The Heritage of Shannara

Book Description

TERRY BROOKS

THE HERITAGE OF SHANNARA
The Complete Series

After New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks completed The Sword of Shannara trilogy, millions of fans around the world clamored to immerse themselves again in his dazzling world. Brooks answered with a quartet of beloved novels—The Heritage of Shannara. Now, for the first time in one handsome collector’s edition hardcover, here are: The Scions of Shannara, The Druid of Shannara, The Elf Queen of Shannara, and The Talismans of Shannara—the thrilling continuation of the saga
that has become one of the most enduring fantasy epics of all time.

The Scions of Shannara
Since the death of the Druid Allanon, magic has been strictly forbidden in the Four Lands. Yet Par still has limited use of the Wishsong. Then a dire message from Allanon sends Par and his brother Coll on an impossible task: to recover the long-lost Sword of Shannara—or all life in the Four Lands will be destroyed.

The Druid of Shannara
Evil forces remain in control of the Four Lands. To restore the Keep of the Druid Allanon, Walker Boh sets out on a journey to find the black Elfstone. He must venture into perilous, unknown lands with a strange band of fellow travelers—one of whom is hatching his own sinister plot.

The Elf Queen of Shannara
Ordered by the Druid Allanon to find the Elves and return them to the world of Men, Wren is carried away to an island where Elves might still exist. Even if by some miracle she locates the Elves, can she convince them to follow her back through a demon-haunted jungle to the safety of the shore?

The Talismans of Shannara
The Shadowen still swarm over the Four Lands, poisoning everything with their dark magic. Their leader is determined to destroy all the Scions of Shannara. With traps cleverly laid, the charges are doomed to failure—unless Par can discover a way to harness the power of the Sword of Shannara.

So continues Terry Brooks’s enthralling Heritage of Shannara epic, a spellbinding saga that chronicles the ultimate battle of good vs. evil.

Customer Reviews:

Great Fantasy.......2007-09-10

This is an exciting and riveting book in the new Shannara series and deserving of five stars. However, I only gave it four, for the following reasons. I really dislike a book that the story doesn't end when the book does and you have to wait a full year to read the continuation; to many of the good guys get killed in his books and being in my mid 60's, I am afraid I might not live long enough to read all of the books.

The best series Terry Brooks has ever written!.......2007-01-16

Although Terry Brook's recent work isn't that good, this series is excellant, and my favorite one by him. It's about four members of a family (the 'scions of shannara') who are all charged with tasks to save the world from destruction by the shadowen. Wren has to find the elves, Walker, the Stone King, and Par and Coll, the Sword of Shannara (none of which anyone has seen for hundreds of years). This really is an excellant series. Brooks has the ability to keep track of several story lines at once, and the character development is great. Unlike in his other books, this isn't so much as incredibly cliched young-boy-goes-off-to-complete-an-impossible-task-and-comes-out-a-man story line. I strongly reccomend these books to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

A wonderful series........2006-07-30

The Heritage of Shannara series collected into a single volume is a great peice for a collection as well as a shelf space saver. This series outshines the Sword of Shannara series, as it tells a single epic story in four separate books, allowing for greater character and plot development.

This series follows the children of Shannara (Par, Coll, Wren, and Walker Boh) in their efforts to complete tasks set before each by the shade of Allanon and their quest to defeat a new evil that has taken root in the Four Lands. Grand adventure and impossible odds face the heroes at every turn and lots of supporting characters really bring the story to life. The first three books all primarily focus on one aspect of the overall story and then are tied together for a magnificent ending int the final volume, The Talismans of Shannara (which is my favorite Brooks book I've ever read).

A sweeping fantasy tale that I'd recomend to anyone.

Another great set..........2005-09-01

I am still amazed that Terry Brooks can keep you going and draw you into the stories to where you feel apart of it...great books...

Shanara fans rejoice - 4 in 1- Great book.......2005-08-20

I was introduced to the world of Shanara rather late, age of 29. I read the first three books and enjoyed thema greta so, so much so that I went right out and bought the Heritage of Shanara as well. After all, four books for the price of one you really can't go wrong.

As with the Sword of Shanara trilogy I was not disappointed t ll with these books. They tell an epic tale, with believable characters and a unique setting that makes you just want to keep reading. I have heard from others that the Heritage series is the pinicale of writing for Brooks so I have yet to purchase anything beyond this series. But, even if you only read up to these books as I have done you will not be disappointed. Fantastic reads and a great epic journey.

The Scions of Shannara: (#1) (The Heritage of Shannara, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Boring, Predictable, And Slow
shame shame shame
Scions of Shannara Book Review
been a while since i read it but
I love this series!

