EARTHSEA - URSULA K. LE GUIN

Welcome to the church of Earthsea, where our goal is to proselytise the masses into become devotees of the Earthsea novels.

To say that the Earthsea books have been life changing is not a hyperbole. I went into reading them after being gifted a collection of the first four books years ago and knowing nothing about Le Guin or the generation inspiring world of Earthsea.

My desire to read fantasy beyond Lord of The Rings, Eragon and Harry Potter was satiated in the best possible way. After having the flood gates opened to a world inhabited by Ged, Tenar and dragons (have I mentioned I love dragons…) I’ve realised how much fantasy I has consumed in any medium is derivative of the works of Le Guin. Whether it be as obvious as the magic system or how so many characters feel like Ged inspired protagonists, it is undeniable that Earthsea is the template for modern fantasy.

Despite all of his, the true magic of Earthsea is the themes and message LE Guin weaves throughout the narrative. From the warning the destructive nature of the pursuit of power, to the criticising of the treatment of women in society Le Guin hammers home intricate analysis of the world whilst giving us a plot for the ages.

Earthsea has a series truly is the blueprint for fantasy and whether you be an avid reader of the genre, or a newbie seeking the best place to start, I wholeheartedly implore you read Earthsea. You shan’t regret it.

You can get the book from Waterstones or Bookshop