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  • A Wizard of Earthsea

  • The Earthsea Cycle, Book 1
  • Written by: Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Narrated by: Rob Inglis
  • Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (262 ratings)

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A Wizard of Earthsea

Written by: Ursula K. Le Guin
Narrated by: Rob Inglis
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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
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What listeners say about A Wizard of Earthsea

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this book and series since I was a teen

this has always been one of my favorite books in one of my favorite series. It is dark and epic and grandiose. The protagonist is likeable, despite his fallability, or maybe because of it. His growth is great to follow.

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

Read the book, ditch the movie

7 hour book >>>> 2 hour movie. Put in the time to get so much more.

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

really super good

it was very enjoyable to read, I had no problem finishing it in a week. can't wait to read the rest

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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

Give Your Child Who Loves Fantasy This Book

I can honestly say, I regret that I didn't read this book when I was a child.
It's so good and meaningful. Required reading for anyone who's a fan Wizards.
Picture Gandalf telling you a wizard story, that's what this book is.

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

If you like Harry Potter...

This is classic Fantasy Fiction at it's best! It has it all - Wizards, dragons and dark magic.

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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

The Great Fantasy Begins!

Absolutely love this book! it is pure fantasy, distilled and purified. I could barely put it down, and never had any issue with losing concentration and zoning out. Every word feels so purposeful.

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

Reads like a bards tale.

it is a strangely written story but overall a decent book but kinda ok. nothing spectacular but ok.

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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

i kept falling asleep

I was actually really excited to listen to this book. the summary and reviews really sold me on the story.

then the narrator began. and it's not his fault. but his voice is so soothing. I could not stay awake!

I tried three separate times to listen to this, but I couldn't make it.

I gave the book 5 stars because this is most likely just me. I'm sure the book is wonderful, and the story is wonderful. it's honestly just the narrator. his voicing isn't even boring or anything. I literally just end up feeling so calm and falling asleep haha

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Beat fantasy writer

The most elegant stirring writer who ever lived. Ursula k Leguin has no equal. A beautiful story

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

Great story cycle - Earthsea: First book.

This is a wonderful tale of magic and a young man's coming to age and into his power.
It was very good narration, for which I only subtracted a star as our hero Sparrowhawk's voice sometumes seemed much older than his young years.
If you love this series, read or listen right through to the fifth book, The Other Wind. The sixth book, Tales of Earthsea, are stories which tell elements of the backstory. Happy days in Earthsea!

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1 person found this helpful