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oldswampy's review
4.0
Although I don't remember reading the first two books of the trilogy, my enjoyment of this one was not hindered by that. This book offers what many readers of epic fantasy want - magic, a quest, evil to be overcome, companions with a variety of personalities and qualities of character that are slowly revealed, and compelling outdoor settings. I look forward to reading other books in the Shannara series.
beepers's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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? It's complicated
3.75
johanna_phoenix's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Best one of the Shannara Chronicles Trilogy. A lot of events and nice storylines occur despite it being a slow read. Reading this book made me feel as if I was reading Lord of the Rings, but then more approachable for casual readers.
robertwhelan's review against another edition
4.0
Two intersecting quests lead to the great evil of this book. Enjoyable enough; I enjoyed the 'fellowship' group in this one.
mystic_saruman's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
lalahodge's review against another edition
3.0
The slowest of the series, I would vary between getting into and being bored often
branomir's review against another edition
2.0
Yes! It's finally over! Eight bloody months it took me to slog through this thing. Eight! I can't remember the last time it took me so long to get through a book I voluntarily read.
Whatever improvements were made in the second book, I'm sad to say, are pretty much gone in this one. It is still a small step up from the first novel in the series if I'm honest. I know I read through that first novel a lot quicker but that was because it was new still and the second one had improvements that kept me going. This one didn't have any improvements over the second one and by now, after two novels, I was soooo done and fed up with Brooks' writing that I practically had to force myself to keep reading at times. It is so bloody mediocre, tinged with bad scenes and, very occasionally a good one.
I have to admit that, plot and pace wise, the ending wasn't all that bad and could have warranted a three star rating if not for the rest of the book dragging it down. I don't think I need to list all of Brooks' shortcomings, suffice it to say, they're still there. The one that annoyed me the most was his lack of character immersion and development. 90% of the characters in this book felt like cardboard cut-outs and I could not get myself to care about them. The other 10% I cared about just a little bit and there was even one where I was glad to see the character go as I had begun to hate it by now.
Suffice it to say that I shan't be getting anymore Brooks books. I have one still in my collection. I might get myself to read it someday, but it is not this day!
Apparently there are still people that actually love these books, though I cannot fathom why. I will admit that they are not terrible and unreadable. Just bland, boring and uninspired. But hey, to each their own. If you feel like giving these a try I shan't attempt to dissuade you, they are not that terrible, but I most certainly would not recommend them. There is so much better Fantasy to read out there that I’m glad I’m done wasting time with this one.
Whatever improvements were made in the second book, I'm sad to say, are pretty much gone in this one. It is still a small step up from the first novel in the series if I'm honest. I know I read through that first novel a lot quicker but that was because it was new still and the second one had improvements that kept me going. This one didn't have any improvements over the second one and by now, after two novels, I was soooo done and fed up with Brooks' writing that I practically had to force myself to keep reading at times. It is so bloody mediocre, tinged with bad scenes and, very occasionally a good one.
I have to admit that, plot and pace wise, the ending wasn't all that bad and could have warranted a three star rating if not for the rest of the book dragging it down. I don't think I need to list all of Brooks' shortcomings, suffice it to say, they're still there. The one that annoyed me the most was his lack of character immersion and development. 90% of the characters in this book felt like cardboard cut-outs and I could not get myself to care about them. The other 10% I cared about just a little bit and there was even one where I was glad to see the character go as I had begun to hate it by now.
Suffice it to say that I shan't be getting anymore Brooks books. I have one still in my collection. I might get myself to read it someday, but it is not this day!
Apparently there are still people that actually love these books, though I cannot fathom why. I will admit that they are not terrible and unreadable. Just bland, boring and uninspired. But hey, to each their own. If you feel like giving these a try I shan't attempt to dissuade you, they are not that terrible, but I most certainly would not recommend them. There is so much better Fantasy to read out there that I’m glad I’m done wasting time with this one.
rich71's review against another edition
4.0
The final volume in the Shannara triology, this book is a classic that is still readable after 28 years in print. While not among the finest examples of story-telling, the story is captivating, espicially as it nears the conclusion. For those reading the first two volumes in the series, there is lots that will seem eerily similar: young adventurers leaving their quiet vale, Mord Wraiths disrupting their journey, and Allanon as the wise guide. There are enough differences, however, to keep it interesting and the way the story develops and concludes is clearly different than the first two volumes.
Overall, Brooks's style is very readable, he includes enough world-building to provide a rich backdrop to the story without bogging down in details, and his characters, although a bit cardboard in certain settings, do show development throughout the arc of the story. A very approachable story that is easy to recommend for those looking for a fairly straightforward fantasy epic.
Overall, Brooks's style is very readable, he includes enough world-building to provide a rich backdrop to the story without bogging down in details, and his characters, although a bit cardboard in certain settings, do show development throughout the arc of the story. A very approachable story that is easy to recommend for those looking for a fairly straightforward fantasy epic.
felicitybennett's review against another edition
4.0
This book was the first book of Shannara I purchased at a book sale. I did enough research to know it was the third in a trilogy but not enough to realize I didn't have to waste my time with the first two.
Wishsong is eons better than Sword or Elfstones, the characters are finally fleshed out where I don't feel like I'm following a piece of cardboard flowing in the wind and the action isn't reserved to the last 20% of the novel.
The high fantasy post apocalyptic world is something that I am extremely interested in learning more about, but Brookes continues to just talk about the age of men instead of showing it. I want ancient ruins of metal and forgotten nuclear waste sites! Anything that tries the idea to the actual story. We get glimpses such as a character who uses chemistry but not enough for it to truly feel like the world was once our own.
Wishsong is eons better than Sword or Elfstones, the characters are finally fleshed out where I don't feel like I'm following a piece of cardboard flowing in the wind and the action isn't reserved to the last 20% of the novel.
The high fantasy post apocalyptic world is something that I am extremely interested in learning more about, but Brookes continues to just talk about the age of men instead of showing it. I want ancient ruins of metal and forgotten nuclear waste sites! Anything that tries the idea to the actual story. We get glimpses such as a character who uses chemistry but not enough for it to truly feel like the world was once our own.
raclausing's review against another edition
5.0
Plot: 1
Characters: 1
Description: 1
Style: 1
Symbolism: 1/2
TOTAL: 4 1/2
Characters: 1
Description: 1
Style: 1
Symbolism: 1/2
TOTAL: 4 1/2