Le Guin's next two books in 1968 and 1969 brought her much more attention and praise. The Wizard of Earthsea in 1968 was a young adult fantasy novel. The Left Hand of Darkness in 1969 started her Hainish universe, explored sexuality, and won awards. These two books changed Le Guin's career and made her a major writer. "A Wizard of Earthsea" and "The Left Hand of Darkness" have been described by critic Harold Bloom as Le Guin's masterpieces.