Shannara Series

[Sakata]

I am surprised there are no posts about these books. Next to the Lord of the Rings, they are my favorite. If you havent yet read them, I highly recomend them. They have good story lines (though there all pretty repetetive) and some really awsome battle scenes.

[Mathron]

I just reread all of em, and read the latest one. I found myself impressed again, now that I paid a bit more attention to them. Some of them are quite repetitive, but there are a number of very well done parts in them - and they definitely have the can't-put-down-till-done-series quality. ~grin~

[Lief Erikson]

I've not read the most recent one yet, is it as good as the rest?

[Mathron]

I'd say so. It has a bit more of a different style to it than the others, but certainly an enjoyable read.

[Ben]

I read the Shannara series. I'm currently in the middle of the new one, Ilse Witch.

The original book was a blatant LotR ripoff (Shea = Frodo, Flick = Sam, Allanon = Gandalf, Warlock Lord = Sauron) but still well-written and enjoyable.

There have been topics about this series in this forum before, trying going back further than 30 days. Or maybe I ought to set back the default setting... ;)

[Onodrim]

Ah, what memories this is discussion brings back to me. I loved the entire series. My favorite character was Garet Jax, weapons master. When he died I actually cried, a couple tears here and there, if you want to call that crying.

[Elven Warrior Maiden]

I love Shannara books so much!

I've read them all except the Isle Witch, which I want to read, and I have restarted reading them. Like in the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, I get scared and amazed all over again. I always cry in the same places, and in new ones to, like I cry in The Lord of the Rings. Glad to see other people who like the Shannara books as well as the Lord of the Rings. My favorite characters were Shea, Flick, Par and especialy Coll.

Tension, Battles, Journies, Despair...... I'm in heaven.

[Sakata]

They are a great seires, my favorite character was Matty Roh, she kicked butt :)

[Lief Erikson]

It's been so long for me I hardly remember the characters. Except I do remember some of them, from book to book, did seem to have highly repetative characters. I liked Walker Boh quite a bit, though.

Too bad the most recent one isn't available at our library, or I'd read that one too.

[Werewolf]

I have read most all of them, I think they are the best fantasy next to Tolkien of course

[fireworks19]

Heeeeey...I read one of these...The First King of Shannara...

Purdy good, I must say.

Altho, friend of mine kept calling it 'Shanar-nar....'

[cjs]

I have read all the shannara series but has anybody read other books of Terry Brooks The Magic Kingdom series was pretty good, an easier read, also the Word and the Void was a change from his other series.

[Talera]

I tried reading the first Terry Brooks but I just couldnt' get on with it. I see what you mean about it being a blatant Lord of the Rings rip off. I've heard they get better later on but then drop off in the latest series. Do you think it's worth me giving him another chance?

[Anthy Rose]

I think they are worth giving another shot. I have only read the prelude and book one myself, so can't comment on if the quality goes down or not. ^^;; I plan on continuing the series...as soon as I read the other 20 or so books that have been sitting unread for way too long.

[Lief Erikson]

They're very good books, you'll like them. The First King of Shannara is my least favorite though, so I'd suggest that you start with the next book, The Sword of Shannara. That will give you a good idea of what the other books are like.

[Finrod Felagund]

I've read all of them and am eagerly awaiting "Morgawr".
Isle Witch and Antrax were quite interesting but Antrax's ending is SUCH a cliffhanger, how could he leave us hanging like that?

[TwirlingString]

Originally posted by cjs
I have read all the shannara series but has anybody read other books of Terry Brooks The Magic Kingdom series was pretty good, an easier read, also the Word and the Void was a change from his other series.

What's the magic kingdom? I've never heard of that.:( I've started his newest continuation of the Shanarra series, but I've finished all the ones currently out and am looking for something to tide me over. What are the titles?

[Grey_Wolf]

First of all. Is Shanara or Shanarra or Shannara. No one seems to know the exact spelling of the name. I think it's Shannara, two n:s, one r.

At the moment I'm collecting the latest series "Voyage of Jerle Shannara". Have Ilse Witch and have ordered Antrax.

