Wards of Faerie (The Dark Legacy of Shannara, #1) by Terry Brooks

Mar 01, 2013 Luna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: epic-fantasy

(review originally found on The Raven's Quill)

Wards of Faerie is the first book of Terry Brook’s latest fantasy trilogy, The Dark Legacy of Shannara. As one of the most renowned living epic fantasy authors, Brooks once again delivers a story full of grand odysseys, subterfuge, and hidden surprises—not to mention his colorful host of characters.
The main plot is simple enough. As with all epics, the lead cast of characters find themselves undertaking a dangerous and life-altering quest, brought o...more (review originally found on The Raven's Quill)

Wards of Faerie is the first book of Terry Brook’s latest fantasy trilogy, The Dark Legacy of Shannara. As one of the most renowned living epic fantasy authors, Brooks once again delivers a story full of grand odysseys, subterfuge, and hidden surprises—not to mention his colorful host of characters.
The main plot is simple enough. As with all epics, the lead cast of characters find themselves undertaking a dangerous and life-altering quest, brought on by the impending threat of a government (known as the Federation) intent on destroying the Druid order and colonizing the rest of the free world. However, when the main cast of characters is separated side quests surface, and each group is left pursuing a task no less important than the others.
The story begins with an elf named Aphenglow, who is member of the Druid order housed at the magical stone fortress, Paranor. She has been searching in Arbolon—city of her kin, the elves—for the whereabouts of lost magics for almost a year, and is just about to relent her task when she stumbles upon a diary written ages ago, in the time of the Faerie. In it, she finds a story of star-crossed lovers, as well as the only documentation of the fabled missing elfstones. Thousands of years ago, these magic talismans all but disappeared, leaving only the blue elfstones and the black elfstone. No one knows what these lost stones do, but they are sure to be powerful. Taking what she knows back to Paranor, the Ard Rhys, Khyber Elessedil—head of the Druid order—embarks on a quest to find the missing relics in order to secure peace throughout the four lands. However, a dark omen hovers over the quest, promising that no one will return unscathed—if they return at all.
As is always the case with Brooks, this book is engaging and well written. Adept at his craft, Brooks manages to get to the point when the situations requires it as well as indulge in wonderfully detailed descriptions. His characters are interesting and human, as well as diverse and unique. What makes his writing all the more realistic is that none of his characters are truly ever safe from being killed off, even the members of the main cast. This ability to thoughtfully get rid of characters that are usually safe in other tales helps to make Brooks work more engaging, as no character’s fate is certain. And those that do survive one series usually cross over to serve as a bridge for the next, and such is the case with Khyber Elessedil, who was a main character in Brooks’ High Druid of Shannara series. In fact, there are numerous references to his prior works in this novel, most especially to the Voyage of Jerle Shannara series. And this is where my main complaint lies.
Something I’ve always loved about Brooks’ work is that anyone can pick up a new series and not feel like they’ve missed too much of anything. Even though four series precede this one(excluding the pre-shannara books), enough references are made to past events that anyone new to the world of Shannara can chose to start anywhere. For those of us who have read Brooks' prior books however, some of the common threads seen in Wards of Faerie may prove to be a little too similar for comfort. While Brooks always includes common themes in his books in order to connect on generation of stories to another, some of the commonalties between the Voyage of Jerle Shannara series are a little too heavy handed. Once again, a voyage is being conducted to find missing elfstones. Once again, this voyage is prompted by the sudden discovery of lost information. Once again, this voyage is lead by the Ard Rhys, and once again the Druid is not being entirely forthright to the crew(although to be fair, this trait is simple a fact of life for Druids in the Shannara series). The cast of characters is also somewhat reminiscent of the cast from Jerle Shannara, including a Leah, an eccentric seer, and a shape-shifter. Now, these commonalities don’t make Ward of Faerie a bad book by any means, but they do make it more predictable than usual. Also, to be fair I should clarify that Ward of the Faerie bears similarities to Isle Witch, the first book in the Jerle Shannara series, and not necessarily the entire series itself. This is also the first book in the Dark Legacy series, which leaves the story more time to distinguish itself from that of its predecessors.
Overall, I quite liked this book. The quality of writing was top-notch as per usual, and the characters are interesting. The story, though parts of it may be a little too reminiscent of the stories of previous series, is still engaging and enjoyable. I finished the book hungering for the next in the series, and I have high-hopes it--scheduled to come out this March. I should also add that a lovely illustration and fold-out map can be found a the end of the book. This is the first time that Brooks has done this, and I sincerely hope that he continues. It was a nice surprise and it added more value to an already valuable purchase.

Favorite quote:
"She was close to breaking at that point, all her preparations and the steeling of her resolve shattered and vanished, and she felt naked and exposed. Everything about her revealed in an instant and nothing left hidden. The dead knew her. The dead could see all she was and all she ever would be, and it was terrifying."
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Dec 26, 2012 Ryan Lawler rated it 4 of 5 stars

Almost 5 stars, and that is something I never thought I would say again about a Terry Brooks book. It's taken 30 years but Brooks has written a book that plays to our expectations and then subtly subverts them.

