The first book of the triumphant and epic four-part conclusion to the Shannara series, from one of the all-time masters of fantasy. Across the Four Lands, peace has reigned for generations. But now, in the far north, an unknown enemy is massing. More troubling than the carnage is the strange and wondrous power wielded by the attackers—a breed of magic unfamiliar even to the Druid order. Fearing … Druid order. Fearing the worst, the High Druid dispatches a diplomatic party under the protection of the order’s sworn guardian, Dar Leah, to confront the mysterious, encroaching force and discover its purpose.
But another crucial journey is being undertaken. Exiled onetime High Druid Drisker Arc has been living in quiet seclusion, far from the politics and power struggles of his former life, until two brutal attacks by would-be assassins force him to seek out an infamous murder-for-hire guild—and find the hidden enemy who has marked him for death. At his side is Tarsha Kaynin, a young woman gifted with the wishsong and eager to be schooled in its formidable power by a master. She, too, is pursuing a mission: to locate her wayward brother, whose own magic has driven him to deadly madness and kindled his rage for vengeance . . . against his sister.
In their darkest hours, facing dangerous adversaries, the lives and quests of Dar Leah, Drisker Arc, and Tarsha Kaynin will be inextricably drawn together. And the challenges each confronts will have resounding consequences for the future of the Four Lands.
Praise for The Black Elfstone
“Epic scope, heroic characters, and so much heart . . . proof that the Shannara series can still reach new heights.”—Tordotcom
“A strong opening book . . . The Four Lands face a new threat.”—Fantasy Book Review
“Fantastic . . . one of the best books in this saga.”—SFRevu
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It’s been years since my first Terry Brooks reading. He is still the Master.
Terry gets dark
As always in this series could not put it down. The characters just come to life. Always wanting more.
This was the first Terry Brooks book I read, and I really enjoyed it. It is the fourth book in final four-part conclusion to the Shannara Series. I haven’t read the ones before, but didn’t feel lost at all starting at this point in the series. Great read!
Wow! What a powerful beginning; the beginning of the end of Shannara. A new unknown magic appears. The druids have to be up to the challenge it brings. I liked how T.B. showed us both sides of the wishsong through the siblings. It was as interesting as it was insightful. There’s a good mix of references to the other books in the series. Some I haven’t read in years.
Nearly anything from Terry Brooks is noteworthy. Great world building and characters. Hard to put down!
If you’ve read Terry Brooks you know you’re never disappointed. I’ve loved all his series
Landmark book series, shouldn’t be tagged simply as a great Sc-fi series but an incredible series of books creating a world of wonder and excitement populated with a fantastic cast of characters spanning generations that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Read one you will want to read them all, do yourself a favor and buy Terry Brooks’ entire set.
Another solid entry to the long running Shannara series. A new threat to the four lands with the Druid Council crumbling.
Kind of like the first one
Not as riviting as his earlier books but still a good read
Terry Brooks never disappoints.
not as good as previous books
Some folks want brand new and more intense action in the next volume. I prefer a more measured pace although most of the scenarios in this book are recapped from other volumes of Brooks. I prefer that Brooks intensify his characters. More depth, more interaction. I would like to read about the significance of the tree protecting the forbidding and the forbidding itself. I am not clear about how the four lands evolved from the destruction of planet earth — too many leaps of assumption.
I thought this book well written and kept me wanting to read to the end!
Big fan of all of his books!
Another great read by Terry Brooks.
Great book. Like all of Terry Brooks books, this is an excellent book with well developed characters and an intriguing plot. It grabs you and keeps you reading.
Loved it & waiting for sequel
Great development of the many characters, and insight into their thinking, as the story is woven. Looking forward to what happens next.