I remarked on the writing style of Terry Brooks in one post. The fact that he seems to be going out of his way to ALMOST kill his dramatis Personae in every scene got on my nerves a bit. Otherwise they were quite good and VERY MUCH different from The Lord of the Rings which most people compare Brooks' books with.

[Garina]

I have read about four of them but I haven't read the Sword of Shannara because my library doesn't have it!!!:mad: I thought they were very good. Allanon does remind me of Gandalf, but Gandalf has a sense of humour, which Allanon seems to lack!

[Grey_Wolf]

Originally posted by Garina
I have read about four of them but I haven't read the Sword of Shannara because my library doesn't have it!!!:mad: I thought they were very good. Allanon does remind me of Gandalf, but Gandalf has a sense of humour, which Allanon seems to lack!

I agree that Allanon is lot grimmer than Gandalf. Maybe that's due to the fact that the "Shannara" world is grimmer, in a way, than Middle-Earth.

[Mark of Cenla]

I read The First King of Shannara, which I liked. Then I read The Sword of Shannara, which I liked, even though it was very similar to The Lord of the Rings. I just finished The Elfstones of Shannara, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope I like some of the others as well as I like that one. I have read Lord of the Rings multiple times, and I read all the David Eddings books. So this is the new series for me. I am also going to read the Thomas Covenant books. Peace.

[Grey_Wolf]

I was wondering, IS The First King... a necessary read for the sake of continuance. Or could one skip it and go right ahead reading the Heritage-quartet?

[Mark of Cenla]

The First King... was written later than the first series. No it is not necessary to read it, but it is pretty good and did help me with the history of the whole thing.

By the way, I finished the first series, and I am on the second book of the Heritage series called The Druid of Shannara. Also, I read the first three Thomas Covenant books in between the first series and the second.

I will have to read them all before I can decide if it is second to Lord of the Rings. I liked the David Eddings books very much. Peace.

[Grey_Wolf]

Originally posted by Mark of Cenla
The First King... was written later than the first series. No it is not necessary to read it, but it is pretty good and did help me with the history of the whole thing.

By the way, I finished the first series, and I am on the second book of the Heritage series called The Druid of Shannara. Also, I read the first three Thomas Covenant books in between the first series and the second.

I will have to read them all before I can decide if it is second to Lord of the Rings. I liked the David Eddings books very much. Peace.

Thanks! Maybe I'll buy it after all. I'm currently collecting "'The Voyage...". Will most probably start re-reading the whole series when time allows.

[Sylvee Estel]

I absolutely love this series!!! I agree that the Sword of Shannara especially was a lot like Lord of the Rings, but thats not a bad thing is it??? Since I like Lord of the Rings a lot, I was eager to read other books like it. I especially liked the whole heretige series, and I am eagerly awaiting the release of Morgawr! I can't wait!

[Khamûl]

I read the Sword of Shannara and I enjoyed it, but I just couldn't get into any of the others. I might give them another try later.

[Lief Erikson]

I have a question I'm hoping one of you will know the answer to. When is the sequel to "Isle Witch" coming out, and when it does, what will it be called?

[Sylvee Estel]

The sequel to Ilse Witch has already come out. It is called Antrax. The third book in that series will come out at the end of August. It will be called Morgawr. Hope that helps! :D

[TwirlingString]

Liked series, but couldn't get into sec

[Archbob the Elder]

You will want to read the first king, it is the best book of the shannara series.

[Grey_Wolf]

Originally posted by Archbob the Elder
You will want to read the first king, it is the best book of the shannara series.

I've bought "First King..." now and in so doing have the, so far, complete Shannara-series. Waiting for the third part of "The Journey..." in pocket.

[Sylvee Estel]

My friend said Terry Brooks was a satanist. He said he read that TB admitted it himself. Anyone know anything about this?:confused:

[Mark of Cenla]

I went to his web site, where he discussed his new book. He said that his favorite theme in it is the recurring theme of redemption. It does not seem as though a satanist would be interested in redemption. Peace.

[Duddun]

I've never read the Shannara series but i take it they are good, well I will have to read them then.

