The Black Elfstone
The Fall of Shannara
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4.4 • 275 Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
The first book of the triumphant and epic four-part conclusion to the Shannara series, from one of the all-time masters of fantasy.
Across the Four Lands, peace has reigned for generations. But now, in the far north, an unknown enemy is massing. More troubling than the carnage is the strange and wondrous power wielded by the attackers—a breed of magic unfamiliar even to the Druid order. Fearing the worst, the High Druid dispatches a diplomatic party under the protection of the order’s sworn guardian, Dar Leah, to confront the mysterious, encroaching force and discover its purpose.
But another crucial journey is being undertaken. Exiled onetime High Druid Drisker Arc has been living in quiet seclusion, far from the politics and power struggles of his former life, until two brutal attacks by would-be assassins force him to seek out an infamous murder-for-hire guild—and find the hidden enemy who has marked him for death. At his side is Tarsha Kaynin, a young woman gifted with the wishsong and eager to be schooled in its formidable power by a master. She, too, is pursuing a mission: to locate her wayward brother, whose own magic has driven him to deadly madness and kindled his rage for vengeance . . . against his sister.
In their darkest hours, facing dangerous adversaries, the lives and quests of Dar Leah, Drisker Arc, and Tarsha Kaynin will be inextricably drawn together. And the challenges each confronts will have resounding consequences for the future of the Four Lands.
Praise for The Black Elfstone
“Epic scope, heroic characters, and so much heart . . . proof that the Shannara series can still reach new heights.”—Tordotcom
“A strong opening book . . . The Four Lands face a new threat.”—Fantasy Book Review
“Fantastic . . . one of the best books in this saga.”—SFRevu
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The first volume of Brooks's quartet, which will bring this decades-old Shannara epic fantasy saga to a close, works best for readers at opposite poles: series devotees who are conversant with the lengthy backstory, and newcomers who can focus on the three major plot threads. Two of the three are mysteries: Who is the stranger who seeks out master assassin Tigueron to contract for the murder of Drisker Arc, a skilled druid who left his order? And who are the powerful scarlet-robed forces that can make themselves invisible, massacre an army of mighty trolls, and follow that shocking event with more devastation? But it's the third, less familiar, story line that works best, and is most emotionally engaging: a teenage girl, Tarsha Kaynin, must deal with her older brother's violent use of magic and balance her own safety, and that of others, with her feelings for her sibling. The conclusion will have most readers eager for the sequel.
Customer Reviews
The morals of hollyweired
I use to be a die hard fan but find myself becoming less and less so. It seems the liberal agenda has its teeth in the book before this one and especially the very bad tv series. It could have been greater than lord of the rings but that has been done away with in one fatal swoop. This book is better than the last and I hope he gets back to his normal characters which I always liked. I dont really want to read about the homosexual agenda that was basically his last book. Most people probably wont like the review, but I really dont care. Nor do I care if Terry likes it or not. He works for me, I do not work for him.
Loved it!
Terry Brooks always a master at his craft, doesn’t let down here. A page turner, with aspects taking you back to earlier works in the series.
Great read
I don’t understand all the so called fans disparaging this book. If you like Terry Brooks novels you will enjoy this book.