The Farthest Shore is the final tale in the Earthsea Cycle, and satisfactorily brings Ged’s story to a conclusion.  The Farthest Shore picks up the tale approximately two decades after the conclusion of The Tombs of Atuan.

The Farthest Shore sees the peace that Ged brought Earthsea after the events of The Tombs of Atuan beginning to deteriorate after the magic of Earthsea begins to fail.  The story becomes a race against time, and against evil, to prevent the complete loss of magic from the world of Earthsea and to reverse what has been done.

Throughout the Earthsea Cycle, Ged the Sparrowhawk becomes the kind of heroic figure that people admire greatly, not only because of his immense power, wisdom, and humility, but also because of the arrogant, proud, impetuous child he once was.  Seeing the conclusion to his story is both satisfying and saddening.  This book marks the end of one of my very favorite fantasy characters.  I highly recommend this series for any reader.

-Because I said so

The Tombs of Atuan is the second book in the Earthsea Cycle, continuing the story of A Wizard of Earthsea a few years after its events.  The book moves its focus, however, onto a new main character, while placing Ged in the role of a supporting character.

The Tombs of Atuan is a similar coming of age style story.  The main character, Tenar, also known as Arha, is raised believing in one ideal only to discover as she grows that it has all been a lie.  The book ties the two character stories together and begins to set down the foundation of the third installment of the series.

More insight is given into the nature of the world of Earthsea, creating an even more immersive environment for the mind to wander in.  It is a good continuation to Ged’s overall story, and a wonderful read.

-Because I said so

I am a fan of fantasy novels.  One might even go so far as to label me an aficionado. One book that has been a favorite of mine in this genre for a couple of decades is the Ursula K. LeGuin story A Wizard of Earthsea.

A Wizard of Earthsea tells the early story of Ged, known as Sparrowhawk.  The story is, in many ways, a coming of age tale that sees Ged transform from an arrogant child into a wise mage.  A Wizard of Earthsea creates a wonderful world with a wonderful magical structure behind it.

Magic in Earthsea is not the result of a magical spell or wand, as it is so often displayed.  In Earthsea, true magic comes from the true names of things.  When you have the true name of an object, you have complete control over the object.  A rock can be changed into a diamond, the elements can be controlled, and pure force can be wielded.  This system not only provides something new to the fantasy world, it creates limits for those who would abuse it.

While short, A Wizard of Earthsea is a must-read for a fan of fantasty or adventure.  Even if you’re just a fan of reading, Earthsea is truly entertaining.

-Because I said so

In the days of my youth, I was told what it means to be a man.

Midnight premieres.

I have been to many midnight premieres in the years that I have walked upon the earth.  I revel in the atmosphere of a midnight premiere.  I rejoice in the opportunity to interact with my people.  The true believers, not just in the content, but in the medium itself, make themselves known.  This is the ultimate movie-going event, save one.

Advance screenings.

The advance screening, while less likely to equal or surpass the feeling of comradery and pride one finds at a midnight premiere, offers one thing – one wonderful, amazing thing – that goes beyond these lost experiences, and transcends to a level of movie-going that the midnight premiere can not match: exclusivity.

Let it roll off your tongue.  Say it slowly; pronounce each letter.  Is it not intoxicating?

At this point, you may be asking, “Chris, this is all well and good, but what does this have to do with your blog’s title, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Advance Screening?  I mean, you haven’t even posted any pictures related to Harry Potter!”  As for the pictures, you’re absolutely right!  Allow me to rectify that:

As for the relevance, well, I’m glad you asked!  On July 2, 2009, the Fresno Beehive (@FresnoBeehive) started a giveaway contest for tickets to an advance screening of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince this Monday, July 13th; two days before the premiere.  The requirements for entry were very simple; merely comment on the post.  The winners would be randomly picked from the comments.  I immediately commented to enter myself for a chance at an advance screening of a movie I have highly anticipated.  My hopes, however, were low.  I am not generally what one would call a “winner.”  Victory does not, for the most part, lay itself at my feet.  In fact, just yesterday morning, I mentioned to Lindsey that I doubted I would win the tickets, so we would have to settle for a matinee showing on the 15th (we have urgent business on the morning of the 15th, so unfortunately, a midnight premiere was out of the question).  Imagine my surprise when, on a whim, I checked my email before bed to find that I had indeed won a pair of tickets for the advance screening!  I informed Lindsey and immediately (after a victory jig) responded to the email indicating my acceptance.

If you are one of the select few attending the advance screening with us, congratulations.  We shall see you on Monday.

If you are not, our review will be up on Tuesday.

-Because I said so

I’ve read this book many times before, and each time is just as fun as the last.  Written by Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island was meant for his stepson, who inspired the entire story by drawing a simple island map where buried treasure lay.  While a children’s book at heart, the novel deals with many adult concepts, such as moral ambiguity in Long John Silver’s ability to switch allegiences without a second thought if it is of benefit to him, deception and murder in Israel Hands’ attempts to use Hawkins towards his own ends followed by his attempts to murder the young Hawkins, and more.  However, this is dealt with in a way that still makes it a wholesome book for people of all ages, and while many people may not have read this book, there are very few people who have not seen the influence this book has had on the modern idea of a pirate.  Peg legs, parrots on the shoulder, treasure maps with x’s marking the spot, and more all draw their popular culture origins directly from the imagination of Robert Louis Stevenson.

Read this book.

Yarr, mateys.

-Because I said so