The Heritage of Shannara

Heritage of Shannara #1-4

by Terry Brooks

TERRY BROOKS
THE HERITAGE OF SHANNARA
The Complete Series After "New York Times" bestselling author Terry Brooks completed The Sword of Shannara trilogy, millions of fans around the world clamored to immerse themselves again in his dazzling world. Brooks answered with a quartet of beloved novels The Heritage of Shannara. Now, for the first time in one handsome collector s edition hardcover, here are: "The Scions of Shannara," "The Druid of Shannara," "The Elf Queen of Shannara," and" The Talismans of Shannara" the thrilling continuation of the saga
that has become one of the most enduring fantasy epics of all time.
The Scions of Shannara
Since the death of the Druid Allanon, magic has been strictly forbidden in the Four Lands. Yet Par still has limited use of the Wishsong. Then a dire message from Allanon sends Par and his brother Coll on an impossible task: to recover the long-lost Sword of Shannara or all life in the Four Lands will be destroyed.

The Druid of Shannara
Evil forces remain in control of the Four Lands. To restore the Keep of the Druid Allanon, Walker Boh sets out on a journey to find the black Elfstone. He must venture into perilous, unknown lands with a strange band of fellow travelers one of whom is hatching his own sinister plot.
The Elf Queen of Shannara"
"Ordered by the Druid Allanon to find the Elves and return them to the world of Men, Wren is carried away to an island where Elves "might "still exist. Even if by some miracle she locates the Elves, can she convince them to follow her back through a demon-haunted jungle to the safety of the shore?

The Talismans of Shannara"
"The Shadowen still swarm over the Four Lands, poisoning everything with their dark magic. Their leader is determined to destroy all the Scions of Shannara. With traps cleverly laid, the charges are doomed to failure unless Par can discover a way to harness the power of the Sword of Shannara.
So continues Terry Brooks s enthralling Heritage of Shannara epic, a spellbinding saga that chronicles the ultimate battle of good vs. evil."

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Epic Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, High Fantasy, Epic, Adventure

1238 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Terry Brooks was born in Illinois in 1944, where he spent a great deal of his childhood and early adulthood dreaming up stories in and around Sinnissippi Park, the very same park that would eventually become the setting for his bestselling Word & Void trilogy. He went to college and received his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College, where he majored in English Literature, and he received his graduate degree from the School of Law at Washington & Lee University.
A writer since high school, he wrote many stories within the genres of science fiction, western, fiction, and non-fiction, until one semester early in his college years he was given The Lord of the Rings to read. That moment changed Terry's life forever, because in Tolkien's great work he found all the elements needed to fully explore his writing combined in one genre.
He then wrote The Sword of Shannara, the seven year grand result retaining sanity while studying at Washington & Lee University and practicing law. It became the first work of fiction ever to appear on the New York Times trade paperback bestseller list, where it remained for over five months.

Reviews

[Shadowdenizen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I finally finished.
This was an enjoyable read, but I had to take it small doses, which is why it took so long to get through.

The intriguing thing about Brooks & The Shannara series is that you can tell when he wrote these book from the prose-style and methods he uses. It's obvious that the "Genesis" trilogy was written much later than "Heritage" quartet, just as it's clear that this was written YEARS after the orginal "Sword" trilogy.

I'm still committed to this chronogical re-read of the entire series, but a break is in order before I pick up the The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara Trilogy.

[Ronda Tutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry Brooks has done an excelent job with the mixture of journeys in the magical world once again.

Hundreds of years have passed since The Sword of Shannara, The Elfstone of Shannara, and the Wishsong of Shannara. Through the years the talismans have been misplaced and hidden either by the Federation or the Shadowens. The magic has been forced away and evil lerks the Four Lands and is killing and destroying everything which is controlled by the Shadowen and the Federation.


In the Heritage of Shannara four novels are brought about in the recovery of the lost talismans and to restore back to the four lands along with the magic once used to keep life in balanced order.

Scions of Shannara novel - the shade of Allanon calls upon the decendants of the Ohmsfords, the Elfs, and the druids in which the heritage of Shannara has been passed on to. Par Ohmsford, Walker Boh, and Wren Ohmsford are all cousins who are given charges by Allanon to find and bring back the talisman.

Par is charged to find the Sword of Shannara, Walker Boh is to find the Black Elf stone and bring by Paranor the Druids keep, and Wren is to find the Elves and bring them back to the four lands.