The Scions of Shannara: (#1) (The Heritage of Shannara, Book 1)
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

The Druid of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)
The Elf Queen of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 3)
The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)
The Wishsong of Shannara
The Elfstones of Shannara (Sword of Shannara)

ASIN: 0345356950
Release Date: 1990-02-17

Book Description

The New York Times Bestseller, Book One of The Heritage of Shannara.

Three hundred years have passed since the death of the Druid Allanon, and the Four Lands are sadly changed. The Elves have vanished, and the Dwarves are enslaved. The Southland is under the totalitarian rule of the Federation, and magic is forbidden. Now the spirit of Allanon returns to the Scions of Shannara and shows them a bleak future in which the evil Shadowen have destroyed all life in the Four Lands. To prevent that, he orders the Scions to recover the long-lost Sword of Shannara, bring back the vanished Elves, and find the long-hidden Druids. But the forces of evil are already mobilizing against them . . .

Download Description

Three hundred years have passed since the death of Allanon, and theFour Lands are sadly changed. The Elves have vanished, and the Dwarves areenslaved. The Southland is now under the totalitarian rule of theFederation, and magic is strictly forbidden.

Yet Par Ohmsford still has some power of the Wishsong. While hisbrother Coll recites the old legends, Par uses his Wishsong to bring them life.Then a mythic horror known as a Shadowen confronts them. A man callinghimself Cogline drives it off but also brings a message from theancient Druid Allanon -- to go to the dread Hadeshorn, along with the otherScions of Shannara: Wren, who lives in the Westland, and Walker Boh,somewhere in the Eastland.

At the Hadeshorn, Allanon's spirit reveals a terrible future whereShadowen have destroyed all life in the Four Lands. To prevent that, heorders Par to recover the long-lost Sword of Shannara, Wren to discoverthe vanished Elves, and Walker Boh to bring back the Druids and theirancient vanished stronghold of Paranor.

All those tasks are manifestly impossible...

Customer Reviews:

Boring, Predictable, And Slow.......2007-06-15

When I first delved into the world of Shannara I was a relative novice to the world of literature. The original Shannara series blew me away and left me clamoring for more. Since that time though, I've become quite an avid Fantasy reader and fan. I have read works from some of the greatest Fantasy authors alive such as George RR Martin, Terry Goodkind, R.A. Salvatore, etc. So when I picked up this book in an effort to rejoin the world of Shannara, I was hopelessly disappointed. Akin to books at such a high standard, Brooks' work simply does not match up. His work is light-hearted and can be entertaining but he does not hold a candle to other Fantasy authors such as George R.R. Martin.

The book itself is a dull, drab and predictable work of fiction. It often takes too long for any event of substance to occur and when it does occur it is a hopeless letdown. The characters are one-dimensional and not intriguing in the least: You have Par Ohmsford, the typical flawed hero; Morgan Leah, the protector of the group; Padishar Creel, the daring outlaw, and oodles more of your typical bubblegum fare.

I can sum it up quite simply for you. If you're new to Fantasy or have only read Brooks' work previously, than this would be a fine novel to purchse. If you are an avid reader and have read your share of Fantasy novels, than don't bother because this will just amount to a waste of time.

shame shame shame.......2007-04-26

It took my two weeks to stop giving up on the Sword trilogy but after I got past the first 50 pages, I was hooked. Unfortunately, Scions was quite the let-down. It read like it was just thrown together...one those books that could have been condensed into 25 pages. But, I'll keep reading the series. Every now and then this happens in the big series...don't let one bad apple destroy the entire grove, right?

Scions of Shannara Book Review.......2007-03-28

The Scions of Shannara is the first book in a series of four, which all take place in the magical and ancient times of the land of Shannara. The story is all about Par and Coll Ohmsford's great journey to rid the four lands from the Shadowen (mystical beast that thrive off the magic laid in Shannara and destroy anything in there way). The Ohmsford family is the only surviving descendants of the great Shannara bloodline that lived thousands of years before. Only people with Shannara blood in there bodies carry the ability to defeat the evil magic in Shannara. Par and Coll meat up with their Uncle Walker Boh and cousin Wren, to embark on a great journey. They then pursue the Sword of Shannara which is believes to be able to rid the four lands of the Shadowen. Par, after some trouble, finds the Sword, but at this point all of the Ohmsfords have been separated throughout the four lands leading to the next book in the Shannara series.

been a while since i read it but.......2007-02-23

it was pretty good. good enough for me to keep reading the series. it was enjoyable, but nothing midn boggling as far as creativity or plot, or storytelling or charatcers. i would say above average. read something better if you know where that is, if not, take some time to read this series

I love this series!.......2007-01-18

The Elf Queen of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 3)

Average customer rating:

A classic
Another Classic
again, pretty good not great-not disapointing either
"Goodbye Wren That Was..."
Disapointing.

