The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara Trilogy

This trilogy, along with the original Sword Of Shannara trilogy, and the Heritage Of Shannara trilogy, begins with the excellent Voyage Of The Jerle Shannara, Ilse Witch (which I'm concluding listening to in audio) and look forward to listening to/reading the other parts as well and the Heritage Of Shannara volumes.

decided to read the entire series from start to finish. much is predictable and repeats, fair amount of violence but no real language or overt sex which is refreshing. once done with the series, i probably won't read again as there are many other interesting books available.

What can I say? Should I expound on how these are the same characters doing the same things they've done since the Lord of the Rings--err, first Sword of Shannara book? There is no doubt some fun in Brooks' world, some nostaglic value for me as Sword was one of the first "big fantasy" books I read way back in 7th grade. He opened my eyes to a whole new world of cool stories. By the time Voyage of Jerle Shannara came out, I read it and never finished the second book.

So I am back, giving it another chance--what, 8 years later? I'm a different guy. What the heck, I'm gonna finish this trilogy come hell or high water.

So far it's been hell.

I'm halfway through the first one again, and I'm going to drop all the problems with his story, the pacing, the lack of focus, the sense of "Elder Scrolls" fast traveling all over his world that you get as they collect their crew, and I'm going to focus on one thing Brooks has continually gotten worse at. Names.

What's in name? How can a name in fantasy book be considered a weak point? Well, the best fantasy writers derive names from ancient mythological text, Terry Brooks looks around his living room, I'm guessing, and stars changing normal names into weird fantasy sounding things.

He has Walkers, Pars, Bohs, and all kinds of nonsense.

The names in this book have only gotten worse making me wish for the days of Wren, Walker, and Padishar. Hahahaha, Padishar. Remember when Padishar's was hinting about his mystery identity to Shea Ohmsford #4 by holding up one finger? One finger? What the blank was that? How does that connect you to Panamon Creel (another fantasic name by the way)? Morrowindl is great too, now that I've played the game Morrowind and realized Brooks was a closet Elder Scrolls fan.

Anyway as I was saying these new name are less Brooks looking around his living room and now more him sitting on his couch with his eyes closed forming sounds.

Spanner Frew. Redden Alt Mer. Rue Meridian. Truls Rohk. Even Brooks interrupts the omniscient narrator of the tale at one point to say "what kind of name is Truls Rohk????" Oh it doesn't stop there. Allardon Ellessedil is a favorite because he is so clearly running out of fantasy sounding names on that one and is presumably adding in new consonants to old classics.

Anyway, this book sucks. But I'm gonna push through. I have to see if Antrax is as bad as I remember. Does it really steal the plot from Superman 3 and feature a super smart machine turning elves/people into its cyborg killers? Onward and upward!

Read the book for the names alone!

Updated!

Part II: Antrax

Well, I successfully finished Antrax. I guess I was successful, at times I had to use the skim and scan method just to get through all the tedious padding. I swear these characters have no personalities, they only immediately react to the things around them with no consistency. I mean bad writers have always had characters react to the plot instead of having strong characters drive the narrative, but Terry Brooks really takes it down to a microcosm of that concept here. The characters don't react to the overarching themes of the plot, their personalities change with every new thing that happens to them.

Warning, mild spoilers:

There is a character in this book who was raised by an evil wizard. She hates this wizard. She does not trust him. She spends about half of the first book thinking about how much she hates him and how she's gonna have to kill him one of these days. So when her thought patterns come back to this in book 2, she obviously reminds us, the poor reader, that she hates and mistrusts Mr. Evil. Okay. But then not two paragraphs later she talks about how Mr. Evil told her when she was little that the druids killed her family. And how does she respond to this obvious lie from Mr. Evil lizard man? She believes him! And still believes him! And has sword to kill the druid responsible!

Most of this book is characters wondering what happened to other characters.

There is a Superman 3 type computer villain in this one who even fashions his own robotic warrior, just like the computer in Superman 3 did to some lady. There is, unfortunately, no Clark Kent vs. Superman in the junkyard though. I think Walker has a moment where he must fight himself or something, but hell, that happens in every Terry Brooks novel. I can't remember. This book was really boring.

