Helpful Score: 3
I picked this book up in an airport just to have something to read for the trip. I had never read Terry Brooks before, but I have friends that are Brooks fans. I couldn't put the book down. The post-apocalypse atmosphere mixed with old world magic really drew me in. And the characters are wonderful. They aren't perfect - many are flawed - which makes them extremely "human" (I use the term loosely) and likeable. And even without having read any other Brooks books, you can tell that the universe is very well developed. I am anxiously waiting to get my hands on the next two books in this series, and then will probably take on the rest of the Shannara universe.
Helpful Score: 2
First in a new fantasy trilogy, a modern-day (actually futuristic) fantasy that takes place about 80 years after the events in Angel Fire East, Brooks' last 'Word and the Void' trilogy book. Earth is now a total wreck--polluted, scorched and corrupted beyond measure, with few surviving humans, now a vast desert wasteland littered with the detritus of the fall of civilization. Demons and once-men roam the earth, killing and enslaving what few humans remain as mutants scavenge on the remains. Two Knights of the Word struggle on trying to keep them at bay, and one of those, Logan Tom, sets off to find the gypsy morph that Nest Freemark gave birth to decades ago. Absolutely wonderful story and book, I am really looking forward to the next in series and will be collecting this series in hardcover for my Keeper shelf.
Helpful Score: 1
Was a great read.
A+ once again. Terry Brooks knows how to write! Exciting all the way through.
excellent book just all of his others.
Terry Brooks proves once again that he is one of the two or three best writers in the science fiction - fantasy genre. I believe the only author who's work in this genre is superior is J. R. R. Tolkien, the author of the Lord of the Rings. I've read every book Brooks has written and I believe this is one of his best efforts. The characters are well developed and the plot line is fascinating. Although the book is interesting on it's own, it's best read as part of the series, so I'd recommend that the reader try to read some of Terry's earlier efforts before reading this more recent effort. Each of his books have introductions that do a decent job of giving the reader a background for the characters and storyline, but the more books you read in the series, the more completely aware of the richness of the characters and the plot line you'll be. If you're so inclined, you can read Genesis of Shannara, Book 1 as the first in the new series, since each series is also a complete story. Since this is Book 1, if you enjoy it, you'll have the future stories in the trilogy to look forward to. If you enjoy them as much as I do, you can always go back and start reading previous trilogies or sets (there not always 3 in a set) because they're readily available through Paperback Swap. If this is your first Terry Brook's book, congratulations and welcome to the incredible world of Shannara!
Brooks brings us into the post-apocalyptic world possible after his "The Word and the Void" Novels. The world was well-considered with everything from water-sources to shelter considered. The world matches with the future that John Ross would dream about in the original series. The characters seem interesting, and each have a past of their own that helps to color the narration (3rd person).
My only complaint was that just after midway through the book the elves literally come out of nowhere. The chapter just starts with the narration of an elf in a (seemingly) completely different world, and it really threw me off. I had to make sure I was reading the same book.
My only complaint was that just after midway through the book the elves literally come out of nowhere. The chapter just starts with the narration of an elf in a (seemingly) completely different world, and it really threw me off. I had to make sure I was reading the same book.
Awesome Book! One of Terry Brooks best
Interesting premise - mixing elves and demons with humans in present-day world. The fact that the main location was set in Seattle made it very fun, since I am familiar with many of the locations that the action takes place!
I found this book to be extremly boring. I love sci-fi but I won't be reading anymore books by this author.
Once again Terry Brooks writes another tale of Shannara. Very good read, good characters, and loved it. Post apocalyptic America
Not as good as The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind, but it was good.
This was the first sci-fi/fantasy book I have ever read and I absolutely loved it. I followed up with The Elves of Cintra and am looking forward to The Gypsy Morph. You will enjoy this book and find yourself wanting more...
A Terry Brook's look at a possible future. Scary, but a look at survival
An excellent book. Difficult to put down. Absoluetly riviting. What a treat to "see" the Northwest (where I live)through the eyes of children and their protectors escaping to saftey traveling from as far away as Los Angeles to Portland and Seattle. The devastation and the characters encountered are described to perfection. Can't recommend this book highly enough.
This book is AWESOME!!