[ArwenEvenstar]

I read the elfqueen of shannara and when i get the other 10 books i'm working on finished i'll attack the whole series :)

[Lief Erikson]

I actually liked "First King of Shannara" less than the others, partly because of that one really violent scene where Paranor falls. I actually never finished that book; I stopped shortly after that. Perhaps someday I'll pick it up again.

I liked the others a lot though; thanks for telling me about Antrax :).

[GRONK!!!]

GRONK never liked the Shanara series. He read the first two Shanara books and didn't like either of them. The first one was like taking Lord of the Rings word for word, making the characters less original and likeable, and replacing the word ring with the word sword. The second one started off good but got boring later on. It seemed to turn into 100 pages of "Then they attacked again and both sides lost many men. Then they regrouped and attacked again with both sides having tragic casualties. Then they regrouped again...."

[Telperion]

i really like the Shannara series. The only book i got a liitle bit tired of was, The Wishsong. I think that's it at least, it might have been a different one.
i have read all the new ones and am waiting for Morgawr to come to a library. I found ou that it was out when i saw it on the top 10 book list in the books section of The Globe and Mail. That bugged me. It was on a top ten book list and i hadn't read it!

[Celebrian]

I do think the books are a little bit repetitive, they are interestin but you always know who the main characters are going to be {ohmsford} and you knnow there is going to be a druid. i like the Wishong, but for some reason I didn't like the Elf Queen of Shannara, I think it was just a little bit to far out. I am dying to tread Morgawr, but it has been so long I think I might have to read Ilse whitch again!

[Telperion]

Originally posted by Celebrian
I do think the books are a little bit repetitive, they are interestin but you always know who the main characters are going to be {ohmsford} and you knnow there is going to be a druid. i like the Wishong, but for some reason I didn't like the Elf Queen of Shannara, I think it was just a little bit to far out. I am dying to tread Morgawr, but it has been so long I think I might have to read Ilse whitch again!

Interestin? i? My dearest sister, the correct spelling is INTERESTING. Also, "I" should be capitalized when you are using it to describe yourself. Just thought I'd point that out since I'm your sister.

[Lief Erikson]

Telperion, if you're related to Celebrian, it might be more decent to correct her off line. I once had a sister posting here, and she occasionally also corrected my posts. It can be a pain.

[Lief Erikson]

Balderdash :mad: . I just finished reading Morgawr, the third book to the Voyage of Jerle Shannara series, and that's no ending! Does anyone know when the next one is scheduled to be released?

[Grey_Wolf]

Originally posted by Lief Erikson
Balderdash :mad: . I just finished reading Morgawr, the third book to the Voyage of Jerle Shannara series, and that's no ending! Does anyone know when the next one is scheduled to be released?

Maybe he'll make "Voyage..." into a quartet like "Heritage... or go on indefinitely.

[Elvengirl]

I love the Shannara series! My fav are The Sword of Shannara and The Elfstones of Shannara. I have read all of the books written by Terry Brooks. The Magic Kingdom Series are pretty good and I didn't like the Word and Void series. Shannara's are by far the best. Though his newest books are kind of boring. I think he's running out of ideas. His first were soo exciting and the ends were such a surprise!

[Lief Erikson]

Originally posted by Grey_Wolf
Maybe he'll make "Voyage..." into a quartet like "Heritage... or go on indefinitely.
Yes, a quartet is possible. But the villains are all dead :(.

Originally posted by Elvengirl
I love the Shannara series! My fav are The Sword of Shannara and The Elfstones of Shannara. I have read all of the books written by Terry Brooks. The Magic Kingdom Series are pretty good and I didn't like the Word and Void series. Shannara's are by far the best. Though his newest books are kind of boring. I think he's running out of ideas. His first were soo exciting and the ends were such a surprise!

I'm not sure which are my favorites of the Shannara series. They're sort of blurred together in my mind, all except a few details from various books. I read one of the Magical Kingdom of Landover books, but didn't enjoy it as much as Shannara. I haven't read the other two series.

When you say his newest books, which ones in particular did you mean? Phantom Menace and the Jerle Shannara series, or are you talking about other books I haven't read? Actually, I haven't read most of Terry Brooks' books. Primarily I've only read the Shannara series.