Things start off according to the Shannara formula, a druid discovers some long lost magic and then goes about collecting a bunch of characters with familiar last names (Ohmsford, Leah, etc.) so that they can go on an adventure to retrieve the long lost magic for the greater good. But the...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 18, 2012 Alexander Kwok rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The new book by Terry Brooks definitely seemed to bring back the magic that was in the first Shannara series, with Sword, Elfstones, and Wishsong. Although there is the fact that "The Legends of Shannara" series was a series of three stand alone books, whereas Terry has yet to pull that off again for a while... There was a continued sense that the problem he was trying to dig into, the useage of magic as a "front" against the evolving science that continued to fuel the ambitions of the Federatio...more The new book by Terry Brooks definitely seemed to bring back the magic that was in the first Shannara series, with Sword, Elfstones, and Wishsong. Although there is the fact that "The Legends of Shannara" series was a series of three stand alone books, whereas Terry has yet to pull that off again for a while... There was a continued sense that the problem he was trying to dig into, the useage of magic as a "front" against the evolving science that continued to fuel the ambitions of the Federation against the former Freeborn, was deep and had far more consequences than even the Shadowen threat.

Not only was there a feeling that so much time had passed between when Khyber Ellessedil had gone into the Druid's Sleep that left me guessing as to who from the prior series was still alive. This not only kept left me guessing about who was left alive from the time of the prior series, but it also lent a relative aspect to the story, me being of a different generation than my brother (as opposed to Khyber and Aphenglow) but still not able to relate to thee changed dynamics with a new generation and how one can be felt as coming across to them. While Khyber in "Straken" seemed still young, a child that had to grow up fast, yet was still calming, gentle, and peaceful, I was forced to try and reckon this with the new Khyber: awe inspiring, still shunned by her elven bloodline, yet a lot more forceful, grim, and seemingly ill-equipped compared to Allanon or Walker Boh to deal with the quest in front of her. The fact that she just walked into the Forbidden, although understandable, seemed foreign to me, as I thought that if I had known the Forbidden was coming (as soon as she related her findings to the group), surely she must have thought of it before entering and becoming entrapped in it, just like Grianne.

There was also a renewed sense of dread, coupled with the prophecy of places that I had remembered from the first series by didn't know how it would fit into the new series. Furthermore, The "Legacy of Shannara" seemed to bring about a lot of the twists and turns that "The Legends of Shannara" series was known for, with characters being killed off without any regard for what seemed like already good dynamics between them (in the case of Aphenglow and Bombax, compared to Amberle and Will).

The added element of familiarity, but also the fact that this series could stand on its own feet if read as a "starter book" seemed like an interesting twist. Although knowing the book does require a lot of built up background to be read first from "The Legends of Shannara" and "High Druid of Shannara", it seems to explain a lot of the characters and concepts as if the Druids themselves had forgotten what everything meant! This really helps the new reader out a lot... as well as helping to bind the series to a tradition that not only includes lines such as the Leahs, Ohmsfords, and Ellessedils, but also spans times with obstacles such as a new Bloodfire quest, a renewed effort to release the protagonists from the Forbidden, and save what has been in place since the destruction of the old world.

But thinking back on the forgetting memories of one generation after another, even with the Druids, as Terry mentions on his site in his September 2012 "Ask Terry":

"First off, the life of an Ellcrys is not predetermined. Some live longer than others, and as with all creatures, no one knows exactly what that life span will be. In Allanon’s time, no one knew for certain how long the previous Ellcrys had been alive. The common belief was that it had lived since the age of Faerie, but that turns out not to be true in the current books, but only what was believed at the earlier time. All history works this way. One generation believes one thing, a new generation further down the evolutionary scale comes to believe something else. What was known about the Ellcrys lost traction over the years as complacency settled in and the belief that she lived forever took hold. Now, in Wards of Faerie a new truth is revealed and as you will see in the next two books, a new history, as well."

The generational memories of the four races have indeed grown long and forgetful since the Second War of the Races, the threat of the Skull Bearers, the Mord Wraiths, and the quest for the blood fire. Maybe it has come to this point because of:

1. The Federation has been the only, THE ONLY race to have never had any life threatening experience with the Warlock Lord, his minions, or those behind the Forbidden. As such, although there are the farthest South and thus less concerned with the other Races and their "affairs", maybe that is the reason for their continued hostile ambition towards to rest of the races, regions, and especially the Druids... even though time after time again there have been events that have proved that the Federation is just as vulnerable as they are. Will the Federation ever realize this? I don't think so...

2. Maybe Terry contrived of the Federation as a mirror of what our society faces now, or what in Shannaran terms would be what led to the destruction of the Old World, a build up of self interest, that eventually led to the downfall of all, including those who were willing to work together for the good of all?

3. Maybe it is this conflict between magic and science that has weakened the Ellcrys further to the point that she had lived a shorter life span than her predecessor. As the Federation keeping making more moves towards science, and magic grows ever weaker, the trust that magic has been put into, the things that it has been used to make, have eroded more than usual. Ultimately, the actions of one are influencing the downfall of all the rest, although they may merely be dismissing the threat or ignoring the wider effect that they may be having. If that is true, what role will science play past the "Dark Legacy" series? Will Shannara just become a repeat of the Old World?

