scroggin_cooper's review against another edition
4.0
Another classic fantasy adventure from Mr. Brooks. Bravo.
I liked Wil a lot more than Shea. Shea just felt like a Gary Stu, Wil makes mistakes in this book, he's also just a more likable guy. His relationship with Amberle felt incredibly realistic. None of the characters felt unnecessary in this book, unlike in the last book where both elves could easily have been cut out of the story. This journey also felt far different from the Lord of the Rings, which I feel is a good thing. In my opinion, the more often you come back to the same tropes and don't do anything with them, they get tired. Brooks expands on these tropes and puts a little twist upon them. The only thing I didn't really like was the Elf-Demon conflict. It just felt a little drawn out.
I liked Wil a lot more than Shea. Shea just felt like a Gary Stu, Wil makes mistakes in this book, he's also just a more likable guy. His relationship with Amberle felt incredibly realistic. None of the characters felt unnecessary in this book, unlike in the last book where both elves could easily have been cut out of the story. This journey also felt far different from the Lord of the Rings, which I feel is a good thing. In my opinion, the more often you come back to the same tropes and don't do anything with them, they get tired. Brooks expands on these tropes and puts a little twist upon them. The only thing I didn't really like was the Elf-Demon conflict. It just felt a little drawn out.
tashshaw'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? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
rattybluestocking's review against another edition
4.0
I rated this four stars, because I couldn't do three and a half stars which is my actual rating.
I enjoyed this book, very much. I enjoyed the first one too. I do not think I will continue reading the rest of the series though. like I said, I enjoyed the book greatly, but I couldn't really find myself getting into the characters or the story itself. It was well-written, descriptive, and the world was interesting. I'd definitely recommend this book to others who enjoy the sci-fi world akin to Lord of the Rings. I, however, actually preferred the MTV show.
I enjoyed this book, very much. I enjoyed the first one too. I do not think I will continue reading the rest of the series though. like I said, I enjoyed the book greatly, but I couldn't really find myself getting into the characters or the story itself. It was well-written, descriptive, and the world was interesting. I'd definitely recommend this book to others who enjoy the sci-fi world akin to Lord of the Rings. I, however, actually preferred the MTV show.
bookcaptivated's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
a_ghostintheroom's review against another edition
4.0
I don't often read adult fiction, but I decided to give this a go since MTV made this into a show I found myself really enjoying that. The book, however, was wholly different (unsurprisingly) in a lot of plot lines even though Terry Brooks himself helped produce the show. I initially had trouble reading this, as I'm used to the quick-paced way YA is written but I got used to his slow cantor and extremely detailed style. His fantasy world was well formed and with the maps (I love maps!) I could picture the heroes as they moved through the westlands. My biggest disappointment was in Brooks inability to write a female character. Both Amberle and Eretria were flat and unrelatable. After Amberle sacrifices herself, Wil basically takes Eretria home with him because, well, the other one is essentially dead, so.... Strangely enough it was MTV's strong female development that had encouraged me to try to read this in the first place, so it mostly ruined my reading experience to not have Eretria kicking so much ass or Amberle having close to zero interaction with Eretria when MTV had put them in one-on-one scenarios that showed sides of them they couldn't have depicted with Wil in the picture. So, my once in a blue moon opinion is the show was better, and I can't believe I'm saying this, but MTV did it right by the female characters. It should be said though, I did really enjoy the book, Terry Brooks is a great writer and had I not been expecting Eretria to dupe Wil over and over, or for Eretria to be used as the key for the blood fire (thereby making her character valid in a way Brooks failed to do) I would have possibly called this a five-star review.
kayay's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
kodermike's review against another edition
4.0
I was not overwhelmed by the Sword of Shannara, but wanted to give the original trilogy a solid try. The first fifth of Elfstones was...clunky. Chunky. I am glad I pushed on. Once we got past the initial introduction of the quest, the book was fairly fast-paced. Still awkward in places, but a fun/quick read.
abigcoffeedragon's review against another edition
3.0
This is a slight bit better story than Sword of Shannara, but I still have things that glare out as bad writing.
Alanon loves the sound of his voice apparently, because he rambles on and on at the end of missions about why things happened the way that they did - for someone that has that much information, you would think that he would provide his warriors and questers with more than he does to start their mission - I have helpful information, that I will only share once you get through the trial and tribulation.
Other than that, this was enjoyable enough, but too long for the story that is eventually told.
Alanon loves the sound of his voice apparently, because he rambles on and on at the end of missions about why things happened the way that they did - for someone that has that much information, you would think that he would provide his warriors and questers with more than he does to start their mission - I have helpful information, that I will only share once you get through the trial and tribulation.
Other than that, this was enjoyable enough, but too long for the story that is eventually told.
dj92's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
beardedbarista's review against another edition
5.0
Well I did it. I have completed the second book of the Shannara Trilogy.
I was called out that I would not read it and I not only have now done that. I am reading the entire trilogy.
And its pretty good. No Lord of the Rings but IF it had been first on the scene it might be a movie you owned.
The book takes place 50 years later. This was upsetting to me because it being a sequel I assumed I would need to read the first book. This was not true. The only truly note worthy carry over from the first book is Eventine the king of the elves.. and Allanon of course. But seriously If you see this book dont fret about reading Sword of Shannara first.
This book as well as the first were both a bit long winded and by the end I was grateful they finally spit it all out. The story and plot was easy to grasp and Brooks explained everything almost too much in the end. The battles were a bit more epic in this book. I also like that the book keeps the random art included. Seeing the characters definitely helps invisioning the scenes and landscapes. I did have quite a problem constructing some of the scenes but that may just be me.
Overall a decent read as far as my limited fantasy knowledge goes.
I was called out that I would not read it and I not only have now done that. I am reading the entire trilogy.
And its pretty good. No Lord of the Rings but IF it had been first on the scene it might be a movie you owned.
The book takes place 50 years later. This was upsetting to me because it being a sequel I assumed I would need to read the first book. This was not true. The only truly note worthy carry over from the first book is Eventine the king of the elves.. and Allanon of course. But seriously If you see this book dont fret about reading Sword of Shannara first.
This book as well as the first were both a bit long winded and by the end I was grateful they finally spit it all out. The story and plot was easy to grasp and Brooks explained everything almost too much in the end. The battles were a bit more epic in this book. I also like that the book keeps the random art included. Seeing the characters definitely helps invisioning the scenes and landscapes. I did have quite a problem constructing some of the scenes but that may just be me.
Overall a decent read as far as my limited fantasy knowledge goes.