The journey in this first novel begins with Par, his brother Coll, his long time friend Morgan leah who yeilds the Sword of Leah, and his allie Padishar - leader of the freedom riders and his daughter Damson Rhee in search for the Sword of Shannara.

The Druid of Shannara novel - intrances us with Walker Boh and his search for the Black Elf stone to restore Paranor and the Druids. With aid from his long time Druid Teacher Cogline and his werecat, the King of the Silver River's daughter Quickening, Morgan Leah, Pe Ell, and Horner Dees, the group fights to regain teh Black Elf stone from Uhl Belk - the Stone King.

In finding and regaining the Black Elf stone, Walker Boh restores Paranor and becomes a Druid himslef along with all of Allanon's and the previous Druids knowledge instored upon him.

The Elf Qeen of Shannara novel - leads on a journey with Wren Ohmsford and her long time friend Garth - the one who raised and trained her to fight and survive like the landrovers.

During Wrens journey, she seeks not only to find the Elves but to find out what happen to her parents and who she really was. With the help of the Wing Rider Tiger Ty and his Roc - Spirit, Wren found the Elves and learned her parents were Elves and her grandmother Ellenroh was the queen. To save the Elves and bring them back to the four lands, queen Ellenroh uses the Elf magic and puts their city into the stone attached to the Ruhk Staff to make the journey back to the four lands, however, the queen falls ill and before she dies she passes the ruhk staff to the Elves new queen fo the Elves - Wren - her right by heritage.

To fulfill Alanons charge, Wren witht he aid of her new compainions Triss - the queens Home Guard leader, Stresa - the Splinterscat, The Tree Squeak, and Tiger Ty the Wing Rider and his Rock Spirit, they bring back the Elves to the four lands.

The Talismans of Shannara novel - Now that all the Talismans have been found and brought back even though they are skattered through out the four lands - the war between the Ohmsfords and the Shadowen with their evil Federation takes place and battled out as the truth is brought forward and the evil magic is destroyed. The shadowen turn out to be Elves that rebelled against their own kind and let the magic consume them into madness. In the End, The truth could only be discovered by using the Sword of Shannara in destroying the shadowen and the magic could only be restored by the healing Elves along with the new Druid Walker Boh's insight and guidence.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A set of four novels, set hundreds of years after the original Shannara trilogy. Unlike the original trilogy, however, this series is all one, cohesive story, in contrast to the three isolated stories of the originals. It is set in a future Four Lands in which the Federation of the Southland has driven off the Elves, enslaved the Dwarves, and outlawed magic. Only the rebel Free-born, led by Padishar Creel, dare to resist. The series begins with The Scions of Shannara, when the Ohmsford descendants are summoned by the shade of Allanon to combat the Shadowen that have been poisoning the land.

The Scions of Shannara
The first novel in The Heritage of Shannara reveals the gathering of the chosen Ohmsfords to meet with the shade of Allanon, then focuses on Par and Coll Ohmsford as they attempt to retrieve the Sword of Shannara.

The Druid of Shannara
The second novel follows Walker Boh, as he reluctantly searches for the Black Elfstone, which has the power to restore the Druids and their keep, Paranor.

The Elf Queen of Shannara
The third novel chronicles Wren Ohmsford's travels beyond the shores of the Westland in search of the lost Elven race.

The Talismans Of Shannara
The last novel details the final conflict between the Ohmsfords and the Shadowen monsters that have overtaken the Four Lands.

An excellent read, though long. If you don't mind waiting for the three books to merge in the fourth one, then you'll like it. My husband still hasn't finished it, and it's been a long time he's reading it.
I, on the other hand, enjoyed it immensely and rather delighted in the prolonged satisfaction. A perfectly woven tale with larger than life characters on a hazardous quest.

[Melvin Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series. Solid entry in the Shannara series.

I first read the Sword of Shannara back in 1978 and enjoyed it immensely. I've read some unkind reviews saying it was a "ripoff" of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, but nothing could be further from the truth. If by that they mean that the pattern is the same - mythical people on a quest guided by wise wizard - then Tolkien would have to be a ripoff of earlier writers.

In truth, that pattern is repeated many times in literature and other entertainment. Star Wars would have to be in that theme as well. Does that make Star Wars a ripoff? No, it stads on its own as good storytelling - as do the books in the Shannara series.

