First King of Shannara
Oct 2000 · Sold by Del Rey
4.7star
155 reviews
Ebook
448
Pages
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About this ebook
BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Terry Brooks's The Measure of the Magic.
Horrified by the misuse of magic they had witnessed during the First War of the Races, the Druids at Paranor devoted themselves to the study of the old sciences, from the period before the collapse of civilization a thousand years before. Only the Bremen and a few trusted associates still studied the arcane arts. And for his persistence, Bremen found himself outcast, avoided by all but the few free-thinkers among the Druids.
But his removal from Paranor was not altogether a terrible thing, for Bremen learned that dark forces were on the move from the Northlands. That seemingly invincible armies of trolls were fast conquering all that lay to their south. That the scouts for the army--and its principal assassins--were Skull Bearers, disfigured and transformed Druids who had fallen prey to the seductions of the magic arts. And that at the heart of the evil tide was an archmage and former Druid named Brona!
Using the special skills he had acquired through his own study of Magic, Bremen was able to penetrate the huge camp of the Troll army and learn many of its secrets. And he immediately understood that if the peoples of the Four Lands were to escape eternal subjugation they would need to unite. But, even united, they would need a weapon, something so powerful that the evil magic of Brona, the Warlock Lord, would fail before its might...
Horrified by the misuse of magic they had witnessed during the First War of the Races, the Druids at Paranor devoted themselves to the study of the old sciences, from the period before the collapse of civilization a thousand years before. Only the Bremen and a few trusted associates still studied the arcane arts. And for his persistence, Bremen found himself outcast, avoided by all but the few free-thinkers among the Druids.
But his removal from Paranor was not altogether a terrible thing, for Bremen learned that dark forces were on the move from the Northlands. That seemingly invincible armies of trolls were fast conquering all that lay to their south. That the scouts for the army--and its principal assassins--were Skull Bearers, disfigured and transformed Druids who had fallen prey to the seductions of the magic arts. And that at the heart of the evil tide was an archmage and former Druid named Brona!
Using the special skills he had acquired through his own study of Magic, Bremen was able to penetrate the huge camp of the Troll army and learn many of its secrets. And he immediately understood that if the peoples of the Four Lands were to escape eternal subjugation they would need to unite. But, even united, they would need a weapon, something so powerful that the evil magic of Brona, the Warlock Lord, would fail before its might...
Ratings and reviews
4.7
155 reviews
A Google user
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December 8, 2010
Fresh reading of this book after several years and particularly after reading Bearers of the Black Staff. I found that I did not remember some things accurately. I had the protection of the Black Elfstone mixed up with its protection in another book, for example.
What I found most interesting this time was the possibilities of the world and history as one moves from the time of Bearers to the time of First King, a period that seems to be 500 years. It seems there is room for one more story between Legends of Shannara and First King.
I did find First King to be more engaging than Bearers. I think perhaps Brooks would have done better to make Legends a single volume rather than two. It would have drug out First King too much to make it a two-volume story. I am glad he didn't.
(You know, Gypsy Morph was a shorter book. Could it be an intentional editorial decision to keep the cost of the book, and thus the profit margin, at a particular level?)
Dwaine Spradling
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January 1, 2016
My second favorite of all the Shannara novels (Wishsong being my first). This story really fills in the gaps, and answers alot of the questions The Sword of Shannara left readers with.
Eric Brooks
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May 25, 2017
One of the greatest fantasy tales you will ever read. It's up there with "the name of the wind", "the wise man's fear" and "the lord of the rings".. Was skeptical at first being that I've never hears of this series... I'm deeply entranced now... Buy this book, enjoy the shannara saga....
1 person found this review helpful
About the author
Terry Brooks has thrilled readers for decades with his powers of imagination and storytelling. He is the author of more than thirty books, most of which have been New York Times bestsellers. He lives with his wife, Judine, in the Pacific Northwest.
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