The Elfstones of Shannara

Rating:
Summary: Brooks' best work.
Review: First of all, people who continually feel that Brooks is recycling Tolkein obviously haven't really read it. The are just looking at the Elves, Dwarves, and Trolls. But there is one distinct difference between Tolkein and Brooks, his Middle Earth is just that, Middle Earth. But Brooks' land is an entire world rebuilt from the ashes of our own. If you really read the books, there are always reminders that this new world of elves, dwarves, and men, is built upon the ruins of old sewer systems, old subway systems, and the hollowed out ruins of an ancient Earth, which is of our time.

Now look at Elfstones of Shannara. Likeable characters, true horror, especially during the final battle before Amberle's change, and sweeps of geography, as you actually travel with these young searchers in the quest to help the Ellcrys. Also, while it is evident that Terry Brooks does not take the usual dodge of throwing characters into simple love situations, or overtly sexual ones, he does convey the very realistic development of love under duress. You actually see the characters developing feelings that are sincere, encompassing, and like love itself, worth sacrifices. When I read 'Elfstones', at Amberle's change, I wept.

In a world where you have far too many regurgitated themes and stories that lack the originality to make you feel, Brooks delivers emotion, just like his Science Fiction and Fantasy equal, Stephen R. Donaldson.

If it is not your cup of tea, then open another tea bag and drink something else. But I will continue to indulge in these treats, and gratefully so.

Rating:
Summary: Terry Brook's Second Great Book
Review: The Elfstones of Shannara is a novel about the young woman Amberle, who is carrying the seed of the Ellcrys so it will be reborn. The tree holds together the Forbidding, a wall that imprisons a horde of tens of thousands of demons. Her protector is Wil Ohmsford, holder of the Elfstones that contain magical power that can defeat almost any of the demons. He must guide her as they are pursued by the Reaper, an ancient demon who kills because of a perverse need and instinct. Meanwhile, Allanon and the armies of the elves must hold the demons at bay at the Breakline mountains. After being pushed back to Arborlon, they must fight the demons for their very homes. And the Ellcrys has died already. The book is critically acclaimed and a New York Times Bestseller. Its author, Terry Brooks, has had 15 best-selling books. The books have many fans across the globe. His novels are famous for intricate storylines and awesome descriptions of settings and battles. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good book, and especially to fantasy lovers who enjoyed Lord of Rings. Readers of Tolkein especially will enjoy these books as they explore deep worlds in the universe created by Tolkein.

Rating:
Summary: Endless hordes of demons...
Review: Have you ever had to battle against endless hordes of demons and your only hope of surviving belongs to two people over two-hundred miles away who are trying to complete their own task with many, many conflicts? Well, chances are you haven't. But The Elfstones of Shannara, a novel by Terry Brooks, is a novel that will bring to life that same fear, determination, confidence, and war. If you read this book you'll see that Amberle Ellessidil and Wil Ohmsford are the two protagonists that you would depend on to save your homeland. They are destined to save the Four Lands from an evil of another age, while their friends and family try to hold against the endless demon hordes with the help from Dwarves, Rock Trolls, a Druid, and Bordermen at the kingdom of Arborlon. Wil and Amberle must find a forgotten place called Safehold; bearing the seed of the Ellcrys they must give her rebirth by casting it into the Bloodfire to stop the demons. Both protagonists face conflicts together and alone such as: person vs. nature, because of natural harm and healing herbs;and person vs. person, when they encounter other beings. Once they complete their task their views on life and its sacrifices will change dramatically.

Overall I really enjoyed this novel. As I kept reading I noticed I was sitting on the edge of my seat to see what happened next. The action sequences pump adrenaline through your body. Its like you are there trying to defend Arborlon; you could smell the stench of rotting Demon flesh, the piercing cries of your men dying, and the fear, worry, and trauma of the events. There are also some parts of the novel you have to remember in order to understand what happens later on. However, I realized that there were a few low-spots throughout the story. I think that this particular part could have been enhanced to make the storyline more interesting. Even though this novel was quite hard to read; meaning hard as in hard to take in all the information the writer is trying to get you to understand; I think that you could read it if you really wanted to and maybe once you got into the story you would just want to read more and more. Through its 564 pages you will discover that you should look within yourself as well as beyond yourself so you might be able to achieve the dreams or duties set before you.

