Advantages: Fantastically realised world, focused plot Disadvantages: Minimalist detail, not a cohesive collection
The Earthsea Quartet compiles Ursula Le Guin's first four novels set in the Iron Age styled world of Earthsea. The first three books of the original trilogy were published over four years, from 1968 to 1972. A fourth book was released in 1990, erroneously subtitled the last tale of Earthsea but it ended up being the springboard for further tales.
The four books are set in the known lands of Earthsea; made up of a central archipelago encircled by four polar reaches and the Kargad Lands. Areas outside the provided map are unknown; however a land of the dragons is speculated to exist in the far west.
Earthsea is mostly populated by a dark-browned skinned people. The white Kargs are given a slightly more barbaric presentation than other races, shown to be less literate and superstitious of the practise of magic. Different characters from ...
Advantages: A very different approach to the Fantasy/Sci- Fi genre. Disadvantages: You'll want to buy every other book in the series.
Earthsea sees the rise of a great Arch mage, but can he learn only to use his power only when absolutely necessary -or will he threaten the entire balance of Earthsea?
This is the first book of a series of four, called The Earthsea Quartet. The titles are; The wizard of Earthsea (1971), The tombs of Atuan (1974), The farthest shore (1974) and Tehanu (1992).
The story begins in Duny on the small island of Roke, set in the fantasy world of Earthsea. Duny is home to a very significant character, Ged or Sparrowhawk as he is latter known as in the story. The book follows his rise from a simple 'Gontishman' to become an all powerful Archmage. Ged spends his early life on the island casting simple spells under the instruction of his Aunt. Only when he performs a spell which saves the islanders from invasion is his life ...
Advantages: A good range of music is presented here Disadvantages: Not so good for new Reich fans
The main piece on this CD is Triple Quartet, a work written as recently as 1999. It has a strident and pungent sound but features Reich's famous driving, pulsing rhythms that are really captivating. Unlike his earlier works, the harmonies are stronger and less lush and there is a constant sense of drama and a surprisingly high level of passion. It took me some time to warm to the piece but now it is very high on my list. The slow movement is particlarly beautiful. Next up is a reworking of Violin Phase for electric guitar. An odd concept but it does work. However i prefer the original, its hard edge tone may not be to everybodys liking. Music for a large ensemble follows next and flows along at fast pace with interlocking patterns. There were moments when the mix seems to lose its way, and some of the textures seem to collide a little ...
