A Wizard of Earthsea

The Earthsea Cycle, Book 1

By: Ursula K. Le Guin

Narrated by: Rob Inglis

Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

"The shapeless mass of darkness split apart. It sundered, and a pale spindle of light gleamed between his open arms. In the oval of light there moved a human shape: a tall woman...beautiful, and sorrowful, and full of fear." - from A Wizard of Earthsea, first in a tetralogy that includes The Tombs of Atuan and The Farthest Shore, introduces the listener to Ged, the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea, known also as Sparrowhawk. When Sparrowhawk casts a spell that saves his village from destruction at the hands of the invading Kargs, Ogion, the Mage of Re Albi, encourages the boy to apprentice himself in the art of wizardry. So, at the age of 13, the boy receives his true name - Ged - and gives himself over to the gentle tutelage of the Master Ogion. But impatient with the slowness of his studies and infatuated with glory, Ged embarks for the Island of Roke, where the highest arts of wizardry are taught. There, Ged's natural talents enable him to surpass his classmates in little time. But when his vanity prompts him to summon Elfarran, the fair lady of the Deed of Enlad, he unleashes a shapeless mass of darkness - the shadow.

©1968 Ursula K. Le Guin (P)1992 Recorded Books, LLC

Overhyped

The audible performance was fine. The book was meh. Definitely not of the caliber of Tolkien or other grand fantasy novelists. It is a product of it's time and follows a pretty shallow and predictable storyline. The author tried to be subtle with some social commentary but in the end it failed at that, especially in modern contexts. Not as bad as it could have been but I struggled with it due to boredom often.

More like a legend than a novel

I’m a huge fan of LeGuin but had to dock this a star for being so heavy on the exposition. This is 95% third person narration with very little dialogue, so it’s not super engaging as a novel. As a legend, though, it’s wonderful—and Inglis’s reading cadence emphasizes the legend feel.

Not Bad

I am learning that I struggle with this genre in audio format. I somehow don't get engaged or as emersed in the story so it feels blah and surface level. I don't feel I get to know the characters and especially the main character and for me that is important as that builds an emotional attachment and then I care about the story. I have to admit, I was not engaged and I don't think the narration was bad nor the writing/ story. I am not sure what exactly I need in audio format to peak my interests and keep me engaged. When I did tune in, I liked what I was hearing. Maybe this will be one to revisit and more about timing and mood.

A Classic Book

One of the high points of fantasy fiction. It is a masterpiece by a great author, Ursula K. Le Guin. I recommend it to anyone with a taste for fantasy fiction.

Great story, boring performance...

I read this book in 16 years ago and loved it! I was reminded of the series after seeing Miyazaki's film following Ged's adventures after the initial Earthsea trilogy, and thought I'd give the audio a listen. I have to say, I am extremely disappointed in the dry, almoat monotone, narration of this fantasy classic! Stick to the print for this one

Interesting, but badly aged

I've listened more for the reputation of the book in the history of the genre, but it wasn't an enjoyable experience. LeGuin has clearly over delivered on "writing like a man" and gave us very sexist and janky worldbuilding, where women are biologically worse at magic than men, and people for some reason peasants discourage their children from learning pretty accessible and practical magic.
The characters are very bland and hard to remember, and it's another demonstration that people care to call characters that are naturally good at what they do "Mary Sue" only if they're women.
But seriously, the magic system is broken as hell. You just have to learn WORDS to perform spells. Everyone in this setting should just relax and play while the crops grow themselves and fish dive happily in the nets.

I'm not in Middle Earth, I'm not in Middle Earth

This is a well written coming of age tale. It was excellently narrated, but I have to admit that for the first half of the book I was totally distracted by the narrator. Mr. Inglis narrated all of the Hobbit/LotR books and I'm afraid I've type cast him in my head. Just hearing his voice evokes Middle Earth. I had to consciously remind myself that I was not listening to a Tolkien story. Once I got past that, it was an enjoyable listen. I'll be listening to the rest of the series.

I have loved this book since I was a kid.

Great narration of an excellent story. Would definitely recommend to anyone who loves fantasy or the phenomenal talent Ursula LeGuin.

Well written, so so story

Narrator was fantastic. This was very well written, but the story just didn’t go anywhere for me. Maybe just my taste but I was wanting something a little more adventurous or exciting to happen more often I guess

I’ll listen to this again or read a physical copy

I didn’t love this book. But I did like it a lot. I’m
A huge fan of fantasy and it was nice to discover Le Guin as an adult seeking fantasy yet unknown to me. I feel that I might enjoy the book more on a second read. The world wasn’t as expansive as I am used to in fantasy. But her characters are charming and I appreciate her narrative skill.