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futuregazer's review against another edition
2.0
Sometimes series end when authors die. Other times they simply fade out, having never come to a true "finale", especially if they are sagas like this that follow separate events happening hundreds of years after each other. Or, sometimes, authors draw a line in the sand and say "This is the last one" and try to make it special.
I rather recommend against this last one, to be honest. Like a character in a good old science fiction or fantasy TV show, a series can always be revived if it is simply given a line in the sand. I have seen an in-book universe that was literally destroyed in one book pop back in another 10 years later.
I think the Fall of Shannara did little to improve on what it would have been to simply allow the series to fade out after the previous entry, never written in again. Nothing was particularly notable about this send off - a great number of named characters died, evil was vanquished, and once again, the druid order and Paranor are (maybe?) put to rest as they have been before. The only thing that makes us think this is the last time is that Brooks has said it is, and the title of the book is after all the "last" druid. So, we still have the lingering uncertainty and melancholy of a series that fades out, but now....the in-universe reasons seem pretty darn arbitrary. I was sort of expecting something else, like having the land of Shannara be renamed at the end as the Druid order was found specifically not to be needed anymore, as a new "protecting" force had arrived and merged with the nation of the 4 lands. That, while not pleasing to all, would have been a more true "conclusion". This....well, not so much.
I suppose it was good to read one more old Shannara book? But also not - the formula has been getting tired for a while, and many have noticed, which is probably why Brooks wanted to start winding it down I would imagine? But who knows.
I rather recommend against this last one, to be honest. Like a character in a good old science fiction or fantasy TV show, a series can always be revived if it is simply given a line in the sand. I have seen an in-book universe that was literally destroyed in one book pop back in another 10 years later.
I think the Fall of Shannara did little to improve on what it would have been to simply allow the series to fade out after the previous entry, never written in again. Nothing was particularly notable about this send off - a great number of named characters died, evil was vanquished, and once again, the druid order and Paranor are (maybe?) put to rest as they have been before. The only thing that makes us think this is the last time is that Brooks has said it is, and the title of the book is after all the "last" druid. So, we still have the lingering uncertainty and melancholy of a series that fades out, but now....the in-universe reasons seem pretty darn arbitrary. I was sort of expecting something else, like having the land of Shannara be renamed at the end as the Druid order was found specifically not to be needed anymore, as a new "protecting" force had arrived and merged with the nation of the 4 lands. That, while not pleasing to all, would have been a more true "conclusion". This....well, not so much.
I suppose it was good to read one more old Shannara book? But also not - the formula has been getting tired for a while, and many have noticed, which is probably why Brooks wanted to start winding it down I would imagine? But who knows.
bookgeekin's review against another edition
5.0
Supposedly the chronological end of Shannara, so a bit of a bummer. However, wrapped up several complex storylines.
hotsake's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The fourth and final book in what should’ve been a trilogy. Most of this book felt like fluff and as I turned the last page I just felt underwhelmed.
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
illusie's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book and am sad it is the final book of the series. This book is just what I expect from this author. Packed with action and great characters. I'm not sure yet what to think of the ending. It fits the series, but raises the question "but what will happen next?". I guess I just have to keep wondering
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.