Showing posts with label Terry Brooks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Terry Brooks. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Jarka Ruus by Terry Brooks ~ Review

Title: Jarka Ruus (High Druid of Shannara #1)
Author: Terry Brooks
Genre: Adult, Fantasy
Length: 416 pages
Publisher: Del Rey
Release Date: July 26, 2005
Source: Library
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

More than a quarter of a century after "The Sword of Shannara" carved out its place in the pantheon of great epic fantasy, the magic of Terry Brooks's "New York Times" bestselling saga burns as brightly as ever. Three complete series have chronicled the ever-unfolding history of Shannara. But more stories are still to be told--and new adventures have yet to be undertaken. Book One of High Druid of Shannara invites both the faithful longtime reader and the curious newcomer to take the first step on the next extraordinary quest.

Twenty years have passed since Grianne Ohmsford denounced her former life as the dreaded Ilse Witch--saved by the love of her brother, the magic of the Sword of Shannara, and the destruction of her evil mentor, the Morgawr. Now, fulfilling the destiny predicted for her, she has established the Third Druid Council, and dedicated herself to its goals of peace, harmony among the races, and defense of the Four Lands. But the political intrigue, secret treachery, and sinister deeds that have haunted Druid history for generations continue to thrive. And despite her devotion to the greater good as Ard Rhys--the High Druid of Paranor, Grianne still has bitter enemies. 

Among the highest ranks of the Council she leads lurk those who cannot forget her reign of terror as the Ilse Witch, who covet her seat of power, and who will stop at nothing to see her deposed . . . or destroyed. Even Grianne's few allies--chief among them her trusted servant Tagwen--know of the plots against her. But they could never anticipate the sudden, ominous disappearance of the Ard Rhys, in the dead of night and without a trace. Now, barely a step ahead of the dark forces bent on stopping him, Tagwen joins Grianne's brave young nephew, Pen Ohmsford, and the wise, powerful elf Ahren Elessedil on a desperate and dangerous mission of search and rescue--to deliver the High Druid of Shannara from an unspeakable fate. 



**********
Starting into the next series-set of the Shannara world, we get started with some familiar faces - which I love. Grainne was redeemed in the previous series, and she is now the High Druid. But not everyone has forgiven and moved on. Her past still haunts her, and it's about to lead to some really nasty magic. Her own druids are set against her, and when she disappears mysteriously, there are none that seem to really care.

There are a few people loyal to her though, and they instantly set off on the quest to find Grainne's family and friends from her previous story. There's a lot of building blocks in this story, and not a ton of action. It comes in bits and pieces as the druids try to stop Grainne's friends from finding her or finding out what was done to her. But the Ohmsford family has always been a resourceful one, and they slip through tight places by the skin of their teeth.

At the end of the story, we're left with a little knowledge, but not a lot was done. I loved some of the characters, especially the new seer Pen meets on the way. There are betrayals and new friends, wins and losses, everything you might expect in a high fantasy story. I'm liking the groundwork laid so far, and this may be one of my favorite sets of characters yet. I'm excited to see what happens to Grainne next.



Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Morgawr by Terry Brooks - Review

Title: Morgawr (Voyage of the Jerle Shannara #3)
Author: Terry Brooks
Genre: Adult, Fantasy
Length: 415 Pages
Publisher: Del Ray
Release Date: August 26, 2003
Source: Library
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Harrowing confrontations with the merciless Ilse Witch and the monstrous Antrax have taken their toll on the intrepid heroes aboard the airship “Jerle Shannara”. But their darkest adversary now snaps at their heels, in the form of the Morgawr - feeder upon the souls of his enemies and centuries-old sorcerer of unimaginable might with a fleet of airships and a crew of walking dead men at his command. The Morgawr's goal is twofold: find and control the fabled ancient books of magic and destroy the dark disciple who betrayed him - the Ilse Witch. Now at the mercy of those who seek vengeance against her, the use Witch's only protector is her long-lost brother, Bek Ohmsford, who is determined to redeem his beloved sister . . . and to fulfill her destiny. 


