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cicizzy's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I angree Ursula K. Le Guins opinion on fantasy literature. She should a real inspiration to fantasy authors world wide.
Her introductory and closing remarks were interesting and the narrator fit really well. So I prefer this version to others.
I think you could describe the book as coming of age story with magic. The plot is relatively simple but entertaining and to the point. She doesn’t spent 800 pages writing a story that could have fit into half of them.
The protagonist is a poc character and so are most others.
Her introductory and closing remarks were interesting and the narrator fit really well. So I prefer this version to others.
I think you could describe the book as coming of age story with magic. The plot is relatively simple but entertaining and to the point. She doesn’t spent 800 pages writing a story that could have fit into half of them.
The protagonist is a poc character and so are most others.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Violence and Death of parent
olivi_yeah's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Death
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Alcohol
cmlalonde's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Child death, and War
meganpbell's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I feel like this trilogy is the most “me” book I *haven’t* read. While I more respected than enjoyed this first introduction to the world of Earthsea and the hero Ged, I’m holding off judgment until I finish the series. As for this first book, I enjoyed the Star Wars Jedi vibe, Jungian psychology, and linguistic magic system.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Death, and Violence
sunn_bleach's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
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? Yes
3.25
In general I found this quite charming, not the least of which due to Le Guin's introduction. It is absolutely written for younger audiences, and I'm not convinced that Le Guin quite found her footing with some of the subtleties (like Jasper trying to be welcome to Ged, but Ged being too self-conscious to accept; amazing concept, but younger readers would likely miss it and just see Jasper as rude). It's a simplistic story with simplistic resolutions to much of the smaller plotlines, though the final reveal of the actual Shadow is prescient for young folks.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, and Violence
madamenovelist's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
dwarrowdams's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Read this as a teen and was lukewarm about it, but I really enjoyed it as an adult. LeGuin’s worldbuilding, pacing, and character work are all incredible, and the way the central conflict resolved was so satisfying.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexism, and Violence
cpratreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A classic I am glad to have finally read. I enjoyed the story and seeing Ged grow, and some of the travel sequences were very interesting. I am excited to read the next installment.
As a stand alone fantasy novel I don't think it is very strong, but as the start of a series I am liked it.
As a stand alone fantasy novel I don't think it is very strong, but as the start of a series I am liked it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, and Violence
ka_cam's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I enjoy Le Guin’s writing but didn’t enjoy this like I expected to- some parts more interesting and others fairly predictable fantasy fare.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Death, Misogyny, and Sexism
tangleroot_eli's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
I enjoyed the story of this book. But I never entirely adjusted to Le Guin's distanced style of storytelling. For me, a book to read once and enjoy, but not one to reread and love.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Death, Sexism, and Blood
Minor: Child abuse, Slavery, Death of parent, Murder, and War