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nachtfalke's review against another edition
5.0
My hopes were not high because I didn't like the earlier installments of "Fall" - too repetitive of stuff we had already seen, too slow in their pacing, too reminiscent (perhaps intentionally so) of Fred Saberhagen.
But to his credit, Brooks gets back to form in this last book. He obviously couldn't compensate for the weaknesses of the earlier entries in the sequence, and the plot remains quite forgettable - but he rounds up the story well towards the ending. In terms of series nostalgia, he pushes all the buttons, and the ending, which I guess most people will care for, is pretty masterfully told.
I think there are a few missed opportunities within the "Fall" sequence, besides the, overall, rather mediocre story, but those nitpicks are only minor: We don't get to see Shady Vale, again, which would have been nice. Also, to my generation, Walker Boh was everyone's favorite character. It would have been nice to see him get a nod, especially towards the ending. Or, for that matter, explaining Dar's lineage would have been a thing of beauty, as well - Paxon and Chrysalin were such important characters, they deserved a backdoor epilogue, in my mind.
I would have liked to see a more general epilogue to the Shannara universe - more radical changes of Brooks' world, towards the end, and more references to the series in its entirety. You know, the whole universe and its fictional history coming full circle.
As it is, "Fall" mostly brings "the universe that started with the Grianne novels" full circle. That's a bit of a weakness - but not a big one, as the way Brooks does it has some art to it, especially how he treats Tarsha, Dar, and Leah.
Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with the book, and the ending. I haven't truly liked any of the Shannara books since the "Voyage" series, with the possible exception of "The Darkling Child". I think I might end up liking this one.
But to his credit, Brooks gets back to form in this last book. He obviously couldn't compensate for the weaknesses of the earlier entries in the sequence, and the plot remains quite forgettable - but he rounds up the story well towards the ending. In terms of series nostalgia, he pushes all the buttons, and the ending, which I guess most people will care for, is pretty masterfully told.
I think there are a few missed opportunities within the "Fall" sequence, besides the, overall, rather mediocre story, but those nitpicks are only minor: We don't get to see Shady Vale, again, which would have been nice. Also, to my generation, Walker Boh was everyone's favorite character. It would have been nice to see him get a nod, especially towards the ending. Or, for that matter, explaining Dar's lineage would have been a thing of beauty, as well - Paxon and Chrysalin were such important characters, they deserved a backdoor epilogue, in my mind.
I would have liked to see a more general epilogue to the Shannara universe - more radical changes of Brooks' world, towards the end, and more references to the series in its entirety. You know, the whole universe and its fictional history coming full circle.
As it is, "Fall" mostly brings "the universe that started with the Grianne novels" full circle. That's a bit of a weakness - but not a big one, as the way Brooks does it has some art to it, especially how he treats Tarsha, Dar, and Leah.
Overall, I'm pretty satisfied with the book, and the ending. I haven't truly liked any of the Shannara books since the "Voyage" series, with the possible exception of "The Darkling Child". I think I might end up liking this one.
insipidurbanism's review
adventurous
3.0
What happened to the other sets of elfstones and the whole niece of the character who always gets left in the Forbidding? As if the previous series hadn't happened. I genuinely expected a plot line around reevaluating the morality of who is left in the Forbidding considering all the "they actually have feelings too" realizations of characters in the past couple books.
Where was that old silver faerie character?? Not a single appearance. Did I miss his death?? If this Shea is the gypsy morph as I think it was hinted, then he should have popped up for a minute about it. Speaking of missing faerie characters - where is the continuity of the mysterious lady goddess person deciding the staff wielding action of the prequel series? Never mentioned again after the nuclear apocalypse unless there's a connection with the seer in this series.
Where was that old silver faerie character?? Not a single appearance. Did I miss his death?? If this Shea is the gypsy morph as I think it was hinted, then he should have popped up for a minute about it. Speaking of missing faerie characters - where is the continuity of the mysterious lady goddess person deciding the staff wielding action of the prequel series? Never mentioned again after the nuclear apocalypse unless there's a connection with the seer in this series.
weaselweader's review against another edition
3.0
The conclusion to a literary fantasy saga, forty years in the making!
Forty years hence, thousands of pages later, and, for that matter, some forty books beyond its breathtaking debut to grateful readers of the fantasy genre looking for something to equal Tolkien’s LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, Terry Brooks appears to have chosen to return Shannara’s Sword to its well-worn sheath and to bring the epic to a close. Peace returns to the Four Lands as its war with the Skaar invaders is brought to an end and a satisfactory peace. Magic’s position as its foil to the science, now burgeoning in the hands of the world’s population is at least tentatively assured as Tarsha Kaynin takes Drisker Arc’s place as the last Druid and the keeper of Paranor’s druid histories.