Since I read The Sword, I've also read Wishsong and Elfstones and Heritage wraps up the series quite nicely. Heritage is actually a compendium of four books which finish the various storylines and bring the series to a conclusion. There's some room for growth and the Shannara series could go off in a number of directions but for now, I have to say that Heritage was a good read and I can recommend it.

[Squire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Individual books reviewed:

The Scions of Shannara 4 stars
The Druid Of Shannara 5 stars
The Elf Queen of Shannara 3 stars
The Talismans of Shannara 5 stars

[Huw Evans · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have tried so hard to read this book and this admission may well cause righteous indignation and justifiable ire from the aficionados of Mr Brooks. Where I went wrong I wot not but after the first hundred pages I was becoming bogged down by the derivative story and a writing style that jarred every time I turned a page. I could find nothing in the characters that made we want to follow their quest to find whatever it was they wanted to find and I have had to give this one up, sure in the knowledge that I have missed something special.

Do I care?

No

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. I like Mr. Brooks work immensely. I plan on reading the rest of this series, but there are a lot of them too. After six books I think I'm less than half way done. I'll get there though.

[Davidus1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

All four books of the second Shannara series. Its a good story and if you enjoyed the original Sword of Shannara trilogy this is definitely worth reading.

[Dietrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many fantasy writers have produced great work; curiously, Terry Brooks doesn't always seem to get the credit he deserves for being among them. Sure, his first novel exhibited growing pains, and yes, later in his career Brooks has been willing enough to produce his share of commercial product. But the uneven nature of his work shouldn't detract from the fact that he has written some high quality material. The Elfstones of Shannara, for instance, is an early highlight. And Brooks’ later 4 volume Heritage of Shannara series is yet another enjoyable fantasy work of real merit. In fact, Heritage strikes me as Brooks’ most mature and accomplished Shannara offering.

Of course, Brooks' fantasy is undeniably influenced by Tolkien. This aspect of his work, at least as much as his inconsistency, surely accounts for Brooks being underrated. Yes, The Sword of Shannara was a Lord of the Rings clone, but over time Brooks has better learned to use Tolkien as a tool rather than a crutch, using familiar elements to produce original work in his own voice. Of course, Tolkien influenced fantasy-even good Tolkien influenced fantasy-is certainly not as trendy as it once was, and many fantasy review sites love to badmouth Brooks as a derivative hack content to write about elves and dwarves while the genre has allegedly evolved to a higher state. Such sites tend to deplore the fact that Brooks sells so many books, and are happy to point the reader to alternatives. However, following their advice-which often means being wiling to hop on board the next big trend-sometimes leads fantasy readers astray. I know this from personal experience. I got into George Martin, for instance, only to be disappointed. ASOIAF, despite some entertainment value, offers a morally empty world view and a series that is-after book 3-no longer even interesting. Even when new fantasy offerings that "break the mold" are of high quality, they can come with other problems. For instance, the remarkably talented and accomplished Steven Erikson has produced books that, despite their merits, are anything but user-friendly.

Great traditional fantasy-like Tolkien's Lord of the Rings or Leguin's A Wizard of Earthsea-is both fortifying and accessible. The same cannot be said for some new fantasy, regardless of whatever other merits it might possess. Brooks' excellent Heritage series-though it doesn't quite reach the dizzying heights of Tolkien or Leguin-shares the aforementioned qualities of great traditional fantasy. It is nourishing, broadly accessible fare. It is also quite enjoyable. Readers tired of “the next big thing” might want to give it a try.

The Heritage of Shannara tells one overarching story in 4 parts, unlike the Sword of Shannara series, which is basically 3 loosely connected stand alone tales. The different installments of the Heritage series are of fairly consistent high quality, which is yet another difference from the earlier work, and Brooks' writing has improved as well. In the first book, The Scions of Shannara, the shade of Allanon (some 300 years after his death), lays a charge on the "children of Shannara" to redeem the 4 lands from the evil Shadowen. Each character is given a separate and seemingly impossible task. The first book focuses of Par Ohmsford's quest to find the lost Sword of Shannara, and also on the political opposition to the all devouring Federation. Victories prove ambiguous, and the reader finishes with more questions than answers. I found it the least satisfying of the 4 books, in large part because it involves more stage-setting than payoff, but it certainly was good enough to make me want to find out what would happen next.

