The Other Wind

The Earthsea Cycle, Book 6

By: Ursula K. Le Guin

Narrated by: Samuel Roukin

The sorcerer Alder fears sleep. The dead are pulling him to them at night. Through him they may free themselves and invade Earthsea.

Alder seeks advice from Ged, once Archmage. Ged tells him to go to Tenar, Tehanu, and the young king at Havnor. They are joined by amber-eyed Irian, a fierce dragon able to assume the shape of a woman.

The threat can be confronted only in the Immanent Grove on Roke, the holiest place in the world, and there the king, hero, sage, wizard, and dragon make a last stand.

In this final book of the Earthsea Cycle, Le Guin combines her magical fantasy with a profoundly human, earthly, humble touch.

©2001 Ursula K. Le Guin (P)2017 Recorded Books

Somewhat predictable

Towards the end of the series and especially in the final book, I realized I could doze off and miss half a chapter but almost instantly fill in the plot. I was thrilled to see Tehanu realize her true self; reason enough to finish the series. Atuan remains my favorite of the series but that story was unfinished until now.

Setting aside that some of these events were predictable (or fated), the weaving of the characters" tales into a finally cohesive and satisfying conclusion was the art of a master author.

Everything said (at least for the first time), throughout the series, no matter how seemingly inconsequential, was ultimately a key to understanding and accepting the conclusion.

Great Story, but Uncaring Narrator

As the last book, The Other Wind brings a satisfying close to an amazing series. Le Guin masterfully ties up all loose ends to the wonderfully complex and in-depth universe she has created.

The narrator's performance was good in terms of tone, inflection, timing, and feeling. However, it didn't seem like he cared about the story or characters he was narrating. In addition to being inconsistent with the pronunciation of names (Irian and Thorion in particular), he did not do the research into previous books to voice his characters properly (like the soft, hoarse voice of Tehanu or the halting, harsh speech of Azver). This made the listening experience lose some of its magic.

Narrating flaws aside, the book is still worth listening to if you are a fan of Earthsea.

I liked everything about it

Everything was fine with this audio book to me. I liked the voice work, it didn't distract me in any way.

Wanted to hear end but disappointing narration

The narrator spoilt this last instalment if the series. Stilted. Out of flow. If not for following the other books prior to this I would’ve been turned off from continuing.

Great ending to the series

The audio book series is the way to enjoy it. While I would have preferred Jenny Sterlin to have performed it, this reader did a good job. I apologize for not having his name at hand.