The Elf Queen of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 3)
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Similar Items:

The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)
The Druid of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)
The Scions of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)
First King of Shannara
The Wishsong of Shannara

ASIN: 0345375580
Release Date: 1993-01-23

Book Description

"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?

Download Description

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

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

The blind old woman had given instructions to find a place on the coaston 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 andher friend Garth to the only clear landing site on the island ofMorrowindl, where, he said, the Elves might still exist,somewhere in the demon-haunted jungle.

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

Wren stood with her single weapon of magic, listening as the demonsevil gathered for another attack. How long could she resist?

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

Customer Reviews:

A classic.......2007-07-08

The story in elf queen moves along quickly and with almost non-stop action. The author also shows alot of creative with his monsterous creations that dwells on the dangerous island which this story takes place upon. Wren begins in search of the lost elves, a task given by the druid shade Allanon's request. She soon finds them on a cursed monster filled island.

I'm really impressed with Terry's imagination and ability to keep coming up with new areas and characters in his Shannara world. There are many memorable scenes through out and some emotional events that will leave you near tears. The perail and dangers Wren and Garth face will have you reading on the edge of your seat and unable to stop. I higly recomnd this book.

Another Classic.......2007-05-21

Terry Brooks is one of my favorite authors and I think this is one of his best works. The atmosphere he creates in this book is chilling. Treat yourself to this gem.

again, pretty good not great-not disapointing either.......2007-02-23

above average, willing to continue with the series. got alittle boring at some points

"Goodbye Wren That Was...".......2006-08-29

The third volume of "The Heritage of Shannara" quartet, and also the most insular. Although there are brief mentions of what fellow-heroes are up to, "Elf Queen" almost exclusively focuses on Wren, quite different from the other three books that tell the over-arching story from various points of view.

The deceased Druid Allanon has given three scions separate quests that must be fulfilled if they are to defeat the mysterious and sinister Shadowen and the totalitarian Federation that is slowly encroaching upon the freedom of the Four Lands. Par Ohmsford was to find the Sword of Shannara and Walker Boh to return the Druid Keep Paranor to the corporeal world. But Rover-girl Wren was instructed to find the Elves, who had gone missing from the lands years ago. With her travelling companion Garth, she sought information from the sage-like Addershag who advised her to burn a signal fire for three nights on the shores of the Blue Divide (the sea). The story begins as Wren and Garth set out for the coastline, trailed by some unshakeable opponent, and ends when Wren returns to the Four Lands - her mission complete, but at great personal cost.
Making up the bulk of the book are Wren's journeys on the island of Morrowindl, where she suspects the missing Elves have been hiding. As the island is infested with monsters, this is no easy task and the second half of the book reads like a standard fantasy-horror, with a large group of characters gradually getting killed off in various gruesome ways. Though it is quicker-paced and debatably more interesting than the first two volumes, it does not have the same re-readable quality since much of the suspense of the second half is based on the premise: who will survive the return journey? Once you know, there's no point in treading the path a second time.

Except that Brooks has made Wren a compelling and sympathetic heroine, with an intriguing story-arc. Unlike typical `hero-journeys' when the protagonist ends up discovering and solidifying their true identities; Wren's growth goes in the opposite direction, from a content and carefree Rover-girl to a confused and lonely scion with a massive weight of responsibility on her shoulders. Though not the most interesting or unique, she is certainly the most three-dimensional character of the series and Brooks takes great pains to explore her psyche and motivations throughout the course of the book. Also worthy of note is her companion, protector and trainer Garth, whom Wren speaks with in sign language. He is a stalwart figure throughout the adventure, though less present in the second half than in the first and his relationship with Wren is palatable. (Though Brooks sometimes forgets that he's supposed to be deaf, as a couple of times he reacts to noises in the jungle).

Finally, keep an eye on Wren's newfound relatives, Ellenroh and Gavilan - they are intriguing characters in their own right, made even more so by the complex and often painful relationships they forge with Wren.

"Elf Queen" is concerned with the answering of many mysteries that have lingered throughout the first two books; the disappearance of the Elves, the true nature of the Shadowen, and the parentage of Wren herself. All of these queries are resolved by the end of the book, but some not as satisfactorily as the others (the revelation concerning the Shadowen is not much of a revelation; Brooks recycles from his previous series, which in turn was recycled from Tolkien. Sigh).

But if you've already invested time and energy into the first two installments, then there's no question you'll want to read "Elf Queen". By its end, Brooks has all the pieces in play for the final volume in the series: "The Talismans of Shannara", a fitting end to an above-average fantasy saga.