**********

An interesting ending to the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Morgawr is full of some unusual twists and turns. While the actual journey seems to have been gotten them nowhere, there are some good things to come about from the voyage. But it isn't over yet. The crew still needs to find their way back home.

Bek really comes into his own in the book. He has learned to stand his ground for what he believes in and fully commits to "fixing" his sister. I found the Ohmsford siblings to be a great pair. Many times they resembled yin and yang. As one was thriving, the other was not. As one did good, the other supported evil. Finally, they both seem to be on the same page and I was very excited to see what they would be able to accomplish together.

The voyage home seems to have a couple different meanings in Morgawr. While the crew of the Jerle Shannara struggle to stay ahead of their pursuers and return to more familiar land, the Ilse Witch is also experiencing the same journey and running from the same pursuer - but for different reasons. When the time comes and everyone is forced to face the Morgawr, the battle is epic in meaning, but not necessarily in scale.

The Morwawr is one of the few books that has left me with the feeling of reading more than one story at once. The themes and journeys were overlaid in such a great way that they all flowed naturally together and the symbolism and metaphor, while very apparent, didn't get in the way. It was a great ending to a series, but there's still some work for the characters to do. I hope to see them again as I continue the overall series of Shannara books.


Monday, April 17, 2017

Antrax by Terry Brook ~ Review

Title: Antrax (Voyage of the Jerle Shannara #2)
Author: Terry Brooks
Genre: Adult, Fantasy
Length: 405 pages
Publisher: Del Ray
Release Date: September 18, 2001
Source: Library Book
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

A new novel by Terry Brooks is always a cause for celebration. For more than twenty years, the New York Times bestselling author of the classic Shannara epic has proven himself one of the modern masters of fantasy, winning the hearts and minds of devoted readers around the world. In his last acclaimed novel, Ilse Witch, a brave company of explorers led by the last Druid, Walker Boh, traveled across unknown seas in search of an elusive magic. Yet perhaps Boh and his team were lured there for sinister, unforeseen purposes . . .

Now in Antrax, as the crew aboard the airship Jerle Shannara is attacked by evil forces, the Druid’s protégé Bek Rowe and his companions are pursued by the mysterious Ilse Witch. Meanwhile, Boh is alone, caught in a dark maze beneath the ruined city of Castledown, stalked by a hungry, unseen enemy. 

For there is something alive in Castledown. Something not human. Something old beyond reckoning that covets the magic of Druids, elves, even the Ilse Witch. Something that hunts men for its own designs: Antrax. It is a spirit that commands ancient technologies and mechanical monsters, feeds off enchantment, and traps the souls of men.

With the Jerle Shannara under siege and Antrax threatening the bold and unwary, the Ilse Witch finds herself face-to-face with a boy who claims to be the brother she last saw as an infant. Now a young man, Bek wields the magic of the wishsong and carries the Sword of Shannara upon his back. Unsure whether to trust Bek or to slay him, the Ilse Witch takes him prisoner. One has come pursuing truth, the other revenge. Yet both seek Walker Boh–with the fate of the Four Lands hanging in the balance. 

Return to the world of beloved novelist Terry Brooks, where creatures drift up from the earth like mist, a hypnotic song can kill, a sword can cut through a veil of lies–and one man, the true heir of an ancient magic, must choose between betrayal and redemption.


**********
Antrax is an amazing mix of fantasy and technology. As the crew of the Jerle Shannara explores Castledown, things come crawling out of the woodwork. Castledown is nothing like what they expected and the prize they seek is even further out of reach than even the Druid anticipated. Castledown is heavily protected, and by a type of entity that none have seen before. As the entity searches for those he wants to keep and eliminate the ones he doesn't...well...a whole lot of things happen.

There are lots of traditional fantasy elements, a bit of sci-fi, and lots of action. Tons of characters, so be sure to read this when you won't be easily distracted or you may lose track of who is doing what and where everyone is. As with most of Terry Brooks' series, you need to read this one in order, and while it isn't necessary to read the previous series in the world of Shannara, it would definitely help.