Book 2, The Druid of Shannara, focuses primarily on Walker Boh's journey outside the 4 lands in an attempt to obtain the means to bring back Paranor and the Druids. This beautiful tale of faith, hope and sacrifice is my favorite single volume in the Heritage series. Book 3, The Elf-Queen of Shannara, focuses mainly on Wren Ohmsford's journey to the island of Morrowindle in search of the Elves, who went missing from the 4 lands, and who need to be brought back. Walker's attempt to become a Druid is also explored. Wren is severely tested in this brutal book, as is Walker. What I particularly like about Elfqueen is how-with echoes of C.S. Lewis' The Abolition of Man-it lays bare the difference between the way of the Druids and the path the Elves of Morrowindle have taken. The fourth and final volume, The Talismans of Shannara, is a real triumph of plotting and a rousing conclusion. The unmasking of Rimmer Dall's long-running "game" with Par is a highlight.

This series utilizes Terry Brooks' improved writing and ample storytelling abilities to great effect. Each book is good, and the overall story ensures that the whole really is greater than the sum of its parts. Moreover, the tales from the first Shannara series help to provide an enriching "back story" to this tale. Brooks, as always, is good at producing a colorful, interesting cast of supporting characters. In terms of the main players, Walker Boh and Morgan Leah stand out. Finally, there is a moral seriousness that shines through in this series; Brooks endeavors to instruct as he entertains, providing nourishment to the reader and some implicit criticisms of our present world, which Brooks obviously thinks is in as much trouble as the 4 lands.

It would be fair call Brooks’ vision conservative, both culturally and politically. For instance, though his series is not explicitly Christian, it is definitely Christian friendly. Also, its attitude toward urban life ranges from ambivalent to hostile, and it is antagonistic toward political centralization. It distrusts modern science emancipated from moral control, and it articulates a traditional conception of education as learning to live up to and pattern one’s self after exemplars.

Perhaps Terry Brooks’ “conservative” vision helps explain some of his enduring popularity; perhaps too it explains a certain amount of the critical hostility. (Much like how some, but not all opposition to Terry Goodkind stems from this author’s libertarianism.) Brooks is a good ol’ boy at heart, and has produced fantasy which seems like it would especially appeal to those with an emotional allegiance to what is sometimes called “flyover” country.

When Terry Brooks is on his game, as he is here, he can produce some memorable, enjoyable, and rewarding work. "Traditional" fantasy can still be vital fantasy. Definitely recommended.

[Octavia Cade · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read and reviewed each of the four volumes of this series separately, so this is basically just for my own records. The rating for the collection is an average of the individual entries - all volumes were rated two stars, apart from The Elf Queen of Shannara which gained three by virtue of improved pacing and character.

Honestly, though there are some interesting bits of invention in here I found the series as a whole just too damn long. If it had been tightened up by cutting each volume down to half their final length I think it would have improved out of sight. Especially as most of the extra material seems to be repetitive angst from most of the characters. Alright, so that probably doesn't take up 200 pages a pop but it very often felt like it. Spent a lot of my reading time wanting to give the main culprits a good boot up the backside and a sharp lecture about shutting up and getting on with it. (When, in the final volume, Morgan Leah bellowed at his idiot companions to actually "Move!" it was the greatest moment of sympathy I felt for any character at any time in the series. Say what you will about the Leahs, they're rarely sulkers.)

[Godly Gadfly · Rating 4 out of 5]

At least as good as the first Shannara series, maybe better (4 stars)

This series of four books (The Scions of Shannara, The Druid of Shannara, The Elf Queen of Shannara, The Talismans of Shannara) is set 300 years after the original Shannara series. While it does have some characters who are descendants of the original and has some references to previous characters/events, it can be read on its own.

It’s regarded as one of the better Shannara series, and I think I enjoyed it even more than original. The four books make up one long story, which is well-constructed, has some interesting characters, and feels much less like being a Lord of the Rings clone like the original book did. I’d still read the Sword of Shannara series first, but if you like that, you’ll probably enjoy this just as much, maybe more.

[morgane · Rating 2 out of 5]

So the main issue i have with this book is that it's really unoriginal : this is the fourth book and it's the same story than the other three. The same kind of characters (most of the time the descendants of the characters of the previous book, who have the same personality) go through the same quest over and over again. Which is boring enough in itself but the story isn't even good, and the writing (tho i don't know if it's due to the translation or not) is pretty bad : i skimmed through the 1000 pages of the book because i wanted to be done with it asap. Glad i'm finally done with this series.

[keith lozeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always satisfying

I’ve been reading the Shannara books for almost 40 years, first in middle school, and now in middle age. Perhaps some of the stories follow predictable arcs, but the deep, complex characters and vivid landscapes make the ride entertaining nevertheless. Terry Brooks is a master.

