7.20.2012

Book Beginnings - A Wizard of Earthsea


Book Beginnings is a meme hosted by Rose City Reader. Share the first sentence (or so) of a book you are currently reading, along with your initial thoughts and impressions about the sentence or book. Remember to include the title of the book and the author AND link up at the Rose City Reader

The island of Gont, a single mountain that lifts its peak a mile above the storm-racked Northeast Sea, is a land famous for wizards. From the town in its high valleys and the ports on its dark narrow bays many a Gontishman has gone forth to serve the Lords of the Archipelago in their cities as wizard or mage, or, looking for adventure, to wander working magic from the isle to isle of all Earthsea. Of these some say the greatest, and surely the greatest voyager, was the man called Sparrowhawk, who in his day became both dragonlord and Archmage. 

I like this beginning. From reading it I know its going to be about a  revered man named Sparrowhawk. I don't really like that name...Sparrowhawk....but I do like the character because he's flawed. I'm about halfway through, and I'll probably finish it today and write a review (something I haven't done in a long time)

I'm of that generation where anything in a book concerning adventures in wizardry almost always gets compared to Harry Potter, but LeGuin...she's on a different plane. I don't want to say on another level, but just in a different space. I'm actually drawing more connections to Skyrim than Harry Potter. I  recently started a new playthrough as mage, rather than greatsword wielding tank...so I have Skyrim on the brain while reading. I digress a little. It's pretty good. It's the first of four books. 

 

17 comments:

  1. Le Guin does a great job of capturing Sparrowhawk's growth and of making him human, despite his incredible power. I'm glad you're enjoying it!

    Here's my Book Beginning.

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    1. He has definitely had some humbling moments.

      Thanks for stopping by Chris!

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  2. I love Le Guin...haven't read anything of hers for a while. And I have yet to read this series. Sounds good though!


    Here are my Friday Memes.

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    1. She's easily one of my favorite authors. It's awesome that you enjoy her stuff too. I don't know if you read YA, sci-fi YA, more specifically, but you might enjoy it if you like Le Guin.

      Thanks for visiting!

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  3. I'm with you on the name Sparrowhawk - that's a bit much, lol. I haven't read any LeGuin since I was much younger. Give me a recommendation!

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    1. The Left Hand of Darkness. Read it in the winter...its fitting (assuming your winter's are very cold) It's quite possibly the oddest and most wonderfully written Sci-fi piece I've ever laid eyes upon.

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  4. I loved that book. Nice choice. Here is my post:
    Book Beginnings

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    1. Why thank you very much. I think its a good book too.

      Thanks for visiting!

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  5. That is a great beginning. I am embarrassed to say that even though Le Guin is an Oregon literary giant, I have never read her books. i don't usually go in for sci-fi or fantasy, so never think of reading her books. i am going to have to give one a try one of these days.

    Thanks for taking part in Book Beginnings on Friday!

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    1. I'm still exploring her work. She's awesome. If you're ever in the mood for sci-fi, I recommend The Left Hand of Darkness to anyone and everyone.

      Thanks for hosting!

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  6. Oooh! I love the opening! I have the Earthsea series on my TBR - I have heard only raves for it!

    Here's mine. Plus I have a giveaway of my featured book starting tomorrow: http://guiltlessreading.blogspot.ca/2012/07/friday-56-book-beginnings-lovely.html

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  7. I just might try this book if i get in a reading challenge and challenge myself to read a genre i would never read. I do like what i've read tuesday and today.

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    1. Awesome. I'm glad I pulled interesting quotes.

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  8. Didn't David Eddings also write a trilogy or two about a man named Sparrowhawk or something similar. Sounds like a good story.

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    1. Wikipedia tells me David Eddings' protagonist was named Sparhawk. Very close.

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  9. The book cover design matches the opening perfectly! Thanks for sharing.

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