Disapointing........2006-07-22

I've been reading all of the Shannara books in order, and up until this one, they have been getting better and better. Not so with The Elf Queen of Shannara. For some reason that I can't quite put my finger on, this book just didn't pull me in the same way the others did. I think this mostly stems from the heroine's frustrating mental battles with her identity and purpose/fate. Wren Ohmsford just never really came to life for me as the other Shannara children have, with her constant self-pity and annoying confusion as to what she wants in life. I think that Terry actually realized this problem and spent a good deal of time and energy trying (and failing) to make Wren understandable. The book is frustrating to read as nearly every page contains repetitious attempts to explain Wren's feelings. It is my belief that Brooks himself never really knew or liked his main character for this book, and its a shame too because Wren had a lot of potential and the plot of this book could have been worked into a very exciting tale. Also, the other characters in this book are for the most part more typical of Brooks' books, being determined, honorable, and cool (in other words, fun to read about).

Hopefully the Heritage and Shannara will pick up the pace and focus on more likable characters. If so, the series will be redeemed and I'd recommend it to anyone.

The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)

Average customer rating:

"Some of Us Listened to the Earth's Whisper..."
Amazing end
The Final Fight For the Four Lands Begins!
Thank god the next series is strong I almost gave brooks up
Talismans of Shannara

The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

The Elf Queen of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 3)
The Druid of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)
The Scions of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)
First King of Shannara
The Wishsong of Shannara

ASIN: 0345386744
Release Date: 1994-01-31

Book Description

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.

Download Description

The descendants of the Elven house of Shannara had all completed theirquests. Walker Boh had restored the Druid's Keep with the BlackElfstone. Wren had restored the missing Elves to the Four Lands. AndPar had found what was quite possibly the legendary Sword of Shannara.

But their work was not yet done. The Shadowen still swarmed over theFour Lands, poisoning all with their dark magic. And the leader of theShadowen, Rimmer Dall, was determined that the scions of Shannara wouldnot share the knowledge that would end the sickness. For Walker, hewould dispatch the Four Horsemen. For Wren, he sent an untrue friend.And for Par, he devised the most terrible fate of all.

The charges given by the shade of the Druid Allanon were doomed tofailure -- unless the Shannara children could escape the traps beinglaid for them, and Par could find a way to use... the Sword of Shannara.

Customer Reviews:

"Some of Us Listened to the Earth's Whisper...".......2006-09-08

The forth and final installment in "The Heritage of Shannara" quartet, preceded by the "Scions", "Druid" and "Elf Queen" of Shannara. The premise is that the Four Lands are dying under both the totalitarian Federation and the sinister Shadowen, and the shade of the Druid of Allanon has called together three scions who can put an end to the entropy. Par is sent in search of the Sword of Shannara, Walker to bring back the Druid Keep of Paranor, and Wren to discover the missing race of Elves and restore them to the Four Lands. As the story starts, all these tasks have been completed, though with a heavy toll. Walker is trapped in Paranor by four Shadowen assuming the shape of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse; Wren is now the untested Queen of the Elves, facing an approaching army; and Par still believes he is responsible for the death of his brother, unaware that Coll is alive and well, but under the control of the Federation-leader and Shadowen Rimmer Dall.

Now our heroes are gradually reunited (sometimes in rather ingenious ways, such as Morgan and Wren's serendipitous meeting ) in order to join forces against the Shadowen once and for all. There is a strange power growing in the undergrounds of the Federation Tower that may be the key to their undoing. Slowly the pieces of the puzzle fit together as the Four Lands gradually unite under the Scions.

The problem is, there is a lot of exposition and action leading up to this main event. The characters have to be re-established and to meet up with each other and in this regard Brooks is in danger of running out of ideas. This volume in particular suffers from an excess of main characters getting captured by the bad guys and the need for elaborate escape plans to be drawn up by those who've managed to escape the authorites: there's five examples of this throughout the book (count `em: Damson, Par, Coll, Padishar and Wren all managed to get kidnapped throughout the course of the book). Apart from getting repetitive, it also holds off the climatic ending, causing it to seem somewhat rushed by comparison.

There is one other major problem, that in hindsight, stretches over the entire series: the nature and purpose of the Shadowen. In my opinion, they make for weak antagonists. Admittedly, some are genuinely scary. Others, not so much. None of them - not even Rimmer Dall - become three-dimensional characters. Their origins (explained in "Elf Queen" and elaborated on here) are not particularly original, interesting or properly explained. Although there is a half-hearted attempt to explain why there are so many different types of Shadowen, it ultimately rings false. The weirdest example of this is when Walker is held captive in Paranor by four Shadowen who take on the form of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Read carefully; they are not the Biblical Horsemen, but simply Shadowen taking on their form. If this is the case, then why only send four? Why not a whole army? Why don't all Shadowen take this form and by doing so imbue themselves with the power of the Four Horsemen?

