Ilse Witch (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara - Book 1)

the book is full of surprises,you find yourself so involved in this book that you can't put it down,you have the need to read on!in a world full of magic and myth,the druid Walker Boh has to reach a treasure of so great importance to the four lands that it is also the target of other creatures,Walker must not let it fall in the hands of evil,else the four lands may be in great danger,its a race between good and evil!Walker seeks help of the elves,to get an airship with crew,to undertake a long journey, that others already tried and failed,to find,something,he doesn't know what exactly it is!in a story full of challenges and magic,you are bound to get involved!
my advice is,just buy it!if you don't,and you like fantasy, you'll regret it,i am sure of that!thanks for reading <('.')>

I just finished reading this book today! Let me share that those of us who loved the shannara series will fall in love with this book. The book starts out with the famailiar territories and characters we all know and love or hate. Terry Brooks also introduces new characters that enlighten this book, and a new adventure to pursue. It takes a fine twist about the middle to end of the book, that will leave those who have not read it....want to finish it. It ends with a brother and sister facing one another for the first time in years, and gives us time to think about what is going to happen in the sequel.

I have read all of the Shannara series, and think Sword of Shannara is an important work. The Jerle Shannara series is in my opinion, his best work. It takes leaps from technology to science, the past to the future, adolescence to adulthood, companionship to love, accident of birth to conviction of purpose, short term goals to long term achievements, and failure as a part of the path to success. The characters emote, not brood, because they think and feel. The action is vivid, focused, and dramatic. I would recommend this series to anyone.

I hoped, I prayed and look what I am at now: typing this review...
The first was acceptable, the second needed help.
But this one takes the cake as probably one of Terry's worst books to date!
Probably my expectations were too high, given Terry's obvious talents, but to publish such a work? Scandalous!!
Honestly, this book fall flat. It was supposed to be the climax of the series but was actually the dullest of the lot. Well, I really hope the next series will be better.
Alas, I must still finish this review....
I give it the...rating of :( aka 2 stars.

I have not even finished this book yet, but feel that a warning to fans of the Shannara books is justified. This book does not flow as easily or pull you into its storyline like the other 6 before it did. The writing is inconsistent. Every few chapters feel like the old books but you have to suffer through awkward, empty chapters to get to the good ones. I actually found myself skipping pages looking for familar Shannara content. The purity of the Shannara land has been ruined with technology that was never in the other books. The presence of such technology is inconsistent with the old storyline and has never been hinted at before. The book feels forced. So far, I am very disappointed and am forcing myself to finish this book in hopes that it will improve. As a long-time Terry Brooks and Shannara fan I had been looking forward to reading this book and still hope to enjoy the nostalgia of Shannara.

What a great time I had reading this book! Mr. Brooks has yet to disappoint me. It's fun, it's exciting - everything I've come to expect. I nearly cried at the end - not because of the book, but because of the long wait for the next book to find out what happens!~!

This is a typical great book in the strain of Terry Brooks. Brooks fans with find nothing new here but will find the great story and action they are used to and are looking for. The ending is terrific and hints at more great storytelling to come in the near future.

I thought this book really was the perfect finish, it had great twists in it, and unexpected events. Terry did himself proud in my opinion!!! After reading The Isle Witch and Antrax I couldn't wait to get started on the third. When I did, I couldn't stop and was disapointed I came to the end so quickly-I couldn't put it down! I found this trilogy refreshing-'The VOYAGE of Shannara!' Loved it, couldn't think of anyhing to criticise it on, except maybe how it pulled you into the book at the saddest parts and nearly had me covering my eyes at the scary bits. Hope this helps!x x x x

I got this preview from Brooks' webmaster. I was excited to see if his exposure to the creativity of George Lucas might have shaken loose a sense of humor in Brooks, something he has always been severely lacking. The answer: not a chance.
Brooks has built a career by "borrowing" the creativity of others--Tolkien [Shannara], Pullman [Running with the Demon], Lucas [Star Wars] and now Robin Hobb and some of the other fae-fantasists. While the characters are certainly a little different [for which I awarded an extra star] the writing is the same clunking, lackluster prose he has always had.

