This is 3 stars in terms of my own personal enjoyment, but I think it is a very good book. I don't read a lot of fantasy, but decided to give this one a try. There just wasn't enough action for me, especially since Ged spends a lot of time on his own. This was darker than I had expected, because it is a lonely road for Ged to

Spoiler

run from this shadow of his death and then change course and run to it.

I'm sure there are many lessons in this book.....only say things you mean (the power of words and names), and that instead of running from your fears you should meet them head on. Ged sees many people and things and has to get out of many dangerous situations. I liked the ending and the fact that it wasn't a cliff-hanger at all.

I wish I could have listened to this as an audiobook. The writing is really beautiful and you can tell it was written with great care. I think if I could listen to it being told as a story, I would have liked it a lot better. This was a short book, but it took longer to read it. I may continue with Ged's story later.