Can I recommend this? No. I don't think I can make it through the third book, this is where I quit years ago too. I am gonna try though.

UPDATED

Book 3: ? I forget the name, Isle Witch maybe?

Pretty sure it's called Isle Witch. (minor spoilers) But that doesn't make sense because for the majority of the book she is comatose. Apparently that's what a good walloping of truth does to you. And I love that Brooks seems to believe that the only choices open to her after seeing the "truth" are to remain "evil" or turn "good". Therein lies the problem in his books, not only are they the same stories over and over and over and over again, but the characters are wholly good or wholly evil.

I am not certain he has always written this way. I seem to remember he experimented with characterization once in his Scions of Shannara stories, there was an assassin character named...Pe Ell? Po Kelles? No that's not it. But there was an assassin in one of books who really skirted the lines of good and evil, a truly gray characterization. We don't get any of that in the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, characters are only good and only evil. Early in this book there seemed a great opportunity for some interesting characterization from some freed prisoners who would work for the Mogwai, but he does some evil magic to them and removes them of all personality so it is ultimately a wasted opportunity.

Anyway, this book picks up somewhere in the timeline of the first book in the trilogy explaining how the Mogwai ends up with an airship fleet and at the seemingly impossible to reach sight of Castle Down. Of course, so many people have shown up at Castle Down by the time this book rolls around it hardly seems well protected or secret like the first couple of books argued.

There's just a lot wrong with these books. It's the third book in the trilogy and none of the characters have really grown or changed, except the Isle Witch, we think, but she is in a coma. Characters spend most of each chapter reflecting on what's happened, or why it's happened--these guys and gals love to ruminate over the problems in their lives. They are very obsessive, there is very little about what's happening right now. Points of view are mostly about what has already happened. It feels very passive in how its told, and it is boring to read. I think Brooks knows he isn't really following through on all the threads he has tried to set up so he speaks through his characters, has them comment on things like "Wow, Bek Rowe sure has turned into a man since we started this journey. Both physically and emotionally!"

No. They really say stuff like that.

And then the whole point of coming to Castle Down turns out to be a waste, as we learned in the last book, the magic the druid sought after is not really there or obtainable (it was all information stored on a iPad or something!, poor Walker didn't bring an Apple syncing device). Brooks really screws this plot point up because he could have made the journey mean something, but not having true characterization in his cast of heroes and villains, there is nothing gained nor lost except life and death. In fact, death seems to be the only true consequence of the journey. Those who survive don't change, don't gain anything. It is a pointless adventure. In the hands of a better author something could have been done with the idea of "the treasure isn't here!" But unfortunately Brooks doesn't know how to develop that into something more interesting than "the treasure isn't here and now we're all dying! Quick! Let's not die!"

I guess even worse is that the Mogwai is the primary villain in this when he was hardly seen throughout the prior two books. By this time he should have a solid back story, but we never get that. We just get super evil warlock monster who wants power. And he suddenly wants to kill the Isle Witch which makes no sense to the internal narrative of the story, I mean he spent her whole life training her to be powerful like him so...what? So they could fight? Where did he come from? Some info on this guy might have been interesting.

Well, the journey has come to an end. The Isle Witch spends most of the book sleeping, there is a surprising romance that just shows up when one character blurts out of nowhere to another: "I love you!" Everyone accepts this even though no groundwork has been laid for it. And I guess it's that special unconditional kind of love where you love all the faults in the person as much as all the good qualities--fairy tale love, you know? It feels really manufactured and generic.

The most interesting character in the trilogy is Truls Rohk, despite his godawful name, but he is pushed to the side very quickly for less interesting things.

Other characters like the dwarf warrior/tracker Panax seem to shift in and out from sleep and then suddenly admit "wait, I haven't really been apart of this story from the start!" Redden Alt Mer gets something to do in this story, but for such a live by his own rules, luck be his God type of character, he sure is deadly serious and very boring to follow. I mean, he is the type of character I'd expect would make us laugh as he made up his own rules and frustrated his friends and enemies alike. Instead he just kind of bores us. And most of the time we are reminded his name is Redden Alt Mer which reminds me of Control Alt Del, and further reminds me at just how bad Brooks is at naming his characters. At one point I think even Brooks realizes his character names are ridiculous "Spanner Frew" for example, and characters just suddenly, in the middle of book 3, start calling him "Black Beard." Okay.