THE LAST DRUID is most assuredly NOT a stand-alone fantasy novel. If you haven’t read the preceding novels in THE FALL OF SHANNARA series, #1 THE BLACK ELFSTONE, #2 THE SKAAR INVASION, and #3 THE STIEHL ASSASSIN, then the plot of this novel will make absolutely no sense to you at all. Come to that, if you haven’t been a fan of the Shannara series since its inception and if you haven’t read a significant portion of the other novel’s in the Shannara canon such as WITCH WRAITH or TANEQUIL, many of the historical plot references in THE LAST DRUID will become meaningless and fly right over your head. Without an understanding of those references to past events in the Shannara universe, I suspect much of THIS novel’s plot will become meaningless.
It is with some degree of melancholy reluctance that I express the opinion that THE LAST DRUID, satisfying, workmanlike, complete, and entertaining, is definitely not compelling or breathtaking. I expect most fans of the series, having turned the final page, will simply sigh with a small measure of disappointment while, at the same time, mentally expressing their gratitude for forty years of enjoyment drawn from a magnificent fantasy series.
Paul Weiss
Forty years hence, thousands of pages later, and, for that matter, some forty books beyond its breathtaking debut to grateful readers of the fantasy genre looking for something to equal Tolkien’s LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, Terry Brooks appears to have chosen to return Shannara’s Sword to its well-worn sheath and to bring the epic to a close. Peace returns to the Four Lands as its war with the Skaar invaders is brought to an end and a satisfactory peace. Magic’s position as its foil to the science, now burgeoning in the hands of the world’s population is at least tentatively assured as Tarsha Kaynin takes Drisker Arc’s place as the last Druid and the keeper of Paranor’s druid histories.
THE LAST DRUID is most assuredly NOT a stand-alone fantasy novel. If you haven’t read the preceding novels in THE FALL OF SHANNARA series, #1 THE BLACK ELFSTONE, #2 THE SKAAR INVASION, and #3 THE STIEHL ASSASSIN, then the plot of this novel will make absolutely no sense to you at all. Come to that, if you haven’t been a fan of the Shannara series since its inception and if you haven’t read a significant portion of the other novel’s in the Shannara canon such as WITCH WRAITH or TANEQUIL, many of the historical plot references in THE LAST DRUID will become meaningless and fly right over your head. Without an understanding of those references to past events in the Shannara universe, I suspect much of THIS novel’s plot will become meaningless.
It is with some degree of melancholy reluctance that I express the opinion that THE LAST DRUID, satisfying, workmanlike, complete, and entertaining, is definitely not compelling or breathtaking. I expect most fans of the series, having turned the final page, will simply sigh with a small measure of disappointment while, at the same time, mentally expressing their gratitude for forty years of enjoyment drawn from a magnificent fantasy series.
Paul Weiss
annarella's review
4.0
The books of the Shannara series are always entertaining and gripping and this one is no exception.
Excellent storytelling and plot development, interesting characters and world building.
It's always a pleasure to travel to Shannara but I'm wondering if this is the last book in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Excellent storytelling and plot development, interesting characters and world building.
It's always a pleasure to travel to Shannara but I'm wondering if this is the last book in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
hskey's review against another edition
4.0
With about 120 pages to go, I couldn't help but think that this series of books in particular could have been longer. I wanted more, only because after reading all 32 books in the Shannara series, I was desperately clinging to the notion that there would be more to it.
I think with this much history and weight behind it, I was hoping for something a little more grand, but what I read was really satisfying. The ending scene, in particular, felt really poignant and touched upon the magic vs. science theme present in almost every Shannara book.
There were a few shocks, in particular the Behemoth's fate in Skaarsland was really, really well done and I couldn't help but feel I was there watching along with Shea. Ajin and the Skaar were really a interesting new race, far more than the usual dark evil lord wanting to take over everything.
The section in the Forbidding was really, really strong. Easily my favorite part of the book. Brooks' does a fantastic job making you live in this disgusting world and fear all the creatures that live in it. We've seen the Forbidding before a bit, but not really like this.
I still wanted more! Maybe another few pages acknowledging all the major players in the Shannara history, but I wager that's just my nostalgia creeping in.
This is my most rambly review ever. If you're reading this and want to know it's good, or should you read it? - I wouldn't necessarily recommend Shannara to just anybody, but if you're new to fantasy, Shannara is a great place to start. And if you're fantasy fan, this is like fantasy comfort food. And if you're a Shannara fan, you already know the answer.
I think with this much history and weight behind it, I was hoping for something a little more grand, but what I read was really satisfying. The ending scene, in particular, felt really poignant and touched upon the magic vs. science theme present in almost every Shannara book.