There's a lot of big reveals in Antrax, but there are even more questions that are brought up or left un-answered. Even though there was so much going on, I had a hard time staying engaged with all the moving pieces. While Terry Brooks' books always have a lot going on, this one seemed to be a little more choppy as it jumped around from place to place and group to group.

There were some characters that I really loved, and I was excited to see how the grew and developed through the pages. The Ilse Witch's story in Antrax was quite interesting. She had some pretty big surprises up her sleeve, and the seer shocked me several times. When the story all ends, we don't really have an ending. While some storylines may have seen some version of resolution, there are many threads left hanging for the next story. This world has such a rich history, and I'm really enjoying see how the story continues.




Wednesday, November 30, 2016

The Ilse Witch by Terry Brooks ~ Review


Title: The Ilse Witch (Voyage of the Jerle Shannara #1)
Author: Terry Brooks
Genre: Adult, Fantasy
Length: 456 Pages
Publisher: Del Ray
Release Date: August 2001
Source: Library
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

When a half-drowned elf is found floating in the seas of the Blue Divide, an old mystery resurfaces. Thirty years ago, an elven prince led an expedition in search of a legendary magic said to be more powerful than any in the world. Of all those who set out on that ill-fated voyage, not one has ever returned. Until now. The rescued elf carries a map covered with mysterious symbols–and Walker Boh, the last of the Druids, has the skill to decipher them. But someone else understands the map’s significance: the Ilse Witch, a ruthless young woman who wields a magic as potent as his own. She will stop at nothing to possess the map–and the magic it leads to.

**********

This one got off to a bit of a slow start for me. Terry Brooks has always had a great way of writing about the journey, the preparation, the traveling, the planning. But I don't think he quite hit that mark in this one. There are some fairly unique characters and a couple big surprises along the way to prepare for the journey, but it just wasn't enough to really pull me through that section of the story. 

Once we were underway, things got a little better. The aura of danger and being chased was amazing, but the highlights of their stops seemed to be rushed sometimes. I wanted to know more about each stop, see more of the islands, and more of the adventure.

But, true to form, Terry Brooks still dragged me into the story and by the end of the book the characters had taken over and I needed to finish the story. Left with a bit of a cliffhanger, I'll be requesting book two soon!


Thursday, June 16, 2016

Angel Fire East by Terry Brooks ~ Review


Title: Angel Fire East (Word & Void #3)
Author: Terry Brooks
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Length: 440 Pages
Publisher: Orbit
Release Date: 1999
Source: Library Book
Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Angel Fire East marks the close of Terry Brooks's Word and Void trilogy, which began with 1997's Running with the Demon. In this book, the story returns to Nest's native Hopewell, where once again Nest and John must face off against the Void. This time, the demon is the ancient Findo Gask, along with his sidekicks: a giant albino demon, a shapeless ur'droch who lives only to kill, and a self-destructive psycho named Penny Dreadful.
The story begins when John Ross shows up at Nest Freemark's door with a young boy. He reveals that the boy, who he calls Little John, is actually a gypsy morph, a creature born of wild magic and capable of enormous deeds, for good or evil. Both sides have approximately one month to unravel Little John's secrets and recruit him for their cause. Because after one month, the magic that holds him together will tear him apart, and his powers will be lost forever.


There is a little bit of closure to Nest's story in this one, but it still leaves a lot to wonder about. John Ross enlists Nest's help once again, this time to figure out a way to keep a gypsy morph (I had no idea what it was for a long time) away from the Void and turn it to work for the Word.

This book felt a little lost at the beginning. There were lots of things happening that just seemed to be for no reason - but I guess that's the nature of demons?? It wasn't until about half way through that things really started to make more sense. In many ways this is the darkest book of the series by far.

I'm glad I read the series, I'm hoping to see bits and pieces of the lore pop up once we get back into the Shanarra portion of the story arc. I really miss it.


