Gifts

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Book Summary

In the harsh and barren Uplands, isolated clans possess a variety of magic powers to protect themselves from other clans in their constant feuding that goes back for centuries. Orrec's father, the Brantor, or leader, of his clan, has the talent for "unmaking," a deadly gift he expects his son to inherit.

But Orrec's gift seems to be wild and uncontrollable, and so he is forced to be permanently blindfolded lest he accidentally hurt those around him. Meanwhile Ogge, the bullying leader of a neighboring clan, is threatening theft, destruction, and conquest.

Is It Any Good?

Ursula K. Le Guin, author of the beloved, classic Earthsea Cycle, took a 14-year hiatus before beginning this series. As in her earlier work, she creates a strange and somewhat mystical world, without the epic sweep and bombast of high fantasy, and without the breakneck pacing of much of the genre since Harry Potter.

Instead, Le Guin takes the time to lay the groundwork for this story about feuding magic clans. Readers may get confused by the profusion of names and relationships, but they will be fascinated by the well-drawn world, and find meaning and resonance in Orrec's story of shame and fear and self-imposed blindness. This is clearly the work of a master, though it may not be to the taste of many fantasy fans weaned on plot-driven, action-oriented fantasy. For those for whom "quiet" and "slow" are not terms of criticism, though, it's a rich and meaty tale.