Preview
  • Gifts

  • Annals of the Western Shore, Book 1
  • By: Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Narrated by: Jim Colby
  • Length: 6 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (251 ratings)

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Gifts

By: Ursula K. Le Guin
Narrated by: Jim Colby
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Publisher's summary

In the Uplands, people have magical and fearsome gifts. Orrec, a boy growing into his powers, can destroy any living thing with simply a glance. But he refuses to use his ability, and wears a blindfold to protect others from his devastating gaze. This allegorical coming-of-age tale shows that power can be cruel.
Listen to another book in this series: Powers.
©1994 Ursula K. Le Guin (P)1994 Recorded Books, LLC
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Critic reviews

"Rich in the earthy magic and intelligent plot twists that made the Earthsea novels classics." (Booklist)

What listeners say about Gifts

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

great story, simple, moving, original

Ursula LeGuin grown yet more masterful with age, spinning a dark tale with tragic depth lit by a young heart.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing book, well read!

If you love Le Guin, you'll love this story. The reader does an excellent job dramatizing the voices and emotions. I'm off to download the next volume!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great for Anyone

This is a great book whether you are into science fiction or not. It is thought-provoking and very emotional. It has turns in the story that makes it fun to listen to as well. Definitely recommend it.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable Listen

I picked up a monthly audible account the day I was able to install the audible app on my android :) (beta) and this was my first listen. I'm happy :)

It took me about an half an hour to really get into this book, after that I really enjoyed the pace and plot line

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The gift of Gifts

I have always enjoyed the worlds created by Le Guin. Her character development is excellent and her plots are worthwhile. The first book of this series presents a premise as interesting as the magic in the Earthsea series.

While a bit more brooding than Earthsea, I liked the book and plan to read the whole series.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

horrible narrator

Just don't. Get your credit back. The narrator kills the story. I'd rather buy the book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Enjoyed the story

Enjoyed the story and characters. The narrator’s swallowing was really noticeable and distracting. Also, the chapters began very abruptly. No separation from the previous chapter.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

I enjoy listening to this book

This book was slow going and felt like it had a lot of back and forth telling between present and past event. I wasn't always sure of the time lime. I am really not sure how the opening chapters fit into the whole of the story, however overall the story was good and I enjoyed listening to it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Read it for a school project

I read this book for a school project but then I fell in love with this book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

LeGuin is guaranteed to please!

This is classic Ursula LeGuin. She tells a story which is interesting, drawing you in to the action and at the same time teaching lessons about kindness, understanding and acceptance of yourself and others. She weaves this into a tale mixed with magic and fantasy. It is written for "children" but is a great read for any age.

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6 people found this helpful