The Tombs of Atuan (The Earthsea Cycle, Book 2) Summary and Reviews

The Tombs of Atuan (The Earthsea Cycle, Book 2)
by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Tombs of Atuan (The Earthsea Cycle, Book 2)
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Book Summary Information

Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
Illustrator: Gail Garraty
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2001-01-01
ISBN: 0689316844
Number of pages: 176
Reading Level: Young Adult
Publisher: Atheneum

Book Reviews of The Tombs of Atuan (The Earthsea Cycle, Book 2)

Book Review: A meaningful, well-told tale.
Summary: 5 Stars

This book, along with its companions _A Wizard of Earthsea_ and _The Farthest Shore_, is certainly one of the finest works of fantasy to be written this century. I will not compare it to Tolkien's _Lord of the Rings_, for there really is no good grounds for the comparison. However, I will say that the writing is of the same calibre as Tolkien's, if in a different style.

The book follows the development of a girl, Tenar, from childhood through young adulthood. As a child she is identified as the reincarnation of the High Priestess of the Nameless Ones, and is reared at a remote desert place of worship. Her name is taken from her, and she is then known only as Arha, the Eaten One. As she grows older she begins to doubt what she has been taught, and spends more and more time wandering alone through the vast subterranean Labyrinth that is her domain as High Priestess. The coming of a stranger, Ged, triggers the solidification and exploration of her doubts.

This is a compelling, lyrically written book; though written for older children, it is just as well suited to adults. The author has keen insight into the nature of good, of evil, and of humans. The book can be read independently of its companions; for those who wish to know more of Tenar/Arha, her tale is taken up once more in a book called _Tehanu_, which the author wrote some 30 years after the original.

A glorious read!

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