Jarka Ruus

I’ve been wanting to get back to the Shannara world after completing The Voyage of Jerle Shannara series a few years ago, but to be honest, I was disappointed in that trilogy and always found an excuse not to start Jarka Ruus. Which, as it turns out, was a huge mistake.

Brooks hasn’t given his Druids a large voice before – preferring to keep their thoughts and motives a secret. In previous books saw more of Walker than Alannon, who Brooks kept aloof from the reader. We peeked into Walker’s life – how he worked, his responsibilities as a Druid, and how his magic worked – but never enough, because the stories have always been about the Ohmsfords and Elessdils, with some guidance from the Druids. In Jarka Ruus we finally see the show more Four Kingdoms from a Druid’s perspective, and we get a glimpse into the ancient and mysterious order. We see the politics that rule them, the pressure that Grianne, as their leader, endures, and emerge better equipped to understand her predecessors. The difference in Grianne is marked – no longer the dreaded Ilse Witch, she has become more thoughtful, pragmatic, and selfless.

Another refreshing change is that while Pen Ohmsford conforms to the role of reluctant hero, he isn’t like his father Bek, or even Shea, the original Ohmsford hero. Pen never loses sight of his goal to rescue his aunt. He isn’t as incredulous or unbelieving as his ancestors were. I found his daring admirable and his romantic exploits cute. Another awesome addition to the cast is Arhen Elessdil, who was one of my favourite characters in The Voyage of Jerle Shannara series. His niece Khyber is also great – a brave, headstrong girl who quickly learns that there are many types of courage and actions mean much more than words. On the other hand, the fourth member of the team – Tagwen – is like none of the Dawrvish characters before him: although he is trustworthy and kindly, he lacks courage and foresight and his constant second-guessing set my teeth on edge.

All the familiar aspects of Terry Brook’s writing make an appearance – amazing world building, the presence of the Elf-stones, a chase half way across the world with shadowy figures at the party’s heels, and a force of darkness manipulating events to suit itself. It’s easy to see why Brook’s is considered a master of Fantasy writing, and I was glad to have enjoyed Jarka Ruus so much after being disappointed in the preceding trilogy.

Fans of the Shannara series shouldn’t miss this book, which kicks off an amazing new series by taking the story into uncharted territory. As Brooks pushes the magical, geographical and historical boundaries of the world he created so long ago, he displays a maturing of writing style and character arc development which is wonderful to see. I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy soon!

You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic. show less

Jarka Ruus, the first book in the High Druid of Shannara trilogy, beckons readers back to the mystical world Terry Brooks has so masterfully crafted. As a lifelong fan who cut my teeth on Brooks’ tales in the '70s, I can assure you: this novel doesn’t disappoint.

Twenty years have slipped by since Grianne Ohmsford shed her mantle as the dreaded Ilse Witch. Now, as Ard Rhys—the High Druid of Paranor—she strives for peace, harmony among races, and the defense of the Four Lands. But shadows loom. Bitter enemies plot against her, and even her trusted servant Tagwen senses danger. When the Ard Rhys vanishes without a trace, it’s up to Pen Ohmsford, her brave young nephew, and the wise elf Ahren Elessedil to embark on a perilous show more mission of search and rescue. The stakes are high, the magic palpable, and the adventure—oh, it’s pure Shannara. show less

Jarka Ruus, the first book in the High Druid of Shannara trilogy, beckons readers back to the mystical world Terry Brooks has so masterfully crafted. As a lifelong fan who cut my teeth on Brooks’ tales in the '70s, I can assure you: this novel doesn’t disappoint. 🌟

Twenty years have slipped by since Grianne Ohmsford shed her mantle as the dreaded Ilse Witch. Now, as Ard Rhys—the High Druid of Paranor—she strives for peace, harmony among races, and the defense of the Four Lands. But shadows loom. Bitter enemies plot against her, and even her trusted servant Tagwen senses danger. When the Ard Rhys vanishes without a trace, it’s up to Pen Ohmsford, her brave young nephew, and the wise elf Ahren Elessedil to embark on a perilous show more mission of search and rescue. The stakes are high, the magic palpable, and the adventure—oh, it’s pure Shannara. show less

