The Elf Queen of Shannara
Terry Brooks

Rating:
Series: The Heritage of Shannara
Previous Novel: The Druid of Shannara
Next Novel: The Talismans of Shannara
Publisher: DEL REY Fantasy
Publish Date: 1992
Review Date: 12/20/2001

            Wren Ohmsford is an elf-girl that can take care of herself. Raised by a wandering tribe of Rovers, she has been trained since early childhood to stalk, hunt and kill if need be. At home in the Westland forests, she wants nothing more than to be free and in charge of her own destiny. Unfortunately for young Wren, the shade of Allanon has different plans for her. At the shores of Hadeshorn, the shade of the druid instructs Wren to return the Elves to the world of Men. There is just one problem, no one has seen an elf for over a hundred years. So begins a search that will take Wren all over the Four Lands and beyond, to the Isle of Morrowindl. What begins as quest to fulfill her duty to the long dead druid quickly becomes a personal mission as Wren also discovers things about her own mysterious heritage. On Morrowindl there are vicious monsters and terrifying killers in an abundance that will satisfy almost any fantasy fan. In particular, keep an eye out for the Wisteron, which I truly enjoyed. Wren is forced to use her only magical defense against these beasts, the legendary Elfstones of Shannara. To her dismay, she finds she is beginning to enjoy and crave the power that comes from the stones. Now the battle is not only for her life, but for her very soul.

            I give three swords to book three in The Heritage of Shannara series. I much preferred this novel to the first of the series, The Scions of Shannara. Once Terry Brooks got his mind off of the Four Lands and into a totally new setting, Morrowindl, the old magic started happening again. The search for the elves not only reveals secrets about Wren's destiny but also offers some insight into the origins of the insidious evil of the Shadowen. Wren's search is also aided by the discovery of an ancient ally of the Elves, the Wing Riders. The magnificent Rocs prove their value once again as they make impossibly long journeys seem commonplace. We also meet Tiger Ty, a Roc jockey with an attitude. As usual, Brooks writes with a tight, visually engaging style that makes his work hard to put down. Prepare yourself for a fast, enjoyable read that brings back memories of the first three Shannara novels.

Reviewed by Chris Hart