by Ursula K. Le Guin
ISBN: 978-0-241-95687-8
First published 1972
131 pages
Publisher: PENGUIN Fiction
Designed by Edward Bettison
6 / 5 Stars
The second book of the quartet, written 3 years later. An intriguing story, different from the first book, ‘A Wizard of Earthsea’. Less chasing, less fighting, we see less of the world. Instead Ursula presents us with a claustrophobic cult-like religion, native to the Kargad Lands.
The brilliance here is how the author builds up the suspense, slowly and purposefully. There are no big clashes, no sudden moves. Scene building, within the tombs, takes a few chapters. Instead of seeing the expansive world of Earthsea, as we did in the first book, we see a very small part, underground, in the dark.
The Kargad Lands above, showing the isle of Atuan.
The Place of the Tombs of Atuan, where the action takes place, where we meet the protagonist and learn about Atuan.
The Labyrinth of the Tombs of Atuan, of which no more can be said, unless you read the book.
The Eclectic Book Review 