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Cover of A Wizard of Earthsea

Fantasy · Classics

A Wizard of Earthsea

by Ursula K. Le Guin

3.9 out of 5, from 1,623 ratings from Hardcover readers

A proud, gifted boy from a small island is sent to a school for wizards, where his arrogance leads him to release something terrible into the world. He then spends years trying to put right what he has done.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1968
Pace
Medium
Length
Short
Pages
251
Format
Book 1 of 6 in Earthsea Cycle
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Read this if you want a short, wise fantasy about pride, names and responsibility, written with great clarity.

Skip this if you want an action-packed read or lavish worldbuilding, since it is spare and quiet.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Death

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Animal death
  • Violence
  • Child death
  • Child abuse
  • Death of parent
  • Bullying
  • Sexism

Quick answers about A Wizard of Earthsea

What is A Wizard of Earthsea about?
A proud, gifted boy from a small island is sent to a school for wizards, where his arrogance leads him to release something terrible into the world. He then spends years trying to put right what he has done.
Who should read A Wizard of Earthsea?
Read it if you want a short, wise fantasy about pride, names and responsibility, written with great clarity. Skip it if you want an action-packed read or lavish worldbuilding, since it is spare and quiet.
How long and how fast is A Wizard of Earthsea?
It is a medium-paced, short read of about 251 pages, first published in 1968.
Does A Wizard of Earthsea have content warnings?
Content we flag: Death.
Can I borrow A Wizard of Earthsea for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends A Wizard of Earthsea; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after A Wizard of Earthsea?
Readers who liked it often move on to The Name of the Wind, The Hobbit, The Left Hand of Darkness.

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