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Heritage of Shannara #4
Talizmany Shannary
Potomkowie elfiego rodu Shannary zakończyli swoje poszukiwania: Paranor, warownia druidów, z powrotem znalazł się w świecie ludzi, elfy wróciły do czterech krain, a Par Ohmsford odnalazł legendarny Miecz Shannary. Aby jednak do końca wypełnić powierzone im przez Allanona zadanie i położyć kres śmiertelnej chorobie czterech krain, Walker Boh, Wren Elessedil i Par muszą połączyć swe siły i władzę. Garstkę zdeterminowanych bohaterów czeka ostateczna walka ze straszliwym, rozprzestrzeniającym się złem, które pragnie ich zmiażdżyć..
372 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 1993
324 people are currently reading
13322 people want to read
About the author
Terry Brooks
420 books77.8k followersTerry Brooks was born in Illinois in 1944, where he spent a great deal of his childhood and early adulthood dreaming up stories in and around Sinnissippi Park, the very same park that would eventually become the setting for his bestselling Word & Void trilogy. He went to college and received his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College, where he majored in English Literature, and he received his graduate degree from the School of Law at Washington & Lee University.
A writer since high school, he wrote many stories within the genres of science fiction, western, fiction, and non-fiction, until one semester early in his college years he was given The Lord of the Rings to read. That moment changed Terry's life forever, because in Tolkien's great work he found all the elements needed to fully explore his writing combined in one genre.
He then wrote The Sword of Shannara, the seven year grand result retaining sanity while studying at Washington & Lee University and practicing law. It became the first work of fiction ever to appear on the New York Times trade paperback bestseller list, where it remained for over five months.
A writer since high school, he wrote many stories within the genres of science fiction, western, fiction, and non-fiction, until one semester early in his college years he was given The Lord of the Rings to read. That moment changed Terry's life forever, because in Tolkien's great work he found all the elements needed to fully explore his writing combined in one genre.
He then wrote The Sword of Shannara, the seven year grand result retaining sanity while studying at Washington & Lee University and practicing law. It became the first work of fiction ever to appear on the New York Times trade paperback bestseller list, where it remained for over five months.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
February 2, 2014
The Talismans of Shannara, by Terry Brooks, is the fourth and final book in The Heritage of Shannara quartet of novels. All of the threads of the previous three novels are now coming to fruition, as the Elves lead by Wren Ohmsford Elessedil, the Druids resurrected by Walker Boh, and the Sword of Shannara, found by Par Ohmsford, are all converging on a final battle with the Shadowen-controlled Federation.
Of course, this is not even the most critical factor in the heroes' success. That distinction probably goes to their friend and ally Morgan Leah, and his weapon, the enchanted Sword of Leah. The family heirloom, blessed by long-dead Druid Allanon to help Morgan's ancestor, Rone Leah, protect Brin Ohmsford, during the events of the novel The Wishsong of Shannara, is a powerful artifact. It can cleave through nearly any magic.
On top of his sword's abilities, it seems Morgan has a natural penchant for conceiving of, and executing, plans on short notice. Even the more ridiculous ideas can somehow be made to work once the young highlander gets started with them.
Rounding out the group of heroes are Padishar Creel, leader of the Freeborn movement, his daughter, Dhamson Rhee, a young resistance leader named Matty Roh, and Coll Ohmsford, Par's brother. Coll is an interesting case, as he is arguably just as much the hero as Par is, because Par can not do anything without Coll first doing his part.
This story was really enjoyable. Some of the more annoying philosophizing and soap-boxing of the previous Heritage volumes was toned down, and when it was there, it was only what was necessary to advance the plot. Had the first three books been this discreet with the wordy navel-gazing from the characters, the books would have been about 50 pages shorter each one.
Another improvement over the first trilogy was in the area of romances. Mostly Par and Dhamson, but also Morgan and Matty, had far more believable romances, for instance, than that of Morgan's ancestor Menion Leah and his eventual wife, Shirl, from the book The Sword of Shannara. What's more, instead of just being told they love each other, Brooks actually showed us that these couples love each other, and why.
