For me, this might have been the best book of the series. Even though it reminded me of Elfstones in places, I still found the characters and the plot to be compelling. If you are a Brooks fan, and like his simple, clear characters and straightforward plots, you'll enjoy this one. ( )

After the Voyage of Jerle Shannara I was left disappointed that Brooks had somehow maintained a formula, but the magic of the company's tale was not as stong as his previous work. With the first book in the High Druid of Shannara series, Jarka Ruus, came a stronger storyline, a more entangling series of events and an underlying political plotline which allowed Brooks' mastery to come forth. In Tanequil it all moves up a notch. It's fast paced, full of backstabbing, intrigue, character development and, of course, magic. It's compulsive emotionally charged reading. The only regret you'll have is finishing it and not having Straken to read. ( )

This is the 2nd of the High Druid of Shannara trilogy, and the 13th Shannara book overall. It picks up where Jarka Ruus left off, with the young duo of Pen, who can communicate with plants and animals, and Khyber, who wields the Elfstones, set to rescue Cinnaminson, the blind Rover girl, then find the Tanequil and get a branch from it, which in turn is supposed to help Pen rescue his aunt, the Ard Rhys, who's been imprisoned in The Forbidding.

Again, it's pretty standard fantasy fare. I preferred the scenes with the Ard Rhys in the Forbidding, as she tries to understand why she's there and figure out how to save herself, and is tested by the demon lord. I also enjoyed the scenes with the conspirators, as things go awry with them, and those who thought they were in control find that maybe they're not.

The main storyline, though, fell kind of flat, as it did with Jarka Ruus, though I didn't realize what was bothering me until I read this one. It was the character of Cinnaminson. I kept expecting, then wanting, then hoping that she would end up betraying them. Otherwise, she was like the princess in The Neverending Story--weak and pitiful, but hey, at least she's pretty. Betraying them, even accidentally, would have given her some depth, but she's just bland and boring, and Pen is "in love" with her in the way only young boys are with pretty girls they think they can save. She's pretty much the sacrificial lamb of the story, and just about as interesting.

I'm hoping the third book will liven things up a bit, but it's still solid, entertaining fantasy. ( )