4. Finally, this doesn't relate to the reasons as much, but who is the real master behind the Mwellrets? What are the ambitions of Stoon and the Coalition Council now that Drust is dead? Will the Federation ever realize the impact that they are having? Will they ever unite under a single leader again in the series? The "waterfall" (aka the entrance to the Forbidden) was one point of the vision, are the rest the Hallows (Bloofire) and Greymark (the fortress), respectively? I guess we'll just have to wait and see...(less)

1 like · like · see review

Nov 11, 2012 Ronda Tutt rated it 4 of 5 stars

Creative & Fantastic Read!

Wow, what an enjoyable read, Terry Brooks writing is superb. Once again I am captured into a book filled with intriguing visions as the characters come alive on the page. The story is fantastic and as I read through the book every memory of the past books in the Shannara series flashed to the forefront and made me smile as I remembered every detail.

The Elven Aphenglow Elessedil hooked me immediately when she found a diary that had been written in the old days of Fa...more Creative & Fantastic Read!

Wow, what an enjoyable read, Terry Brooks writing is superb. Once again I am captured into a book filled with intriguing visions as the characters come alive on the page. The story is fantastic and as I read through the book every memory of the past books in the Shannara series flashed to the forefront and made me smile as I remembered every detail.

The Elven Aphenglow Elessedil hooked me immediately when she found a diary that had been written in the old days of Faerie. Though it is thousand years later since we read about the Druids, it was refreshing to revisit Allanon once again even though he was a shade. The quest and the challenges in the preparations to find the other Elf Stones had me glued to the pages. I loved all the new characters as each one come from generations of bloodlines that had something to do with the previous quest taken on by the other Druids in the past. Best of all though was the world building continues as Terry Brooks takes us into the Forbidden, a place no one was suppose to reach, a place held inviolate by ancient wards that somehow begun to erode.

The current Ard Rhys (head druid) was interesting but I didn't get a full connection with her in this first book but that was due to her journey was not complete and was left open for the 2nd book or maybe even the 3rd book.

The mention of the wishsong being used by the Ohmsford twins Redden and Railing brought back great memories and the Elcrys and the chosen elves who took care of it brought back memories as well especial at the end of the story when Aphenglow's sister Arlingfant Elessedil finds out what is wanted of her. The quest also included assistance from the Rovers Mirai and Farshaun the airship maker, a tracker Gnome, a chief-ten dwarf, Troll Guards, a shape-shifter, and other magic wielders such as a seer. Adding the excitement of confrontations from the federation with the evil Prime Minister always trying to take down the druids keep and the un-identifying creatures found in other parts of the 4 lands to include the Forbidden land, this made one creative and amazing story.

I look forward to reading the second book in the series "Bloodfire Quest".

Great read!(less)

1 like · like · see review

Nov 05, 2012 Daniel Ferguson rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I didn't like the last book, The Measure of the Magic: a bit of an awkward title, hard-to-pronounce villain's name, politics when I want adventure. At first I felt the title was a bit... off... but not so much as I thought the last book's was. So I went into this one sceptical, but hopeful.

And boy, was I happy with it. This is definitely Terry's BEST in several years. I liked the Armageddon's Children trilogy and Bearers of the Black Staff, but it was good to be back to the other end of the Shan...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 28, 2012 M Tat rated it 3 of 5 stars

Terry initially captivated audiences with Sword of Shannara, Elfstones of Shannara, Wishsong of Shanarra, and even Scions of Shanarra. He also engaged audiences with Landover's initial volumes.

I felt that in subsequent writing, Terry did not develop his stories fully. He seemed to zip through the story without developing the sense of place, or body of characters, that such as Sword, Elfstone, Wishsong or even First King held.

This time around, I feel there is more character and more oomph presen...more

like · see review

Sep 21, 2012 Peter Schott rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of Terry Brooks' Shannara series

Another start to an adventure in the Four Lands by Terry Brooks. This builds on the previous Shannara stories as hints are uncovered to where the lost Elfstones may be found. Once again, the Ohmsfords are called on to help the Druids find the lost magic. This first book in the series introduces us to the new generation of Druids, Ohmsfords, and Leahs as well as setting the stage for new intrigue in the human-run Federation and the Elven Kingdom.

I hate to say that this is formulaic, but it does f...more

4 likes · like · see review

Sep 18, 2012 Pierre rated it 2 of 5 stars

I started this new Shannara book with only one concern: that I would be frustrated not to be able to read the next 2 books right away to know the end of the story. Well... this concern was short-lived.

I could not find the magic that stuck me to the previous books of Shannara. Although well written, I found absolutely no novelty in the story. It felt more like bits and pieces from the previous ones, gathered to make a new book. I struggled to find anything original.