Word & Void

Friday, June 3, 2016

A Knight of the Word by Terry Brooks ~ Review


Title: A Knight of the Word (Word & Void #2)
Author: Terry Brooks
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Length: 386 Pages
Publisher: Del Ray
Release Date: August 1999
Source: Library
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Eight centuries ago the first Knight of the Word was commissioned to combat the demonic evil of the Void. Now that daunting legacy has passed to John Ross - along with powerful magic and the knowledge that his actions are all that stand between a living hell and humanity's future.

Then, after decades of service to the Word, an unspeakable act of violence shatters John Ross's weary faith. Haunted by guilt, he turns his back on his dread gift, settling down to build a normal life, untroubled by demons and nightmares.


But a fallen Knight makes a tempting prize for the Void, which could bend the Knight's magic to its own evil ends. And once the demons on Ross's trail track him to Seattle, neither he nor anyone close to him will be safe. His only hope is Nest Freemark, a college student who wields an extraordinary magic all her own. Five years earlier, Ross had aided Nest when the future of humanity rested upon her choice between Word and Void. Now Nest must return the favor. She must restore Ross's faith, or his life - and hers - will be forfeit...
 




The second story of John Ross (I feel like I have to call him by his whole name) and Nest is a turning of the tables. This time, John Ross is in trouble and Nest is being sent to help him save himself. John Ross has forsaken the Word and the demons are on the hunt. The biggest downfall of this one? I figured out the demon quite early on, and it really ruined the atmosphere for a lot of the story. I didn't get that OMG "surprise, it's me!" moment I was looking for.

While there are some very exciting moments, overall it seemed to move quite slowly with a lot of random sidetracks. I think they were there to confuse you a little so you couldn't guess who the demon was, but they just seemed a little too obvious. Nest was not decisive enough for my taste. I wanted her to go in and take charge, demanding that John Ross listen to her, but she just wasn't like that.

I can see how this world become the world of Shannara, but I sort of want to get to the point already. These are good, just not something that will ever become a favorite. Maybe I just want my Shannara back already!



Word & Void

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Running with the Demon by Terry Brooks ~ Review


Title: Running with the Demon (Word & Void #1)
Author: Terry Brooks
Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy
Length: 420 Pages
Publisher: Del Rey Books
Release Date: August 19, 1997
Source: Library
Rating: 2 Stars
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Twenty years ago, Terry Brooks turned fantasy fiction on its head with The Sword of Shannara, the first fantasy novel to make the mainstream bestseller lists, and the first in an unbroken string of thirteen bestselling books. Now, in Running with the Demon, Brooks does nothing less than revitalize fantasy fiction again, inventing the complex and powerful new mythos of the Word and the Void, good versus evil still, but played out in the theater-in-the-round of the "real world" of our present.

On the hottest Fourth of July weekend in decades, two men have come to Hopewell, Illinois, site of a lengthy, bitter steel strike. One is a demon, dark servant of the Void, who will use the anger and frustration of the community to attain a terrible secret goal. The other is John Ross, a Knight of the Word, a man who, while he sleeps, lives in the hell the world will become if he fails to change its course on waking. Ross has been given the ability to see the future. But does he have the power to change it?

At stake is the soul of a fourteen-year-old girl mysteriously linked to both men. And the lives of the people of Hopewell. And the future of the country. This Fourth of July, while friends and families picnic in Sinnissippi Park and fireworks explode in celebration of freedom and independence, the fate of Humanity will be decided . . .

A novel that weaves together family drama, fading innocence, cataclysm, and enlightenment, Running with the Demon will forever change the way you think about the fantasy novel. As believable as it is imaginative, as wondrous as it is frightening, it is a rich, exquisitely-written tale to be savored long after the last page is turned.



This is the story of the world before - the world of man and technology - before magic returned to the world and the Shannara Chronicles began. Many times throughout the stories the past is referenced and the remains of ruins of our world can be seen in the forests and swamps of the world of Shannara. How did this happen? Well, start reading Running with the Demon to find out.

This one just didn't do it for me. I'm not sure if it was the sudden change from a high fantasy style to a completely urban fantasy - or that it was set in a town not too far away. I just couldn't see it in my head or connect with the characters. Nest is a very special teenager, from a very special family line. on her shoulders may rest the very furture of the world as we all know it. I had a hard time connecting with Nest as the story went on. her relationship with her friends, family, demon, creatures, and John just never rang very true for me.

