The Farthest Shore is the final tale in the Earthsea Cycle, and satisfactorily brings Ged’s story to a conclusion.  The Farthest Shore picks up the tale approximately two decades after the conclusion of The Tombs of Atuan.

The Farthest Shore sees the peace that Ged brought Earthsea after the events of The Tombs of Atuan beginning to deteriorate after the magic of Earthsea begins to fail.  The story becomes a race against time, and against evil, to prevent the complete loss of magic from the world of Earthsea and to reverse what has been done.

Throughout the Earthsea Cycle, Ged the Sparrowhawk becomes the kind of heroic figure that people admire greatly, not only because of his immense power, wisdom, and humility, but also because of the arrogant, proud, impetuous child he once was.  Seeing the conclusion to his story is both satisfying and saddening.  This book marks the end of one of my very favorite fantasy characters.  I highly recommend this series for any reader.

-Because I said so

The Tombs of Atuan is the second book in the Earthsea Cycle, continuing the story of A Wizard of Earthsea a few years after its events.  The book moves its focus, however, onto a new main character, while placing Ged in the role of a supporting character.

The Tombs of Atuan is a similar coming of age style story.  The main character, Tenar, also known as Arha, is raised believing in one ideal only to discover as she grows that it has all been a lie.  The book ties the two character stories together and begins to set down the foundation of the third installment of the series.

More insight is given into the nature of the world of Earthsea, creating an even more immersive environment for the mind to wander in.  It is a good continuation to Ged’s overall story, and a wonderful read.

-Because I said so

I am a fan of fantasy novels.  One might even go so far as to label me an aficionado. One book that has been a favorite of mine in this genre for a couple of decades is the Ursula K. LeGuin story A Wizard of Earthsea.

A Wizard of Earthsea tells the early story of Ged, known as Sparrowhawk.  The story is, in many ways, a coming of age tale that sees Ged transform from an arrogant child into a wise mage.  A Wizard of Earthsea creates a wonderful world with a wonderful magical structure behind it.

Magic in Earthsea is not the result of a magical spell or wand, as it is so often displayed.  In Earthsea, true magic comes from the true names of things.  When you have the true name of an object, you have complete control over the object.  A rock can be changed into a diamond, the elements can be controlled, and pure force can be wielded.  This system not only provides something new to the fantasy world, it creates limits for those who would abuse it.

While short, A Wizard of Earthsea is a must-read for a fan of fantasty or adventure.  Even if you’re just a fan of reading, Earthsea is truly entertaining.

-Because I said so