Jarka Ruus, the first book in the High Druid of Shannara trilogy, beckons readers back to the mystical world Terry Brooks has so masterfully crafted. As a lifelong fan who cut my teeth on Brooks’ tales in the '70s, I can assure you: this novel doesn’t disappoint. 🌟

Twenty years have slipped by since Grianne Ohmsford shed her mantle as the dreaded Ilse Witch. Now, as Ard Rhys—the High Druid of Paranor—she strives for peace, harmony among races, and the defense of the Four Lands. But shadows loom. Bitter enemies plot against her, and even her trusted servant Tagwen senses danger. When the Ard Rhys vanishes without a trace, it’s up to Pen Ohmsford, her brave young nephew, and the wise elf Ahren Elessedil to embark on a perilous show more mission of search and rescue. The stakes are high, the magic palpable, and the adventure—oh, it’s pure Shannara. show less

High Druid Grianne Ohmsford is kidnapped and banished to the demon-filled Forbidding by traitorous Druids. Her nephew, Pen Ohmsford, along with Tagwen and Ahren Elessedil, embarks on a quest to rescue her.

Druid Shadea a'Ru uses liquid night to banish Grianne to the Forbidding, a prison for demons. Grianne's loyal dwarf attendant, Tagwen, escapes and recruits Pen Ohmsford, who has a unique, latent magic. They seek the help of the King of the Silver River to find the Tanequil tree, crucial for reaching the Forbidding.

This is the first book in the new High Druid of Shannara trilogy that's set within Terry Brooks' ongoing fantasy Shannara series.

I read the first in the series when it came. Surely that can’t be 30 years ago - where has my life gone? And I’ve read every one since.

The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy was the last series, and I really didn’t care for it that much. There was nothing wrong with it – I guess I just expected more. Whether that is a reflection of Brooks’ work, or of my increasing grumpiness, I’m not sure.

After that, I picked up this book with some trepidation – but I ended up enjoying it a lot. It is set twenty years after the events that occurred in the previous Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy. Grianne show more Ohmsford, the former Isle Witch, is now "Ard Rhys" or High Druid of a restored Paranor and Third Druid Council. But personal, political, and magical enemies team up to trap her in the ultimate prison of all and it's up to another Ohmsford lad and his friends to go on a quest to save her.

Basically, Terry Brooks returns to his roots. While the book is nothing original – the usual clutch of druids, Ohmsfords, and a daring journey - it is a great read. Shannara fans will like the fact that we get more background on the new Paranor and on the Northland. We're also introduced to a whole new magical world beyond Shannara that's populated by lots of interesting creatures and characters.

Jarka Ruus is a very promising first entry in the High Druid of Shannara series. I’ll be queueing up for the next one. show less

This is the first book in the new High Druid of Shannara trilogy that is set within Terry Brooks' ongoing fantasy Shannara world.

I read the first in the series when it came. Surely that can’t be 30 years ago - where has my life gone? And I’ve read every one since.

The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy was the last series, and I really didn’t care for it that much. There was nothing wrong with it – I guess I just expected more. Whether that is a reflection of Brooks’ work, or of my increasing grumpiness, I’m not sure.

After that, I picked up this book with some trepidation – but I ended up enjoying it a lot. It is set twenty years after the events that occurred in the previous Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy. Grianne show more Ohmsford, the former Isle Witch, is now "Ard Rhys" or High Druid of a restored Paranor and Third Druid Council. But personal, political, and magical enemies team up to trap her in the ultimate prison of all and it's up to another Ohmsford lad and his friends to go on a quest to save her.

Basically, Terry Brooks returns to his roots. While the book is nothing original – the usual clutch of druids, Ohmsfords, and a daring journey - it is a great read. Shannara fans will like the fact that we get more background on the new Paranor and on the Northland. We're also introduced to a whole new magical world beyond Shannara that's populated by lots of interesting creatures and characters.

Jarka Ruus is a very promising first entry in the High Druid of Shannara series. I’ll be queueing up for the next one. show less