I did have some problems, of course, with how dark the story was. Yes, the good guys won, but my goodness gracious were they ever put through the ringer first. They suffer again, and again, and again. That said, there was a real satisfaction when you see the characters triumphant, except for poor Wren, who I wished had more happy moments, given how much more she suffered than the others.
In general, this was an excellent conclusion to the series. I just would have preferred a more unambiguously happy ending. Though I will give Brooks kudos for giving us more of a conclusion. Instead of the five page ending at the most of the first three books, he gave us a proper ending with “what happened to them afterward” accounts of the characters. That was one major complaint of mine that I am pleased to say that Brooks improved on eventually.
Despite the wordiness, annoying soap-boxing, and sometimes overly dark atmosphere, this was a really great epic fantasy of good triumphing over evil. Read this book and the first three as well. You won't regret picking up this story. The Heritage of Shannara was top-notch storytelling.
Highly Recommended.
Of course, this is not even the most critical factor in the heroes' success. That distinction probably goes to their friend and ally Morgan Leah, and his weapon, the enchanted Sword of Leah. The family heirloom, blessed by long-dead Druid Allanon to help Morgan's ancestor, Rone Leah, protect Brin Ohmsford, during the events of the novel The Wishsong of Shannara, is a powerful artifact. It can cleave through nearly any magic.
On top of his sword's abilities, it seems Morgan has a natural penchant for conceiving of, and executing, plans on short notice. Even the more ridiculous ideas can somehow be made to work once the young highlander gets started with them.
Rounding out the group of heroes are Padishar Creel, leader of the Freeborn movement, his daughter, Dhamson Rhee, a young resistance leader named Matty Roh, and Coll Ohmsford, Par's brother. Coll is an interesting case, as he is arguably just as much the hero as Par is, because Par can not do anything without Coll first doing his part.
This story was really enjoyable. Some of the more annoying philosophizing and soap-boxing of the previous Heritage volumes was toned down, and when it was there, it was only what was necessary to advance the plot. Had the first three books been this discreet with the wordy navel-gazing from the characters, the books would have been about 50 pages shorter each one.
Another improvement over the first trilogy was in the area of romances. Mostly Par and Dhamson, but also Morgan and Matty, had far more believable romances, for instance, than that of Morgan's ancestor Menion Leah and his eventual wife, Shirl, from the book The Sword of Shannara. What's more, instead of just being told they love each other, Brooks actually showed us that these couples love each other, and why.
I did have some problems, of course, with how dark the story was. Yes, the good guys won, but my goodness gracious were they ever put through the ringer first. They suffer again, and again, and again. That said, there was a real satisfaction when you see the characters triumphant, except for poor Wren, who I wished had more happy moments, given how much more she suffered than the others.
In general, this was an excellent conclusion to the series. I just would have preferred a more unambiguously happy ending. Though I will give Brooks kudos for giving us more of a conclusion. Instead of the five page ending at the most of the first three books, he gave us a proper ending with “what happened to them afterward” accounts of the characters. That was one major complaint of mine that I am pleased to say that Brooks improved on eventually.
Despite the wordiness, annoying soap-boxing, and sometimes overly dark atmosphere, this was a really great epic fantasy of good triumphing over evil. Read this book and the first three as well. You won't regret picking up this story. The Heritage of Shannara was top-notch storytelling.
Highly Recommended.
July 29, 2020
I read this series when it first came out 30 years ago (or so) but never continued on in the Shannara series. Don't know why. Just didn't.
Fast forward to now and I figured that I'd re-read the first seven Shannara books and then finish the rest of the series.
Just finished this book, the last of the Heritage of Shannara and I can say quite loudly that I will not be continuing with the series.
Had to force myself to finish this book and this series.
The writing was average, the plot was silly, contrived and all too convenient at times and worst of all were the characters. I've tried to articulate this in other reviews and have never been too successful but a good writer makes you truly care about the characters and in the entire series the only characters I truly cared about was Faun (and how well did that end?).
So I'm sure this series was fine for my teenage self but I can't make myself continue - I've just read way too many great books by great authors to spend time on the average ones, there just isn't time.
Fast forward to now and I figured that I'd re-read the first seven Shannara books and then finish the rest of the series.
Just finished this book, the last of the Heritage of Shannara and I can say quite loudly that I will not be continuing with the series.
