Recommed the Shannara series to me

[Starman]

I just found an old copy "The Wishsong of Shannara". I bought it because it cost £1, and because it had one of those old fashioned hand-draw covers that I adore. Since I have this one, I reckon I ought to buy the previous books in this trilogy and start reading.

But before I do that, tell me all about why it's awesome

 

[GOLLUM]

Moved to the Terry Brooks subform for greater coverage.

I happen to haved read all of the Shannara books up to recent tmies. The stores are fairly gneric and Sword of Shannara is seen as a bit of a Tolkien rip-off but I still enjoyed the story. Therefore the orginal trilogy is not too bad.

I found the best thing Brooks has writen is the "The Word and The Void" trilogy.

 

[RoninJedi84]

I'm a big Terry Brooks fan, and have been since 7th grade when I stumbled upon one of his books. The original trilogy is actually low on the list of my favorite "sagas", but the key there is that the first 3 books can be read stand-alone, with no knowledge of the ones before them, not to mention they were his first published novels (and they were written 30 years ago). It's not until the Heritage of Shannara saga that things become intertwined and, IMO, much more enjoyable.

I won't dispute that "Sword of Shannara" is kind of a Tolkein rip off, but I personally enjoy it more because Terry's style is different, IMO (where Tolkein would give you a dozen pages of back story, Terry gives enough to keep you interested but still leaves plenty open to the imagination). He just fits my preferences better, so take that comment for what it's worth.

For me, it's more about the characters than the quest they're on, though once you get to the "Voyage of the Jerle Shannara" trilogy, the quest itself was definitely one of the best. You get wrapped up in the characters; their beliefs, their struggles, their triumphs, and want to see how it turns out for them, and Terry delivers there. Yes, there are "typical" plots in many of the novels, but most of them at least have a twist or three you won't necessarily see coming a mile away.

I've read these books numerous times, and am halfway through "Scions of Shannara" as I try to go through the entire series in preparation for the new book in August, "Measure of the Magic", but to be honest I don't think I can really explain why I love them so much. I think it's something you need to just try for yourself and see if you get into it.

Since you have "Wishsong", and the original trilogy books can, again, be read on their own, I say go ahead and dive in. I just finished it three days ago actually, and I can tell you that it explains the essentials of what you need to know to go with the story pretty quickly, so you don't have to worry if you haven't read "Sword" or "Elfstones".

So give it a go and, if you enjoy it, I would say pick up "Elfstones" next and then get around to "Sword". After that I'd read the series in published order. Happy reading, and I truly hope you can find as much enjoyment as I do!

 

[Menion]

Many people do scream "hate" and "burn it" at Sword of Shannara, but to me it isn't a copy of Lord of the Rings it's a similar kind of quest in a totally different world and characters (ok, yes, there are a few similaritiys).
As you can see my username came from one of my favorite fantasy characters ever Menion Leah from Sword of Shannara.
In all three of his first novels (the only ones I've read) his characters jump of the page and give you a hug, they are unique, but similar at the same time. As if meeting very old friends after years of not seeing them.

I would truly recommend his books. Wishsong is my number one.

 

[Starman]

Wow, good to know that I can read Wishsong without reading the previous books! If I'm not missing anything essential, I'll get right to it.

 

[Menion]

Just wait till you read about Garet Jax amazing.

 

[Kierkegaurdian]

The Shannara books are decent. The Sword of Shannara is definitely a Tolkien imitation, but it sets the stage for a world that is good fun. In my opinion, the books got better, and Brooks established his style and world as distinct from the authors he was obviously inspired by. I have only read the original trilogy and then the four books in The Heritage of Shannara, but enjoyed them enough to not warn someone away from them There are many better series out there though, so I would suggest setting them on the back burner while you read better stuff.

 

[Hardlight]

What I could say is that it's a fast read, and even thick volumes could be finished in a few days, if you're engrossed enough.