The Sword of Shannara Review

The Sword of Shannara

By Terry Brooks

Summary on the book:

Long ago, the wars of the ancient Evil ruined the world. In peaceful Shady Vale, half-elfin Shea Ohmsford Knows little of such troubles. But the supposedly dead Warlock Lord is plotting to destroy everything in his wake. The sole weapon against this Power of Darkness is the Sword of Shannara, which can be used only by a true heir of Shannara. On Shea, last of the bloodline, rests the hope of all the races.


Thus begins the enthralling Shannara epic, a spellbinding tale of adventure, magic, and myth...



My Review:


I was intrigued by this book because of the diverse creatures and cultures that live in this world along with the different lessons which seem to be imbedded in the storyline. Even though this book is of a fantasy realm there seem to be issues we see from our world mixed in. I feel there is a trace of politics and prejudice in the book. The politics are on the level of what is best in the way of ruling the world Terry has created in order for it to function smoothly. Then, you see how the different cultures (which in the very distant past were all mostly related, and the evolution of this amazing history is given within the book) have separated themselves from each other. They have become through time unaware and unwilling to help each other. This separation of the cultures is where the prejudice and politics come in to play. This, however, is just a part of the book.


The story is of how a brave group of men band together to save themselves and the world. This may sound like many other books, but in this classic these men need to know, believe in, and trust themselves along with each other on their amazing journey to find the talisman (which only one of them will be able to use) created lifetimes ago and destine to save the world. These men have grown to care for each other along with all the other cultures in the land. While on this wonderous journey of lifes lessons these men get separated; either due to an accident or intentionally to go to battle elsewhere. This is when these great men start to shine like the bright stars they are.


In reading this book I enjoyed the adventure of the characters, yet I had a few moments of going astray. This is the first book of the series, and in my short period of reading, it seems the first books have moments of slow periods. To me these slow periods are where details are given of the characters or of the world to help create a better visualization of what is going on or the feeling behind the events. But, in these moments my mind started to drift off and I had to keep pushing on.


The character building was very detailed and wonderfully done. I felt an amazing connection with the characters of the crew on the journey; even the mysterious Druid, Allanon. The only character I didn't feel a strong connection with was whom I had thought would be the main character of the story, Shea Ohmsford. The story seemed to be more centered around the other characters of the group more than the boy who was destine by bloodline to save the world. I was a little surprised at this angle of the storytelling. Shea is the only character I felt came up short in my expectations of the book, yet the angle of the storytelling works very well. And it leaves lots of room to grow this character in the next book. (which I am looking forward to getting into for this exact reason.)


My opinion is just of one persons, you may think differently on the character building and story line. Did you enjoy the book? How did you feel? I do feel there are lessons to be learned from Terry Brooks. What do you feel the lessons are? Please share your thoughts.