exrayspex's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
An immediate all-time favorite fantasy book
dreams_n_clouds's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
4.75
A beautiful tale of self-discovery and the realistic pains involved.
alliejo's review against another edition
1. Very boring. Whole novel felt like setup. Only finished it so I could read the next one.
runeiia's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
4.5
mickey_dimitrova's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
4.25
ds2c's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
3.0
Started out pretty slow for the first few chapters, but I finished the second half in one sitting.
I'd say not as good as A Wizard of Earthsea. Despite the gripping second half, I wouldn't say most of the book was anything special. Very little happens, and it all doesn't happen in one location. Reading the "Updated Afterword" by Ms. Le Guin sheds some light on the meaning behind the novel, but I just didn't feel it while reading.
Maybe it's me relating more with the male character, but the end of the story gave me the wonderful yet melancholy feelings of wanderlust that I got from most of the first book in the series. It felt more like part of a series at that point, and I'm definitely going to read the next one soon.
I'd say not as good as A Wizard of Earthsea. Despite the gripping second half, I wouldn't say most of the book was anything special. Very little happens, and it all doesn't happen in one location. Reading the "Updated Afterword" by Ms. Le Guin sheds some light on the meaning behind the novel, but I just didn't feel it while reading.
Maybe it's me relating more with the male character, but the end of the story gave me the wonderful yet melancholy feelings of wanderlust that I got from most of the first book in the series. It felt more like part of a series at that point, and I'm definitely going to read the next one soon.
collinmcclutchy's review against another edition
5.0
This book was absolutely phenomenal. Leguine’s writing is so beautiful, being both simple and rich. The characters feel as if they’re painted in front of your eyes. Definitely my favorite in the series so far.
I am also convinced that this book inspired Tamsyn Muir’s Locked Tomb series, but that is unconfirmed
I am also convinced that this book inspired Tamsyn Muir’s Locked Tomb series, but that is unconfirmed
soumwise's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, my poor sweet Tenar...
The Tombs of Atuan more or less only covers the area of a temple and its underground labyrinth. But what a journey it is.
We are cast into Tenar’s story as she is cruelly kidnapped from her parental home to live a life of near-total power, but in utter loneliness; the opposite of what a little girl growing up needs. It is heartwrenching to see her use and abuse the power she has but is not ready for, while what she craves is something else entirely. And to see the first seeds of compassion and doubt sown into her heart and how that plays out is simply wonderful. We are deep enough in Tenar’s mind to feel her pain and fear, but just far away enough to pity her. Ursula K. Le Guin brings her struggle to life so very well.
The side characters are compelling. We have of course Ged, who is no longer the protagonist but who commands just enough of a stage. It is satisfying to see how he has grown into a man of both great power and self-control, while the story remains Tenar’s. Thar, Manan and Kossil together cover a whole spectrum of devotion, zealotry and self-serving corruption. Through them, the critique of organised religion (in a corrupt, cult-like form) is obvious and convincing. I cannot forget about Penthe being forced to live in this place either.
All in all, this was off-the-charts.
The Tombs of Atuan more or less only covers the area of a temple and its underground labyrinth. But what a journey it is.
We are cast into Tenar’s story as she is cruelly kidnapped from her parental home to live a life of near-total power, but in utter loneliness; the opposite of what a little girl growing up needs. It is heartwrenching to see her use and abuse the power she has but is not ready for, while what she craves is something else entirely. And to see the first seeds of compassion and doubt sown into her heart and how that plays out is simply wonderful. We are deep enough in Tenar’s mind to feel her pain and fear, but just far away enough to pity her. Ursula K. Le Guin brings her struggle to life so very well.
The side characters are compelling. We have of course Ged, who is no longer the protagonist but who commands just enough of a stage. It is satisfying to see how he has grown into a man of both great power and self-control, while the story remains Tenar’s. Thar, Manan and Kossil together cover a whole spectrum of devotion, zealotry and self-serving corruption. Through them, the critique of organised religion (in a corrupt, cult-like form) is obvious and convincing. I cannot forget about Penthe being forced to live in this place either.
All in all, this was off-the-charts.
lilaceous's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
characters - ⭐️
plot - ⭐️
engaging to read - .5⭐️
would recommend -
would read again -
eh. the protagonist is interesting and her story feels unique, but overall it was just a little boring and a little lackluster.
eh. the protagonist is interesting and her story feels unique, but overall it was just a little boring and a little lackluster.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Slavery, and Death