Rating: 
Summary: I remember when...
Review: _The Sword of Shannara_ first came out when I was in 10th grade. Back then, fantasy wasn't the big property it is now. In fact, aside from LOTR, the only fantasy available in my local bookstore was classified as science fiction and featured scantily-dressed, large breasted women on the covers, whether or not the interior had anything to do with any such thing._The Sword of Shannara_ was instrumental in changing all that and bringing fantasy into the mainstream, and for that alone it has earned a soft spot in my heart. It features all the standard fantasy cliche's -- a legendary weapon, a mysterious wizard, a lost heir, a romance, a war with evil. It also features a number of really absurd things, like a red-haired girl named "Ravenlock" and a wizard called "Allanon" (we used to wonder if he had a son named "Alateen" or a cousin named "Narcanon.") A lot of Terry Brooks' other books, like _Magic Kingdom for Sale_ are way better as far as writing and originality. I do believe that the Shannara books are classics for the role they've played in the genre. However, like a lot of classics they pale when compared to some of the stuff out today. Fans of straight quest-type books with no really deep ecological or political considerations will enjoy these. They're also a good read for younger people looking for something to fill in the gaos between Harry Potter books. The Hildebrandt illustrations are keen, too.
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