This is one of the best Shannara books that I have ever read. This new book starts out 100 years after the last Shannara book left off, and is a great read. The books starts out with Walker, one of the characters from the last book, but also has other new characters, new villians, and a completly new quest as they undertake a search for lost magic. This book is everything that a Shannara novel is, with magic swords and an epic quest and fights against evil, and it completly surpassed all my expectations of it!

I'd never been a fan of Brooks or Shannara; captivating prose is one thing if it steals the scene in the first few pages, but sustaining the thrill throughout the book has never been a strength of Brooks, and in this case the book falls flat on its face. Giant eels? Oh please.
The humdrum, cliched 'gathering of the Company' and the hollow characterization play second fiddle to the laughable plot twists however. I bought this book after reading the excerpt, hoping that the author's style had gained some flavor and maturity over time. As it turns out I just wasted my money.

The only problem I have with the author is the time between novels. I literally hound the book store attendants whilst in the midst of a series. He has a way of making you feel for the characters and maybe care a little bit about them. You tend to take on the mood of his novels and even the individual characters within. So much so, that being caught between books leaves me slightly agitated until I have the next book in the series. In Short - Another enthralling epic from the best fantasy author I've ever read. (please hurry with the next one Mr. Brooks! :-)

If you are a Shannara fan than you can't go wrong here. All three books are very good and you get a nice discounted boxed price. I think Brooks Shannara stories are all worth reading for any fantasy fan.

This was a really good book. Even the cliff-hanger ending didn't bother me (that much). My only complaint is that it took too long to get to the exciting parts (they must have spent 100 + pages preparing to leave!), and then, when the book did get good, the excitement was over too quickly. I did give this book 4 stars, because, overall, the story was good, and I really liked many of the characters. I would recomend this book to other readers, but only those that have already read the other Shannara books. I agree with Phillip Mills-Buuck, who said the the Elfstones book is the best!

Great story, very fast paced. Love the Shannara series. Read the original Shannara series back in high school. Having so much fun catching up on all of the other great stories written by Terry Brooks.

I liked the way Terry Brooks starts to show how his world is growing up. I mean, no world can stay barbarious forever, and so he does that. A refreshingly new way to look at world he created, and a great new adventure. The characters hold the same vices and attitudes that previous main characters have held, but you don't mind that, the plot thickens and you learn more and more about how closely connected their world could be to ours.

a very well written book but still one of terry's worst. I've read all the shannara books and this is one didn't hook me like the elfstones, first king, antrax, isle witch, and sword. The ending to the book wasn't very good and it seemed like terry didn't put much thought in explaining the backround of Morgawr. The final thing i expecially didn't like was little red and omhsford getting together(the age difference was the main reason), it wasn't like in elfstones where the relationship there seemed right. Overall, i think it was still a good book but my expectations from terry seemed higher.

What can I say? Nothing really happens of great importance so far, aside from getting to really know the characters. Yet, I gave it 5 stars. For some it's reason it's still amazing. It really sets things up for the sequel, Antrax. All over an extrememly good book. I SERIOUSLY reccomend Brooks, anyways.

Terry brooks is possibly my favorite fantasy novelist - or at least right up there with R.A. Salvatore. This book takes off where he left off with the wonderful shannara series. while much of the book delves into character development for the latter books in the series, brooks still introduces you to a rich world filled with wonder and adventure. like the rest of his books, it flows very well and i couldn't put it down until i finished. bravo!

I loved this book. I just wished publishers would release titles sooner, because now I have to wait at least a year before I see another Shannara title, and that makes me upset. Why do we have to wait so friggin long?????????????????
Well, at least Servant of the Shard comes out this month.

This was a really good book. Even the cliff-hanger ending didn't bother me (that much). My only complaint is that it took too long to get to the exciting parts (they must have spent 100 + pages preparing to leave!), and then, when the book did get good, the excitement was over too quickly. I did give this book 4 stars, because, overall, the story was good, and I really liked many of the characters. I would recomend this book to other readers, but only those that have already read the other Shannara books. I agree with Phillip Mills-Buuck, who said the the Elfstones book is the best!

