Antonio

I enjoyed reading this book. The Chinese culture inspired setting was appealing to me. I would say that the first half of the book is the best part because that’s where the author spent more time developing the characters around Rin, making the world feel more vibrant. (I read a few other reviews saying that it was boring and without much action). Although a bit cliché at this point, I enjoyed the school setting. There were many problems Rin had to face, and each one revealed more of her personality. I also liked Kitai and the demology teacher (although I think the author did him wrong :D).

Actually, while writing this review, I realized this book is better than I originally gave it credit for. I enjoyed the second part just as much. Altan is the best haha.

The only thing I didn’t like was that sometimes the descriptions of how beautiful or cool some characters were went on a bit too long. However, that’s just personal taste you might even enjoy it :D

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.