Antonio

I enjoyed reading this book. The magic system of Earthsea is simple but very cool and mysterious. The story is the classic fantasy story we all like.

My problem with this book is mostly about how quickly everything happens. I think the pacing in the first few chapters is enjoyable, as they are mostly about Ged's youth, but once you get to his escape, and then eventually the fights and the chase of his shadow, the pacing becomes bad.

Not only that, but some scenes are hilariously bad. There is a scene in which Ged is running away from his shadow, just one step ahead. I can't do justice to how it's written, so I suggest you find out for yourself.

All the important moments in the story are not memorable enough, apart from the epic fight against the dragon and its children. It seems like this book is about travelling in a fantasy world more than a fantasy adventure of a hero. I enjoyed the description of how the mages use their power to navigate in Earthsea. I enjoyed the descriptions of all the islands that are visited, the storms and the cold rain in the open ocean, the inhospitable environment that tries to kill you, and Ged's near-death experiences. If there were a bit more of the crucial moments, it would have been even better.

Lastly, I hated how the narrator told me what would happen in the sequels. I don't know if I would read the second book knowing what the plot would be about, who Ged will meet, and also what he will learn from that.