bokslukaren's review against another edition
4.75
To get submerged into a new world of magic, myth and fantasy is always a pleasure, though what I absolutely love about this book is that it takes place in our future. The medieval scene is the direct consequence of our actions with weapons of mass destruction, and the only trace of our society is the rusted girders of overgrown, decaying cities and passed-down stories of the old society known only by the Druids. It is written in a way that sets the scene, with lots of scenic and informative descriptions about society and government. I liked that belief played a big part in the story (like Peter Pan, or Coco). This book took a while to take off, and sometimes lacked the trait of being a page-turner. The ending energised me, but once I started the second book I was disappointed to find that the finale wasn't pursued. My favourite characters were Kelset, Panamon Creel and Shea Ohmsford, my Golden Trio.
This book is more intriguing than the last. Perhaps the reason behind this is that it didn't take as long to take off, maybe it was because the characters were more appealing, or maybe it was because the evil in this book was scarier and took less time to comprehend than the last. With one of the evils being a shapeshifter, you become suspicious of every character present. It's a real shame that there isn't a map of the Westland (where the book takes place) because it would've made it a lot easier to tell where they were in the story. My favourite characters are Wil Ohmsford, Amberle Elessedil and Allanon, whom I quickly grew attached to. Allanon is more likeable than he was in the last book, for here he shows more empathy and compassion. The friendship that blossomed between Wil and Amberle was beautiful.
I love the fact that the enigma that is Allanon is timeless and has been the ageless adviser to the different generations of protagonists for seventy-five years. I like the fact that the reason for this generation of Ohmsfords magic is the consequence of Wil Ohmsford's use of the elven magic in the last book. My favourite characters are another golden trio of sorts, though part of a group of six; Jair "The Dumbass" Ohmsford, who's my age and a very realistic and relatable character, Slanter, the protective softie in denial, and Garet "The Triple B" (Brawn, Brain and Badass) Jax, whom I imagine looks like Marlon from Stardew Valley. I really enjoy the fact that the company of six all care deeply for Jair and protect and reassure him just like they would a child. The bonds between strangers in this book were even more alluring than the last, especially the reluctant kinship between Jair and Slanter.
This book is more intriguing than the last. Perhaps the reason behind this is that it didn't take as long to take off, maybe it was because the characters were more appealing, or maybe it was because the evil in this book was scarier and took less time to comprehend than the last. With one of the evils being a shapeshifter, you become suspicious of every character present. It's a real shame that there isn't a map of the Westland (where the book takes place) because it would've made it a lot easier to tell where they were in the story. My favourite characters are Wil Ohmsford, Amberle Elessedil and Allanon, whom I quickly grew attached to. Allanon is more likeable than he was in the last book, for here he shows more empathy and compassion. The friendship that blossomed between Wil and Amberle was beautiful.
I love the fact that the enigma that is Allanon is timeless and has been the ageless adviser to the different generations of protagonists for seventy-five years. I like the fact that the reason for this generation of Ohmsfords magic is the consequence of Wil Ohmsford's use of the elven magic in the last book. My favourite characters are another golden trio of sorts, though part of a group of six; Jair "The Dumbass" Ohmsford, who's my age and a very realistic and relatable character, Slanter, the protective softie in denial, and Garet "The Triple B" (Brawn, Brain and Badass) Jax, whom I imagine looks like Marlon from Stardew Valley. I really enjoy the fact that the company of six all care deeply for Jair and protect and reassure him just like they would a child. The bonds between strangers in this book were even more alluring than the last, especially the reluctant kinship between Jair and Slanter.
jessiebwriting's review against another edition
4.0
I would highly recommend it for anyone that enjoys science fiction fantasy. This is the start of Terry Brooks's Shannara series, with "The Sword of Shannara" first followed by "The Elfstones of Shannara" and then "The Wishsong of Shannara". If any of you have watched The Shannara Chronicles that aired for two seasons, you'll definitely recognize that second book as it is what the first season is based on. A fantastic fantasy story with world building that explains how it is also science fiction. Each story is an adventure and all characters go through transformations in their journeys, even the ever mysterious Druid, Allanon. Beginnings that suck you in and endings that surprise and amaze. I can't wait to read more of Shannara!