My point is that the Shadowen come across as too arbitrary, too random. Brooks gives himself the power to make them whatever he wants them to be, whether humanoid, animalistic, or mythological and they only as powerful as they need to be to defeat/be defeated by the protagonists - whatever the story calls for at that particular moment. Furthermore, the origins of the Shadowen is painfully plagiaristic of Tolkien (something I had hoped the Heritage series was drawing away from) as well as reminiscent of his own work in the original Shannara trilogy.

But for all of this, "Talismans" is a satisfying end to the story that was started way back in "Scions". All the major plot threads are wrapped up and all the questions answered (though some better than others). By now the characters are established enough for their personalities and actions to really shine, and the reader is fully invested in their fate. Par, Coll, Walker, Wren, Damson, and newcomer Matty are nice, normal people who do extraordinary things, a concept that never fails to entertain.

Amazing end.......2005-10-09

Teery brooks is a genius, this book that end the heritage series is an explendid book, it conlcudes everything that happened in the first 3 books of the heritage series and it leaves you with your mouth open wishing for more.

The Final Fight For the Four Lands Begins!.......2005-04-25

The Talismans of Shannara is the conclusion to the sequence started in The Scions of Shannara and continuing in The Druid of Shannara and The Elf Queen of Shannara. All the story threads come together. Coll risks everything to save Par from complete madness. Wren and the returned Elves fight against the Shadowen controlled armies of the Federation. Walker fights the Four Horsemen. It all culmanates at Rainbow Lake where the Scions search for the missing Wren. Par comes face-to-face with his worst fears and the secret behind the Shadowen's power is revealed.

It all sets up the events of the Voyage trilogy and the close of this sequence put Terry Brooks in his own league.

Thank god the next series is strong I almost gave brooks up.......2005-02-25

I wanted to kick Brooks in the nads after reading the fist one then second one of this series....so godawfully bad and plodding and man, you couldn't stop since you had to know how it ends right? Don't let these three throw u off Broosk as it did me for a year!! I might have never read brooks again!

I was really getting angery since he obviously put these ones out kinda fast and then ended the trilogy quickly with major cops outs to most plot lines all around.....I fkin hate cop outs!

Thankfully The Voyage trilogy has started much stronger, much, and May Have Brooks reborn in my views, but this series pissed me off so bad it took me like 1-2 years to even bother with the next trilogy even though I had it boxed set since christmas 1 year ago....its now 02/05...

Any way The shadowen are cast aside as what was going to be one of the cooler enemies invented in a while

The coolest character in this series was killed in the previous book and his waepon is not shown to be taht powerful after all

kinda bummer

Talismans of Shannara.......2003-12-22

I read the book Tailsmans of Shannara by Terry Brooks. This book is the 7th in the series and continues off the one before it. I would suggest this book to grade 8 and up. This book is fantasy. The Shadowen, things that are almost imposable to kill swarm the four lands. Their dark magic killing everything. Their leader is determined to kill the scions of Shannara. For walker he sends the four horsemen. Wren he gives an untrue friend. Par he takes control of his brother Coll and leads par to a terrible fate. When I was reading I got into the book really quickly. This book was easy to get into because the other one left me wondering.

The Druid of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)

Average customer rating:

good book-enjoyable read
Best of Heritage
Brook's greatest novel
"I Envy Your Past...I Have None..."
The hunt for the Black Elfstone and the rise of Walker Boh

The Druid of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Elf Queen of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 3)
The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)
The Scions of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)
The Wishsong of Shannara
First King of Shannara

ASIN: 0345375599
Release Date: 1992-01-22

Book Description

In the three hundred years since the death of the Druid Allanon, the evil Shadowen have seized control of the Four Lands. If they are to be saved, the black Elfstone must be retrieved, at whatever cost to life or love....

Download Description

In the three hundred years since the death of the Druid Allanon, themysterious, evil Shadowen have seized control of the Four Lands. Theshade of Allanon summons the four scions of Shannara: Par, Coll, Wren,and Walker Boh. To Walker Boh he gives the duty of restoring the lostDruid's Keep, Paranor. For that, Walker Boh needs the black Elfstone,but his search leads him into a trap.

Quickening, the daughter of the ancient King of the Silver River, findsWalker Boh dying after an attack by the Shadowen Rimmer Dall. She healsWalker Boh and tells him that the Elfstone is in the hands of the StoneKing, who seeks to turn all the world to stone. To secure the Elfstonethey must travel through the Charnal Mountains into the perilous,unknown land beyond. And no one knows what horrible monsters the StoneKing has set to guard his citadel.

They form a strange company to undertake the quest: Walker Boh, withonly one arm and no longer able to summon his magic; Morgan Leah, whoseonce-magic sword has been broken; Quickening, who must depend on themen for her defense; and Pe Ell, an assassin who plans eventually tokill her.