Great story, very fast paced. Love the Shannara series. Read the original Shannara series back in high school. Having so much fun catching up on all of the other great stories written by Terry Brooks.

I liked the way Terry Brooks starts to show how his world is growing up. I mean, no world can stay barbarious forever, and so he does that. A refreshingly new way to look at world he created, and a great new adventure. The characters hold the same vices and attitudes that previous main characters have held, but you don't mind that, the plot thickens and you learn more and more about how closely connected their world could be to ours.

a very well written book but still one of terry's worst. I've read all the shannara books and this is one didn't hook me like the elfstones, first king, antrax, isle witch, and sword. The ending to the book wasn't very good and it seemed like terry didn't put much thought in explaining the backround of Morgawr. The final thing i expecially didn't like was little red and omhsford getting together(the age difference was the main reason), it wasn't like in elfstones where the relationship there seemed right. Overall, i think it was still a good book but my expectations from terry seemed higher.

What can I say? Nothing really happens of great importance so far, aside from getting to really know the characters. Yet, I gave it 5 stars. For some it's reason it's still amazing. It really sets things up for the sequel, Antrax. All over an extrememly good book. I SERIOUSLY reccomend Brooks, anyways.

Terry brooks is possibly my favorite fantasy novelist - or at least right up there with R.A. Salvatore. This book takes off where he left off with the wonderful shannara series. while much of the book delves into character development for the latter books in the series, brooks still introduces you to a rich world filled with wonder and adventure. like the rest of his books, it flows very well and i couldn't put it down until i finished. bravo!

I loved this book. I just wished publishers would release titles sooner, because now I have to wait at least a year before I see another Shannara title, and that makes me upset. Why do we have to wait so friggin long?????????????????
Well, at least Servant of the Shard comes out this month.

I love Terry Brook's writing but when I found this book in paperback and found that the story was continued in the second book, I was very upset. I had to buy the second book in hardcover just to continue the story. The story will suck you in and not let go and the 3rd book is not out yet so beware if you start this series!!!!!!!!!

I never had the desire to read any of Terry's books, despite the Shannara series being such a success. Ilse Witch happens to be my first of his books. I would have to say that Ilse Witch isn't that fantastic a book. The story development is good but not superb. But the Shannara story is a VERY compelling one and so are the characters in the story. So enticing in fact that it as prompted me to read the rest of the Shannara series. I do believe I have become a fan of Brooks...

Ilse Witch was a relatively quick read, and it was entertaining, but it lacked what I seem to remember as thorough descriptions of the setting from the previous Shannara novels. I just did not get the sense for where the characters were. Also, the airship bit is just a little too far flung for my taste. I almost did not bother reading this book because of that.

Galring inconsistentcy in Antrax compared to Ilse witch

p439 Isle Witch

p62 Antrax

Why does Rue Meridian remember Hawk using his dagger to pick lock when she did it with a pick from her boot in real time action in Ilse Witch?

If he wrote both Brooks would remember this yes?

He must use a Ghost Writer!!!

G Schuette 2/25/2005

Well well well..... Mr. Brooks is at it again!!
His most recent outing in the Shannara series is rather good, i must say. Although a bit draggy at times, the book magically sustained my interest throughout.
The druid, Walker is back togeter with good ol' Truls Rohk. Fans of them take note.
All in all, this books shows that Terry hasn't lost his magic touch yet.

In many respects this is a very stock-standard run-of-the-mill work from Brook's literary cookie-cutter. The story line moves quickly enough to keep the reader mildly interested, but the characters in the novel lack any depth, and the writting style is hopelessly amateurish and difficult to read. Not one of the best fantasy novels I've had the pleasure of reading - certainly no Tolkein anyway. But probably worth a quick flick if you get the book as a birthday present (like I did), and have nothing better to do (hey - I was on holidays !)

A thoroughly enjoyable book with lots of action and plot twists. The characters vary considerably. I find Bek and Quentin unbelievably tedious and identical to the bland characters in other books. The parts focusing on them were rather dull. However others such as Walker, Truls and the Rovers more than made up for this and I would definately recomend the book.