So, let's go on another adventu...more

6 likes · like · see review

Sep 03, 2012 Francoise McKay rated it 4 of 5 stars

I am one going to be one of odd folks in saying that I did not enjoy the first Sword of Shannara series when I first encountered it in the summer of 1979. I don't even think that I got through the first book, because I found it rather boring. Now that I am reading the new series which does make very good use of traditional Faerie and Elven lore, I am giving very serious thought to re-examining the rest of Brooks' books.

This series, which opens nearly a century after the last one ends, Brooks see...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 02, 2012 Joe Aguiar rated it 4 of 5 stars

Terry Brooks starts a new series in his world of Shannara, "The Dark Legacy Of Shannara: Wards Of Faerie" picks up 100 years after the "High Druid" series which ended with "Straken" and tells of the discovery of a diary which might lead to finding the long lost elfstones. The Druids at Paranor plan a quest to find the stones while the Federation plots to destroy the Druids and Paranor once and for all. Can the last vestige of elven magic be found before this threat comes to fruition or will the...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 30, 2012 Lighthearted rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

Elfstones. Created in the time of Faerie, legend has it that there were originally 5 sets of 3, plus the single Black Elfstone. Each set of stones possessed its own unique color and power; however, the only set that anyone has actually seen in the last thousand years or so is the set of blue Seeking Stones currently in the care of the Elves of Arborlan. The Druids of Paranor, self-appointed guardians of all-things magic for the Four Lands, have been seeking the others for some time; the capabili...more Elfstones. Created in the time of Faerie, legend has it that there were originally 5 sets of 3, plus the single Black Elfstone. Each set of stones possessed its own unique color and power; however, the only set that anyone has actually seen in the last thousand years or so is the set of blue Seeking Stones currently in the care of the Elves of Arborlan. The Druids of Paranor, self-appointed guardians of all-things magic for the Four Lands, have been seeking the others for some time; the capabilities the stones hold are a mystery but no one doubts that the stones are powerful. The Druids want to make sure that the stones do not fall into the hands of those who would misuse them, particularly as tensions increase along the borders of the Four Lands. Just when it seems that the stones are well and truly lost, Aphenglow Ellesedil, a young Elven Druid, uncovers an important clue to their whereabouts.

I love the world of Shannara! Yes, it’s a bit formulaic – there’s a dangerous quest, and once again, an assortment of Ohmsfords, Leahs and Ellesedils will band together to seek out the magical object in question. That said, it works. There’s familiarity because the main families are always involved, but each spinoff series has an entirely new cast of characters – or, almost entirely new. New characters have new issues to work out and Brooks typically does that very well. Brooks also does a nice job blending references to people and events from ‘earlier’ Shannara titles into the current story – he doesn’t bog you down with detail but he makes it easy to have a sense of the overall series storyline even if you’re starting at the end. What I like best about this new series, so far anyway, is the story within a story – a long time ago, an Elven girl fell desperately in love with a Darkling boy, an inhabitant of the Void. The Romeo & Juliet of their day, it was their relationship that led to the disappearance of the stones. What happened??? I can’t wait to find out – luckily the second and third book of the trilogy are scheduled to be released next year.

Bloodfire Quest comes out in March 2013 and Witch Wraith comes out in August 2013.(less)

like · see review

Aug 20, 2012 Paul Nardone rated it 3 of 5 stars

Book one in his new Dark Legacy of Shannara series. After going back in time for his previous two series (tying his Word novels to the Shannara world), this sees Brooks jump forward again. Set after the events of the High Druid of Shannara this sees a young Druid uncover a lost diary that points to the location of an ancient magic that has been lost for years.

The world is still in flux with the elves still at war with the human, magic is fading as the humans push forward again with science and t...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 16, 2012 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, couldn-t-have-been-better, crossover-appeal, fantasy, great-author, great-world-building, loved, must-read, own, strong-female-protagonist, unique

Emily's Review at http://www.hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy....

First Impressions: When I was first asked to review this one, I wasn't sure if it was part of a series or something I could pick up without being lost. I grew up in a house where I was literally surrounded by sci-fi and fantasy books, so I felt right at home reading this one. WARDS OF FAERIE completely captured my imagination from the very beginning. Complete, exciting and an easy enough to understand story made this an enjoyable read.

Fir...more Emily's Review at http://www.hippiesbeautyandbooksohmy....

First Impressions: When I was first asked to review this one, I wasn't sure if it was part of a series or something I could pick up without being lost. I grew up in a house where I was literally surrounded by sci-fi and fantasy books, so I felt right at home reading this one. WARDS OF FAERIE completely captured my imagination from the very beginning. Complete, exciting and an easy enough to understand story made this an enjoyable read.

First 50 Pages: As with any book set in a completely unique world, it takes a few pages and some conscious effort to get everything straight in your brain. Lucky for the reader, Brooks chooses names and places with familiar letters and sounds. So, it is easy to get lost in the story without having to try and figure out how to pronounce some of the places and characters. WARDS OF FAERIE immediately made me want to keep reading.

There is a story within a story that has to be told, and the way it is presented was just perfect for me. It seems like, nowadays, information that readers need that isn't necessarily part of the main story is told in a prologue. In this book, however, it is told through the diary of a young girl. You get the knowledge, but it is woven into the main story perfectly.