Had to force myself to finish this book and this series.
The writing was average, the plot was silly, contrived and all too convenient at times and worst of all were the characters. I've tried to articulate this in other reviews and have never been too successful but a good writer makes you truly care about the characters and in the entire series the only characters I truly cared about was Faun (and how well did that end?).
So I'm sure this series was fine for my teenage self but I can't make myself continue - I've just read way too many great books by great authors to spend time on the average ones, there just isn't time.
July 5, 2019
A fantastic ending to a truly epic series. I could not put this down. I became so attached to the main characters through this series, and I really loved the character development in this final book and how characters came to each other’s aid, sometimes unexpectedly. It was satisfying to see the separate storylines finally come together and I liked how the conclusion explained everything and then told of future plans. 5 stars for sure!!
May 18, 2016
At this point, I think I might be done with the Shannara books. Not the MTV series, not by a long shot - and certainly not after that cliffhanger! But as for the books, I think I either need to give up now or just take a long break, because they're burning me out at this point. I feel like they're just too more-of-the-same, and they're really not bringing anything new to the table, not like the ways the show gets a little more inventive and incorporates the post-apocalyptic setting much more strongly.
Like I said, though, maybe I'll come back to this someday.
Like I said, though, maybe I'll come back to this someday.
March 21, 2025
Ebbene sì, sono finalmente giunta al termine dell'ultimo volume della quadrilogia degli Eredi. Che dire, Terry Brooks non ha sbagliato un colpo nemmeno in questo volume, arrivando a dare al lettore tutte le spiegazioni necessarie senza la minima sbavatura o contraddizione.
Ognuno dei personaggi ha avuto modo di brillare e di giustificare la sua presenza fino alla fine (o nel caso dei prescelti, la loro chiamata da parte di Allanon), così come ogni talismano ha avuto il suo significato preciso nell'evolversi della battaglia finale.
Walker rimane ancora il mio personaggio preferito, e il fatto che il libro si chiuda proprio col suo punto di vista mi ha riempito di orgoglio (nemmeno fosse mio figlio 🤣). Ormai è un Druido a tutti gli effetti, e nonostante Allanon gli abbia fatto notare come sia ancora un neonato in questa sua nuova forma, è anche vero che il suo scontro con Rimmer Dall non ha nulla da invidiare ai precedenti scontri proprio di Allanon. Inoltre la sua autorità è ormai capace di guidare tutti gli altri, proprio come i suoi predecessori. Cogline sarebbe fiero di lui 💖
Morgan Leah ha concluso la sua "trasformazione" in vero e proprio cavaliere, e mi fa piacere sapere che piano piano possa andare oltre la morte di Viridiana e accettare la presenza e l'amore di un'altra donna. Se lo merita!
Wren mi ha convinta ancora di più in quest'ultimo libro. Ha commesso degli errori, certo, ma nessuno è perfetto, e purtroppo alcune volte la fiducia può essere un'arma a doppio taglio. Nonostante questo, e nonostante la perdita del povero Fauno, ha guidato gli Elfi con l'autorità, la forza, l'intelligenza che il suo ruolo di Regina le richiedevano. Sua nonna, i suoi genitori, e Garth sarebbero fieri di lei 💖
Lascio i due fratelli per ultimi perché la loro evoluzione è stata forse la più traumatica. Non che gli altri non abbiano sofferto, ovvio, ma dividerli, farli combattere uno contro l'altro e spingere affinché uno dei due si lasci sopraffare dalla magia rischiando di diventare un'Ombrato non è cosa da poco. Più di una volta sono stata in pena per loro, più di una volta mi ha fatto male vedere Coll sotto gli effetti del mantello di Rimmer Dall, ma soprattutto mi ha fatto male vedere Par crollare completamente nella trappola del Primo Cercatore, tessuta addirittura fin dal primo volume, e giunta al culmine in quest'ultimo volume. Non mi aspettavo, inoltre, che la Spada di Shannara fosse destinata a entrambi i fratelli, e su questo il signor Terry Brooks ha giocato alla perfezione, non dando spunti fin proprio all'ultimo, facendoci credere che fosse destinata prima a Par, poi a Coll, e solo sul finale a entrambi.
