Common Sense Media Review
By Sage Moreaux
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lush art brings fantasy classic to life; mild violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Ged, the son of a goat herder from a small island village, shows early signs of magical power. After his aunt, the village witch, learns of his aptitude for the magical arts, he is apprenticed to a powerful wizard. But Ged is restless for power and glory, and chooses to leave his mentor and study at the Wizard School on Roke Island. At school, he excels, showing signs of becoming one of the greatest wizards of all time. But his pride and jealousy lead him to compete with an older boy in a battle of magic. When Ged summons his power, he accidentally unleashes an evil shadow and causes the death of the Archmage. Ged must discover a way to defeat this shadow before it destroys him.
Is It Any Good?
Ursula K. Le Guin's original story is one of the great classics in young adult fantasy literature, and this adaptation is a thoughtful, faithful rendition of her original vision. A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel's pacing can seem slow at times, focusing more on the nature of power and humanity than the flash of magic. However, Ged's journey is one that many will relate to: the quest for power and prestige, the foolish actions taken in a moment of anger, and the need to set things right. The watercolor illustrations are beautiful, alternating between dark shadows and atmospheric light, but the colors sometimes appear murky, so characters' expressions and smaller details can get lost. The slow pacing and high art feel might not grab some young readers who are looking for a more modern style in their fantasies and graphic novels, but those with the patience to read to the end will be rewarded with a rich, absorbing tale. The book might even inspire young readers to explore the original series.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the desire for power and the need for responsibility in A Wizard of Earthsea. How does Ged's desire for power affect his path in life? Can you think of real-life examples of how the quest for power influences people's decisions?
How does Ged show courage and humility in this book? How do these character strengths help guide him? What gets in the way?
What stereotypes or conventions does this book challenge or reinforce?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Fred Fordham
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Humility
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Clarion
- Publication date : March 11, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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