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ramblingbard's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
jaredpence's review against another edition
3.0
Hold the phone. The bad guys big secret, the source of their power, the big ball of light in the basement of Southwatch is...magic? What an underwhelming reveal! Also, it seems a little troubling that the obvious sign of magic is wildflowers. Really? The earth was supposed to be dying because the Shadowen were sucking all the magic out of the earth, but apparently the "earth dying" just means the wildflowers are scarce. I guess I thought the ending was a little disappointing.
Also, what is the point of the sword of Shannara? Its only magic is to reveal the truth (as long as you don't inadvertently block the truth with your own magic--which, if that's possible, wouldn't Brona have known to do that?)? Why is it even a sword then. I don't think this sword is ever used as a fighting weapon or to stab. It is just placed on people or balls of light and then suddenly it does its magic. It seems like there's no reason for it to be a sword. Also, I was annoyed that Coll was finally included as one of the scions of Shannara because he was the only one who could make the sword work, but then turns out Par can also make the sword work once Coll breaks the spell of Par's self doubt. I just felt like we were supposed to get justice for Coll and he was going to be something special, and then he really wasn't that special.
My favorite part of this book was the jokes about Morgan Leah smelling bad.
Also, what is the point of the sword of Shannara? Its only magic is to reveal the truth (as long as you don't inadvertently block the truth with your own magic--which, if that's possible, wouldn't Brona have known to do that?)? Why is it even a sword then. I don't think this sword is ever used as a fighting weapon or to stab. It is just placed on people or balls of light and then suddenly it does its magic. It seems like there's no reason for it to be a sword. Also, I was annoyed that Coll was finally included as one of the scions of Shannara because he was the only one who could make the sword work, but then turns out Par can also make the sword work once Coll breaks the spell of Par's self doubt. I just felt like we were supposed to get justice for Coll and he was going to be something special, and then he really wasn't that special.
My favorite part of this book was the jokes about Morgan Leah smelling bad.
jasmyn9's review against another edition
4.0
Well, it seems like everything got wrapped up - but man did it happen in one big epic crazy scene - or two. The war between Shadowen and the heirs of Shannara is being fought on two (sort of three) fronts. Are you confused yet? There is a ton going on here - and I mean a ton!!! While very exciting and full of action - it might have been nice if it was a little more spread out. We jump from strategy and hiking across the land to super fast paced action battle scene.
While this is probably very realistic, it was quite exhausting to read at times. I was either wanting them to hurry up and get to the action, or slow the action down so I could follow it better. I think Walker and Wren's stories are still my favorites. Which may seem odd, because they had the most up and down again stories as far as pace - but they were gradual changes and some really great build up.
There was also a lot going on inside the heads of our characters. I love getting into their heads and seeing what makes them tic. Walker, especially, has a lot going on and a lot to try and figure out. Overall, this was a great wrap-up. I got to see everyone together again and how everyone's previous story tied into all the others' and really came together.
- See more at: http://www.hotofftheshelves.com/2015/12/the-talismans-of-shannara-by-terry.html#sthash.kSQyWlPO.dpuf
While this is probably very realistic, it was quite exhausting to read at times. I was either wanting them to hurry up and get to the action, or slow the action down so I could follow it better. I think Walker and Wren's stories are still my favorites. Which may seem odd, because they had the most up and down again stories as far as pace - but they were gradual changes and some really great build up.
There was also a lot going on inside the heads of our characters. I love getting into their heads and seeing what makes them tic. Walker, especially, has a lot going on and a lot to try and figure out. Overall, this was a great wrap-up. I got to see everyone together again and how everyone's previous story tied into all the others' and really came together.
- See more at: http://www.hotofftheshelves.com/2015/12/the-talismans-of-shannara-by-terry.html#sthash.kSQyWlPO.dpuf
ferrisscottr's review
2.0
I read this series when it first came out 30 years ago (or so) but never continued on in the Shannara series. Don't know why. Just didn't.
Fast forward to now and I figured that I'd re-read the first seven Shannara books and then finish the rest of the series.
Just finished this book, the last of the Heritage of Shannara and I can say quite loudly that I will not be continuing with the series.
Had to force myself to finish this book and this series.
The writing was average, the plot was silly, contrived and all too convenient at times and worst of all were the characters. I've tried to articulate this in other reviews and have never been too successful but a good writer makes you truly care about the characters and in the entire series the only characters I truly cared about was Faun (and how well did that end?).
So I'm sure this series was fine for my teenage self but I can't make myself continue - I've just read way too many great books by great authors to spend time on the average ones, there just isn't time.
Fast forward to now and I figured that I'd re-read the first seven Shannara books and then finish the rest of the series.
Just finished this book, the last of the Heritage of Shannara and I can say quite loudly that I will not be continuing with the series.
Had to force myself to finish this book and this series.
The writing was average, the plot was silly, contrived and all too convenient at times and worst of all were the characters. I've tried to articulate this in other reviews and have never been too successful but a good writer makes you truly care about the characters and in the entire series the only characters I truly cared about was Faun (and how well did that end?).
So I'm sure this series was fine for my teenage self but I can't make myself continue - I've just read way too many great books by great authors to spend time on the average ones, there just isn't time.
catherine_dalton08's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
silab's review against another edition
http://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&q=terry+brooks&search_type=books&search%5Bfield%5D=author#
hotsake's review against another edition
4.0
This Shannara book is the closest to Lord of the Rings of any of the 9 books in the series I've read mostly due to the Gollum-like subplot. This was also more mature than any of the previous six books in the series.
freebird795's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
I didn't enjoy this as much as I expected. There was plenty of build up, but the end felt a bit anti-climactic.
It wasn't bad, just a bit 'is that it?'
I didn't enjoy this as much as I expected. There was plenty of build up, but the end felt a bit anti-climactic.
It wasn't bad, just a bit 'is that it?'
tarana's review against another edition
5.0
While Brooks overdid it a bit with coincidence, this was a great wrap up to the story.