It also takes a long time to get anywhere of significance in the storyline. I really had no clue why any of this was so important until about half way through the story. This made it a little difficult to keep going from chapter to chapter at times. Brooks writing is still very beautiful and he has a way of bringing a scene to life, this just wasn't one of my favorites.


Monday, February 1, 2016

The First King of Shannara by Terry Brooks ~ Review


Title: First King of Shannara (The Original Shannara Trilogy #0)
Author: Terry Brooks
Genre: Adult, Fantasy
Length: 489 pages
Publisher: Orbit
Release Date: March 6, 1997
Source: Library
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

THE SECOND WAR OF THE RACES

Horrified by the misuse of magic they had witnessed during the First War of the Races, the Druids at Paranor devoted themselves to the study of the old sciences, from the period before the collapse of civilization a thousand years before. Only the Bremen and a few trusted associates still studied the arcane arts. And for his persistence, Bremen found himself outcast, avoided by all but the few free-thinkers among the Druids.

But his removal from Paranor was not altogether a terrible thing, for Bremen learned that dark forces were on the move from the Northlands. That seemingly invincible armies of trolls were fast conquering all that lay to their south. That the scouts for the army - and its principal assassins - were Skull Bearers, disfigured and transformed Druids who had fallen prey to the seductions of the magic arts. And that at the heart of the evil tide was an archmage and former Druid named Brona!

Using the special skills he had acquired through his own study of Magic, Bremen was able to penetrate the huge camp of the Troll army and learn many of its secrets. And he immediately understood that if the peoples of the Four Lands were to escape eternal subjugation they would need to unite. But, even united, they would need a weapon, something so powerful that the evil magic of Brona, the Warlock Lord, would fail before its might...


All those events you hear Allanon talking about - well here's the first hand look into the life of Bremen, the fall of the Druids and the first battle with Brona. Seeing the events unfold all together as a single story was a lot of fun. You pick up on the various parts of the legends and the histories that you hear in bits and pieces throughout the series. As such, it can easily be read as a stand alone and you will still get a lot of enjoyment out of it.

In fact, you may get more enjoyment out of it. I found I had learned a little too much about the events and characters, and when they didn't live up to my expectations, especially Jerle Shannara, who I found to be very un-heroic and a little whiny at times.

The druid Bremen, on the other hand, was great. I loved his tenacity and his sorrow that he wasn't able to make people (like the Druids) change their mind about how they would react to events. Overall the adventure was a little predictable (but I already knew what was going to happen), and the hero was a little too underwhelming, but it was still fun.


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

The Talismans of Shannara by Terry Brooks - Review


Title: The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara #4)
Author: Terry Brooks
Genre: Adult, Fantasy
Length: 440 Pages
Publisher: Random House
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

Although some of the goals to keep Shannara safe had been met, the work of Walker Boh, Wren, and Par was not yet done. For The Shadowmen still swarmed over the Four Lands, poisoning all with their dark magic. Each Shannaran had a special death waiting for him- at the hands of The Shadowmen-unless Par could find a way to free them all with the Sword of Shannara.


Well, it seems like everything got wrapped up - but man did it happen in one big epic crazy scene - or two. The war between Shadowen and the heirs of Shannara is being fought on two (sort of three) fronts. Are you confused yet? There is a ton going on here - and I mean a ton!!! While very exciting and full of action - it might have been nice if it was a little more spread out. We jump from strategy and hiking across the land to super fast paced action battle scene.

While this is probably very realistic, it was quite exhausting to read at times. I was either wanting them to hurry up and get to the action, or slow the action down so I could follow it better. I think Walker and Wren's stories are still my favorites. Which may seem odd, because they had the most up and down again stories as far as pace - but they were gradual changes and some really great build up.

There was also a lot going on inside the heads of our characters. I love getting into their heads and seeing what makes them tic. Walker, especially, has a lot going on and a lot to try and figure out. Overall, this was a great wrap-up. I got to see everyone together again and how everyone's previous story tied into all the others' and really came together.


