Normally, I try to read series in order, but when I first picked up the extraordinary [b:The Left Hand of Darkness|18423|The Left Hand of Darkness (Hainish Cycle, #4)|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1488213612l/18423._SY75_.jpg|817527] I did not realize that it was the fourth entry to the Hainish Cycle. So, with that in mind, I have begun to set out to finish the series, starting with the first book [b:Rocannon's World|92610|Rocannon's World (Hainish Cycle, #1)|Ursula K. Le Guin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1300039756l/92610._SY75_.jpg|1357368].

The opening prologue is likely the strongest part of this work, Semley’s Necklace, which follows a young woman’s journey to a museum on a distant planet to take back a family heirloom to her husband. The use of museum as a colonizing agent was a surprisingly nuanced touch, but the real twist is when Semley returns, she finds that space travel has meant she’s been gone “longer” from her planet than she has experienced. Now a common space trope, this early iteration was super fun and interesting.

The rest of the novel is still strong, if a bit less original in contrast. It follows an ethnologist Rocannon, who had previously met Semley, who would later travel to her planet for study. Many early space explorations read like early-stage ethnographies, but this direct approach was intriguing, and helped to frame otherwise sensational ideas in a very matter-of-fact fashion that allowed for the plot to move at a quicker pace. It is through this adventure that the concept of Mindspeech is introduced which allows for a type of telepathic communication, which makes for some interesting drama.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it.

Rating: 3.5 stars