This is a really bad series. Since I finished it I've gone back to read the Sword of Shannara and I am seeing it through the eyes of my adult self as well as my 7th grade self, and I realize now just how badly it ripped off another famous fantasy trilogy that will rename nameless. But the Sword of Shannara, despite its flaws, had an energy and fun to it that the Voyage of Jerle Shannara is really missing. It's sad for me because all the books all the way up to the end of the Scions of Shannara were the very books that made me into the reader I am today. In 7th grade the Sword of Shannara blew my mind. It's sad that Terry Brooks cannot stop telling the same stories over and over, with the same character archetypes over and over.

The final verdict on the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara is to avoid it at all costs. There are far better fantasy series out there, flawed though they may be, that will explore much more complexity in character and plot than this series. This series might be fun for the pre-teen ages, but I can't recommend it to anyone over the age of 16.

In its place try the Blade Itself series, A Song of Ice and Fire, or the Witcher series and leave this one for the kiddos.

And I must say thank-you to my one comment on this review pointing out that the Elf Queen of Shannara predates any Elder Scrolls game, therefor the "Morrowindl" name was a Brooks original and most likely stolen by game developer Bethesda. But come on, Morrowind is a way cooler name than Morrowindl!

What can I say? Should I expound on how these are the same characters doing the same things they've done since the Lord of the Rings--err, first Sword of Shannara book? There is no doubt some fun in Brooks' world, some nostaglic value for me as Sword was one of the first "big fantasy" books I read way back in 7th grade. He opened my eyes to a whole new world of cool stories. By the time Voyage of Jerle Shannara came out, I read it and never finished the second book.

So I am back, giving it another chance--what, 8 years later? I'm a different guy. What the heck, I'm gonna finish this trilogy come hell or high water.

So far it's been hell.

I'm halfway through the first one again, and I'm going to drop all the problems with his story, the pacing, the lack of focus, the sense of "Elder Scrolls" fast traveling all over his world that you get as they collect their crew, and I'm going to focus on one thing Brooks has continually gotten worse at. Names.

What's in name? How can a name in fantasy book be considered a weak point? Well, the best fantasy writers derive names from ancient mythological text, Terry Brooks looks around his living room, I'm guessing, and stars changing normal names into weird fantasy sounding things.

He has Walkers, Pars, Bohs, and all kinds of nonsense.

The names in this book have only gotten worse making me wish for the days of Wren, Walker, and Padishar. Hahahaha, Padishar. Remember when Padishar's was hinting about his mystery identity to Shea Ohmsford #4 by holding up one finger? One finger? What the blank was that? How does that connect you to Panamon Creel (another fantasic name by the way)? Morrowindl is great too, now that I've played the game Morrowind and realized Brooks was a closet Elder Scrolls fan.

Anyway as I was saying these new name are less Brooks looking around his living room and now more him sitting on his couch with his eyes closed forming sounds.

Spanner Frew. Redden Alt Mer. Rue Meridian. Truls Rohk. Even Brooks interrupts the omniscient narrator of the tale at one point to say "what kind of name is Truls Rohk????" Oh it doesn't stop there. Allardon Ellessedil is a favorite because he is so clearly running out of fantasy sounding names on that one and is presumably adding in new consonants to old classics.

Anyway, this book sucks. But I'm gonna push through. I have to see if Antrax is as bad as I remember. Does it really steal the plot from Superman 3 and feature a super smart machine turning elves/people into its cyborg killers? Onward and upward!

Read the book for the names alone!

Updated!

Part II: Antrax

Well, I successfully finished Antrax. I guess I was successful, at times I had to use the skim and scan method just to get through all the tedious padding. I swear these characters have no personalities, they only immediately react to the things around them with no consistency. I mean bad writers have always had characters react to the plot instead of having strong characters drive the narrative, but Terry Brooks really takes it down to a microcosm of that concept here. The characters don't react to the overarching themes of the plot, their personalities change with every new thing that happens to them.

