The Tombs of Atuan is the second volume of Ursula K. LeGuin's "Earthsea Trilogy". Although I recommend reading the first volume (A Wizard of Earthsea) first, you may find the Tombs of Atuan to be both understandable and enjoyable by itself. It focuses less on Ged/Sparrowhawk than the first book did, but he plays an important role in the second half of the book. While volumes 1 and 3 are global in the scope of the protagonists' epic travels, Tombs is much more local - taking place almost entirely in a complex of underground caverns. Its difference makes it a breath of fresh air as far as epic fantasy goes. The overall theme of the trilogy is that of fighting the darkness within oneself and becoming a whole person - a bit like the Empire Strikes Back. Recommended for fans of Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Forgotten Realms, and books by Terry Brooks, Michael Moorcock, and Stephen R. Donaldson. Adults and children alike can appreciate this book.