| $@%&! level: Low “Bedroom” level: None Violence level: Low Back Cover: “When young Tenar is chosen as high priestess to the ancient and nameless Powers of the Earth, everything is taken away -- home, family, possessions, even her name. For she is now Arha, the Eaten One, guardian of the ominous Tombs of Atuan. While she is learning her way through the dark labyrinth, a young wizard, Ged, comes to steal the Tombs' greatest hidden treasure, the Ring of Erreth-Akbe. But Ged also brings with him the light of magic, and together, he and Tenar escape from the darkness that has become her domain.” |
It’s a shame, too, because it seems like such a waste of interesting characters. I’m especially fond of Sparrowhawk, and only wish they would call him that more often. It may not be his real name, but it’s still cool. The priestess, meanwhile, (whose name changes a few times throughout) has the potential to become an excellent female lead. I suspect that underneath all that religious madness, she’s actually intensely curious about the world and likely to be utterly delighted by beautiful new experiences. And if given enough information, she’s generally strong-minded and decisive as well, which is always a useful trait in a high priestess.
So, in spite of my disappointment with this first experience, I just may go on and try some of the other Earthsea novels. It may turn out to be worth it for the characters, if nothing else.