This is a very fine fantasy. I say fine because it evokes many great labyrinthian images, old, old traditions of sacrifice to the Dark Old Ones, and eventually, freedom from the same. 
 There's a lot of beauty here, and while I didn't love it on quite the same scale as Ged's original journey in the first book, it's mainly because I liked the core theme better. 
 Other readers will absolutely take out of this book different layers. I can say that confidently because there are some really beautiful and clear layers interwoven here. 
 The past and the evil in the past can be broken and escaped. That which was broken can be renewed. 
 And what's more, so much of it has to do with our own perceptions! Of course, isn't it always? :) 
 Our MC is the high priestess of an ancient cult and Ged does show up halfway. It's really quite amusing to see just how easily she toys with the poor "greatest wizard", but I admit to liking this book a lot more after that point. 
 It's really something else to see how clear and easy this is to read compared to a lot of modern fantasy and it's even more interesting because it stands up to the test of time. Le Guin definitely has great skill. :)