James Hockley author newsletter
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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.”
As finales go, this one’s a little bit special. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these books and am constantly amazed at just how different they are from each other – a really clever
trick. This one too is different, but first and foremost it brings a whole bunch of our favourite characters together. What’s not to like?
First up is Ged – whom the wizard Alder seeks out first. We engage with Ged in his “life after Archmage” a few times, but this is a good swan song for our beloved hero (he plays the part of wise elder statesman very well). Indeed, though much of the wider series centres on Ged (and rightly so), the torch has well and truly been passed – hence Alder is off to Havnor, the centre of the Islands.
This is when we come face to face with some dear friends – Tenar (from book #2 and book #4 and Ged’s wife) and Tehanu (from book #4 – their adopted daughter). Tehanu and Tenar are in Havnor with the king, but Alder is most welcome. After all, if the Wizards of Earthsea on Roke are concerned, then it must be important.
And so it is that this new crop of heroes embark on a final adventure to the Island of Roke where they will come face to face with some very deep truths. The very fabric of all that is and has been is at stake, but with the assistance of each other (and perhaps a dragon), our heroes will face the challenge bravely. It really is a very thought-provoking ending.
All in all, this is a great ending to what is a fantastic series. The variety of styles and storylines in the series is brilliant, and each book has its own charms. It seems a lifetime ago that I read A Wizard of Earthsea, but this very definitely feels like closure – which is nice. It also follows on really nicely from the Tales of Earthsea (and in particular the story Dragonfly) which is really great too. I love it how all these stories tie in with each other so effortlessly.
All in all, a must-read series.