Characters & Plot: Where to begin! Aphenglow, the main protagonist, is strong-willed, curious and determined. I found a lot of myself, or at least who I would like to be, in her character. She is not infallible, but she is strong. She is not perfect, but she believes strongly in right and wrong. She is beautiful, but doesn't depend on her looks to get her where she wants to be. She is fully realized and fully written.

There are a dozen main characters that interact and intersect with Aphenglow's story. Whether it is her sister, her lover, or her fellow Druids, each character is equally important to the story that is being told. One of my favorite characters is not even human; Paranor, the home of the Druids, has a life of its own, becoming more and more throughout the story.

As for plot, we find ourselves in a magical world on the verge of chaos. Separated into four distinct groups, the people and creatures that makeup the world of WARDS OF FAERIE is complete, but not overwhelming. Some groups rely strongly on magic. Others find that magic completely unnecessary and dangerous. In the middle of all of the struggles are Aphenglow and her fellow Druids. They are tasked with protecting magic, no matter the cost. When an ancient magic is on the verge of being rediscovered, they must find it before it falls into the wrong hands. That journey just begins in this book-it is just one part of a much bigger story.

Final Thoughts: I didn't want to put this book down. Quite simply, I loved it. It was everything a good fantasy story should be-full of adventure, romance, magic and danger. While you do have to take the time to become familiar with the world that is inside the book, it is very easy to do. Brooks doesn't explain everything in detail. Instead, he introduces themes and concepts and the lets the reader infer what they want. And, surprisingly, you don't need to understand everything to still be able to really understand and enjoy the book. You know right away that you are in the middle of a bigger world, and you won't really know all there is to know about it before you get to the end.(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Aug 10, 2012 Dorine White rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have to tell you, when I got approval to read this ARC, I jumped up and down. I love Terry Brooks and I grew up with the Shannara books. So, the chance to read Wards of Faerie was huge.

The Story- There’s so much to tell. This story takes place seven years after the High Druid of Shannara series and brings in a bit of the past from The Word and The Void and other prequels.

Science is once again beginning to thrive in the world, and many are wary of its potential. Young eleven druid Aphenglow lea...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 29, 2012 Stacey O'Neale rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was reviewed by Michael Cummings, senior reviewer with the Fantasy Book Addict.

It was with a little trepidation that I began reading Wards of Faerie. It had been decades since I’d last read a Terry Brooks novel, and the Shannara series was never one I had gotten into too deeply, mostly for a lack of resources. I knew that over the years the breadth of the story had grown, and that series that didn’t used to be related, like the Word and the Void, had been incorporated into the larger m...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jul 11, 2012 Shawn Speakman rated it 4 of 5 stars

Terry rarely disappoints but sometimes he hits a double home run. WARDS OF FAERIE is one of those books. Set 120 years after the events of the High Druid of Shannara trilogy, Terry introduces us to the Fourth Druid Order, led by Ard Rhys Khyber Elessedil. She has taken up the mantle once carried by Grianne Ohmsford a century earlier. But when a diary bearing cryptic information about the lost multiple-colored sets of Elfstones from Faerie is found in the Elven archives, the Ard Rhys must gather...more

7 likes · like · see review

Nov 14, 2012 William Bentrim rated it 3 of 5 stars

Wards of Faerie by Terry Brooks

Another tale of Shannara with familiar settings and some what familiar characters on a quest.

This book describes a quest by the Ard Rhys of the Druids in a search for the long missing Elfstones. The Elfstones were lost in the past and their powerful magic could swing the balance of power for whoever finds them. The Druids feel that they are the only impartial power that can keep the Elfstones from being used for evil.

Politics seem to play a part in every book I h...more

1 like · like · see review

Oct 01, 2012 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

I lovelovelove Shannara. This was an average rendering of events in that world and I agree with what some of the previous reviewers have obeserved. Not his best, fairly predictable, with a feeling of recycled bits and pieces of past stories. Not bad, just nothing really new.

What I much rather would've seen Brooks do is continue exploring the developing Four Lands, when those hidden away and protected from the Great Wars fallout discovered their own valley soon to be unprotected and forced to go...more

1 like · like · see review

Mar 08, 2013 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars

It's good to be back in the Four Lands!
Wards of Faerie is the first book of Terry Brook’s latest fantasy trilogy, The Dark Legacy of Shannara. Wards Of Faerie" picks up 100 years after the "High Druid" series which ended with "Straken" and tells of the discovery of a diary which might lead to finding the long lost elfstones. This first book in the series introduces us to the new generation of Druids, Ohmsfords, and Leahs as well as setting the stage for new intrigue in the human-run Federation a...more

like · see review

Jan 25, 2013 Drew rated it 4 of 5 stars

It's really a 3.5 rating but I'll give Brooks that half-a-star here.
This is easily the best Shannara novel since maybe Antrax - definitely since Armageddon's Children - and my waning faith in the series has been tentatively restored... but it isn't all the way back yet. The writing, for the first time, shows some serious flaws (with an overwhelming and obvious amount of unnecessary repetition) and while it's nice to have some characters speaking logically and rationally, I'm still a little stum...more

