A Wizard of Earthsea: The Earthsea Cycle, Book 1 (Unabridged) Audiobook, by Ursula K. Le Guin Play Audiobook Sample

A Wizard of Earthsea: The Earthsea Cycle, Book 1 Audiobook (Unabridged)

A Wizard of Earthsea: The Earthsea Cycle, Book 1 (Unabridged) Audiobook, by Ursula K. Le Guin Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Rob Inglis Publisher: Recorded Books Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 4.83 hours at 1.5x Speed 3.63 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: April 2009 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN:

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Publisher Description

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, 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.

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"Solid fantasy that obviously laid groundwork for some other popular books. Geared towards a younger audience but nonetheless a fun read for a fantasy fan. Has magic, crafts, some dragons, a lot of internal struggle, and a good ending that doesn't require you to read the rest of the series."

— Haider (4 out of 5 stars)

A Wizard of Earthsea: The Earthsea Cycle, Book 1 (Unabridged) Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.16 out of 54.16 out of 54.16 out of 54.16 out of 54.16 out of 5 (4.16)
5 Stars: 8
4 Stars: 13
3 Stars: 4
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1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
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Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
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  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Membaca buku ini, ekspektasi saya adalah seasyik membaca Harry Potter atau Eragon, seru dan menegangkan. Saya punya ekspektasi demikian karena di bahian belakang bukunya tertulis bahwa buku ini yang mengilhami munculnya dua buku seri yang saya baca tersebut. Ternyata? Ekspektasi say meleset jauuuhhh banget. Ngantuukk dan parahnya, ngga selesei buku yang tebalnya tiga kali lebih tipis dibanding Eragon. Hhhhh.... Maapkan.... "

    — Lila, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the best books I have read in a long time. Le Guin's world rivals middle earth in my opinion. "

    — Karasue, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I am excited to continue the series "

    — Damir, 12/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is one of those books that was a little slow and anti-climactic, however, when your done you realize it was a really good book. "

    — Joann, 12/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The philosophical elements are nice and refreshing. Definitely a fantasy classic. "

    — Xdyj, 10/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Very thorough world built by the author. Detailed, deep, and fully fleshed out. His pace was just too slow to maintain my interest though. I finished it and didn't continue with the series. "

    — Travis, 10/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The character of Sparrowhawk drew me into this book. "

    — Rhonda, 9/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of my favorite series. "

    — J.E., 9/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I'd not heard of Le Guin before I found this book for 50 cents at a library sale. And I figured 50 cents wasn't much of a loss if I didn't like it. Pleasantly surprised at the imagination. "

    — Christina, 1/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " It took me awhile to get accustomed to the way the story was told, but, once I did, I got swept up in the beautiful language and great story. I really enjoyed this book! "

    — Sinistmer, 11/29/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Ged lets his pride lead him into making a foolish choice that nearly kills him. But with the help of his friends he learns to heal the wound and make himself whole again. "

    — Alasandra, 9/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I enjoyed it. The style is fairly simple - with lots of narrative and not a lot of dialog. The world seems cool. And it was fun to see the correlations between this and The Name of the Wind (finding the true names for things). "

    — Ryan, 5/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I loved this book! It was absolutely fantastic and I can't wait to see what happens in the next two books. The old and battered copy I was given is by far one of the most treasured books I own, and more precious to me than all my leather bounds. ;) Thanks, Michael! ;) "

    — Shannon, 1/21/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read this when I was in middle school many years ago. It had been so long, in fact, that I had forgotten much of the story. I just finished it again and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a quick ready and truly worth the time. "

    — Dean, 1/7/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Very good,definitely geared to an older crowd, unlike Harry Potter, or Beautiful Creatures series, there is no humor. There are very lonely people in this book, and very desperate ones. That's why I think 15 and up for age to read this.... "

    — Jane, 12/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The narrator put extra life in this magic world. "

    — Marcia, 12/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Josh made me read this, and I have to admit, I was pretty taken with it. "

    — Abigail, 10/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I picked this up in a boxed set, and I have to say, I was blown away. This is the kind of fantasy I want to write - real in every sense but setting, magical the way magic is supposed to be, and wise. Such wonderful books. I feel blessed to have read them. "

    — Aaron, 7/17/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Beautiful and profound message in this story of a Man in search of himself. "

    — Michelle, 6/14/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I wish I had read this sooner and am looking forward to the others. A quick novel, what I loved about this story (universe) is the theme of the power behind words and names. A simple story of a powerful boy growing up and learning a bit of wisdom, humbleness, and care. "

    — Daniel, 5/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I was a little disappointed. I thought this one would wow me a little more. As it was, it was just alright. I needed more connection I suppose. "

    — Suey, 5/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This was an overdue re-read. I think I'll work my way through the rest of the trilogy. "

    — Allie, 5/11/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Really excellent. I first read this many years ago and it's one I would re-read; a lot of reality and depth to it, and she's got that kind of lucid prose that doesn't draw attention to itself & yet is stunning. "

    — Swallowfeather, 5/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is my favorite book. Le Guin is a master fantasy writer, and her Earthsea series is wonderful. Her fantasy is a safe bet, but her science fiction is hit or miss. "

    — Stephanie, 5/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " selalu suka cerita2 dengan genre seperti ini "

    — Sadiah, 4/28/2011

About Ursula K. Le Guin

Ursula K. Le Guin (1929–2018) was an American author of novels, children’s books, and short stories, mainly in the genres of fantasy and science fiction. She has also written poetry, literary criticism, and essays. She was widely recognized as one of the greatest science fiction writers in the history of the genre. She won both the Hugo and Nebula Awards on several occasions, as well as the National Book Award, the PEN/Malamud Award, and many other honors and prizes. In 2014, she was awarded the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

About Rob Inglis

Rob Inglis has appeared with the Royal Shakespeare and Royal Court Theatre companies. He has played such roles as the Ghost and Claudius in Hamlet and Mr. Bumble in Oliver. He regularly tours Europe and the US with his repertoire of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Tolkien, Dickens, Orwell, and Stevenson dramatizations.