The Tombs of Atuan (Earthsea Series #2)

Amazon.com
Often compared to Tolkien's Middle-earth or Lewis's Narnia, Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea is a stunning fantasy world that grabs quickly at our hearts, pulling us deeply into its imaginary realms. Four books (A Wizard of Earthsea, The Tombs of Atuan, The Farthest Shore, and Tehanu) tell the whole Earthsea cycle--a tale about a reckless, awkward boy named Sparrowhawk who becomes a wizard's apprentice after the wizard reveals Sparrowhawk's true name. The boy comes to realize that his fate may be far more important than he ever dreamed possible. Le Guin challenges her readers to think about the power of language, how in the act of naming the world around us we actually create that world. Teens, especially, will be inspired by the way Le Guin allows her characters to evolve and grow into their own powers.

ANNOTATION

A young prince joins forces with a master wizard on a journey to discover a cause and remedy for the loss of magic in Earthsea.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

When Young Tenar is chosen as high priestess to the ancient and nameless Powers of the Earth, everything is taken away -- home, family, possessions, even her name. For she is now Arha, the Eaten One, guardian of the ominous Tombs of Atuan. While she is learning her way through the dark labyrinth, a young wizard, Ged, comes to steal the Tombs' greatest hidden treasure, the Ring of Erreth-Akbe. But Ged also brings with him the light of magic, and together, he and Tenar escape from the darkness that has become her domain.

FROM THE CRITICS

AudioFile

The Tombs Of Atuan introduces Arha, high priestess of the nameless Powers of the Earth, and Ged, a wizard bent on recovering a priceless relic from these Powers. On the one hand, Fantastic Audio's recording presents a rare treat for readers, featuring author LeGuin's performance of the beginning and ending of her book. Unfortunately, narrator Gabrielle de Cuir is a poor match for this wonderful tale. Many of de Cuir's declarative sentences end in a questioning tone, her dialogue is flat, and her characters are difficult to distinguish. Several passages were enhanced by the lightest touch of music. Part of LeGuin's Earthsea Cycle, this book provides the jumping-off point into unknown worlds for many fantasy readers and deserves a more animated reader. P.H.M. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine

AudioFile - John Niessink