like · see review

Aug 26, 2012 Albert Riehle rated it 4 of 5 stars

All in all, this was one of my more favorite Terry Brooks books in some time. I should say that I consider myself a huge fan of this author though and objectively speaking, it's probably not the ideal place to come into the series, but it's also not too difficult to do so. It provided some brand new looks into some of the mysteries fans have been wondering about since Sword of Shannara, his first book and just the fact that there are so many mysteries that are still left to be covered in more de...more All in all, this was one of my more favorite Terry Brooks books in some time. I should say that I consider myself a huge fan of this author though and objectively speaking, it's probably not the ideal place to come into the series, but it's also not too difficult to do so. It provided some brand new looks into some of the mysteries fans have been wondering about since Sword of Shannara, his first book and just the fact that there are so many mysteries that are still left to be covered in more detail means that these books never get stale and never lose their interest for me.

Wards of Faerie delivered on that level, it delivered as a well-paced, down-hill read that kept the pages turning and the interest level high. Was some of it predictable? Absolutely. But this isn't a mystery. It's not a detective novel. It's okay that some of it is predictable.

My problem with it is the same problem I've had for some time now. I just personally don't like this format. I saw the indicator at the bottom of my Kindle when it read 80% and was immediately flooded with a sense of disappointment. I knew, going in, that what I was reading wasn't going to be a complete story. It's only the first third of a story. That's been the way of things for some time now. I don't like it. I feel that a reader deserves a beginning, a middle and an end in every book. I don't mind that the three books are linked into one story, but I think each book deserves an ending rather than a drop off.

Because of that, I find it impossible to review this as a book. I see it as the first third of a book. I think it's amazing as far as the first third of a story goes. I was engrossed and interested and read it practically no time at all. I got lost in it--the way only Terry Brooks can get me lost in a story. But in the end, there was no end. This was made even more clear when I read the first chapter of the next book that was included in my purchase. It was like turning the page and reading on--not starting a new book.

Do I recommend it? Absolutely. Did I like it? You bet. Do I disagree with the premise of telling one story over three books without making each book into something unique and individual? I do. The only thing that separates this book from the beginning of the next one is the choice to stop where everyone was either in trouble or in shock or in trouble with outcomes that are unknown.

It's hard to accept that my favorite Terry Brooks book (Elfstones of Shannara) will always be my favorite book of his because he no longer writes books that have a story self-contained in them. Perhaps a series of books will become my new favorite series--but as long as it takes multiple books to tell one story and end of every book but the last in each series is just a cliffhanger, I know that as much as I enjoy his books and his writings, there will be a bit of disappointment at the end of every book.

I wish I was patient enough to wait for an entire series to be released before reading it. I'm not. I enjoy Brooks' work too much. I can't possibly wait and not read something he's written. I enjoy his writing too much. It's become too important to me. I'm glad, at least, he's releasing this series over a shorter span of time, but I can't help but resent this formula that chooses cliffhangers over endings.(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Sep 01, 2012 Chad rated it 5 of 5 stars

For those who have been reading the works of Terry Brooks as they have been published, it has been a challenge to read one of his stories and not compare them to the original Shannara trilogy. Though, I think that would be true of any story that envelopes the imagination when you are first introduced to it.

Wards of Faerie has that newness. It is taking us back into the dark corners of the Four Lands. It is crossing into forgotten and lost histories unlike anything since Walker Boh hunted the Bla...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 02, 2012 Chris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-own

I'm a long time lover of the world of Shannara that Terry Brooks created. Over the years I've read and enjoyed his many series and stand alone which have given greater depth, insight and history into this world. With Wards of Faerie, we begin a new adventure set in the Four Lands many years after the High Druid of Shannara series.

This series, like most of the others, centers upon a quest. This time the Druids are on a quest to find Elfstones that were lost thousands of years ago. In fact they ha...more I'm a long time lover of the world of Shannara that Terry Brooks created. Over the years I've read and enjoyed his many series and stand alone which have given greater depth, insight and history into this world. With Wards of Faerie, we begin a new adventure set in the Four Lands many years after the High Druid of Shannara series.

This series, like most of the others, centers upon a quest. This time the Druids are on a quest to find Elfstones that were lost thousands of years ago. In fact they have been lost so long that they have entered into the realm of myth and legend to the point that nobody knows what they do and some even doubt their existence. In many ways it is evident that this book is the first book in a series. The first many chapters involve the characters doing a lot of research, talking, thinking and preparing for things to come. There are a few small fights and interactions throughout these first few chapters to help "up the ante" and make it apparent that there is certain danger in the days to come.