[C Miranda Cates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always amazed at the writing of Terry.

Since the mid-eighties, he's held me captivated. The manner in which he dovetails history and weaves the different epocs together keeps me hooked!

[Henry vanHeuveln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

This is by far one of the better sets of Shannara stories in this reading list. The characters are good and interesting and the stories intermix well. I'm hoping the next one is just as good.

[Christopher J Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating and Brilliant!

A fantastic saga that built suspense and an addiction that would not be satisfied leaving a hunger for more. It left me wishing Terry had an epilogue providing more details on the relationships of Par and Damson, and of Morgan and Matty.

[Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again I am transported

The Shannaras and Druids, Elves, Trolls , Freemen, Evil magics and a few other surprising characters have taken me on a wonderful journey. Thank you again Mr. Brooks.

[Renn Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terry Brooks is the best at spinning a Fantasy Yarn.

[Bende Zsuzsanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely series :)

[Randolph Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Another great read from this series. Im looking forward to the next books. Im hoping they will be just as captivating.

[Ruth L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in the Shannara Chronicles.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a reread for me, but it definitely hit me at the right time in life to decide that this is currently my favorite.

[Yves · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book is the best of the four.

[Carl Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

family quest

The health and fate of the four lands and its races depend on the completion of the quests assigned. A wild ride of discovery and determination.

[Lou Boo · Rating 5 out of 5]

God I loved this, thank you grandma for giving your books to me

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantasy masterpiece by Terry Brooks! Over all there is a lot more action in these 3 books than the Sword of Shannara trilogy. A must own for fantasy lovers.

[Wendie Berry · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is actually 4 books in one. While the story line was interesting and the characters were good, the story itself could have been done in one book. I read the first book all the way through, but ended up skipping major portions of the 3rd and 4th books along with a bit of book 2, just so I could finish it.
I would not recommend this series unless you have a lot of time to spend on tiny detail writing.

[Trey Weller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terry Brooks' second series set in the Four Lands, The Heritage of Shannara, is a more consistent pleasure than the first. For the record, the "first series" includes The Sword of Shannara, The Elfstones of Shannara, The Wishsong of Shannara, and the prequel, First King of Shannara. Sword was a fun if unoriginal debut that was just good enough to get me to read more. Elfstones was a surprisingly fantastic read that showed me just what heights Brooks could achieve while on his "A" game. Wishsong wasn't quite as good, but still had great tension and fun ideas. First King was deeply disappointing, a novel so episodic it was impossible to get attached to any of the characters and so rushed that the concepts didn't have much time to sink in. In fact, after I finished First King, I decided to step away from Shannara... for a while.

Then I decided to burn through The Heritage of Shannara. Seriously, I read all four books in about a week. And while the quartet has its ups and downs, Brooks seems to have benefited from the knowledge that he would get to keep the same characters for about half a million words.

The Scions of Shannara: I love that Brooks puts us down in a Four Lands that is both familiar and foreign. Time has passed, empires are rising, and magic has more or less vanished from the face of the world. A new generation (some Ohmsfords, some not) are called upon to restore the Four Lands to its former glory. Par and Coll are tasked with recovering the Sword of Shannara, and the second half of the book, once all the pieces are in place, is dedicated to this quest. While this leaves the quest itself feeling a bit underdeveloped, it just felt so GOOD to be back in the world again, and Brooks' writing carried this up to 3 stars.

The Druid of Shannara: The standout novel of the series. Brooks channels some of that Elfstones energy in introducing us to the daughter of the King of the Silver River, and by focusing this time on Walker Boh, who is tasked with returning the Druids and Paranor to the world. It's good stuff, and the characters all grapple with heady issues of destiny, choice, and sacrifice, leading up to the best climax of the four books. 5 stars.

The Elf Queen of Shannara: It's Wren Ohmsford's turn in the spotlight in the leanest novel of the series, an exciting survival narrative with some neat twists along the way. Wren's task is to return the elves to the world of men. Where are they? Well, they decided to leave the Four Lands and reside on an island known as Morrowindl (this book came out BEFORE any of the Elder Scrolls games, so it's not Brooks' fault). Unfortunately, Morrowindl is something of a death trap, and the clock is ticking on the survival of the elves altogether. There's a lot of action in this book, and it's pretty hard to put down. Occasionally, some characters seem to grow too quickly for the amount of time they've known each other, but this book operates on action movie logic. And you know what? It works. 4 stars.