Thus, the quest for the Black Elfstone begins.

Customer Reviews:

good book-enjoyable read.......2007-02-23

i rate this a good book, while i had the first book above average. nothign astounding but wortht the time.

Best of Heritage.......2006-11-24

By far the best book in the Heritage Series, Brooks paints a completely new story with none of the recurring threads of his others (except perhaps the ending, *ahem*). Although this book is a part of a series, it is written in such a way that it is not really necessary to read the others to enjoy this one. They add little to its plot anyway.

(+) A great new adventure, the characters are all new and fully 3D. Brooks paints great images of his landscapes, which does loads to draw the reader into the story. Walker's stuggle to understand his destiny, and his futile efforts to change it are great.

=Spoilers=
(-) Somewhat lengthy dialogues and descriptions. Time in Eldwist drags on, but this kinda adds to the feel of the story anyhow, cause thats what the characters think too. Giant rats is a rather stupid idea, and the character of Carisman, though a novel touch, is rather pointless. (except to get rid of the stupid rats!)

(=) Brooks really outdid himself on this one, and the other Heritage books don't have the same flare that this did. That's what makes this the best.

Brook's greatest novel.......2006-09-18

Walker Boh was given an impossible quest. A quest he swore never to even attempt. But his curiousity got the better of him and an ancient trap has left him battered and broken. Now he has accepted the quest whole hearted, for the sake of revenge, if nothing else. His companions are Morgan Leah, whose magic sword is now usless, Quickening the elemental, whose power cannot help him, and Pe Ell, the assasin who is just waiting for an opportunity to strike.

I have been a fan of Terry Brooks since I was 15 and consider this to be his greatest book. It is the second part of an excellent series, but if you are not the sort who reads series you can easily catch on to what has happened in the first novel and skip the chapters that do not directly affect the main plot (there are only three or four of them if memory serves), I have read this book over many times in that fashion. If you are a fan of fantasy this book is not to be missed.

"I Envy Your Past...I Have None...".......2006-08-14

The second book in the four-part series "The Heritage of Shannara", focuses on Walker Boh, the most unique and intriguing character that Brooks has ever created. In an ongoing series that is filled with grim wizards, plucky farm-boys, feisty love-interests, and bland members of the Leah family thrown in for good measure, Walker Boh is a breath of fresh air and makes a compelling protagonist for the best installment of Brooks's best Shannara-based series.

In the previous novel "The Scions of Shannara", three members of the Ohmsford family were summoned by the shade Allanon to complete three specific tasks in order to combat the rising threat of the mysterious Shadowen: to find the lost Sword of Shannara (Par), discover the hiding place of the lost elves (Wren) and restore the Druid Keep of Paranor - the mission appointed to Walker. But unlike his nephew and niece who accept the tasks, Walker has no interest whatsoever in doing what Allanon requires. Suspicious of manipulation and secrecy, he furthermore has no desire to help a world who treated him like an outcast.

But unforeseen circumstances are occurring at the edges of reality; the King of the Silver River as created a daughter out of his domain who is sent out into the world with a mysterious plan in play to assist the scions of Shannara. Her name is Quickening, and she gathers together a small band of followers to travel with her into the realm of Uhl Belk the Stone King, the King of the Silver River's brother, in order to retrieve the Black Elfstone that he so long ago stole from the Druids.

It is this Elfstone that is essential in Walker's task to restore Paranor to the physical realm, but it is also the talisman that has heightened the Stone King's power; the entire land of Eldwist has gradually succumbed to stone around him. But Quickening is resolute in her determination to gain possession of the Elfstone, and soon has recruited three men whom she says will be essential to the success of the quest: Walker himself, Morgan Leah (a friend of Par who was separated from him in the last book) and Pe Ell, a shady assassin who has been sent by the Federation to dispose of Quickening - but who has decided to halt this plan till he has ownership of the Elfstone. With each of these characters distrustful of each other, and yet inexorably bound to Quickening, they set off on their journey into dangerous territory.

"The Druid of Shannara" is a success because of its character motivations and interactions; in particular Pe Ell and Quickening, who have deeply laid secrets at work within the story. The uncovering of these secrets and the unravelling of the travellers' journey into the deadly Eldwist keep the reader sustained for the entire length of the book. There are a couple of side-issues that aren't really of much importance to the overall story arc (such as a character called Carisman who has been made king of a group of primitive gnomes; it doesn't really add much to the story) and a few silly bits (giant rats?!) but on the whole the threats are both credible and frightening. The city of Eldwist is haunted by the Stone King's monstrous child whose creeping influence changes everything around it to stone, as well as the formidable Rake, a creeper like the one seen in the previous book - only worse.