Warning, mild spoilers:

There is a character in this book who was raised by an evil wizard. She hates this wizard. She does not trust him. She spends about half of the first book thinking about how much she hates him and how she's gonna have to kill him one of these days. So when her thought patterns come back to this in book 2, she obviously reminds us, the poor reader, that she hates and mistrusts Mr. Evil. Okay. But then not two paragraphs later she talks about how Mr. Evil told her when she was little that the druids killed her family. And how does she respond to this obvious lie from Mr. Evil lizard man? She believes him! And still believes him! And has sword to kill the druid responsible!

Most of this book is characters wondering what happened to other characters.

There is a Superman 3 type computer villain in this one who even fashions his own robotic warrior, just like the computer in Superman 3 did to some lady. There is, unfortunately, no Clark Kent vs. Superman in the junkyard though. I think Walker has a moment where he must fight himself or something, but hell, that happens in every Terry Brooks novel. I can't remember. This book was really boring.

Can I recommend this? No. I don't think I can make it through the third book, this is where I quit years ago too. I am gonna try though.

UPDATED

Book 3: ? I forget the name, Isle Witch maybe?

Pretty sure it's called Isle Witch. (minor spoilers) But that doesn't make sense because for the majority of the book she is comatose. Apparently that's what a good walloping of truth does to you. And I love that Brooks seems to believe that the only choices open to her after seeing the "truth" are to remain "evil" or turn "good". Therein lies the problem in his books, not only are they the same stories over and over and over and over again, but the characters are wholly good or wholly evil.

I am not certain he has always written this way. I seem to remember he experimented with characterization once in his Scions of Shannara stories, there was an assassin character named...Pe Ell? Po Kelles? No that's not it. But there was an assassin in one of books who really skirted the lines of good and evil, a truly gray characterization. We don't get any of that in the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, characters are only good and only evil. Early in this book there seemed a great opportunity for some interesting characterization from some freed prisoners who would work for the Mogwai, but he does some evil magic to them and removes them of all personality so it is ultimately a wasted opportunity.

Anyway, this book picks up somewhere in the timeline of the first book in the trilogy explaining how the Mogwai ends up with an airship fleet and at the seemingly impossible to reach sight of Castle Down. Of course, so many people have shown up at Castle Down by the time this book rolls around it hardly seems well protected or secret like the first couple of books argued.

There's just a lot wrong with these books. It's the third book in the trilogy and none of the characters have really grown or changed, except the Isle Witch, we think, but she is in a coma. Characters spend most of each chapter reflecting on what's happened, or why it's happened--these guys and gals love to ruminate over the problems in their lives. They are very obsessive, there is very little about what's happening right now. Points of view are mostly about what has already happened. It feels very passive in how its told, and it is boring to read. I think Brooks knows he isn't really following through on all the threads he has tried to set up so he speaks through his characters, has them comment on things like "Wow, Bek Rowe sure has turned into a man since we started this journey. Both physically and emotionally!"

No. They really say stuff like that.

And then the whole point of coming to Castle Down turns out to be a waste, as we learned in the last book, the magic the druid sought after is not really there or obtainable (it was all information stored on a iPad or something!, poor Walker didn't bring an Apple syncing device). Brooks really screws this plot point up because he could have made the journey mean something, but not having true characterization in his cast of heroes and villains, there is nothing gained nor lost except life and death. In fact, death seems to be the only true consequence of the journey. Those who survive don't change, don't gain anything. It is a pointless adventure. In the hands of a better author something could have been done with the idea of "the treasure isn't here!" But unfortunately Brooks doesn't know how to develop that into something more interesting than "the treasure isn't here and now we're all dying! Quick! Let's not die!"

I guess even worse is that the Mogwai is the primary villain in this when he was hardly seen throughout the prior two books. By this time he should have a solid back story, but we never get that. We just get super evil warlock monster who wants power. And he suddenly wants to kill the Isle Witch which makes no sense to the internal narrative of the story, I mean he spent her whole life training her to be powerful like him so...what? So they could fight? Where did he come from? Some info on this guy might have been interesting.

Well, the journey has come to an end. The Isle Witch spends most of the book sleeping, there is a surprising romance that just shows up when one character blurts out of nowhere to another: "I love you!" Everyone accepts this even though no groundwork has been laid for it. And I guess it's that special unconditional kind of love where you love all the faults in the person as much as all the good qualities--fairy tale love, you know? It feels really manufactured and generic.

