espsey's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
schenkelberg's review against another edition
3.0
Not quite as extraordinary an accomplishment, especially having just read The Left Hand of Darkness, but The Farthest Shore is still marvelous writing, a great epic storyline in the world of Earthsea, and a thrilling conclusion.
Read for high fantasy, in a way that's fresh - a rare find (maybe just for me) in this particular genre anymore.
Read for high fantasy, in a way that's fresh - a rare find (maybe just for me) in this particular genre anymore.
marlamackoul's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
mrears0_0's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
citrine's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
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
This is my favorite Earthsea book so far. I think LeGuin's seting has come into its own and that Im more familiar with it. LeGuin constantly repeats and reinforces her favorite metaphors, but this isn't a bad thing. Her discussions of death were really compelling, as were every description of a dragon in the text.
cathormian's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
elderlingfool's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The first three books in the Earthsea Cycle feature a young protagonist that changes as the story progresses, but while the former two books dealt with those characters being alone, for the most part, this third book gives a companion and mentor figure to the main character.
In this book magic is leaving the world and the wizards are losing their power. Ged, or Sparrowhawk, goes on a journey with young prince Arren in order to find out the reason for this problem and if there is a solution. This journey takes the reader to various locations in Earthsea as Ged prepares Arren to be fit to rule as king. The main character of the first book is now a mentor figure for the protagonist in this book and he is older and much changed.
One of the reasons why this is my favourite book in the series so far is the dynamic between the two main characters. I really like character interactions and I felt like it was lacking in the former books. Another reason is the themes explored. This book deals with life and death and the price for immortality, which are themes that I am always interested in in fantasy stories. It also deals with loss of power and identity and I almost teared up at certain points. I also like the theme of balance and the questioning about how much someone with power can interfere on the lives of others that don't possess it.
The writing is still at times hard to follow and I was a bit bored in certain parts, but it also has some beautiful passages. There is always something about the execution that doesn't allow me to give a Le Guin book 5 stars, but this one came close.
Certain aspects of this book still reminded me of the Realm of the Elderlings series by Robin Hobb, like the first book did, and it is fun to spot the similarities this has with my favourite series. This one came first, of course, and I am sure that it was an inspiration for that author.
Each book in the series is better than the one that came before and I hope this pattern continues. I am glad some people convinced me to keep reading even though I didn't really like the first book. I always saw potential in it given that I liked the themes from the start, I just wish the execution was more to my liking. I heard a lot of praise for the next book in the series so I hope to enjoy it.
alilfish's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
loved the bit when Geb just allows some random mad homeless guy on his boat and Arren is just like "...excuse me???" And then spends the whole time being bitter about it