As well as this, a few chapters are devoted to what's going on with the other scions: Par is hiding out with the lovely Damson in the sewers of Tyrsis, convinced that he's responsible for the death of his brother Coll, whilst Wren and her companion Garth arrange a meeting with the mysterious Addershag who has information on the missing elves.

It is probably through Morgan's eyes that we witness most of the story, and though he isn't quite as interesting as Walker, he's a nice enough guy and has a crucially important part to play throughout the progression of the quartet (as opposed to other members of the Leah family that pop up in other books), and there is a bittersweet romance at work between Morgan and Quickening that is handled surprisingly well by Brooks (who tends to get corny when dealing with love-stories). Quickening herself is an enigma, childlike and yet devoted to her purpose, and her relationship with the members of the groups (not just Morgan, but Walker and Pe Ell as well) make for interesting character interactions.

Unfortunately, "Druid" suffers from a continual defect that appears throughout Brooks's work: a tendency to waffle on. If Brooks is going to remark on something within the text, he'll compose a lengthy paragraph that ends up repeating the same point several times. Take for example Walker's dialogue on the advantage they have over Uhl Belk: "It is true that we appear to be little more than beggars off some Southland city street, that we have nothing with which to threaten Uhl Belk, that we are as insignificant to him as the smallest insects that crawl upon the land. But that appearance may be an illusion we can use. It may give us the chance we need to defeat him. He sees us as nothing. He does not fear us. He distains to worry about us at all. It is possible that he has already forgotten us. He believes himself invulnerable. Perhaps we can use that against him."

This is but one example, but it is a trait that shows up in every single story that Brooks has written; a long-windedness that bloats the length of the books, repeats the obvious and almost makes it seem as though Brooks considers his readers idiots who have to have certain points hammered into their heads. It's intensely frustrating, especially when all Walker needs to say is this: "Uhl Belk considers himself so powerful that he'll underestimate our chances. We should use that to our advantage." There! I've probably saved at least seven trees!

But despite the fact that Brooks needs a more ruthless editor, "The Druid of Shannara" is good stuff, the best installment of the best quartet within the Shannara saga.

The hunt for the Black Elfstone and the rise of Walker Boh.......2006-05-26

This second installment in the Heritage of Shannara series is great. Page-turning action and sob-inducing emotional drama make this one of my favorite of Brooks' novels. Great supporting characters, including Quickening and Pe Ell, contribute immensely to a roller coaster of a book that focuses on Walker Boh and Morgan Leah as they follow the King of the Silver River's elemental daughter to the land of the Stone King and his minions in search of the Black Elfstone, which could turn the tide of the battle against the Shadowen by bringing back lost Paranor and the druids of old. Evil and enormous monsters and lots of action and close calls for the heroes make for an exciting read, and the emotional drama between characters (especially Morgan Leah and Quickening) brings the story to life.

I strongly reccomend all of Terry Brooks' books.

The Heritage of Shannara: The Scions of Shannara / The Druid of Shannara / The Elf Queen of Shannara / The Talismans of Shannara

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The Scions
Really Good Book
A really good book (The Scions of Shannara).

The Heritage of Shannara: The Scions of Shannara / The Druid of Shannara / The Elf Queen of Shannara / The Talismans of Shannara
Terry Brooks , Theodore Bikel , and Rene Auberjonois
Manufacturer: Audio Literature
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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Similar Items:

Antrax (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 2)
Morgawr (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 3)

ASIN: 0787102466

Customer Reviews:

The Scions.......2004-03-15

The Scions of Shannara is a fictional book with classic adventures and romances. The story tajes place in the Four Lands. There are different races like the dwarves, elves, humans and several others.

Three hundred years have passed since Allanon the Druid died. The Four Lands have changed since then. The Elves have vanished and the Dwarves have been enslaved. The Southland is under the rule of the Federation. However, Par Ohmsford still has the power of the wishong. Allanon's spirit summoned Par and Coll and a few others to rid the Four Lands of the dangerous shadowen.

Par's cousin Wren has to find the elves. His uncle, Walker, has to bring back the Druids Keep in Paranor, and Par and Coll have to find the Sword of Shannara. Once all the quests are complete, the Four Lands will be back to normal.

I would recommend that you read the first Shannara books before you read this one. Several of the characters are descended from previous characters and knowing the history helps to understand the book.

Terry Brooks' writing style is one of a kind. He focuses on description and details so that one can see everything. When Brooks describes a character, it is thorough and one might find them selves agreeing or disagreeing with a characters thoughts.

I liked the book because there was a little bit of suspense and mystery. Just when you think you have figured it out, something else happens to twist the story around. The end of the story is surprising and it makes you want to read the rest of the series of Shannara.

