A review by alisonburnis
The Books of Earthsea: The Complete Illustrated Edition, by Ursula K. Le Guin
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!