The Tombs of Atuan

The Tombs of Atuan (1970) Ursula K. Le Guin

The second book in the Earthsea Trilogy, The Tombs of Atuan tells the story of Tenar, who becomes Arha, the Eaten One, and High Priestess of the Nameless Ones. Tenar is taken from her home at the age of five becuase she is the reincarnation of Arha. The tombs beneath the city are her realm and her responsibility.

What I found most interesting was the description of how Tenar was taken from her home to enter the temple, and how she spent her childhood in the temple, privileged more than the other girls, yet more isolated.

Like A Wizard of Earthsea, this is a short book–under 200 pages. But also like A Wizard of Earthsea, it’s a good book, with well done characters, writing, and above all, storytelling. (Hint to all those fantasy writers who write doorstops: short is good too!)

For whatever reason, I didn’t seem to care as much about Tenar as I had Ged. I was interested in what was happening to her, but didn’t care quite as much. I’m not sure whether that is due to the way the character was written, or something else. I also was also somewhat confused by her change in attitude towards the end. I can understand her confusion, but I’m not certain why she took the actions she took.

Small complaint about the cover (the newer cover, as well as the cover on my book.) I hate it when they put scenes towards the end of the book on the cover. I’d just as soon not know these things, thank you.

This is a good sequel to A Wizard of Earthsea. Like a lot of second books, it didn’t seem to be as strong as the first book, but was still very good, and quite enjoyable.
Rating: 7/10

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