[Gwaimir Windgem]

I liked the Wishsong, the Elfstones, the Elfqueen...Terry Brooks is a REALLY good author. Of course, the first one was something of a clone of LOTR (Great storyline, bad for approval). But he has more than made up for it in the past. His works are very interesting. I've read all except the Voyage of Jerle Shannara series. I've also read Magic Kingdom for Sale - SOLD!, and 1 or 2 other Landover books. Those were quite good as well.

[Elvengirl]

By the newest books I mean, THe Voyage of Jerle Shannara and a few in the Magic Kingdom Series. I thought the Sword or Elfstones and some others were sooo exciting, complex, unique and had such an awesome ending. The Voyage seemed kind of boring and repetetive to me.
Terry Brooks signed a contract to write one book a year as opposed to taking four years or so on the Sword. It seems as if he might be running out of ideas. But even so he is one of my fav authors.

[Elvengirl]

Hey, did anyone here ever think of the idea that The Four Lands in the Shannara series could be the future of Earth. I think it might possibly be. In the Sword, Allanon explains it. There was a time in the past when Man was the dominant race. (present day) There were huge cities, and highly developed science, and machines. In the Great Wars, man almost destroyed himself. Then those who survived, seperated and some evolved into other races. Such as the Dwarves, who hid under the earth in caves and became short and stocky and Trolls became tall, thick skinned, and lived in the mountains.
In several of his books he refers to places that seem like they are on Earth, North America in particular. The Elf Queen goes to an island (Hawaii). The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara travel across the Blue Divide (Pacific ocean) to Parkasia. (Asia) And in the Druid of Shannara they travel north to the huge remains of a city near the water (Seattle).
If this was Brook's intention I think it's a cool idea!
Does anyone else agree?

[Lief Erikson]

Oh yes, I definitely agree. As a matter of a fact, I've always assumed that this was Earth; there was never any doubt in my mind. I think that it's a fairly classic model (Other writers have done the same thing), and many elements (Like the races and some of the plot elements)are similar to Tolkien. Also in the Voyage of the Jerle of Shannara series, we hear Walker Boh talk about weapons at that time having been developed that could destroy an entire city. The way he spoke of it made it also seem very likely he was referring to atomic bombs.

In my opinion, there was a nuclear holocaust and because of the nuclear radiation some humans were deformed. So some of these races are alterred humans, or at least have seemed so to me. The absence of much vegitation and the new primitive state of mankind also make it make logical that we would see so many dangerous predators and so few herbivors.

As for locations . . . I'm not sure about that. It could be, but it doesn't have to be. If there was a nuclear holocaust, land masses might have shifted, due to the dreadful pounding and violent conditions. That's what happened in another series I've read that also assumes new races after a nuclear holocaust- the lands and oceans shifted.


I agree with you about the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara series being less good than the others. Terry Brooks' writing style is still good, but the books were somewhat predictable. There weren't many fascinating, unexpected plot twists. He sure enjoyed beating up his main characters in those books a lot, and they didn't seem quite so original.

I still enjoyed them a lot anyway, though :D. I wonder how Terry Brooks plans to defeat the Federation.

Oh, one question. In The Elfstones of Shannara, did it still say that the Elfstones only effected magical beings? I don't remember that being a rule, but it has been so long since I read that book, I could easily have forgotten.

[Elvengirl]

Yes, I as well had always thought there had been a nuclear war. It makes sense how the civilization could have been practially wiped out and how radiation could have mutilated some humans into other creatures.
The locations could very easily not be what I thought. The books say that the geography of Earth had been greatly changed in the Wars. Especially if there had been a nuclear war. I know Brooks had lived in both Seattle and Hawaii, so I thought he may have intended the places to be the same. But that's just my idea.

Yea, I wonder how he'll defeat the Federation. Do you think he'll write another series? He ended the last book with so many new ideas and possibilities. I hope so. :p

About the Elfstones, The Elfstones were created from magic in a time when the Elves needed protection from the evil magic. Being a source of magic, I can see how they wouldn't have any effect on the nonmagic. I don't remember any rule about them, it has been a while since I read the books as well. From what I remember, they were only used against magic creatures.

