Lord Winterborne's Fantasy

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)

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