personajes y su universo.
Esta edición es una belleza, las ilustraciones de Vess tienen ese toque antiguo y fantasioso que es tan particular de él. Es agridulce tener al fin esta edición cuando mamá Úrsula ya no está, pero si hay algo que rescatar de esto es que dejó muchísimas historias e ideas que siempre van a estar ahí.
Confieso que no releí el libro físico completo. Lo revise cuidadosamente, analicé las ilustraciones minuciosamente conforme avanzaba y admiré el libro por todos lados pero de hecho lo leí en versión electrónica porque me daba cosa ensuciarlo, así de hermoso es.