Insomma, sono pienamente soddisfatta di questo quarto volume, che si prende cinque stelle piene. E io compio un altro "piccolo" passo nella mia lettura dell'immensa saga di Shannara.
Ognuno dei personaggi ha avuto modo di brillare e di giustificare la sua presenza fino alla fine (o nel caso dei prescelti, la loro chiamata da parte di Allanon), così come ogni talismano ha avuto il suo significato preciso nell'evolversi della battaglia finale.
Walker rimane ancora il mio personaggio preferito, e il fatto che il libro si chiuda proprio col suo punto di vista mi ha riempito di orgoglio (nemmeno fosse mio figlio 🤣). Ormai è un Druido a tutti gli effetti, e nonostante Allanon gli abbia fatto notare come sia ancora un neonato in questa sua nuova forma, è anche vero che il suo scontro con Rimmer Dall non ha nulla da invidiare ai precedenti scontri proprio di Allanon. Inoltre la sua autorità è ormai capace di guidare tutti gli altri, proprio come i suoi predecessori. Cogline sarebbe fiero di lui 💖
Morgan Leah ha concluso la sua "trasformazione" in vero e proprio cavaliere, e mi fa piacere sapere che piano piano possa andare oltre la morte di Viridiana e accettare la presenza e l'amore di un'altra donna. Se lo merita!
Wren mi ha convinta ancora di più in quest'ultimo libro. Ha commesso degli errori, certo, ma nessuno è perfetto, e purtroppo alcune volte la fiducia può essere un'arma a doppio taglio. Nonostante questo, e nonostante la perdita del povero Fauno, ha guidato gli Elfi con l'autorità, la forza, l'intelligenza che il suo ruolo di Regina le richiedevano. Sua nonna, i suoi genitori, e Garth sarebbero fieri di lei 💖
Lascio i due fratelli per ultimi perché la loro evoluzione è stata forse la più traumatica. Non che gli altri non abbiano sofferto, ovvio, ma dividerli, farli combattere uno contro l'altro e spingere affinché uno dei due si lasci sopraffare dalla magia rischiando di diventare un'Ombrato non è cosa da poco. Più di una volta sono stata in pena per loro, più di una volta mi ha fatto male vedere Coll sotto gli effetti del mantello di Rimmer Dall, ma soprattutto mi ha fatto male vedere Par crollare completamente nella trappola del Primo Cercatore, tessuta addirittura fin dal primo volume, e giunta al culmine in quest'ultimo volume. Non mi aspettavo, inoltre, che la Spada di Shannara fosse destinata a entrambi i fratelli, e su questo il signor Terry Brooks ha giocato alla perfezione, non dando spunti fin proprio all'ultimo, facendoci credere che fosse destinata prima a Par, poi a Coll, e solo sul finale a entrambi.
Insomma, sono pienamente soddisfatta di questo quarto volume, che si prende cinque stelle piene. E io compio un altro "piccolo" passo nella mia lettura dell'immensa saga di Shannara.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2017
The characters and quests of the first three books come back together in an attempt to get shot of the Shadowen. On the bright side, because so much of this is plot and there's so much that needs to be covered, there's just not room for Brooks to waste on the miserable never-ending navel gazing that characters such as Par and Walker are all too prone to indulging in. (Hooray!) There is still far more than is warranted, however, and the rot spreads to Wren as well. My favourite of the three main characters, she's barely served in here, getting a much shorter role than the men, and not much of what she has is complimentary. She's fooled by the most obvious trap in the history of traps, and spends far too much time hand-wringing about how it sickens her to kill. (It probably sickens the men in your Elven army too, madam, but carry on letting them sicken themselves to death so that you don't have to compromise yourself, by all means.)
I did like the pace and breadth of this, and I always enjoy a moor cat. Walker was much improved from The Druid of Shannara, I liked him. The ending was a little rushed, however, and I just cannot take the romance between Plum and Golf Boy seriously.
I did like the pace and breadth of this, and I always enjoy a moor cat. Walker was much improved from The Druid of Shannara, I liked him. The ending was a little rushed, however, and I just cannot take the romance between Plum and Golf Boy seriously.
