A sequel which improves on the first, and the first was brilliant. The change of perspective for much of this story allows for a new tone, often darker than the first book, and new views into other corners of Earthsea. Le Guin's characters, as always, are beautifully observed and painfully human, and the sense of place in the Tombs makes it one of the most memorable fantasy settings I have read. Le Guin's discussion of religion, power, and self then provides a solid core of questions and discussion for these characters and places to form and develop around. This is a beautiful book, and a worthy, excellent successor to A Wizard of Earthsea.