The Other Wind: An Earthsea Novel

Format:	Paperback 256 pages

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Synopsis

The wizard Alder comes from Roke to the island of Gont in search of the Archmage, Lord Sparrowhawk, once known as Ged. The man who was once the most powerful wizard in the Islands now lives with his wife Tenar and their adopted daughter Tehanu. Alder needs help: his beloved wife died and in his dreams she calls him to the land of the dead - and now the dead are haunting him, begging for release. He can no longer sleep, and the Wizards of Earthsea are worried. But there is more at stake than the unquiet rest of one minor wizard: for the dragons of Earthsea have arisen, to reclaim the lands that were once theirs. Only Tehanu, herself daughter of a dragon, can talk to them; it may be that Alder's dreams hold the key to the salvation of Earthsea and all the peoples who live there.

Book details

Published
20/03/2003

Publisher
Orion Children's Books (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd )

ISBN
9781842552117

Publisher and industry reviews

Jacket review

"...a thought-provoking continuation of the chronicle of Earthsea...a luminous, absorbing meditation upon life, death and man's relentless quest for immortality." Booktrusted News "This absorbing philosophical debate can stand alone for Le Guin's new readers; for long-standing fans of the Earthsea saga, old friends are here." TES, 31 May 02 "...a masterpiece of chilling narration" Guardian, 27 Jul 02 "The characters and fantasy world are all vividly drawn and the fascinating issues raised by the story are important and profound." Northern Echo, 12 Nov 02 "Le Guin's storytelling is remarkable...Without giving away the ending, it is both melancholy and affirming...moving and rewarding." The School Librarian, Winter 02 "If you think you don't like fantasy, think again; Leguin's books simply give "reality" another shape." -- Erica Wagner The Times, 7 Dec 02 "The Other Wind, a new Earthsea novel, felt like a homecoming to the magnificent otherworld that I escaped to at 14; wise, graceful, classic myth-making for all ages" -- Julie Bertagna The Scotsman, 7 Dec 02 "A powerful and thought-provoking story of magic, love and loss." Perth Shopper, 25 Apr 03

UK Kirkus review

Ursula Le Guin has earned massive acclaim for her writing over the years, counting a World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement among her trophies. This fifth novel in the wonderful Earthsea series will, like her other works, be enjoyed by fantasy fans of all ages. Alder, a stranger, the son of a witch, arrives in the bustling town of Gont Port, and the sailors with whom he has just shared a ship are only too delighted to see the back of him. As white sails billow in the breeze and the rough banter of the fish market sets the scene, we learn that this man brings trouble, and maybe even danger, to those he encounters. He is looking for the Archmage Sparrowhawk, a man who once spoke with dragons but who has lost his power, a man who 'has done with doing', who now ekes out a frugal life, shunned by his fellow villagers. Alder shares the burden of his dreams and soon has Sparrowhawk deeply worried about the consequences of the recurring nightmares from where the dead call out to threaten much of what he and the king had achieved many years before. Alder's quest takes him on through an intricately woven world, where he befriends the king, visits great cities and hears of how the dragons are once again restless and stirring up trouble. No detail is overlooked by Le Guin, a consummate story-teller, who fills Earthsea with Herbals and Summoners, true-names and user-names, Master Patterners, God-Kings and the threat of war. And once you've started on the pages that lie behind the detailed map of Earthsea, you'll feel compelled to read on to the very end. Ages 10+ (Kirkus UK)