September 15, 2012
I should have added a reminder to all of the other Shannara reviews I've written the fact that these books are written for young people. When I originally read these books, they were astounding. But now they seem a bit hollow. Upon rereading the Talismans of Shannara, I've discovered that the depth is not nearly what I remember.
Nonetheless, a lesson is awaiting those who are willing to read it. And the characters come to the natural conclusion of the quadrilogy, although not necessarily the one you are expecting. Even with the sure knowledge that I have read this book before, I still was surprised by the way things end -- but, as before, pleasantly so.
Nonetheless, a lesson is awaiting those who are willing to read it. And the characters come to the natural conclusion of the quadrilogy, although not necessarily the one you are expecting. Even with the sure knowledge that I have read this book before, I still was surprised by the way things end -- but, as before, pleasantly so.
July 10, 2016
#17/29 in my Epic Shannara Quest.
A slam-bang conclusion to an epic series. Exciting action, expertly paced with a finale in the bowels of the obsidian tower Southwatch that exceeded all of my expectations. The final reveal Brooks saved for this final volume of The Heritage of Shannara was not a surprise (if you drop enough clues, the reader will figure it out; and that's what happens here) but it didn't matter. A definite pick-me-up after the lackluster Elf Queen of Shannara.
A slam-bang conclusion to an epic series. Exciting action, expertly paced with a finale in the bowels of the obsidian tower Southwatch that exceeded all of my expectations. The final reveal Brooks saved for this final volume of The Heritage of Shannara was not a surprise (if you drop enough clues, the reader will figure it out; and that's what happens here) but it didn't matter. A definite pick-me-up after the lackluster Elf Queen of Shannara.
June 14, 2020
1238 pages later and I've finished the Heritage of Shanara series. This entry was decent but all in all I wouldn't recommend investing the time into this series. The characters and plotlines are very similar to the first trilogy and I didn't get a lot from it.
March 22, 2020
This is such an amazing series. The four Heritage of Shannara books follow the adventures of Wren, Par and Walker Boh. They are on a quest sent by the spirit of Allanon to save the Four Lands once more. On the way they learn how to come to grips with their magic and their destiny. They are helped by family and friends who are vital for the saving of their world.
I really enjoyed this series. They are action packed, and well written. Terry Brooks has a wonderful way of describing the Four Lands and I found myself often rereading passages because they're just so nice. The characters go through a lot of trouble, sometimes I felt like they could never get a break!
My favourite parts of these books are the fantasy animals. Stresa, the Splinterscat (a mix between a cat and a porcupine), Faun (some weird fluffy furby kind of thing? is how I always imagine her) and the Creepers (a weird mix between scrap metal, insects but then very big and some Crustacean-like body parts) are all great creative creatures that I love reading about.
I also felt like these characters were more real compared to the earlier Shannara books. They struggled more, they had more real thoughts. The relationships were more believable too.
If I had to nitpick a little, it's that even though there are many creative and unique aspects to the story, it's still a typical Terry Brooks story, the storyline proceeds like many of the other books. So some things are a bit predictable. I don't really mind, I love predictability lol. But I can imagine if you're into fantasy you might find these books standard and not bringing anything new to the genre.
This final installment wraps up the story well, the ending is great and what I hoped for.
I really enjoyed this series. They are action packed, and well written. Terry Brooks has a wonderful way of describing the Four Lands and I found myself often rereading passages because they're just so nice. The characters go through a lot of trouble, sometimes I felt like they could never get a break!
My favourite parts of these books are the fantasy animals. Stresa, the Splinterscat (a mix between a cat and a porcupine), Faun (some weird fluffy furby kind of thing? is how I always imagine her) and the Creepers (a weird mix between scrap metal, insects but then very big and some Crustacean-like body parts) are all great creative creatures that I love reading about.
I also felt like these characters were more real compared to the earlier Shannara books. They struggled more, they had more real thoughts. The relationships were more believable too.
If I had to nitpick a little, it's that even though there are many creative and unique aspects to the story, it's still a typical Terry Brooks story, the storyline proceeds like many of the other books. So some things are a bit predictable. I don't really mind, I love predictability lol. But I can imagine if you're into fantasy you might find these books standard and not bringing anything new to the genre.
