Audio Book Review: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

I wasn't enthralled by this but I did enjoy it.
A Wizard of Earthsea
By Ursula K. Le Guin
Narrated By: Rob Inglis

Publisher: Recorded Books
Date: April 2009
Duration: 7 hours 18 minute
Genres: Teen; Sci-Fi & Fantasy
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.; Narration 4.00

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 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....

Review:
Ged is just a boy when he begins to learn magic from his Aunt. Some are herbal remedies and lore but he also learns magical words of power. After a surprising protection of his village Ged, gaining the name Sparrowhawk, is taken under the wing of a wizard for more serious training. Ged ends up traveling to a sorcerer’s academy where he increases his learning and power. He experiences youthful bullying and jealousy. In a pique of confrontation, Ged exercises a spell that releases an unknown dark force.

Ged is deemed a supreme sorcerer but is afraid he has brought danger to his school community. He journeys on to find his first job as a village wizard. But again, danger follows him. Ged realizes that the force he released is tracking him and no one will be safe unless he can face and overcome the dark evil. Ged fulfills his duty to protect his village by facing threatening dragons. Then Gid sets out to run away from the shadow he released…until he must face it.

I liked the challenges that Ged faces and overcomes. It is sad, but a real sign of youthful mistake, that his own pride led him to release an evil that haunts his life for years.

This is the first story I have read by Le Guin and I have a couple more on my TBR shelve. I found the story creative and at times was pleased to smile at the prose. I just felt that the story was a little dark and dragged a little for me. It may have been my mood that caused me to not become more invested in the story. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy fantasy and magic tales.

Audio Notes: Rob Inglis does a very nice job with the narration. He conveys the personality of Ged as well as the somber tone of the story. I am glad I had this in audio.

9/30/2019 Audiobooks.com Two for One Credit YA Fantasy. This qualifies for 2020TBR and 2020Audiobook goals.