A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin is a fantasy journey book set in the archipelago of Earthsea. The main character is a young wizard named Ged. It is the first of several stories that follows Ged’s adventures, just so you know! Ged is born on an island off Earthsea living with his father. The two don't seem to have a lot in common, so his aunt (the village witch) teaches him to use the hidden talent he has for magic. Ged becomes known for saving the land from an evil group who plans on raiding the land and is brought to Ogion the Silent to become his apprentice and learn how to use his talents for the good of the land. During his stay he lets a spell out, is confronted by Ogion and given an ultimatum, stay with Ogion and be trained or go to wizard school (I bet Harry Potter wishes he had that option!). He graduates from wizard school and further adventures follow. He fights dragons to defend one island, heads off to sea and nearly drowns, he finds two abandoned children on a solitary island, and finds a nemesis that he follows throughout the story for a final showdown, the shadow knows! The shadow replicates Ged’s appearance and works in advance of his arrival to different lands to scare off the people before he actually arrives. An old wizard school friend assists him in the final showdown with the shadow where Ged reveals himself to the shadow and what happens is the two become one! Ged has embraced the “dark side and his own skills and beliefs”. What a way to end… which leaves one wanting more! Ahh this series within a book. A nice read, pretty quick. Fits into the Harry Potter mode, but this one was written in the late 1960s. A classic. Great for the kid crowd for sure.
No comments:
Post a Comment