Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.76 AVERAGE
3.76 AVERAGE
This wasn't quite as good as I remember it, but I still really enjoyed it and think I have an inkling as to how the Ohmsford's got the Wishsong. I'm glad I'm rereading these.
The best thing that Brooks ever did? It has to be up there.
I enjoyed this second book more than the first. I'd watched the TV series before reading the book and the one major difference is the Elven princess Amberle--in this book, she's weaker and more afraid. I liked Eretria and the nasty witch sisters. And Allanon with his mysterious Gandalf-like nature.
adventurous
medium-paced
It was fine. Definitely not my favourite fantasy. Half-way through I decided to watch the first few episodes of the show and then keep reading when it caught up to where I was. Couldn't do it. The show is SO bad and seemingly just based on the book, they are so vastly different.
A significant improvement from the first book! The characters are so much more interesting, have better relationships, and meaningful interactions. I was especially happy with the female characters, who I thought were well written, and of course Wil, who is sweeter than the main boys in the first book. I would have loved reading this as a kid.
I will not reread it in the future, but still a good book.
I will not reread it in the future, but still a good book.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Another fun fantasy by Brooks. While technically in the same series as Sword of Shannara, this installment takes place some fifty years after the preceding novel.
Very few characters from the first novel show up other than Allanon, the Druid, and Eventine, King of the Elves.
All that being said, I actually enjoyed this novel much more than Sword. The world begins to shine on its own, rather than a clone of Tolkien though it is still heavily influenced by Tolkien's writing and mythology.
The prose is beautiful as always and I find myself entranced by the characters. The plot is relatively quick moving and follows two main plot Iines.
This book is by no means complicated so if you are looking for something a bit "lighter" than many of the massive tomes that are popular right now, I suggest this novel. However that simplicity does leave one wanting a little more substance if you are looking for something more engrossing.
Very few characters from the first novel show up other than Allanon, the Druid, and Eventine, King of the Elves.
All that being said, I actually enjoyed this novel much more than Sword. The world begins to shine on its own, rather than a clone of Tolkien though it is still heavily influenced by Tolkien's writing and mythology.
The prose is beautiful as always and I find myself entranced by the characters. The plot is relatively quick moving and follows two main plot Iines.
This book is by no means complicated so if you are looking for something a bit "lighter" than many of the massive tomes that are popular right now, I suggest this novel. However that simplicity does leave one wanting a little more substance if you are looking for something more engrossing.
I'm not sure if watching the show ruined some of the enjoyment for me but it felt like it dragged on. That being said, I am still interested in checking out more of the series, mainly because I am really interested in this world Brooks has created.
Side note: this was required reading for a class so I haven't read anything else in the series (yet)
Side note: this was required reading for a class so I haven't read anything else in the series (yet)
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book blew all my expectations away. I had heard that Brooks’ got into his stride in book 2 but I had my doubts. Oh how wrong I was. This book represents all of the best of fantasy. Quests to epic battles to demons and wizards dueling to personal growth and sacrifice. Just a awesome book. The characters were great, the battles were epic and the world was so fleshed out. Also, finally the ending was just so melancholic and broke me a bit. Now, I understand why Brooks’ is considered and deservedly so one of the masters of the fantasy genre.