The Shannara Series


Wednesday, October 28, 2015

The Elf Queen of Shannara by Terry Brooks - Review


Title: The Elf Queen of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara #3)
Author: Terry Brooks
Genre: Adult, Fantasy
Length: 416 pages
Publisher: Del Ray
Release Date: January 23, 1993
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

"Find the Elves and return them to the world of Men!" the shade of the Druid Allanon had ordered Wren.

It was clearly an impossible task. The Elves had been gone from the Westland for more than a hundred years. There was not even a trace of their former city of Arborlon left to mark their passing. No one in the Esterland knew of them -- except, finally, the Addershag.

The blind old woman had given instructions to find a place on the coast of the Blue Divide, build a fire, and keep it burning for three days. "One will come for you."

Tiger Ty, the Wing Rider, had come on his giant Roc to carry Wren and her friend Garth to the only clear landing site on the island of Morrowindl, where, he said, the Elves might still exist, somewhere in the demon-haunted jungle.

Now she stood within that jungle, remembering the warning of the Addershag: "Beward, Elf-girl. I see danger ahead for you . . . and evil beyond imagining." It had proved all too true.

Wren stood with her single weapon of magic, listening as demons evil beyond all imagining gathered for attack. How long could she resist?

And if, by some miracle, she reached the Elves and could convince them to return, how could they possibly retrace her perilous path to reach the one safe place on the coast?


I've been looking forward to Wren's story for awhile now. I love her character and I love elves - so it was a great combo. Her quest to find the long lost elves takes quite a few twists and turns until she finds her lucky break - the hag that finally has many of the answers she's looking for, but it only gets more dangerous and exciting from there.

When she finds the island the elves have retreated to, it isn't anything she expected. Taken over by demons, she is forced to discover some very hard truths to find her way there safely. She meets some really great creatures along the way and I loved learning about them and what they were and how they came about being there. Each has it's only very important part to play in her quest - even if their parts aren't entirely clear at first.

The elves themselves have quite a few secrets to hide - none of which are good. As Wren discovers the truth of why they left and what they have done since, she's faced with a crisis of conscience about helping them return to their old world. Brilliantly written, I was on the edge of my seat as it all unfolded.

There's a lot of great epic moments of heroism from just about every person in the story. Terry Brooks isn't afraid to let Wren's friends steal the spotlight for their moment in the sun and a chance to save the day. There were some sad moments and a few of the characters I've grown to love do not make it through the book - but that only made me love those characters even more.

Again, the only downfall was that I wish I could see what the other main characters from the previous books were up to while Wren was on her quest. We get bits and pieces, but I feel like their stories could have been merged a bit more so they weren't "forgotten" when their story wasn't being told.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

The Druid of Shannara by Terry Brooks - Review


Title: The Druid of Shannara (The Heritage of Shannara #2)
Author: Terry Brooks
Genre: Adult Fantasy
Length: 443 Pages
Publisher: Del Ray
Release Date: March 1, 1991
Source: Self-Purchased
Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Jasmyn

The battle against the evil Shadowen continues as Walker Boh embarks on a perilous journey to recover the black Elfstone and restore the lost Druid keep of Paranor.



We're starting to really see Terry Brooks writing grow and turn into what I have loved about some of his more recent books. In The Druid of Shannara we break away from Par and Col, the brothers we followed for the majority of the first book in the series, and instead we watch as Walker Boh embarks on a quest for the black Elfstone. We still got to see a little of the brothers, but there were absent for most of the story. Walker is a very reluctant hero and it takes losing just about everything for him to really make the first step in his quest.

His adventure is the best in the Shannara series so far. Going up against an entity that is very god-like and quite alien to what I had seen before, it was a fresh change from some of the traditional fantasy elements. I loved watching as Walker really began to embrace who he was (finally!!) and how much he was able to do and help once he had.

What did I wish I saw more of? Well, our third group that is searching for the elves. We see them for just a little bit to check in, but I kind of miss watching all the characters in one book so I can keep track of what they are all doing better.