The island of Gont is a land famous for wizards. Of these, some say the greatest — and surely the greatest voyager — is the man called Sparrowhawk. As a reckless, awkward boy, he discovered the great power that was in him — with terrifying consequences. Tempted by pride to try spells beyond his means, Sparrowhawk lets loose an evil shadow-beast in his land. Only he can destroy it, and the quest leads him to the farthest corner of Earthsea.