Bearers of the Black Staff: Legends of Shannara

Terry Brooks

Aug 2010 · Del Rey

About this ebook

BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Terry Brooks's The Measure of the Magic.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Five hundred years have passed since the devastating demon-led war tore apart the United States and nearly exterminated humankind. Those who escaped the carnage were led to sanctuary in an idyllic valley, its borders warded by powerful magic against the horrors beyond. But the cocoon of protective magic surrounding the valley has now vanished. When Sider Ament, the only surviving descendant of the Knights of the Word, detects unknown predators stalking the valley, he fears the worst. And when expert Trackers find two of their own gruesomely killed, there can be no doubt: The once safe haven has been made vulnerable to whatever still lurks in the outside wasteland. Together, Ament, the two young Trackers, and a daring Elf princess spearhead plans to defend their ancestral home. And in the thick of it all, the last wielder of the black staff and its awesome magic must find a successor to carry on the fight against the cresting new wave of evil.

Ratings and reviews

Pros: The book was exciting all the way through, as everything started to piece together throughout. It is a nice casual read; no flipping back to try to remember characters or details is required. Cons: I realize it is one book in a series, but I did not like the way the book ended with nothing actually concluded (similar to what happens at the end of 2-part American TV episodes) Early events weren't that surprising

This I did not expect. When the nuclear holocaust happened at the end of the Genesis of Shannara, I expected the only sentient beings who remained were those in the mist shrouded valley. To discover that there were plenty of beings left outside the valley was a surprise, and I am not sure whether it was the best approach. Still it is how Brooks envisioned his world. Another thing I missed in this book was a map. I don't think we are yet able to see how to get from this novel to the time of Jerle Shanarra. So what is left for the next volume? Pan and probably Prue defeat the Trolls. Phryne and the Elfstones defeat the Isoeld and Skeal Eile. Perhaps the two threads get mixed together. The peoples of the valley are left to once again become part of the larger world. The world of Shanarra is a North American world. What is happening in the rest of the world? Ah, well. Perhaps there will be answers in the next trilogy. The story goes on.

Very intriguing and well written.

About the author

 Terry Brooks has thrilled readers for decades with his powers of imagination and storytelling. He is the author of more than thirty books, most of which have been New York Times bestsellers. He lives with his wife, Judine, in the Pacific Northwest.