iluvbooks13's review against another edition
4.0
Ok, so technichly (sp?) i haven't finished the wishsong of shannara, the other two i liked. The Elfstones of Shannara was my favorite one, but it made me mad in the end when Amberle had to turn into the tree to save everyone. :(
rodterez07's review against another edition
3.0
The Sword of Shannara (TSS) is considered a modern fantasy classic. Suffice to say, I was very excited by the prospect of reading this novel when I first purchased it.
However, during my reading I could not help thinking of how similar the main characters and plot were to [[book: The Lord of The Rings] (LOTR).
For instance, there were elves, dwarves, trolls and men who populate Terry Brook's fantasy realm. Again, these races are nearly identical to those of Middle Earth. The main antagonist of the novel is an evil, powerful spirit-being named the Warlock Lord who shares many of the same attributes as Tolkien's Sauron.
Also, there is a relic of power which is the sole weapon by which the Warlock Lord can be defeated forever. Finally, there is a band of questers who must seek out this lost relic. Among these adventurers is a diminutive hero who is the only being capable of wielding the weapon which can destroy the threat to his entire world.
Sound familiar? Yes it does, and that is the major problem I had with this novel. Now, please understand the novel has many significant differences not only in characterization and plotting, but also in writing style. Mr. Brooks is a very prolific author and of course, his writing style is his own.
However, the differences between TSS and LOTR pale when compared to how similar the books are in tone and plot. Mr. Brooks, by his own admission, was heavily influenced by Tolkien, but he allows that fondness to cause his debut novel to read and feel more like a derivative of LOTR instead of an original work of fiction.
Many of my friends assure me that the subsequent novels in TSS series improve greatly in terms of originality and depth. I hope so, but I was still rather disappointed by the debut novel.
However, during my reading I could not help thinking of how similar the main characters and plot were to [[book: The Lord of The Rings] (LOTR).
For instance, there were elves, dwarves, trolls and men who populate Terry Brook's fantasy realm. Again, these races are nearly identical to those of Middle Earth. The main antagonist of the novel is an evil, powerful spirit-being named the Warlock Lord who shares many of the same attributes as Tolkien's Sauron.
Also, there is a relic of power which is the sole weapon by which the Warlock Lord can be defeated forever. Finally, there is a band of questers who must seek out this lost relic. Among these adventurers is a diminutive hero who is the only being capable of wielding the weapon which can destroy the threat to his entire world.
Sound familiar? Yes it does, and that is the major problem I had with this novel. Now, please understand the novel has many significant differences not only in characterization and plotting, but also in writing style. Mr. Brooks is a very prolific author and of course, his writing style is his own.
However, the differences between TSS and LOTR pale when compared to how similar the books are in tone and plot. Mr. Brooks, by his own admission, was heavily influenced by Tolkien, but he allows that fondness to cause his debut novel to read and feel more like a derivative of LOTR instead of an original work of fiction.
Many of my friends assure me that the subsequent novels in TSS series improve greatly in terms of originality and depth. I hope so, but I was still rather disappointed by the debut novel.
panxen's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
omgsrsly's review against another edition
I can't even remember anything about this one, either. Doesn't bode well for Mr. Brooks writing ability, considering I read and re-read this one as a teen.
Lest you think I don't remember anything of my childhood, I have to tell you that I remember other books! The Belgariad, The Hobbit, Little House, Anne of Green Gables... But not this one.
Lest you think I don't remember anything of my childhood, I have to tell you that I remember other books! The Belgariad, The Hobbit, Little House, Anne of Green Gables... But not this one.
cavalary's review against another edition
4.0
It does seem a whole lot like The Lord of the Rings, but the author says quite clearly that it was his inspiration, so he never claims to be anything more. That said, it's pretty darn good.