Rating:
Summary: Elfstones are excellent
Review: This book, a small contribution to a wonderful fiction series, will astound you with the colorfullness of the author's,(Terry Brooks), awesome writing. In this book, once again an Ohmsford is called upon to save the day by the mysterious Allanon, beleived dead. He calls upon Wil Ohmsford, grandson of the orgininal Shannara heros, Shea and Flick Ohmsford. Wil, the only Man Healer,of Shady Vale, is paired up with Amberle Elessedel, grandaughter of the most magnificent king of the Elves, Eventine. In this book, you explore the relationship between the Chosen, Amberle, and the Ellecrys, the protector of all the lands, keeper of the Forbidding, created by ancient Elven magic, the relationship between Elven Princes Ander and his brother, and Eventine. Also, you carefully observe Allanon's mysterious influence upon the other characters. Other influential characters are Flick, Dagda Mor, the villain, the Rovers, namely Eretria, the witch sisters of the Hollows, Hebler and his dog, and the dangerous Reaper, a great and powerful Demon who's first instinct is to kill. Will Amberle and Wil make it to the Bloodfire? Where is Safekeep? Will the Elves ward of the demons? What of Allanon? And lastly, are Wil and Amberle destined to be together or will Eretria intervene? You'll have to read it to find out.

Rating:
Summary: A masterpiece of epic fantasy
Review: I first read Sword of Shannara and it took some time and some re-reads to be hooked. This book was different. Both Sword and Elfstones continue a series of themes that can best be explained as, "Use your brain and not your sword," and "The weak can be powerful if they are determined and principled". Brooks' characters are forced to confront themselves BEFORE they can effectively solve their problems. I have always loved this psychological addition to the genre and Brooks does it better than anybody. However, the density of this task often bores people. I don't think Elfstones had this problem.

While Elfstones has the above themes, it also is highly successful as an exciting, page turning (no, page ripping) flight of fear and desperation. Any Brooks fan is likely to tell you this is his finest work. It is a rare book that can give you the depth of character and boiling action to satisfy both branches of our fantasy-fan brethren.

While I hold Tolien on a different plane, Elfstones is perhaps the book that most -approaches- the level of excitement and depth of the Lord of the Rings. And in addition, it is much less derivative than other books (but some derivation is unavoidable).

Here is my advice: Read the Sword of Shannara first. It is the best introduction to this world written and should not be avoided. But while you are reading Sword keep this in mind - all the work will pay off in that a ripping adventure is waiting for the informed in the form of Elfstones.

It is an adventure that will make your heart beat, make your hair raise, and ultimatley make you cry. So deeply did I care for the two main characters that at the end I had trouble accepting it, though I knew there was no other solution within the principles of the actors. Yes, I mourned a bit.

Rating:
Summary: Slightly better writing and absolutely more creativity make:
Review: a better second book in the series. The first was convoluted and too wordy. The second is a little predictable at times, but the stakes feel higher and (glory be) it is shorter! Brooks' plotting is tighter and more creative than in his first Shannara book. The Demons are a well crafted antagonist and the dying of the Forbidding is nicely done. I wanted to see more from the perspective of the head demon: the Dagda fellow, but not at the expense of more of my time spent reading these somewhat mediocre offerings.
Being a fan of SciFi/Fantasy, I find that the pacing of these books is akin to books 7,8 and 9 of the Wheel of Time: dead slow. Unfortunately Brooks' writing is repetitive and the plots are not able to keep us as interested as we need to be for his pacing and length. This is another book that makes us glad for libraries. For true Fantasy fans, you gotta read these books because they are definitive in the genre and you will see why when you read the complete descriptions of a new world and form of magic.

Rating:
Summary: Thank GOD it's better than "The Sword of Shannara"!!!!!
Review: I read the first book of the Shannara series and was devasted at the time and energy wasted on that drivel. At the suggestion of someone else, I decided to give Terry Brooks another try and read the prequel, "First King of Shannara." I found it to be decent and decided to go for the next in the Shannara series. I was shocked at how quickly I became enthralled in the story.

Terry Brooks' style of writing is still convoluted and, well, cheesy. I mean, the way he describes the relationship of the central characters is soooo annoying. No one falls in love like they do. And how quickly Wil falls in love at the end of the story (with Eretria, whose motives he spent the entire novel questioning!) is absolutely ridiculous considering how close Brooks led us to believe that he and Amberle were. He creates unnecessary characters and subplots, simply for convenience. He spends pages of detail on battle scenes. And the most important part of the story--the climax where we finally see Amberle fulfill her destiny--is summed up in a paragraph only a few lines long. What a ripoff!

