The Farthest Shore

, #3

Paperback, 208 pages

English language

Published May 31, 1984 by Bantam.

ISBN:
978-0-553-26847-8
Copied ISBN!
OCLC Number:
23278312

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4 stars (7 reviews)

When the prince of Enlad declares the wizards have forgotten their spells, Ged sets out to test the ancient prophecies of Earthsea.

11 editions

reviewed The Farthest Shore by Ursula K. Le Guin (The Earthsea Cycle, #3)

Wonderful

4 stars

I listened to the audiobook version of this story, which was narrated by Rob Ingles. Many years ago he performed the Lord of the Rings; it was a wonderful surprise to hear that old favorite voice retelling this story. Perhaps because of this narration I felt there were echoes of Tolkien's work. An old wizard, a rising king, a long journey.

I loved the characters, particularly Ged. The idea of a great person who is also extremely humble, a sorcerer who loves to sail — I appreciate the juxtaposition.

I could also see a bit of Le Guin's interest in the Tao Te Ching seeping into the story. When Ged and the other characters discussed leadership, they depicted Lao Tzu's ideal of a sovreign who did very little and allowed people to govern themselves. Strange to have a story of the ascendency of a King to play upon anarchistic themes.

When one door is closed many more are open

4 stars

Content warning mild spoilers inside

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Subjects

  • Fiction
  • Children's 12-Up - Fiction - Fantasy
  • Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)
  • Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic
  • Fiction / Fantasy / General
  • Fantasy
  • Magic