Personally I enjoyed the slower pace. Rather than dumping us headlong into an adventure, Brooks takes his time and lets us get to know a number of core characters very intimately. We work side-by-side with Aphenglow as she intently studies the ancient Elven histories in search of clues. We play and race with the twins Redden and Railing and learn about their impulsive spontaneity as well as their close brotherly bond. We are taken deep inside the political intrigue and rise of a new Prime Minister of the Federation. We learn about the new Druid Order and the current Ard Rhs Kyhber. Through the first half of the book, we walk alongside a series of key characters as they make meticulous investigations and preparations for a huge adventure to come.

For those who are fans of action, don't worry. Just because the book spends a lot of time setting up the main adventure doesn't mean that it can't have significant action. As I already mentioned, there are a couple of hand-to-hand fights early on in the book. These are precursors to numerous smaller action sequences through the first half of the book. By the midpoint though, the action starts to pick up and before long there is an all out siege being waged by hundreds of soldiers at the same time as other explorers are facing environmental dangers in a strange new land as they seek out the Stones.

For those who haven't read any of the Shannara books before, Brooks always provides enough exposition and backstory to let you jump into a new series without being terribly lost. However if you've read previous Shannara books, there are plenty of scenes that should make fans very happy including a brief appearance by a character from some of the early books.

While I agree with the critics who say that Brooks's works aren't "high literature", I also have to admit that he does pen fun and compelling stories that really draw me in and keep me turning page after page. In addition to the overall danger of the quest to find the Elfstones, there is a huge conspiratorial battle lurking behind the scenes and ready to explode into sight that could change the face and fate of the Four Lands.

I found it a joy to get back into the world of Shannara and begin another epic adventure. My only complaint is that (as is often the case) the book ends by leaving me with apprehension as to what will happen next…and I have to wait until next year to find out. This book had all the intriguing characters, compelling plot twists and turns (though I admit that I found one of the big "twists" to be somewhat predictable), and exciting adventure that I've come to love from Terry Brooks.

I can definitely recommend this to any Shannara fan. Although I would recommend you go back and pick up some of the earlier series too, if you haven't read any of Brooks's books before, you should enjoy this without requiring any previous reading. As is the case with his earlier works, the action and violence is big enough to be exciting while still being acceptable for younger readers (even down into the tweens).

****
4 out of 5 stars(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jan 21, 2013 A rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: classic-fantasy

Wards of Faerie continues the story of Shannara about 100 years after the last series. Stalemate between the Druids and the Federation has held, but things seem to be coming to a head. The Druids are still no not popular with the "Free folk", though they try to maintain their neutrality of serving all. The book opens with a young Elven Druid searching through Elven histories for more details about the missing Elfstones. It continues with details of the search and conflict with the Federation.

Unf...more

like · see review

Jun 18, 2012 Alex rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, 2012-books, reviewed, reviewed-2012

Go to Raiding Bookshelves for more Reviews.

Publication Date: August 21st, 2012
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
ISBN: 0345523474
Age Group: Young Adult/Adult
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Source: ARC provided by Edelweiss
Lootability: ***

Wards of Faerie is Terry Brooks' 22nd book, chronologically and in publication order, of his esteemed Shannara trilogy. I was lucky enough to score an ARC galley from Edelweiss and so I have completed the first instalment of the latest Shannara series.

The other elf...more Go to Raiding Bookshelves for more Reviews.

Publication Date: August 21st, 2012
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
ISBN: 0345523474
Age Group: Young Adult/Adult
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Source: ARC provided by Edelweiss
Lootability: ***

Wards of Faerie is Terry Brooks' 22nd book, chronologically and in publication order, of his esteemed Shannara trilogy. I was lucky enough to score an ARC galley from Edelweiss and so I have completed the first instalment of the latest Shannara series.

The other elfstones. Where, oh, where could those elfstones be? What do they do? Why can't the blue seeking stones find them? The elfstones have been lost for a millenia, maybe more, and almost everyone has given up hope of finding them until Aphenglow comes across the diary of a young girl and suddenly everyone is in the running trying to find the fabled elfstones.

What I Liked: There have been a few leading ladies in the Shannara books but I can always relate to them immediately. They've been strong, independent and adventurous and Aphenglow is living up to her ancestors. It's been nice, in these later series, to get more of the Druid perspective, especially in the post Walker Boh period, they're a lot less pulled together than they seem and Aphenglow has that appealing calm nature with an obvious innocence and naivety that shows she doesn't have everything organised perfectly. It's also nice to see that the Druids aren't always holding back information because they can, it appears that they don't have much more to go on than the people they recruit.
It was good to see the characterisation of the Druids, Aphenglow's relationship with her sister, her mother, her Royal Grandfather, and with Bombax. She was human (elf) and that was a relief.
Show Spoiler
Now on to the Omsfords! As the Druids always say, there must be an Omsford aboard if a mission is to succeed! This time we have Omsford twins Reddin (named after another old favourite) and Railing who have a passion for building and manning airships. They're very fun and even better they're old family friend from Leah is a woman! It's about time too.

What I Didn't Like: I'm going to be blunt here. The story ended almost as soon as it started. It's becoming a real problem in the book world where everything has to be split into three parts. Most of the time, I feel like it is unnecessary and it's only being done to speed up publishing dates. Personally, I'd rather wait a few years for a whole book than pick it up in dribs and drabs.

