| A young boy named Duny grows up on the island of Gont, famous for its wizards. He takes the common name Sparrowhawk, but while studying simple spells under Ogion the Silent, Mage of Re Albi, he is given his true name Ged. After several years with Ogion, he is tempted by a witch-girl to open a magic book, which frees a dangerous and evil shadow that nearly destroys him. Ged sails to Roke Island to study the high arts for several years, then goes in search of his destiny, which includes outwitting the great dragon of Pendor, another encounter with the witch girl, more guidance from Odion, and a final battle with the shadow he unwittingly unleashed on the world of Earthsea. This is the first of LeGuin's four Earthsea books for "young adults": wise, measured, unhurried, and fully realized. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear) FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - fantasy world/fantasy past Coming of age Yes Youngster becomes - a powerful magician Is this an adult or child's book? - Kid's book (ages 7-14) Descript. of chases or violence - 30 % planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 20 % Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 30 % Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20 % Main Character Identity: - Male Profession/status: Age: - a teen If magical mental powers: - can change shapes - fire/lightning/weather cntrl - can fly - can cast many different spells - healing Main Adversary Identity: - magical being Profession/status: Has magical powers? Yes Magical/mental powers of main antagonist: - can change shapes - mind control - can cast all sorts of spells - Invisibility - is very quick How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount How sensitive is this character? Setting Terrain A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body: - humans in a primitive/fantasy society Planet outside solar system? Yes Writing Style Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment How much dialogue? - significantly more descript than dialog |
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