The most interesting character in the trilogy is Truls Rohk, despite his godawful name, but he is pushed to the side very quickly for less interesting things.

Other characters like the dwarf warrior/tracker Panax seem to shift in and out from sleep and then suddenly admit "wait, I haven't really been apart of this story from the start!" Redden Alt Mer gets something to do in this story, but for such a live by his own rules, luck be his God type of character, he sure is deadly serious and very boring to follow. I mean, he is the type of character I'd expect would make us laugh as he made up his own rules and frustrated his friends and enemies alike. Instead he just kind of bores us. And most of the time we are reminded his name is Redden Alt Mer which reminds me of Control Alt Del, and further reminds me at just how bad Brooks is at naming his characters. At one point I think even Brooks realizes his character names are ridiculous "Spanner Frew" for example, and characters just suddenly, in the middle of book 3, start calling him "Black Beard." Okay.

This is a really bad series. Since I finished it I've gone back to read the Sword of Shannara and I am seeing it through the eyes of my adult self as well as my 7th grade self, and I realize now just how badly it ripped off another famous fantasy trilogy that will rename nameless. But the Sword of Shannara, despite its flaws, had an energy and fun to it that the Voyage of Jerle Shannara is really missing. It's sad for me because all the books all the way up to the end of the Scions of Shannara were the very books that made me into the reader I am today. In 7th grade the Sword of Shannara blew my mind. It's sad that Terry Brooks cannot stop telling the same stories over and over, with the same character archetypes over and over.

The final verdict on the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara is to avoid it at all costs. There are far better fantasy series out there, flawed though they may be, that will explore much more complexity in character and plot than this series. This series might be fun for the pre-teen ages, but I can't recommend it to anyone over the age of 16.

In its place try the Blade Itself series, A Song of Ice and Fire, or the Witcher series and leave this one for the kiddos.

And I must say thank-you to my one comment on this review pointing out that the Elf Queen of Shannara predates any Elder Scrolls game, therefor the "Morrowindl" name was a Brooks original and most likely stolen by game developer Bethesda. But come on, Morrowind is a way cooler name than Morrowindl!

I consider Brooks’ Sword series and his Heritage series as “classic” Shannara. Though I don’t think the first series is nearly as good as the second-only Elfstones from the first series stands in the company of the Heritage series, and the first “series” is really only 3 loosely connected stand-alone tales-these two series are both “classic” in the sense that they articulate what most readers expect from a Brooks fantasy effort. The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara is not really a “classic” Shannara series in this sense. Of course, I would not deny the many similarities between Voyage and earlier Shannara work. The types of characters and the various talismans are all very familiar. However, Brooks’ alterations in this series give it a somewhat distinctive feel. So, if you are are new to Brooks and wish to experience Shannara, I would not start with Voyage. There is definitely more representative work. Also, though Voyage can be read with no prior Shannara experience, I think readers of Voyage who have already tackled Heritage will appreciate it more. Walker Boh figures prominently in both tales, and learning of Walker’s path to Druid status in Heritage helps one to understand and appreciate this character in Voyage. In fact, Voyage might most naturally appeal to fans of Walker from Heritage who are curious as to how his career as a Druid proceeds. Prospective readers of this trilogy might also want to consider that Voyage serves as the foundation/bridge to The High Druid trilogy. Though Voyage functions on some level as a complete story, it also initiates but does fully develop certain major plotlines which receive treatment in High Druid. In some sense, then, it makes sense to read Voyage if you are not averse to reading yet another Shannara trilogy after that. But enough qualifications. It should be said that Voyage is an enjoyable, accomplished addition to the world of Shannara, and is closer in quality to the Heritage series than to the lesser Sword series.