This book is painful. A half a page of action followed by 5 agonizing pages of character self-reflection. When separate threads come together, the characters rehash everything they experienced to their friends, forcing the reader to sit there and reread everything all over again. Has the real feeling of being forced to fill the publisher's required length. ... The original trilogy was the best. If you want real fantasy, give George R.R. Martin a try (A Game of Thrones, etc.)

This novel started out slowly, but quickly gained speed, rising to the quality of Brooks' previous books. I was almost disappointed that it is a series (didn't notice when I checked it out), because now I'll have to wait a while for the next one! I recommend this book to any fantasy enthusiast.

I am dissapointed by the Voyage of Jerle Shannara set. Its the same story (Brin and Jair) of The Wishsong. Sister is caught up by evil, brother has to save her. A Druid dies, another takes over. It seems the plot was just twisted a little bit and the names were changed.
The first 10 books were ok, the rest have much to be desired.

I loved this book. I have read every book by Terry brooks (minus Starwars Episode I and Hook) and I can tell you that this is his best one. So if you have ever likes any Shannara you will LOVE this book. I hope everyone who reads this will read Ilse witch and then (soon) Antrax.
<<<<<<<<<Emerson Mac>>>>>>>>>>

A return to vintage Terry Brooks. After the Good and Evil series, which was good, The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara is a return to Greatness. A return to great character development -- Alannon is reborn in Walker (He is the man)! The rovers (Big and Little Red) really came to life in my imagination. A "must read" for Brooks' fans.
Conclusion:
I have ridden the Jerle Shannara!!!

Once again I have been captured by the creativity and imagination of Terry Brooks. I have read the entire Shannara series and have loved every word. In fact, I have read them all more than once. I look forward to reading the sequels to Ilse Witch and as many other books as this author chooses to write.

This series has renewed my faith in Terry Brooks. The last series of Shannara books were too long and meandered waaaaay too much. This trilogy was well paced. Be warned, it is fairly gruesome, at times bordering on horror, but worth the time to read. I finished this book in two days because I couldn't put it down.

I agree with the reviewer who wrote "much prose about nothing". Very disappointing. Have read every Terry Brooks book up until now but this will be the last. Wasted money on these 3. Where is the real Brooks? The one who wrote the earlier Shannara? It's almost as if these books were written for young teenagers or children. So many words but very little going on. If you want a good fantasy series get into the George R. R. Martin one.

WOW! Terry Brooks outdoes himself in the next instalment of the Shannara books. Plot twists and surprises help keep the reader on their toes. New characters (from your favourite old families) show depth and inventiveness. And some old favourites are along for the ride (hint hint: WALKER BOH). I just can't wait for the next book to come out!

This was the first Terry Brooks book I have ever read, and it blew me away. I loved the story all the way through. Now I have to go back and read all the other series he's written previous to this one for history and back ground on the people, such as Walker. By then book two Antrax might be out.

I loved this book!! Brooks does it again. I have read most of the other Shannara books, and this one is in the top three. This book keeps you reading, and is a great fantasy for former fantasy fans, and those who want to read quality fantasy books. I definately recommend this book for anyone, especially Terry Brooks fans.

I finally finished the Voyage of the Jerle Shannarra Trilogy. The 1st book took me a month and 1/2, and the next 2 books I skimmed through and finished both in 2 days (action novels - hehe). I never saw a book end so many scenarios with "suddenly everything went black". The plot is so-so, a few no-bodies get killed, the bad guys lose, and the Druid's ultimate plan eventually comes true with a twist, but it's ok... because it was.. "meant to be". I kept asking myself that if the druid was so smart and far seeing, he could have worked out a better solution than this though! I give the book an A for creativity, but a C-minus for leaving too many unexplained logistics.

Terry Brooks! Is there more to say? Those who have read his work know of the great detail and action that he brings. Terry Brooks gives you the wanting to read his next book. The Voyage of Jerle Shannara: Ilse Witch is outstanding. It is a great start off for the series. The series gets even better with volume two! I enjoyed it very much.

The original Shannara were good, Heritage was a nice read, but what is this? Not bad by itself, but read one of his older books and the entire book seems impossible and idiotic. Sorry, but does Brooks know how to not contradict himself?

I enjoyed this book, but only because I'm Shannara fan.

