The Black Elfstone, Terry Brooks
The Black Elfstone, Terry Brooks
28 Rating(s)
List: $22.50 | Sale: $15.75
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The Black Elfstone
The Fall of Shannara

Author: Terry Brooks

Narrator: Simon Vance

Unabridged: 10 hr 37 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/13/2017


Synopsis

The first book of the triumphant and epic four-part conclusion to the Shannara series, from one of the all-time masters of fantasy.

Across the Four Lands, peace has reigned for generations. But now, in the far north, an unknown enemy is massing. More troubling than the carnage is the strange and wondrous power wielded by the attackers—a breed of magic unfamiliar even to the Druid order. Fearing the worst, the High Druid dispatches a diplomatic party under the protection of the order’s sworn guardian, Dar Leah, to confront the mysterious, encroaching force and discover its purpose.

But another crucial journey is being undertaken. Exiled onetime High Druid Drisker Arc has been living in quiet seclusion, far from the politics and power struggles of his former life, until two brutal attacks by would-be assassins force him to seek out an infamous murder-for-hire guild—and find the hidden enemy who has marked him for death. At his side is Tarsha Kaynin, a young woman gifted with the wishsong and eager to be schooled in its formidable power by a master. She, too, is pursuing a mission: to locate her wayward brother, whose own magic has driven him to deadly madness and kindled his rage for vengeance . . . against his sister.

In their darkest hours, facing dangerous adversaries, the lives and quests of Dar Leah, Drisker Arc, and Tarsha Kaynin will be inextricably drawn together. And the challenges each confronts will have resounding consequences for the future of the Four Lands.

Praise for The Black Elfstone
 
“Epic scope, heroic characters, and so much heart . . . proof that the Shannara series can still reach new heights.”—Tordotcom
 
“A strong opening book . . . The Four Lands face a new threat.”—Fantasy Book Review
 
“Fantastic . . . one of the best books in this saga.”—SFRevu

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.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Sean Barrs on May 06, 2020

Over the last three years Brooks has written, well, let’s face it, a very tepid trilogy called The Defenders of Shannara. The tone was largely Y.A and the scope of the story was vastly limited and unimaginative. It felt like he was just trying to squeeze another trilogy out in a fantasy world that......more

Goodreads review by Stephen on December 10, 2017

Terry Brooks ' first Shannara was way back over 40ys ago when Tolkien was becoming popular with the teenage population of Queen & Tom Baker era now those teen-agers are my age. This set in later time frame from Sword but is still Druid magic arrogance with there rudeness & pomp. A young girl wakes u......more

Goodreads review by Aidan on June 12, 2017

A return of form of sorts for Brooks, who is back to writing large, sweeping epic fantasy after spending a decade or more focusing on smaller stories. The Black Elfstones is vast in its scope and implications, and brings to mind the best of Brooks' last big epic, The Heritage of Shannara series. As m......more

Goodreads review by Jim on January 29, 2018

This is the first book of a new trilogy in a long series which spans centuries. In this one, there is a new threat for the Druids and the Four Lands. This threat seems like nobody can stop them. Meanwhile Tarsha and Tavo have the gift of the wishsong. The problem is that Tavo is an angry person and......more

Goodreads review by Mike on March 26, 2020

This was interesting to revisit. It's amazing to me how easily I fell into this. On the one hand, this is utterly familiar. I've skipped the last few Shannara series, but I don't exactly feel like I need an introduction to Allanon v4.0 or Leah Swordsman #5 (6? 7? Who even knows). But at the same time......more


Quotes

“Epic scope, heroic characters, and so much heart . . . proof that the Shannara series can still reach new heights.”Tordotcom
 
“A strong opening book . . . The Four Lands face a new threat.”—Fantasy Book Review
 
“Fantastic . . . one of the best books in this saga.”SFRevu