"Originally published in 1968, Ursula K. Le Guin’s A Wizard of Earthsea marks the first of the six now beloved Earthsea titles. Ged was the greatest sorcerer in Earthsea, but in his youth he was the reckless Sparrowhawk. In his hunger for power and knowledge, he tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tumultuous tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death's threshold to restore the balance."--from the publisher
320 pages 978-0547773742 Ages 12 and up
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" Ged, the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea, was called Sparrowhawk in his reckless youth.
Hungry for power and knowledge, Sparrowhawk tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death's threshold to restore the balance."--from the publisher
320 pages 978-0547773742 Ages 12 and up
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Where do great wizards come from?
A young boy, Sparrowhawk, is born into the magical world of Earthsea. As he grows up and comes of age, he is dealing with his power to wield magic and is frustrated with his limitations. Still maturing, Sparrowhawk is sent to a school of wizardry. There he gets led into a magical duel and falls prey to temptation which results in the death a mage and creates a rift that allows a great evil to enter the world.
This is the story of his struggle to overcome his folly. It is his responsibility since only he can defeat the darkness he created.
Writing with an eye to diversity, Le Guin describes her main character as being a boy of copper-skin and dark hair.
320 pages 978-0547773742 Ages 12 and up
Storyline: Introspective
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com