The Talismans of Shannara: The final book in The Heritage of Shannara brings our characters back together. Some have been captured, some are in danger they cannot comprehend, and some are waiting for their moment to shine. What I appreciated about the climax of this series was that after all of the spectacle of earlier books, this is a more intimate affair, relying more on revelations and character relationships than explosions and magic. While it's not perfect, it's a great way to end things. 4 stars.

This isn't the place to start with the Shannara books (I'm sure there are a lot of varying opinions on THAT subject), but if you make it this far, you're in for a treat. The Heritage of Shannara is fantasy in a classic vein, and absolutely worth your time.

[Rudy Guglielmi]

Sono passati trecento anni dalla distruzione dell'Ildatch da parte di Brin Ohmsford, e per le Quattro Terre sta diffondendosi una razza di esseri scuri e malvagi che si nutrono di magia e dell'anima delle persone: gli Ombrati. Nessuno sa chi essi siano, ne' da dove vengano, ne' quale sia il loro scopo; gli uomini sono soggiogati dalla Federazione, controllata in parte dagli Ombrati stessi, i Nani sono ridotti in schiavitu', gli Elfi sono scomparsi da quasi un secolo. L'ombra di Allanon, per ripristinare l'equilibrio perduto, convoca al suo cospetto gli eredi della casa elfica di Shannara, ovvero Par Ohmsford, detentore della magia della canzone, suo fratello Coll, Wren Ohmsford, cugina di Par e Coll, vagabonda dalle origini misteriose e dimenticate, e Walker Boh, un uomo schivo e molto potente, terribilmente astioso nei confronti dei druidi, ma in qualche strano modo legato a loro. Ad ognuno di loro l'ombra del mitico druido affida un compito: Par dovra' ritrovare la perduta Spada di Shannara, Walker dovra' riportare Paranor nelle Quattro Terre e far rivivere i druidi, Wren dovra' cercare e ricondurre nelle Terre dell'Ovest gli Elfi scomparsi. Le imprese sono pressoche' impossibili da portare a termine, e oltretutto il Primo Cercatore della Federazione, un Ombrato di nome Rimmer Dall, da' una caccia senza tregua ai fratelli Ohmsford, e soprattutto a Par, per ragione oltremodo oscure... E mentre quest'ultimo accetta quasi subito il compito affidatogli, Walker promette a se stesso di tagliarsi una mano piuttosto di far rivivere i druidi, e Wren non sembra intenzionata a gettarsi in una ricerca che non ha alcuna possibilità di riuscita...

[Ida Daneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Il secondo ciclo, gli eredi di Shannara, è composto da 4 romanzi che ho letto tra luglio e agosto 2022 e mi sono piaciuti molto, al punto che ho subito iniziato il libro del ciclo successivo: per fortuna ne ho ancora una fornitissima scorta.
A differenza del 1° ciclo, dove si tratta di tre differenti avventure che si svolgono a distanza di anni e decenni l’una dall’altra, qui c’è un unico grandioso disegno e tre essenziali compiti assegnati, ebbene sì, dallo spirito del druido Allanon, visto che il suo corpo mortale ha dovuto cedere al tempo. La fine del primo libro mi ha spiazzata, visto che l’avventura era lungi dall’essere completata; poi ho dedotto che ci sarebbe stato un libro per ogni personaggio (Par Ohmsford, Walker Bho e Wren, tutti eredi della stirpe di Shannara, in ogni caso) e relativa missione. Ma il secondo libro ha scardinato ogni equilibrio, mischiando di nuovo le carte e alla fine i 4 romanzi in effetti sono solo una grande e affascinante storia, strettamente connessa. Di nuovo le compagnie si formano e si disfano, purtroppo anche a causa della morte, e nuovi personaggi, che sembravano solo affidabili spalle, assurgono al ruolo di protagonista, mischiando continuamente le carte e facendo tornare, in un certo senso, anche il mio amato Allanon.
Se ancora non fosse stato chiaro dopo il primo ciclo, qui viene più e più volte ribadito che la magia è pericolosa, mortalmente pericolosa. Può risolvere tutti i problemi, ma anche creare i più tremendi disastri. Agli uomini, elfi, nani e druidi il compito di imparare, a loro spese, come rapportarsi ad essa: tra essere gli eroi della storia o i malvagi Ombrati la differenza può essere pericolosamente minima.