This book was probably my favorite out of the three Jerle Shannara books. It had more action & content then the other two, but I also loved the other books. If you haven't already read the oringal Shannara books I recommend that you do 'cause they're as good as this one.

and this one did not disappoint. The characters are deep, and the plot never slips. I couldn't wait until this one was released, had it pre-ordered at a local bookstore! If you just started with this Brooks series, go back and read all of his books, from the original Sword of Shannara, and the Lost Kingdom series right up to current.

I wish I could write like Terry Brooks. This is another excellent story in the Shannara series. The only bad part is waiting for the next book in the series to be printed, but it'll be worth it. If you've read the his previous Shannara stories this one is a must. If you haven't, you need to.

I just want to say that this is great way to continue the Shannara Saga. I've been hoping that we would see the return of Walker Boh for some time and now we finally have it. So if your a fan of the Shannara Saga or a new reader of the Saga you must get this book!!!

Sorry to all you who grew up reading Shannara, and thinking this is what passes for fantasy. I recommend you look backwards in time [Charles Williams, J R R Tolkien] or forward [George Martin, Robin Hobb, Elizabeth Haydon] if you want to see some talent in the field. Brooks cruises through, making use of other people's ideas as always. This book stinks.

Another great journey into the world of Shannara. This time with the great airships. My only problem is the ending, there wasn't one. If you haven't picked this book up yet buy the second one as well!

Terry Brooks! Is there more to say? Those who have read his work know of the great detail and action that he brings. Terry Brooks gives you the wanting to read his next book. The Voyage of Jerle Shannara: Ilse Witch is outstanding. It is a great start off for the series. The series gets even better with volume two! I enjoyed it very much.

The original Shannara were good, Heritage was a nice read, but what is this? Not bad by itself, but read one of his older books and the entire book seems impossible and idiotic. Sorry, but does Brooks know how to not contradict himself?

I enjoyed this book, but only because I'm Shannara fan.

This book was probably my favorite out of the three Jerle Shannara books. It had more action & content then the other two, but I also loved the other books. If you haven't already read the oringal Shannara books I recommend that you do 'cause they're as good as this one.

and this one did not disappoint. The characters are deep, and the plot never slips. I couldn't wait until this one was released, had it pre-ordered at a local bookstore! If you just started with this Brooks series, go back and read all of his books, from the original Sword of Shannara, and the Lost Kingdom series right up to current.

I wish I could write like Terry Brooks. This is another excellent story in the Shannara series. The only bad part is waiting for the next book in the series to be printed, but it'll be worth it. If you've read the his previous Shannara stories this one is a must. If you haven't, you need to.

I just want to say that this is great way to continue the Shannara Saga. I've been hoping that we would see the return of Walker Boh for some time and now we finally have it. So if your a fan of the Shannara Saga or a new reader of the Saga you must get this book!!!

Sorry to all you who grew up reading Shannara, and thinking this is what passes for fantasy. I recommend you look backwards in time [Charles Williams, J R R Tolkien] or forward [George Martin, Robin Hobb, Elizabeth Haydon] if you want to see some talent in the field. Brooks cruises through, making use of other people's ideas as always. This book stinks.

Another great journey into the world of Shannara. This time with the great airships. My only problem is the ending, there wasn't one. If you haven't picked this book up yet buy the second one as well!

I haven't read a poor one by Brooks yet. He is definitely one of my favorite authors, the Ilse Witch is so great. I wish it was about 8 times as long though. The story ended at such a pivotal moment. I LOVED it anyway, as well as Antrax.

I have been reading the Shannara books since I was 12. Having read the latest offering all I can say is that it is probably about time for Terry Brooks to retire. The story is old, the characters have been done. Let us remember you for the great author you once were, instead of the hack you have become.

I won't reveal any of the secrets of the book, but I have to say its Brook's best work yet. If you don't have it, go buy it, NOW! I just finished it, and the ending is magnificent. Can't wait for the next book.

this is by far one of the greatest series of books ever it is however a continuation of the Shannara series wich means you should read all the books to truely understand the world Terry Brooks has made the charicters are alive in the pages and it is on par with anything else out there ever made