Le Guin is like Tolkien in the depth and breadth of her imagination...and here for all those who have admired her epic storytelling, comes five new tales, where, Le Guin writes in the forward, a mere glimpse at the place told me that things had been happening while I wasn't looking...Throughout the book there is a continued sense of the substantiality of her imagination. - Nicci Gerrard The Observer, 27 Oct 02 Ursula LeGuin's Earthsea tales are always a delight and her latest collection - an essay and five stories - is no exception. These thought-provoking tales...take some telling swipes at the 'commodified fantasy' that dominates the market these days...Unlike some of the genre's former 'greats', Le Guin continues to improve with age. Starburst ...as immersive and well written as anything LeGuin has done SFX ...the five stories here provide a varied and enjoyable introduction to the newcomer, s much as the seasoned traveller...And in the end it's [LeGuin's] more gentle and thoughtful approach which sets the series apart from much of the fantasy mush that followed in Tolkien's wake. Edge ...vivid and finely crafted additions to the saga, all written in Le Guin's familiar beautiful prose and bound to enthrall Earthsea fans of all ages. Good Book Guide, 1 Dec 02 ...a collection of stories that takes the reader back into the history of Earthsea, LeGuin's remarkable archipelago where dragons and humans are equally believeable. Erica Wagner The Times, 7 Dec 02 Earthsea fans will not be disappointed with these five enchanted tales which have been yet again magically woven by the mistress of fantasy. School Librarian, Summer 03