Voyage has very good plotting. The story seems straightforward at first (a castaway, a treasure map, competing rivals for the magical treasure, an attempt by the lone Druid Walker to find the treasure and thus salvage his dream of creating a Druid Council), but gets more complicated as various pieces of information are slowly revealed. The focus of the quest changes over time, and Brooks vividly illustrates a valuable and humane lesson about learning to discern one’s role in the present amidst crumbling aspirations. Brooks also does a good job coordinating the numerous plot threads in a highly readable manner. The story flows well, and there is a good balance between action and introspection. If you generally appreciate Brooks’ characterization, you will not be disappointed here. And Brooks puts a highly interesting twist on the relationship between the Ohmsfords in this series that works very well. Further, Brooks smoothly incorporates new elements into his Shannara universe. I must admit I was a little skeptical when I first heard this series involved flying ships, but Brooks does a fine job relating this new technology to the traditional Rover lifestyle and outlook.There is also a big focus on Artificial Intelligence in Voyage. This series incorporates “science” more than previous Shannara entries, but once again Brooks provides continuity as well as novelty. Brooks’ Shannara is post-apocalyptic, and he has always provided warnings concerning the misuse of modern science. The Artificial Intelligence horror show and nightmarish man/machine interface highlighted in Voyage is thus thematically consistent with Brooks’ earlier work. Another relative novelty in Voyage is how little of the story actually occurs in The Four Lands. Much of this novel takes place over the ocean, on little islands, and in the land of Parkasia. The series did not suffer because of the changed locale.

Voyage is a well crafted, creative and rewarding fantasy series. I’m tempted to give it a 5 star rating, especially considering how well it holds up to many new fantasy entries that frankly don’t live up to the marketing hype. However, I’m docking it a bit. The first two books do not function as self-contained tales, which is not necessarily a problem provided book 3 wraps everything up. However, book 3’s semi- “to be continued” feel leaves the reader (at least this reader) wanting a bit more closure than he gets after so many pages. Also, I’ll warn the potential reader that in my opinion, the High Druid trilogy that continues the story after the Voyage trilogy is a big drop in quality. Even so, Voyage is a solid effort with plenty of intrinsic pay-off.

4.5 stars

This particular trilogy is yet another Must-Have in the world of High Fantasy written by easily one of the greatest Fantasy Authors to ever put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard...). For the very first time, flying ships are introduced into the world of Shannara, creating a HUGE new opportunity to explore unknown regions.

In Ilse Witch, we begin with the introduction of some new characters, and one in particular held over from the Heritage series, namely Walker Boh, the latest in a long string of Druids. Character development has always (in my mind at least) been one of Brooks' strongest talents, and is in fine form throughout this series. We discover the Ilse Witch, and to a lesser extent the Morgawr who seems to be the one pulling all the strings here -- but that comes into play more in the 3rd book. The journey, or Voyage in this case, begins rather quickly, and while some have said that this series begins slowly, I say otherwise. I believe the action and sheer adventure starts rather quickly. A large group is assembled to charter a ship to fly across the sea to an area that nobody knows anything about...and as usual, secrets are being kept from almost everyone by Walker (amongst others)...what nobody really understands is what they will find once they get to where they are going. This journey is fraught with danger from virtually the beginning, and yet Brooks provides us with some of the most creative scenes yet in this wonderful world he has imagined.

Antrax picks up where Ilse Witch left off and is in many ways a rather HUGE departure from what you have come to expect from all previous Shannara novels...the reason why is because where the Voyage takes our band of adventurers ends up in a place that seems to be beyond everybody's understanding and includes technology never before seen by anyone in all the Four Lands...technology once thought to have been lost thousands of years ago...technology that also seems to be alive in some form, and yet advanced beyond anything anyone has ever dreamed of. In short, things are WAY different here -- and yet just as satisfying as anything written before by Brooks.

Morgawr is simply put a fantastic ending to this amazing series. The opening chapter is darker than anything previously written in this world and borders on a horror novel -- and yet I loved it. Tension on top of adventure on top of action is ratcheted up a few levels as we discover more as the revelation of who the Ilse Witch is comes to light and takes center stage. Obviously the Morgawr is also featured and after having finished the book I couldn't tell you exactly WHAT the Morgawr is...but who cares? It's relationship with the Ilse Witch becomes a focal point as well as the future of the Druids comes into doubt as well. The Elven Prince comes into his own by the end of Morgawr, too which I found to be quite satisfying.

