Liked It“Awesome. Le Guin strikes again.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It“It was alright. Actually, it was bad. Actually, I didn't enjoy it.” see full review » see other reviews » |
“Interesting premise. Won't read the next book in the series, though. Earthsea is better.”
Jessica M wrote this review Sunday, November 15 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Awesome. Le Guin strikes again.”
John B wrote this review Friday, October 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“I enjoyed the first in the series, but I didn't make it much further. Some strong female characters and a somewhat interesting male lead.”
Kelly D wrote this review Saturday, October 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Ok book.
Some (nondescript) references to rape, but other than that no "adult" content.
For ages 12+.
Anyway, I didn't like this book. Why? Well I like when the protagonist has special powers...this protagonist did (well at least thought he did), but he didn't use them. He was afraid of them.
I guess I dislike most Le Guin books though.”
“It was alright. Actually, it was bad. Actually, I didn't enjoy it.”
Ann D wrote this review Tuesday, September 15 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“It was alright. Not the best i've read. I didn't read the sequels.”
The Rose wrote this review Saturday, September 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“First of U.K. Le Guin's Annals of the Western Shore. It is intended as a young adult series, but the high level of writing is fit for anyone. Le Guin's idea of hereditary magical gifts was very fascinating; the main character artificially blinds himself for fear his power is uncontrollable. This was an excellent story about a believable character, and the subtle twist at the end makes it all the more worth the read. Recommended.”
T.R.M. wrote this review Friday, September 4 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Not everyone in the Uplands has a gift - a special and specific ability - but those who do are revered and feared, depending on what their gift is. The men in Orrec's family are to be able to, with a wave of their hand and a look from their gifted eyes, to destroy whatever they see. For Orrec, though, this kind of gift seems more like a curse and he chooses to blindfold himself and live as though he were blind instead of unintentionally destroying those that the loves. With the help of a childhood friend named Gry, Orrec sorts through his feelings while trying to decide what life holds for him.
This was an engaging read. I like the idea of "gifts, " it felt very fleshed out and Orrec is a sympathetic character. I appreciated his struggle and there is a nice theme of the power of books and the spoken word. It took me way longer than I wanted it to for me to keep names and places straight, though, which was a bit frustrating. I wish I had gotten to know Gry a bit better, she's an intriguing character, but overall I really did like this. It would probably be great for a young adult book group - there could be a lot to discuss. ”
“it was a good read, but not something that will make it to my favorite list.”
selynne wrote this review Thursday, August 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Very good as a teen read. Simple language, wonderful word pictures and imagination. Wonder why I hadnt read her before.”
payalmukherjee wrote this review Wednesday, August 12 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No