Fantasy· United States
Tehanu (The Earthsea Cycle, Book 4)
by Ursula K. Le GuinAggregate Editorial Score30/100
#17,944of 99,626 books
Kirkus Reviews
Published 1990English
Buy on Amazon → About This Book
Ursula K. Le Guin's Tehanu (The Earthsea Cycle, Book 4) (1990) stands as one of the most significant works of fantasy of its era. A beloved work of fantasy, Tehanu (The Earthsea Cycle, Book 4) by Ursula K. Le Guin (1990) has enchanted generations of readers with its magical storytelling.
Book Details
About the Category
🐉 Fantasy
Stories set in imaginary worlds with magical or supernatural elements.
Explore all Fantasy books →Country of Origin
🇺🇸 United States
This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.
Explore books from United States →Editorial Assessment
Tehanu (The Earthsea Cycle, Book 4) by Ursula K. Le Guin sits within the tradition of fantasy that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1990 in United States, it engages with the human condition in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention.
The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Its aggregate editorial score of 30/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals.
The appeal of Tehanu (The Earthsea Cycle, Book 4) lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of the human condition is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page.
Tehanu (The Earthsea Cycle, Book 4) reflects Ursula K. Le Guin's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United States's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
Awards & Recognition
Kirkus Reviews
notable · national
199030
Ursula K. Le Guin is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of science fiction.
What to Read Next
literary-fiction
Midnight's Children
Salman Rushdie· 1981
★Nobel Prize in Literature★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
literary-fiction
Lincoln in the Bardo
George Saunders· 2017
★Booker Prize
Editorial Score100/100
literary-fiction
The Mermaid of Black Conch
Monique Roffey· 2020
★Women's Prize for Fiction★Costa Book Award
Editorial Score100/100
fantasy
Piranesi
Susanna Clarke· 2020
★Women's Prize for Fiction
Editorial Score94/100
literary-fiction
The Tiger's Wife
Téa Obreht· 2011
★Women's Prize for Fiction
Editorial Score85/100
fantasy
American Gods
Neil Gaiman· 2002
★Hugo Award★Bram Stoker Award
Editorial Score79/100
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular on 50 Best Books
Best Science Fiction Books of All TimeScience FictionBooker Prize Winners — Complete List & GuideLiterary PrizesNobel Prize in Literature — Every Winner Since 1901Literary PrizesClassic Literature Reading List — 50 Essential BooksReading GuidesBest Books for Beginners — 20 Easy Reads for New BookloversReading Guides