While the loose ends are tied together nicely, the very last chapter certainly lays open room for the next series, and did not make a whole lot of sense to me as I finished the book, but don't worry, pick up The High Druid of Shannara series and all will be well with the world. All in all, while Tolkien is considered the King of Fantasy, and J.K. Rowling has surprassed them all in sheer popularity world-wide, it is still Terry Brooks that brings me back to the world of Fantasy again and again and I credit his original Sword of Shannara with sparking in me the desire to read way back in '78...and for that alone I owe him years and years of thanks. He has yet to let me down with ANY of his works. I doubt he ever will.

I am a big fan of Terry Brooks. As with any author, some of his books are better than others, but all are good.

For reasons that I really cannot explain, I am reading The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara Trilogy out of sequence. I read the subsequent series before I started the Voyage.... This has the effect of already knowing how the trilogy ends. Additionally, it takes some of the suspense out of the story. That being said, I am totally enjoying the read. The development of the characters, the twists and turns within the story still keep me excited when reading. Even knowing how it is going to end does not prevent me from trying to figure out how Terry Brooks is going to make it happen. To elaborate on that would be to ruin the story so you will just have to read it like I am to find out.

It is difficult to review the book without at least some spoilers. The first book of the trilogy is great, but the 2nd and 3rd book are just way too streched with endless descriptions and the party being split in many groups the focus constantly shifts.

The worst is, that in the end the entire adventure is more or less for nothing. Nothing was attained, nothing changed for the better and lot of characters are dead for nothing. The author conjures up a remaining warlock lord to have a new enemy, but altogether I profoundly disliked the ending and the outcome of the story. It was just depressive.

This series was an amazing read, fell in love with the characters, especially Rue Meridian. Book had some unexpected surprises and kept you drawn into the story throughout the book. I was very sad to end the book, but all the more excited to move onto the next series. Just when you think Terry can't write any better than the last he surprises you, very exciting stuff!!!

Terry Brooks is a master! I have read all his books and this trilogy was one of the best. I love his style of writing. He sucks you in by the end of the 1st page. I read this trilogy before I read any other Terry Brooks books. What a opening! I have since read every book he has written. I think I would have started off closer to the start of the story. But I just back tracked from there. I would tell anyone would likes to read fantasy to read any Terry brooks book. He is the best!

What can i Say... i don't own the trilogy so much as i do own the three themselves. As with all of Terry's stories, they start off slow... and with a lot of questions.

As all three stories progress, one into the other, you'll find yourself becoming more immersed, in the form of not waiting for the next bit. for me, i picked up the second and third book right after i had finished and set down the previous.

Walker is on a new mission, and only one mission. Bring back the druid counsel at any and all cost's. On this voyage of sort's... one family is missing, the Ohmsford's, and only Walker has the answer as the Isle Witch and her Master, The Morgawr, seek the death of the last druid.

To Join Walkers party, is a band of Rovers and Elven guard, Quentin Leah and his Cousin Bek Rowe, a Half human-Half shape shifting apparition by the name of Truls Rohk, a Dwarf by the name of Panax and Ahren Elessedil an Elven prince.

Suspense is a key factor to this trilogy as those that grow close to each other end up losing one another and while you're trying to figure one thing out for yourself, something new comes along that replaces that figure.

In the End, Walker is going Across the Blue divide in hopes of Reforming the lost Druid council while Bek's ultimate goal has to do with the one and only feared Isle Witch...

You'll find out what awaits you when your read The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara Trilogy.

I enjoyed the book very much. It was a very colorful world. It was my first plunged into the world of Shannara.

My favorite characters were the Rovers, however this is a very good novel. I do admit the last book of the series was weaker than the first two.

But it is worth reading if you like the Fantasy novels.

Terry Brooks has improved and evolved so incredibly. I remember when I read "The Sword of Shannara" in middle school and he indicated that this world was a "Post Apocalyptic" world. But 20 years later for me in the "Voyage of the Jerle Shannara" really drives the concept home. In true Brooks fashion, you watch in helpless fascination as the characters throw themselves into the maw of terror, death, and a fate worse than death.

This is the only Shannara series that I did not like. I read it anyway jsut to get some understanding of the Isle witch (who makes far more interesting appearance in later works). I think this is worth reading, but it is not the wonderful Terry Brooks I devour so eagerly.

I really enjoyed all of the Shannara novels and this collection is no exception. The action reminds me of an Indiana Jones movie in that it starts right out of the gate and never stops. This is a must have for any Brooks fan.