Morgawr

Mr. Brooks does something I didn't think he could do - he creates a way for the Ilse Witch to find redemption in a believable way. I like that being able to see things from different perspectives is the solution to many of the problems the remaining characters face. While the plot and action carry the story forward very well, I found myself enjoying the character development in the face of such horrors to be most fascinating.

After having thoroughly enjoyed the first two novels in the Jerle Shannara series, my expectations were quite high for this novel. Perhaps it was those high expectations that I had that led to this novel being somewhat of a disappointment. There wasn’t any one specific thing that I can point to that led me to this conclusion, other than perhaps it just wasn’t as good as either of the first two novels. The biggest flaws that I can point to is that certain points of the novel (somewhere around the middle) felt very repetitive. Also, in general, I thought this novel was fairly predictable. Whereas, other big characters were fair game to get killed off in the previous novels, in this one, the author seemed very reticent to kill off any show more protagonist of any consequence.

I don’t want to sound overly negative. At its heart, this was a fun epic fantasy adventure. Terry Brooks is a very accomplished and professional author and that was demonstrated here. I’m not even sure that my criticisms are fully warranted, but I came away just a bit like “Meh” from the Emoji Movie. In general, the last volume of a series has a tendency to disappoint, and although this was a solid effort and fairly enjoyable, it did not wow me. So, if you’ve read the previous two novels, you will certainly want to read this one as well, but it may not meet all of your expectations.

Carl Alves – author of Two For Eternity show less

This is the third and last book in The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy. The Morgawr has realised that the Ilse Witch has betrayed him and he sets off to destroy her and anyone else who gets in his way. The dwindling party that set off with Walker, the druid, fight to stay alive and get home to The Four Lands.

This is a great end to the trilogy. It is packed with fast paced adventure as you would expect.

The end of this book felt... unfinished, especially where Ahren and the Elfstones are concerned. This is unusual in my experience of Terry Brooks. I'm anxious to read the next series and see if any of my lingering questions are answered.

The airship Jerle Shannara flees a centuries-old sorcerer, the titular villain, who feeds on souls, and his undead army, while battling to redeem the traumatized Ilse Witch, Grianne Ohmsford, and save the Four Lands.

After touching the Sword of Shannara, the Ilse Witch is mentally shattered by the realization of her past atrocities, leaving her comatose and under the protection of her brother, Bek Ohmsford.

The crew makes a final stand. Redden Alt Mer destroys the Morgawr’s fleet, while Bek and Rue kill the Mwellret leader Cree Bega. The survivors return home,

I enjoyed the conclusion to this series. Once again the Ohmsford's and their magic and their allies has to bail out the whole expedition. I really liked this conclusion to the series.

An ending to the series leaving things open for a follow on book or further series to follow. The main characters defeat the Morgwar with the Seer Ryer Ord Star being the biggest loss, especially to Ahren who she predicted as the future leader of the elves. Bek and Rue fall in love and against all the odds Big Red also survives along with Quentin Leah who has no realy part in the final installment.

Doors left open are to see how Grainne (formerly the Isle Witch) proceeds in being a Druid and reforming the Druid council. Also to see how Ahren becomes King and what happens with his power-crazed brother who is currently King.