I guess I'll have to read it again! THe Elfstones is one of my fav :D

[Melko Belcha]

Most people disagree but Wishsong and First King where the best. The only thing that got me is that all the bad guys seem to wear black cloaks.

[Sylvee Estel]

Terry Brooks is writing a new Shannara trilogy, called High Druid of Shannara.The first book in the trilogy, titled Jarka Ruus, is scheduled to be released in August or September of this year. Jarka Ruus will pick up 20 years after the events of Morgawr and will detail the Four Lands first Druid Council since the time of Bremen.

[Gwaimir Windgem]

Deepest apologies, but I don't think I know 'Morgawr'. What is it?

[Elvengirl]

Morgawr is the name of the third book of The Voyage of Jerle Shannara. He is the powerful evil of the story who is like a huge lizard.

The new book sounds interesting. Will Brianne be the Driud?

[Gwaimir Windgem]

Och, that explains it. I haven't read the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara series.

[Grey_Wolf]

I actually thought that the "Shannara"-series would end with Morgawr. But now I suppose one has to buy the next trilogy as well.

[Lief Erikson]

Sneaky way to take people's money :D. It's the story that never ends!

I had thought it would end with Morgawr too, and it sort of did, but it also didn't. And that's why I have to read the next series. Not that I wouldn't have, anyway :D.

Thanks for the information on the next Shannara trilogy, Sylvee :).

[Grey_Wolf]

Originally posted by Lief Erikson
Sneaky way to take people's money :D. It's the story that never ends!

I had thought it would end with Morgawr too, and it sort of did, but it also didn't. And that's why I have to read the next series. Not that I wouldn't have, anyway :D.

Thanks for the information on the next Shannara trilogy, Sylvee :).

I usually buy them one by one, but I think I'll buy the finished trilogy this time and who knows, it might be the final one.

[Aewionen]

I love this series!!! I started to read the Isle Witch and I thought it was awesome!! My sister then stole it from me and now I am reading it again. Though it is kinda like LotR, it is still written with a unique sort of way. My fav. character is Little Red, or Rue Meridian.

[Elvengirl]

If you like Shannara you should really read his first series

The Sword of Shannara (awesome)
Elfstones of Shannara (my favorite)
Wishsong of Shannara

In my opinion the are better than the Jerle Shannara. :D

[Aewionen]

Looks like I need to visit the book store again then! :D

[Leah]

I have only read the sword of Shannara, but I thought that it was amazing! it was very similar to Lord of the Rings, yes, but it was different enough. One of my favourite characters in the book was Panamon Creel (though he had a small part, I still liked him). I also like Menion, and Flick.

[Gulio, Strength of Many]

I have read Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Antrax, The Scions of Shannara, and am currently in the middle of the Druid of Shannara. I love them all and can't wait til' I get Morgawr. There was one bummer, in the Scions of Shannara, Mr. Brooks killed off my favorite character! Steff was cool!:p

[Finrod Felagund]

Gulio, just wanted you to know I am impressed and like your sig. The last line is very good of you...and bold. Kudos.

[Sylvee Estel]

Has anyone read the newest Shannarara Book? It's called Jarka Ruus, and it came out in August. It is the first in a three part series, and takes place 20 years after the Morgawr. It's really good, although for me it took awhile to get into it.

[Grey_Wolf]

Originally posted by Sylvee Estel
Has anyone read the newest Shannarara Book? It's called Jarka Ruus, and it came out in August. It is the first in a three part series, and takes place 20 years after the Morgawr. It's really good, although for me it took awhile to get into it.

I actually had a mind to stop buying these books now that I completed "Journey...". But if "Jarka Ruus-1" is that good perhaps one should buy this new trilogy as well.

[Bridgette]

i have only read the Sword of Shannara, the Elfstones of Shannara, and the Wishsong of Shannara but I loved them all. next time I get to the book store I am buying the next book (whatever that may be...)

[Melko Belcha]

Your next book would be the first book of The Heritage of Shannara series.