There were a few shocks, in particular the Behemoth's fate in Skaarsland was really, really well done and I couldn't help but feel I was there watching along with Shea. Ajin and the Skaar were really a interesting new race, far more than the usual dark evil lord wanting to take over everything.
The section in the Forbidding was really, really strong. Easily my favorite part of the book. Brooks' does a fantastic job making you live in this disgusting world and fear all the creatures that live in it. We've seen the Forbidding before a bit, but not really like this.
I still wanted more! Maybe another few pages acknowledging all the major players in the Shannara history, but I wager that's just my nostalgia creeping in.
This is my most rambly review ever. If you're reading this and want to know it's good, or should you read it? - I wouldn't necessarily recommend Shannara to just anybody, but if you're new to fantasy, Shannara is a great place to start. And if you're fantasy fan, this is like fantasy comfort food. And if you're a Shannara fan, you already know the answer.
monikasbookblog's review against another edition
5.0
Full disclosure - I’m a long term fan of Shannara Saga and The Last Druid is indeed an epic triumphant conclusion. Some may think Brooks writing has diminished or the conclusion was unworthy, but to me it was perfect!! I can’t say more without ruining it for fans, so sorry. Long term fans and new readers can both enjoy this finale since its a epic fantasy and world building is kind of the given!! Read if you like adventure, Tolkein like fantasy.
Thank you Delrey books, Terry Brooks and Netgalley for the arc. This is my own honest opinion.
Thank you Delrey books, Terry Brooks and Netgalley for the arc. This is my own honest opinion.
thejosh2099's review against another edition
5.0
And thus closes a legend.
It is a strange feeling. I have read this series since I was twelve years old. It formed my love for fantasy, my love for reading and for writing. It's impact on me cannot be overstated. To bid it farewell is painful.
I make it no secret, with all that said, that despite my love for Shannara (and indeed, perhaps because of it) I have found Brooks' writing in the latter entries to be lackluster and somewhat disappointing. I stand by that, and I will even say that I had problems with this book. One or two of them grated on me immensely.
That said, it delivered more than I was hoping and expecting. The bar was not set high but the hopes were. And while I am not wholly satisfied by the resolution, I ask myself if I ever truly could be with the final entry in such a sweeping, epic journey that has spanned over half of my life.
It was touching and hit notes of magic just right in a way that I have not felt from Shannara for many, many years.
I have to acknowledge my bias - I think I would rate this book three stars. But I have to consider the weight it carries on its shoulders - the whole of the Shannara legacy. And rating it less than a five, considering that, feels wrong.
Kudos to you, Mr. Brooks. And thank you for the ride.
It is a strange feeling. I have read this series since I was twelve years old. It formed my love for fantasy, my love for reading and for writing. It's impact on me cannot be overstated. To bid it farewell is painful.
I make it no secret, with all that said, that despite my love for Shannara (and indeed, perhaps because of it) I have found Brooks' writing in the latter entries to be lackluster and somewhat disappointing. I stand by that, and I will even say that I had problems with this book. One or two of them grated on me immensely.
That said, it delivered more than I was hoping and expecting. The bar was not set high but the hopes were. And while I am not wholly satisfied by the resolution, I ask myself if I ever truly could be with the final entry in such a sweeping, epic journey that has spanned over half of my life.
It was touching and hit notes of magic just right in a way that I have not felt from Shannara for many, many years.
I have to acknowledge my bias - I think I would rate this book three stars. But I have to consider the weight it carries on its shoulders - the whole of the Shannara legacy. And rating it less than a five, considering that, feels wrong.
Kudos to you, Mr. Brooks. And thank you for the ride.
tarana's review against another edition
5.0
Clizia Porse - what evil! Great end to the series! I will miss new adventures here.
vaderbird's review against another edition
2.0
Not sure how to review this.
On one hand I am so thankful that Mr. Brooks will stop killing a favorite world of mine. I just gave Sword of Shannarra to my daughter to read.
Drisker was the worst druid ever... I will not post spoilers, and will leave it that simple.
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
On one hand I am so thankful that Mr. Brooks will stop killing a favorite world of mine. I just gave Sword of Shannarra to my daughter to read.
Drisker was the worst druid ever... I will not post spoilers, and will leave it that simple.
5 star - Perfect
4 star - i would recommend
3 star - good
2 star - struggled to complete
1 star - could not finish
squidlord23's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
As a finale to a series within the Shannara saga it's a 4/5. It wraps up the fall of Shannara well. However as the END of the saga it's a 2/5 since it does not give a full ending that sets the four lands for the future etc and is just left to a decision of magic, science, or a mix for one of the protagonists and just some "I'll support your decision" aspects. I'm very upset cuz I have enjoyed the saga as a whole but this is so unsatisfactory.