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

Can't Believe I Missed This One!

Like so many others, I was first introduced to fantasy by Tolkien. Indeed, the first book I ever read was The Hobbit. The writing style and phrase of speech in this book is so akin to Tolkien that it instantly felt like going back in time. It's not the story itself or even a comparison to the world Tolkien created, it is the ability to tell the story in a way that leaves the reader's imagination free to paint the scene...that is what this writer has in common with Tolkien and why it is so appealing. I've yet to find another author with that same capacity...until now. Add in the narration by Robert Inglis and you have an instance classic...no matter how long it takes you to find it!

Amazing Story, Narration Hard to Hear

Masterful story that folds on itself with a central character whose quest takes you on a journey to a most unconventional place. However, the narrator's voice was so low that I could only listen with earbuds (I don't have hearing loss). Will definitely read the second book rather than listen to the audio.

I might read the next one.

It's hard for me to write this 3-star review because I know it's beloved to many and it started many readers on their path of reading fantasy. Obviously, my opinions are my own. I won't go too long.

I think, most of all, I found it dry. I found few parts compelling and many parts unnecessary. It could be that I just didn't "get it," though I am an avid fantasy reader myself. It just felt a bit strung-on and maybe explained too much instead of just giving us snippets wanting more. It was certainly a male-centered fantasy, with the women either being dumb or wicked with power (though there are some exceptions in between, though I'd be hardpressed to say them)--which is ironic because the author was a woman. Without looking at the date of publishing, I knew it had been written a long time ago. Perhaps the style just didn't jive with me.

It was a good story of Ged and his journey from proud young fool to wise young man. The character arc was great with dynamic and depth. I also the magic and name system. To know one's name is to know its true nature. All the different types of magic. YES. As I write this, I'm tempted to read the next one. And maybe I will someday, but it's not at the top of my list.

As for the narrator's performance, I think he did a good job. Sometimes, it seemed like his voice got a bit tired, but overall, had good range of character voices.

A Strong Start to a Classic Fantasy Series

Excellent narration. Immersive and imaginative. Looking forward to continuing the series. The world needs more Ursula K. Le Guin.

meh

struggled to finish. all characters boring and flat. I cam see the appeal for some, but definately not for me.

A Timeless Read

This is the best book. It is well written and well read. I read this at age 14 and just listened to it on Audible many years later.

Love it

I’m obsessed with fantasy and wizards. This book had a great deal of suspense and I enjoyed the story a lot.

Magical re-read

I read this book as a kid. It was great to experience it again as an adult. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series

An old favorite beautifully realized

I had forgotten how beautiful and spare LeGuin's writing can be. Here she's like a cross between Tolkien and Hemingway: lyrical, but no extraneous cruft.

I am a big fan of the performer/narrator, Rob Inglis, who can also be heard reading The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. I was so happy to find more opportunities to listen to him read to me.

Truly Wonderful

I love Tolkien & R R Martin for descriptive story writing that transports me into another world. Only now I discover what many have known for decades .. that Le Quin's writing is equally brilliant! I love Rob Inglis's voice so for me the narration is perfect. The only complaint I have is that the old tape recording woman's voice message to change from side 1 to side 2 wasn't deleted when making the audio book version so that is a bit jarring.