The Heritage of Shannara
1. The Scions of Shannara
2. The Druid of Shannara
3. The Elf Queen of Shannara
4. The Talisman of Shannara

The First King of Shannara (Prequel to The Sword of Shannara)

The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara
1. The Isle Witch
2. Antrax
3. Morgawr

The High Druid of Shannara
1. Jarka Ruus
2. Tanequil (9/04)
3. Book Three (9/05)

[Grey_Wolf]

Originally posted by Melko Belcha
Your next book would be the first book of The Heritage of Shannara series.

The Heritage of Shannara
1. The Scions of Shannara
2. The Druid of Shannara
3. The Elf Queen of Shannara
4. The Talisman of Shannara

The First King of Shannara (Prequel to The Sword of Shannara)

The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara
1. The Isle Witch
2. Antrax
3. Morgawr

The High Druid of Shannara
1. Jarka Ruus
2. Tanequil (9/04)
3. Book Three (9/05)

He's slowing down. A full year between parts two and three. Isn't that a bit much?

[Macka]

I've read quite a few of his books. He's a very good writer. I really enjoy his Shanara books.

[Melko Belcha]

Originally posted by Grey_Wolf
He's slowing down. A full year between parts two and three. Isn't that a bit much?

Not really.

The Sword of Shannara - 1977
The Elfstones of Shannara - 1982
The Wishsong of Shannara - 1985

The Scions of Shannara - 1990
The Druid of Shannara - 1991
The Elf Queen of Shannara - 1992
The Talisman of Shannara - 1993

The First King of Shannara - 1996

The Isle Witch - 2000
Antrax - 2001
Morgawr - 2002

Jarka Ruus - 2003

[Grey_Wolf]

Originally posted by Melko Belcha
Not really.

The Sword of Shannara - 1977
The Elfstones of Shannara - 1982
The Wishsong of Shannara - 1985

The Scions of Shannara - 1990
The Druid of Shannara - 1991
The Elf Queen of Shannara - 1992
The Talisman of Shannara - 1993

The First King of Shannara - 1996

The Isle Witch - 2000
Antrax - 2001
Morgawr - 2002

Jarka Ruus - 2003

Thank you. Info assimilated.

[Elvengirl]

Has anyone read the High Druid yet?
Just wondering if it's any good.

[Melko Belcha]

Originally posted by Elvengirl
Has anyone read the High Druid yet?
Just wondering if it's any good.

I have not read it yet, but over at the Terry Brooks forum the people seem to really like it, they say it is much better then the Voyage books.

[Elvengirl]

Originally posted by Melko Belcha
I have not read it yet, but over at the Terry Brooks forum the people seem to really like it, they say it is much better then the Voyage books.

Well that's good. The Voyage books were not some of his better ones IMO.

[Elvengirl]

*spoilers*
I just read his newest, Jarka Ruus.
There were some things I liked about it, but I wouldn't say it was that great. The plot was kind of interesting, sending Grainne into the Forbidding and Pen needs to go into it and save her, (I personally was hoping she had been sent to the past in the time of Faerie.) but the book was honestly kind of dull. Compared to his first books which were just awesome, his newer ones are kind of repetitive. I don't find it exciting and enrapturing.

Elfstones is still my favorite. :D

[Lief Erikson]

I just finished reading Terry Brooks' newest trilogy. I enjoyed them, though I wish Grianne hadn't given herself up for Cinamminson. I thought Cinamminson belonged in the tree, and I liked Grianne. That was kind of disappointing to me.

[Falagar]

Only book I've read by Brooks is The First King of Shannara, which I honestly thought was quite terrible. The plot was simple and filled with holes (IIRC), the characters were all bland and the writing plain.

[Jon S.]

Only book I've read by Brooks is The First King of Shannara, which I honestly thought was quite terrible. The plot was simple and filled with holes (IIRC), the characters were all bland and the writing plain.

At this point, I've read just about everything Terry Brooks has written and looking back on his body of work as a whole, this is my take. It's extremely rare for an author of many novels to improve both his storytelling and writing continually over time. Brooks is one of those rare examples. I didn't care for the first book, either, I felt just as you after finishing it. But for some reason I kept reading his stuff and, amazingly, it just keeps getting better. In fact, if I had to guess I'd say that even after all that he's published to date, just as the Beatles ended with Abbey Road, Brooks' best work may be yet to come.