Got to finish a really big book tonight! And this of course is a big collection of novels and short stories of Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea series!
This series is probably my first ever "proper" introduction to epic fantasy. While most would be introduced to epic fantasy via the novels of Tolkien (The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings) and what have you, mine is definitely going to be this series.
Set in the lands and seas of the titular world I find myself in a place that is quite beautiful and full wonder, and of horror as well. Most of the time I follow Ged, but not just him, for I also follow others as well. All through the span of six novels and a few short stories.
This collection is massive in its scope. We've got the first three books that were published in the late 60s and mid 70s with more of a focus on adventure, and were, surprisingly enough, YA novels. Pretty good YA novels in fact. The final three tackle more adult themes with a more philosophical tone, with book number five being a fix-up. Then there are the few short stories, a history of the world of Earthsea and lecture that Le Guin gave at Oxford.
There are two editions of this book; the paperback edition and the hardcover. I just so happen to have the, albeit more expensive, hardcover edition of it. The hardcover edition is beautiful with both color and black and white illustrations from Charles Vess that compliments every story! This one was a pretty long read to be sure, but it was worth it all the way through!
by i-the-muso-1968