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  • The Farthest Shore

  • The Earthsea Cycle, Book 3
  • By: Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Narrated by: Rob Inglis
  • Length: 8 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (2,301 ratings)

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The Farthest Shore

By: Ursula K. Le Guin
Narrated by: Rob Inglis
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Publisher's summary

Return to Earthsea with Ged, the brash young wizard who survived the enchanted labyrinth of The Tombs of Atuan. In the third episode of this brilliant fantasy saga, a much older Ged sets off on a harrowing quest for the source of a terrible darkness that is taking the magic out of Earthsea.

©1972 Ursula K. Le Guin (P)1994 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

  • Winner, National Book Award, 1973

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What listeners say about The Farthest Shore

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The most poignantly esoteric of fantasy writers, sailing with the full force of the mage-winds of Earthsea!

This is a wonderful work of fantasy writing by an author who has influenced many other writers in the genre, such as Terry Pratchett. This book has some wonderful esoteric passages and weaves together plots from the previous stories. The narrator, who also did the unabridged recordings of JRR Tolkien's Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, is the perfect choice to do this book justice - if only Rob Inglis could have been persuaded to all the books in the Earthsea Cycle!

#MythologyInspired #Fables #Inspiring #Magical #Earthsea #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful story

I enjoyed feeling how strongly Gedd values life. His defence of it, and of death, and of the cycle that is the equilibrium was really moving. Finished the book on a plane and felt like I couldn’t do or read anything else for the next hour as I thought about it.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Lovely voice

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is my first audiobook: I bought it by accident! But a real treat in the evening to listen quietly with my eyes closed and imagine the magical world. I read the 1st book (also terrific) but this was so relaxing, even better than watching TV ( although it will take some doing to convince my husband!).

Which character – as performed by Rob Inglis – was your favorite?

Mr Inglis did all of the characters quite well-- he has a beautiful voice--but I imagined Sparrowhawk a bit younger ( but the sexiness was in there!)

Any additional comments?

Very nice experience for my first audiobook!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

beautiful, profound, poetic prose, timeless wisdom

beautiful, profound, poetic prose, timeless wisdom, heart wisdom, ancient lore, fantastic alternate universe, dragons n mages n apprentices and heirs to great responsibility

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyed this one.

My favorite in the series. The reader does a good job.
I recommend it as you continue your adventure to Earthsea.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Deep and Wonderful.

Loved this world and didn't want to leave it again. A hero's journey, good vs evil.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A slow tragedy, but well told

This book is written to a slow, almost glacial pace. It seems oddly realistic and is quite good at drawing the reader in, but eventually even the most patient reader will get bored. Having said all of that, it ends well if in a bit of tragedy. I'm left hoping that the story of Ged does not end so, especially considering his noble sacrifice.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Not as good as the first

I liked it but the first book was the best. Still good though. I'd recommend anyone that likes the first two.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Narrator makes it come alive

I have loved Rob Inglis' readings of the EarthSea books and feel that his voice is perfect for the themes in these books. I can hear his voice in my head whenever I read something in a similar vein. I hope to hear more books narrated by him!!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Even more stunning

After all these years, this book is even more powerful. I read it as a boy and as a teen and I liked it, but now it brings me to weeping and to deep joy. What a vision of how we can be, of power and leadership and balance.

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