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A review by zombiegomoan
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
adventurous
mysterious
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
5.0
Really enjoyed this! The magic system in this fantasy series is really neat. Essentially, to know someone or some things true name is to have power over it. That's it, it really doesn't get much more complicated than that basic premise, which more authors should do honestly. So much of fantasy these days is expansive lore dumps on the source of all magic in the world, I want more authors to just be like "Yo, you ever heard of words? Sometimes they're powerful!"
Additionally, I like how arrogant and haughty Sparrowhawk starts off in this book. He knows he's powerful and destined for more, and that's what gets him into trouble. As the book progresses, he kinda develops a fear of himself and his own power, which is what all good wizards ultimately need. That fear is what informs a wizard in how to keep the balance, to know when and where to use magic and when to use their own two hands.
Additionally, I like how arrogant and haughty Sparrowhawk starts off in this book. He knows he's powerful and destined for more, and that's what gets him into trouble. As the book progresses, he kinda develops a fear of himself and his own power, which is what all good wizards ultimately need. That fear is what informs a wizard in how to keep the balance, to know when and where to use magic and when to use their own two hands.