The Elfstones of Shannara

Rating:
Summary: Great Fantasy, Great Novel
Review: With only the exception of Tolkein's LOR, Elfstones of Shannarra is the best epic fantasy I have ever read (and I have read tons!). It benefits from a very unique story that stands apart from most fantasy novels with its originality. The purpose is not to kill the evil magician, god, dragon, king, etc. It is to restore a magic tree to health that protects the land from an invasion of demons.

The well developed characters move the story foreward and kept my interest unlike any other book I've read. The struggles Wil and Amberle have in understanding themselves is thought provoking. The determination of the elves to survive is moving. Allonon's determination to save the world is inspiring, as is Ander Ellessedil's and Ste Jans' leadership.

The demons in the novel are simply terrifying. I still remember how difficult it was for me to sleep after I first read the novel (I was 10). I rember feeling terrified as Wil and Amberle were hunted down relentlessly by the Reaper as it killed every person there to protect them. Brook's wrote a masterpiece driven by powerful and well developed characters hunted by nightmare inspiring demons. Every bit of the plot was original (which was nice after the near plagarism Sword of Shannarra had). I was pulled into the novel instantly, and I read the entire book one Sunday after I got home from church. The battle scenes were masterfully done, as was the plot development. I felt like I was a part of the story, wanting the "good guys" to pull off a miracle and save the dying tree. I was completely emotionally involved with the story, and as it reached its heartbreaking, yet powerful conclusion, I simply started crying. I won't give away what happens, but the twist at the end is stunningly tragic but joyful.

I recommend Elfstones of Shannarra to anybody. I am an Elglish Major and the University of Utah, a lover of fantasy, science fiction, as well as classic literature. And I must say I have read maybe four or five novels that are better than Elfstones of Shannarra. I don't know any that I felt so personally involved with the story and characters, nor any other that has made me cry. I've probable read Elfstones over twenty times, and every time I do, I love it. Highly, HIGHLY, recommended.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing!
Review: I was introduced into the fantasy fiction genre with "The Sword of Shannara". And I absolutely loved it. I was advised by a friend to then read the "Lord of the Rings" and was absolutely disgusted by his taste. The "Sword" may very well be a rip off of the "Lord of the Rings", but this definitely isn't. This book returns to the Four Lands and spins another astounding tale of magic and leaves the reader gasping for more. Bravo Brooks!

Rating:
Summary: This was a good book.
Review: This book was about how Wren discovers that she is an elf and how she discovers the elfstones and becomes quenn by saving the elfs from extinction. It is the third book in the series so far and is excelent.

Rating:
Summary: The Best cult book since Tolkien
Review: An amazing Tale of a land that seems to have existed in our own world. His story seems to come right out of the history books, the difference? -- It wont put you to sleep. his (T. Brooks) Battle scenarios Are soo realistically described that you almost feel that youracually in the middle of this 'battle between good and evil' Unlike Tolkien His story is fast paced, and yet still richly described. this style draws you into a world that he creates so incredibly thatyou'll find yourself wishing you had a sword at hand before you pick up this book!.. that is if you can put it down!

Rating:
Summary: It is a good book with lots of action with in it++++++++
Review: It's a very action filled book with elves and troll the Free corps and demons. With wil and amberle at his side they travel though the hollows and the witch sisters they outsmarted.

Rating:
Summary: ONE OF THE THE BEST EPIC FANTASIES EVER WRITTEN.
Review: I was impressed with Terry Brooks' Sword of Shannara, but he was obviously just warming-up in preparation for his true masterpiece, the Elfstones of Shannara. The Ellcrys tree, created millennia ago by long-lost Elven magic, is the strength behind the Spell of Forbidding, a dimension of imprisonment for ancient evil. In quick succession, the Ellcrys begins dying, the Forbidding starts crumbling, and the demons within break free--and that's only the first dozen pages! Allanon meets his match with the sorcerous Dagda Mor, only one of thousands of unstoppable demons who fear but one thing: a rebirth of the Ellcrys. Oh, I haven't even mentioned the cunning Changeling or the fearsome Reaper--there are enough villains and heroes in these pages to fill a shelful of ordinary books. Since 1982 when I first read this novel, I've returned at least ten times. I feel I've come to know and cherish these characters, like visiting old freinds every once in a while. Of the hundreds of fictional works I've read these past three decades, only a half-dozen have been as absorbing or given me as much enjoyment as the Elfstones of Shannara.

Rating:
Summary: You don't have to be a fantasy buff to love this book
Review: I have never been into fantasy or SF books until I got a hold of this book. After reading the introduction, I was hooked. I love books on historical drama and the way this book was writtern was as if this was a true part of history. I only wish there was a movie producer with the talent to bring this story to the big screen. The battle between the Elves and the Demons was fantastic! I hope Mel Gibson reads this as this story would definitely top BraveHeart!

Rating:
Summary: The first book to ever make me cry!
Review: I was unable to put this book down. I thought Mr. Brooks wrote one of the best books ever written. His characters were very memerable. He is an amazing story teller and this book just prooves it.

Rating:
Summary: Best fantasy book since Tolkien
Review: I've read this book 3 times and I am STILL reading it now. Its too good. The characters, plots, villians, battles and settings is so good I sometimes wonder if Tolkien finally have a match. Especially the battle scenes. Brooks describe in great detail and tactics from line formation to the aftermath of a bloodbath. And best of all ,unlike Robert Jordan, Brooks takes his TIME to tell us exactly what is happening in a non-confusing manner. Now the villians. The Reaper is probably the best villians ever created in a fantasy novel. Even better than Darth Vader. He's original, yet in a way very deadly and actually cool. The Shapeshifter falls into this category too. This is a must read.

Rating:
Summary: ELFSTONES IS THE BEST BOOK I'VE EVER READ
Review: ELFSTONES WAS THE FIRST TERRY BROOKS BOOK I READ AND I MUST SAY WOW!!! I'VE READ ELFSTONES THREE TIMES NOW AND IT NEVER GETS BORING. I LOVE WHEN ALLANON IS STANDING UP ON THE WALL FACING THE DEMONS ALONE. THAT WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PARTS.