Fortunately, Brooks is WAYYYYYY ahead and is releasing three books this year and we will receive Bloodfire Quest in March 2013 and Witch Wraith in August 2013. I'm already excited.(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 13, 2012 Allison Barron rated it 5 of 5 stars

During a time where science and magic are vying for primacy over the Four Lands, young Druid Aphenglow Elessedil discovers a diary that may lead to the missing Elfstones. Their powerful magic might turn the tide in a coming war, but the journey to recover them is full of dangers and secrets. The Elfstones have been missing from the world for centuries, and many have tried and failed to find them. What perils await the Druids on their search, no one knows. But they are willing to take the risk, a...more During a time where science and magic are vying for primacy over the Four Lands, young Druid Aphenglow Elessedil discovers a diary that may lead to the missing Elfstones. Their powerful magic might turn the tide in a coming war, but the journey to recover them is full of dangers and secrets. The Elfstones have been missing from the world for centuries, and many have tried and failed to find them. What perils await the Druids on their search, no one knows. But they are willing to take the risk, and let others take the risk with them.

I haven't picked up a book and been unable to put it down for a long while. I was unable to put Wards of Faerie down, however, and I was reminded why Terry Brooks is my favourite author. He has a way of spinning magic into his words that I love. His characters are very "human" (not necessarily literally, but you know what I mean), and I care about what happens to them. The story follows several main characters, and every time the perspective shifts, I think "Noooo! I want to know what happens to that character!" but then I get engrossed in the next one's story. Brooks is a master at keeping you turning the pages.

I enjoyed being immersed in the world of Shannara once more. All the familiar names were there--the Ohmsfords, the Elessedils, the Leahs--and some new ones as well. I was excited when I heard Brooks was writing this book, because I have always wanted to learn more about the other Elfstones. The blue Elfstones are seeking stones used for guidance and protection; they have been useful in many a quest. What do the other Elfstones do, I wonder? What other colours are there? How were they lost when the blue Elfstones can find anything in the world? This series is going to answer those questions.

Wards of Faerie is only the beginning of the quest, and most of the story is spent introducing the characters and gathering the special group of druids, dwarves, humans, and elves who will take part in it. Yet there is never a dull moment, with assassins attacking Aphenglow, the prime minister plotting against the druids, the Ohmsfords escaping with their lives on an airship, and the druid-led team exploring an unknown land.

Brooks knows how to write fantasy at its best, and I recommend this book whether you have previously entered and loved the world of Shannara or not. It is a journey you won't forget.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Feb 23, 2013 Polo rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: top-ten

I love the characters, setting, dreamlike and magical quality of this book. For me it read like a fairytale that is a piece of my reality. I was submerged in the world, as if I was in the story, and a part of everything throughout the book. I love this book and look forward to the next installment promised for March.

There are a few weak areas in the plot, yet the characters and writing style carry the story so well I can overlook a few shortcomings and give a 5 star rating. For example, a diary...more

like · see review

Oct 08, 2012 Keith In Ky rated it 3 of 5 stars

Let me start off by saying I have read every one of Terry Brook's novels. This one is like alot of Brooks books. Written very well and almost the same as another one of his books. I enjoy them all, but as I am reading them, I have a sense I have read it before with different characters from a different time. I am never disappointed in the writing, but always can seemingly predict the outcome. I am never blown away at the end, yet, I am never disgruntled enough to not read the next one. After fin...more

like · see review

Sep 16, 2012 Robert rated it 4 of 5 stars

A pretty good Shannara book, better than any of the 5 Genesis books. It will eventually answer a question I have long held, that being about the other elfstones. So I am really looking forward to the continuation of this trilogy (I suspect to volume 3).

The trouble is that this entire volume 1 has set up the quest for the elfstones and we know that only one person is coming back from that quest. Moreover, I'd wager it is the Ohmsford boy because you must have an Ohmsford for any future quests.

Mor...more

like · see review

Dec 29, 2012 Matt Holgate rated it 3 of 5 stars

With Book 1 of the Dark Legacy of Shannara, ‘Wards of the Faerie’, now read, I ask myself two questions. Is this latest Shannara series going to be the 'same old' from Terry Brooks? And is that a good or bad thing?

You always know you should get rid of your old slippers. They are well worn, they are the same shoes every time you put them on, and the holes are more noticeable now. Yet you must concede that you love these shoes because of that same predictable comfort zone. It is possible that any...more

like · see review

topics	posts	views	last activity
Sci-fi and Heroic...: Dark Legacy of Shannara	3	15	Sep 29, 2012 10:54am
Start Series with this book?	3	24	Sep 26, 2012 12:04pm

title link	preview: Wards of Faerie
avg rating	preview: Wards of Faerie Goodreads rating: 4.02 (1310 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13265092-wards-of-faerie?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331984261l/13265092.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13265092-wards-of-faerie?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Wards of Faerie by Terry Brooks[/url]

Wards of Faerie (The Dark Legacy of Shannara #1)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (13)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Terry Brooks

Books by Terry Brooks

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Wards of Faerie