27 years and three series after The Sword of Shannara became the first
work of fiction ever to appear on the New York Times Bestseller List,
author Terry Brooks once again rekindles the magic of Shannara. And it
seems no one can get enough of the Four Lands.
In Book One of The High Druid of Shannara, Jarka Ruus, begins an exciting new episode in the best-selling Shannara saga.
Twenty
years have passed since the events of The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara,
when Bek saved his sister Grianne Ohmsford once the dreaded Ilse Witch
with the magic of the Sword of Shannara. As destined, she has begun to
fulfill the charge set for her by Walker Boh: to re-establish the Druid
Council and bring peace to the Four Lands. Now as Ard Rhys, the High
Druid of Paranor, she finds her task all but impossible. Most cannot
forgive the horrors of the Ilse Witch; others would covet her power;
still some would see her fail at all costs. With civil war raging, and
sinister plots developing, Grianne is struggling with her
responsibility. There are few she can trust.
When Grianne
mysteriously disappears without a trace, her faithful advisor, Tagwen,
knows something is awfully wrong. Pursued by creepy henchman and other
unspeakable horrors, Tagwen joins Griannes nephew, Pen Ohmsford and the
elven prince, Ahren Elessedil, on a perilous mission to rescue her.
Where their quest will lead them is unimaginable. Where Grianne is,
trapped, is unthinkable.
Brooks first three novels: The Sword,
The Elfstones, and The Wishsong of Shannara, are absolute masterpieces
of epic fantasy, and I rate them highly. It was The Sword - the first
adult-fantasy novel I ever read that turned me into a fantasy nut many,
many years ago. His Magic Kingdom of Landover novels and The Word and
the Void series, although fair, cannot be compared to the original
Shannara three. Without wanting to offend anyone, they are average at
best. With The Heritage of Shannara, A four book series, Brooks has
made a triumphant return to the Four Lands; even though I would have to
say any of his first three are as epic, and as brilliant, as the whole
Heritage.
The Voyage of The Jerle Shannara, which The High
Druid is a continuation of, was a massive letdown after years of
waiting for a new Shannara series, so I awaited the release of The High
Druid of Shannara with some caution. But having read the first book of
the series it seems Brooks has come through with the goods. As usual
some of the classic clichs reappear: the young unsuspecting Ohmsford
hero and the faithful band of companions, but we wouldnt have it any
other way. The return of a dark feel not seen since the early epics is
celebrated, and fans should brace themselves for a few twists that are
refreshingly uncharacteristic of Terry Brooks.
My advice to all
lovers of fiction: find your way into the realm of the Four Lands,
particularly the early stuff, and allow each consecutive addition to
re-install a love that just keeps on a-givin. And for those already
sucked in and up to date, you will have to be vigilant until the
release of the second instalment to the High Druid, TANEQUIL, due this
summer.
Also by Terry Brooks (based on the screenplays)
Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace Hook
work of fiction ever to appear on the New York Times Bestseller List,
author Terry Brooks once again rekindles the magic of Shannara. And it
seems no one can get enough of the Four Lands.
In Book One of The High Druid of Shannara, Jarka Ruus, begins an exciting new episode in the best-selling Shannara saga.
Twenty
years have passed since the events of The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara,
when Bek saved his sister Grianne Ohmsford once the dreaded Ilse Witch
with the magic of the Sword of Shannara. As destined, she has begun to
fulfill the charge set for her by Walker Boh: to re-establish the Druid
Council and bring peace to the Four Lands. Now as Ard Rhys, the High
Druid of Paranor, she finds her task all but impossible. Most cannot
forgive the horrors of the Ilse Witch; others would covet her power;
still some would see her fail at all costs. With civil war raging, and
sinister plots developing, Grianne is struggling with her
responsibility. There are few she can trust.
When Grianne
mysteriously disappears without a trace, her faithful advisor, Tagwen,
knows something is awfully wrong. Pursued by creepy henchman and other
unspeakable horrors, Tagwen joins Griannes nephew, Pen Ohmsford and the
elven prince, Ahren Elessedil, on a perilous mission to rescue her.
Where their quest will lead them is unimaginable. Where Grianne is,
trapped, is unthinkable.
Brooks first three novels: The Sword,
The Elfstones, and The Wishsong of Shannara, are absolute masterpieces
of epic fantasy, and I rate them highly. It was The Sword - the first
adult-fantasy novel I ever read that turned me into a fantasy nut many,
many years ago. His Magic Kingdom of Landover novels and The Word and
the Void series, although fair, cannot be compared to the original
Shannara three. Without wanting to offend anyone, they are average at
best. With The Heritage of Shannara, A four book series, Brooks has
made a triumphant return to the Four Lands; even though I would have to
say any of his first three are as epic, and as brilliant, as the whole
Heritage.
The Voyage of The Jerle Shannara, which The High
Druid is a continuation of, was a massive letdown after years of
waiting for a new Shannara series, so I awaited the release of The High
Druid of Shannara with some caution. But having read the first book of
the series it seems Brooks has come through with the goods. As usual
some of the classic clichs reappear: the young unsuspecting Ohmsford
hero and the faithful band of companions, but we wouldnt have it any
other way. The return of a dark feel not seen since the early epics is
celebrated, and fans should brace themselves for a few twists that are
refreshingly uncharacteristic of Terry Brooks.
My advice to all
lovers of fiction: find your way into the realm of the Four Lands,
particularly the early stuff, and allow each consecutive addition to
re-install a love that just keeps on a-givin. And for those already
sucked in and up to date, you will have to be vigilant until the
release of the second instalment to the High Druid, TANEQUIL, due this
summer.
Also by Terry Brooks (based on the screenplays)
Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace Hook
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