This is the way most fans recommend reading Earthsea. It allows you to experience Le Guin’s evolving prose and the deepening maturity of her themes. The series originally began as a trilogy, followed by a long hiatus before she returned to finish the story.
The traditional starting point is, unequivocally, (1968). This novel introduces the core themes of balance, naming, and shadow-self integration through the coming-of-age story of Ged, a reckless prodigy. Reading it first is crucial because it establishes the world’s Taoist-influenced magic system, where every action creates an echo.