The Elfstones of Shannara
Terry Brooks

Rating:
Preceding Novel: The Sword of Shannara
Next Novel: The Wishsong of Shannara
Publisher: DEL REY Fantasy
Publish Date: 1982
Review Date: 12/19/2001

         This is Terry Brooks at his finest! The sequel to The Sword of Shannara delivers on all levels. Lethal demons and mysterious wraiths hunt the descendents of Shea Ohmsford in a harrowing adventure that is a must read for all fans of Terry Brooks. The magic of the Forbidding is failing as the magical tree called the Ellcrys slowly dies. As cracks form in the once impenetrable barrier, evil sweeps forth to destroy all living things. There is but one chance for humanity to save itself, and that is to carry the seed of Ellcrys to where it is was born in the Bloodfire, deep in the deadly Wilderun. Only here can the Ellcrys be reborn and seal away the demons once again. With the help of Allanon, the druid from The Sword of Shannara, the Ohmsfords set out to accomplish the impossible. This story is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. The protagonist, Wil Ohmsford, is beset by dangers of all sorts including the Reaper who sent specifically to hunt him down and perhaps more interestingly, his own internal demons. The hero who is not a hero is a tried and true formula used in every genre, but is convincingly portrayed in this novel.

        What is it that makes a truly outstanding fantasy novel? In this reader's opinion, it is the ability to place me in the thick of the action. So much so that food is a necessary evil and sleep is out of the question until I reach a spot to catch my breath and quickly slip in the bookmark. The Elfstones of Shannara, being a sequel, could not be as original as the first book, but is easily as well developed. The action is so frantic in some parts that I found myself turning the page before I had even finished reading the one I was on. Brooks has a knack for describing a battle scenes and epic confrontations that is hard to match. I think back to Stee Jans, the huge red haired Boderman, facing down the demon horde and have to smile. If you have not read this one yet, add it to your list. And if you have, consider a reread. You won't regret it!

Reviewed by Chris Hart