Despite his writing style, there are many aspects of this book that more than make up for his writing techniques, which were absent from his first. The story is creative and shows more originality than his other books that I have read. And some of the characters are very engaging. The Reaper actually frightened me. Its character was well-described and portrayed as a relentless hunter. While reading, I was constantly wondering when it was going to show up next and was truly anxious for the outcome of the elves' flight.

This book actually redeems the Shannara series and makes me want to read more of it.

Rating:
Summary: Simply Undescribable...
Review: ...yet I feel I must try. This has got to be one of my favorite fantasy novels -- I can't remember how many times I've read it, and it still makes me cry every time. What distinguishes this book is that it has the power to make you cry even though you know it's the best ending possible, the only one that would do justice to the characters and their mission. It's a beautiful sadness, if that makes any sense.

Stop reading now if you don't want spoilers!

I definitely think this is the best of the Shannara series. The feeling of darkness and danger is pervasive, so it makes the glimpses of joy and affection even brighter by comparison. The most moving part for me is Wil and Amberle's growing and simple affection for each other in the midst of doubt and tension. Brooks doesn't spend much time writing about its development, yet it is the most genuine romance in the Shannara series. It actually leads to the betterment of both characters -- they grow in self-awareness and help each other face their fears. This romance serves as a means of helping both become who they were always meant to be; it's not put in there for the sex, as unfortunately occurs in too many fantasy novels. This relationship is on a higher, deeper, spiritual level. You can't help but feel for two people who have found each other and themselves, only to lose each other as they save the world.

The book has its occasional stylistic flaws, but the only thing I truly regret (Amberle's transformation isn't regrettable, only beautifully poignant) is how quickly Wil ends up with Eretria. I understand they felt attraction for each other throughout, (and you can't help but feel sorry for Eretria even while you love how Wil and Amberle have found each other), but only a week after Amberle's transformation, they leave together. I think it should take Wil longer to get over his emotions. I also wish Amberle could have "talked" to Wil one more time as the Ellcrys -- we know the Ellcrys can do that.
I can't decide, in the end, how I feel about Wil and Eretria. It's right that Wil doesn't feel guilt and despair forever, but I think it's a bit too soon.

Among the other characters, I think Ander was also extremely well done. He is a moving portrayal of a king's younger son, overlooked but loyal, and I think it's wonderful how he grows into his future as king. His loyalty to Amberle is also one of his strengths. Allanon seems more human here than he appeared in SOS -- he seems to regret more the necessity of what he must do.

I wish we could have a point of view from Amberle, the Ellcrys, after her transformation, in this book or a later one about Shannara. I keep on waiting for even one comment about her sacrifice to pop up.

Of course, it would probably make me cry all over again. But it would be worth it. =)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent read!
Review: I love this book, it is one of Brooks best pieces of literary genius. I often think on this story when reading all the later novels. Every time the great tree is mentioned I feel a pang in my heart for Amberle, her end was so pitiful (or begining?). I honestly have to say that my eyes teared when I read the last few chapters, and that was first and last time that happened while reading....and I've read alot of books. Sometimes I hope to hear a brief mention of her sacrifice (expected it briefly in the first of the Jerle Shannara books), but alas no such luck. I recommend this book to all fantasy fans, because I know all Brooks fans have read it already, lol. It was for Mr. Brooks his "The Empire Strikes Back".....that end that you feel just shouldn't happen but does, and then makes you crave more. Sorry Tolkien fans, but I just didn't get that kind of feeling from LOTR....forgive me(sin).......lol.

Rating:
Summary: A personal favorite of mine
Review: My addiction to the world of Shannara started a long time ago with the Sword of Shannara (original one with the Brothers Hildebrant picture in the middle) and still continues to this day.

Elfstones has and will always be one of my favorites though. The internal struggles Wil goes through along with the struggles the Elves face with the collapse of the wall that keeps the demons out makes for a wonderful plot and Terry Brooks does a great job in telling his story.

Not many books can bring a tear to my eye but the sacrafice made at the end did the first time and still does with every re-read.

I had a chance to meet Mr. Brooks at a small book signing for Elf Queen. He took the time to talk to me and the others there and has a genuine love for his work and it shows in his writing.