Ilse Witch

Some might say that Terry Brooks’s work is formulaic, and they might be right. His series usually go something like this: There is a treasure/magic/evil thing that must be stopped. A druid holds special knowledge on how to do this. He gathers a group of people to carry out this mission. This group must include elves, a member of the Leah family, a dwarf, some humans, and an Ohmsford or two. Use of magic is dangerous and takes a toll on the user. There is a powerful and evil person who is trying to stop them. This novel has all of those things I mentioned with a new wrinkle. In the future, men have developed the use of airships—not quite steampunk but close enough. Despite this formula, and the fact that I was able to figure out the big reveal at the end of the book very, very, very early on, his novels are like wearing a pair of comfortable shoes. You know you’re going to enjoy the journey, so sit back and relax.

I have to say that I really enjoyed this novel. The airships were certainly different, but mostly it’s because Terry Brooks is a master of the epic quest. His characters are compelling and he puts them in very difficult situations, which tests their abilities, fortitude, and ingenuity. Yes, there is a certain level of predictability, but I didn’t mind it a bit, and there is a good level of mystery in this series involving a powerful ancient entity which is guarding some powerful old magic—or is it technology from our modern world? I’ll have to continue reading the rest of the series to find out, and that’s certainly not a bad thing.

Carl Alves – author of Two For Eternity ( )

on par w the other Shannara books ( )

This the first instalment of the Voyage of Jerle Shannara trilogy. I will definitely continue with these books. It is the usual Tolkien inspired fantasy affair. A group of mismatched people in a pre-industrial style fantasy land go on a seemingly impossible quest. Old guy with magical powers insists young lad goes on quest even though he doesn't appear to have anything to offer but he turns out to be pivotal to the success of the mission. Good vs. Evil etc. It may be nothing new, but Brooks spins the tale well and it is not so predictable it is spoiled. ( )

Talk about a book in two parts - about half this book is slow and ponderous, but when the action does start it does not let go. OK, so it is a tad predictable in places, but this kind of book always is. Great reading for a rainy day. ( )

Mr. Brooks brings together a likable cast of characters and sends them off on a quest. It isn't until the end of this first installment that we begin to catch glimpses of what this quest might be for - and then the ending leaves the reader thinking all is lost. Luckily for me, all of the books of the trilogy have been published and I don't have to wait to find out what happens next! One of the interesting themes is the idea of truth - when is it necessary to know the whole truth? when is it o.k. to have only part of the facts? does some truth have to be worked for/searched for, rather than given away freely? ( )