BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Terry Brooks’s The Measure of the Magic.Living in peaceful Shady Vale, Shea Ohmsford knew little of the troubles that plagued the rest of the world. Then the giant, forbidding Allanon revaled that the supposedly dead Warlock Lord was plotting to destory the world. The sole weapon against this Power of Darkness was the Sword of Shannara, which could … Shannara, which could only be used by a true heir of Shannara–Shea being the last of the bloodline, upon whom all hope rested. Soon a Skull Bearer, dread minion of Evil, flew into the Vale, seeking to destroy Shea. To save the Vale, Shea fled, drawing the Skull Bearer after him….
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The classic fantasy novel. Terry says it’s Lord of the Rings meets the Man in the Iron Mask. He’s also one of the nicest I’ve met over three decades in the publishing business, always willing to share with readers and fellow writers. We taught together at the Maui Writers Conference for seven years and he would always sponsor students from all the islands to come to the conference.
A generous soul.
I read this book many years ago so keep in mind I write this review thru the hazy halcyon spectacles of memory. This was the first of many books I have read by Terry Brooks and for my money is still one of his best. The story is set in a primitive time and the world is populated by mythical and magical creatures (even men) I can’t say too much more about the setting without giving away some key elements of the story. Suffice to say Mister Brooks was influenced by J. R. R. Tolkien Having said that these stories are NOT a rehash of his work. This is the story of good battling evil and a quest for a magical sword to restore order to the universe, but it’s also a story of self discovery and coming of age, learning to accept your heritage and see yourself as the person you truly are rather than accept the perception of the rest of the world. Give a shot, you’ll like it!!
One of the first epic fantasy books I read. This got me hooked on fantasy novels and I have been reading them ever since.
Having read all the books in the Shannara series, I can’t recommend just one. Each book draws the reader deeper into the world of magic, wraiths, elves, sorcerers, and other mystical creatures that inhabit the pages. Terry Brooks has yet to hit a foul, or strike out with any of his Shannara books. The classic battle between good and evil will take you through the Four Lands and the men, women,and creatures (good and evil) that inhabit each. Meet the King of the Silver River. Make your way through the Charnals, the Prekkandoran, Arborlon, the Dragons Teeth and many other magical and not-so-magical lands. Stay away from the waters of the Hadeshorn. Feel the magic of the Elf stones. Ride the wind in battle as you try to avoid war shrikes. Visit the Elves of Cintra and let the magic carry you away to lands you can see in your mind as Terry Brooks literally paints pictures with words. Just remember that use of the magic comes with a price.
One of the best series I ever read!!!!
This is the book that got me into Terry Brooks books. It builds a world with plenty of action, danger and heroes. I had a hard time putting it down and I’ve read it more than once.
A wonderful start to a series I started in 1978 and am still reading. Must read!
Terrific work of fantasy
The original that started his series. I believe I was 12 when I first read thesis book almost 40 years ago. Probably reread it at least 10 times over the years along with most of the Shannara books. Once you’re hooked you will be a lifelong fan.
I love the Shannara series as much as Tolkien!
40 years later, I still think about this story whenever I read another fantasy.
Terry Brooks has created a world that just gets better with each one. A great fantasy that will let you escape the world for awhile and take adventure after adventure.
I purchased this book because it was the biggest paperback available in the bookstore at the time. I also bought it because Robert Heinlein endorsed it. I must admit, I got twenty pages into the book and wondered if I made a mistake in getting it. I in fact said to myself that if it didn’t get going within fifty pages, I was going to give it up. What I didn’t realize is that Mr. Brooks was setting the story, introducing the characters, and establishing the environment of the story. Because the next thing I knew I was way past fifty pages and could not put the book down. You will get so engrossed in the story, that there is a part where you will physically jump. I know this because both my wife and I had the same reaction at the same point in the story. To me, that is evidence of a remarkable story being told. I highly recommend this book if you enjoy the “Lord of the Rings” type of fantasy.
The first book in the long Shannara series. This is where we are introduced to the world and the Ohmsford line. Still one of my favorites from the whole series.
First Shannara book that I read, and I still keep coming back for more. Brooks is a talented author and this book is an example of that talent.
Loved this entire series
I usually reserve 5 stars for classics. In my mind, this has become one.
A truly epic adventure that kicks off one of the best fantasy series ever
Loved this entire series and most of the followups
Exceptional story teller