There were some things I didn't like about the book. For one thing, it was kind of repetative. I read all the books before the Scions of Shannara and they were pretty much the same. Another thing was the characters didn't interact much. Sometimes, in the book, it would be days before anyone talked to someone else.

Overall, I thought that this book was unique because even though the story line has been seen before, Terry Brooks came up with new ideas that suited the setting and made it his own.

Really Good Book.......1999-09-23

I have never even heard of the Shannara before. I bought book 3 when I was in grade 8. It sat on the bookshelf for about 7 years. I was sitting at home and began to read it. I couldn't put the book down. I read to about page 100 and my dad told me I shouldn't start a series without reading the first book first. So I went to the Grande Prairie Public Library and got out The Scions Of Shannara. I read this book in about 4 or 5 days. I loved it. It had a good story line. The way Terry Brooks, described Par Ohmsford, kind of made him sound like a bad ass. Which describes me. So I really liked it. I am just starting book 2 and am on about page 120 and it is still the same. The Shannara Heritage is very interesting, and would reccommend it to anyone. Especially if your still young and exploring the library's to see whats out there

A really good book (The Scions of Shannara)........1999-07-02

It follows in the footsteps of the Shannara Trilogy, with more magic and more energy that keep you guessing and hoping and right on the edge of your seat. It was a very well written and exciting book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

The Druid of Shannara (Book Two of the Heritage of Shannara)

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The Druid of Shannara (Book Two of the Heritage of Shannara)
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)

ASIN: B000HKLQLU

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The Druid of Shannara. Book Two of the Heritage of Shannara.

Manufacturer: Ballantine Books. A Del Rey Book.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: B000HTWETE

The Heritage of Shannara Books One and Two: The Scions of Shannara, The Druid of Shannara

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Swept away by Mr. Brooks
Good Book?

The Heritage of Shannara Books One and Two: The Scions of Shannara, The Druid of Shannara
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Wings
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Elf Queen of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, Book 3)
The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara)
Straken (High Druid of Shannara)
The Sword of Shannara Trilogy
High Druid of Shannara: Tanequil (High Druid of Shannara)

ASIN: 0517228521
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Book Description

Here together for the first time in one volume are the first two books in Terry Brooks’ enthralling epic, The Heritage of Shannara.

Since the death of the Druid Allanon, the Four Lands have changed profoundly, with magic strictly forbidden in the Southland, now under totalitarian rule. In Book One, The Scions of Shannara, Par Ohmsford, descendant of the fabled Shea and possesor of the power of the Wishsong, accidentally brings a mythic horror to life, and a man calling himself Cogline drives it away. Cogline brings a message from Allanon: venture to the dread Hadeshorn, along with the other Scions of Shannara– Par, his brother Coll, Wren, and Walker Boh. On the way to the Hadeshorn, they must face the dangerous Shadowen. When they finally arrive, Allanon's spirit reveals a dangerous secret. In the future, all life in the Four Lands will be destroyed. To prevent this terrible fate, Allanon commands Par to recover the long-lost Sword of Shannara, a task that is next to impossible.
Ancient evil forces remain in control of the Four Lands in The Druid of Shannara. To restore the Keep of the Druid Allanon, Walker Boh sets out on a journey to find the black Elfstone. After narrowly escaping death, he learns that the Elfstone lies in the hands of the Stone King. Now Walker Boh must venture into perilous, unknown lands with a strange band of fellow travelers that includes Morgan Leah, whose once-magic sword has been broken; Quickening, the daughter of the ancient King; and Pe Ell, an assassin who hatches his own dark, sinister plot. Can they capture the black Elfstone and restore peace to the Four Lands?

Customer Reviews:

Swept away by Mr. Brooks.......2007-09-02

Someone recently told me that the Shannara series is post-apocalypse and this has caused me to reread them after all these years.

Mr. Brooks paints a better series than J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter. His characters have much more depth. The book is action-packed. His imagery flows like water and carries you through the scenes.

The maturity level of the characters, their level of diction, and the way they carry themselves is very mature and admirable. Subsequently, with the action packed, this is a book for adults as well as adolescents.

There was never a dull moment and I found it difficult to put every book in this series down.

Brooks has a way of weaving language together that makes a scene beautiful. He shows instead of tells, which is a skill that separates him as a distinguished writer.

Good Book?.......2007-01-09

Of Course, being in the Shannara series, it was a great book

BUY IT!

3 Titles By Terry Brooks Heritage of Shannara Series (1-3) : 1. The Scions of Shannara 2. The Druid of Shannara 3. The Elf Queen of Shannara

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3 Titles By Terry Brooks Heritage of Shannara Series (1-3) : 1. The Scions of Shannara 2. The Druid of Shannara 3. The Elf Queen of Shannara
Terry Brooks
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000VTKN0W

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