This final installment wraps up the story well, the ending is great and what I hoped for.
September 13, 2020
The Talismans of Shannara is the 18th story chronologically in the Shannara series. 4 stars.
This book pulled me in and I didn’t want to put it down. It wraps up the Heritage of Shannara tetralogy, and it’s an epic story.
Characterizations were strong in this book and the characters’ maturation and coming into their own was very moving and powerful. I noticed during this re-read how much work Terry Brooks put into characterizing Morgan Leah. That character goes through the biggest change throughout the 4-book series and goes through so much. He was kind of the glue that tied the parts of the story together. If I had the chance, I’d ask the author why so much time spent on Morgan? It’s not a bad thing, just interesting.
There were a couple editing inconsistencies and a part of the plot that felt forced in order to bring a couple of the characters together, but putting those things aside, The Talismans of Shannara is probably the high arc of the entire Shannara series.
This book pulled me in and I didn’t want to put it down. It wraps up the Heritage of Shannara tetralogy, and it’s an epic story.
Characterizations were strong in this book and the characters’ maturation and coming into their own was very moving and powerful. I noticed during this re-read how much work Terry Brooks put into characterizing Morgan Leah. That character goes through the biggest change throughout the 4-book series and goes through so much. He was kind of the glue that tied the parts of the story together. If I had the chance, I’d ask the author why so much time spent on Morgan? It’s not a bad thing, just interesting.
There were a couple editing inconsistencies and a part of the plot that felt forced in order to bring a couple of the characters together, but putting those things aside, The Talismans of Shannara is probably the high arc of the entire Shannara series.
July 1, 2022
Really 4.5
Fantastic ending to the Heritage of Shannara. I would have went with a 5, had the tree squeak not been murdered. That was a ruff time to get through.
Fantastic ending to the Heritage of Shannara. I would have went with a 5, had the tree squeak not been murdered. That was a ruff time to get through.
June 7, 2022
5 stars - Dutch hardcover
think I've read most of the books in the whole Shannara series by Terry Brooks, but this series has been one of my favorites. This is book four in the Heritage of Shannara series (The Scions of Shannara, The Druid of Shannara, and The Elf Queen of Shannara are the earlier books) and it is an exciting end to our hero's adventures. I've found all of the books hard to put down for any time as I keep wondering what is going to happen next.
While The Genesis of Shannara is probably my absolute favorite series of books by this author, I would put this series down as my almost favorite.
A good read for any fan of fantasy fiction.
think I've read most of the books in the whole Shannara series by Terry Brooks, but this series has been one of my favorites. This is book four in the Heritage of Shannara series (The Scions of Shannara, The Druid of Shannara, and The Elf Queen of Shannara are the earlier books) and it is an exciting end to our hero's adventures. I've found all of the books hard to put down for any time as I keep wondering what is going to happen next.
While The Genesis of Shannara is probably my absolute favorite series of books by this author, I would put this series down as my almost favorite.
A good read for any fan of fantasy fiction.
November 1, 2016
The Talismans of Shannara is the final conclusion of the four books series, the Heritage of Shannara. So that means that you kinda have to read the other ones too, and you also kind of have to read the original three book series, amounting to this being the seventh book.
In this story, the charges of Allanon to the Ohmsfords have been fulfilled, and Par, Wren, Walker, Coll, Morgan, and friends must find a way to defeat Rimmer Dall and rid the Four Lands of the Shadowen. The Elves find themselves on the brink of destruction, and Wren as Queen of the Elves must find a way to avert her people from annihilation, and to reveal the terrible secret of the Shadowen to the others. Walker Boh and Cogline come face to face with his destiny as he unlocks the secrets of Paranor and as he completes his transformation. And Finally, Par and his brother with the Sword of Shannara, must finally discover the truth about the Shadowen, and himself. This, and so much more in this epic conclusion of Terry Brook's sequel series.
So what I liked about this book was the style of his writing. The character arcs and progression for each character was amazing. I really liked how he wrote each side of the story with their own thinking styles so you always knew who you were following. I really loved Walker Boh's point of view and I got excited every time I turned a page and the chapter started with his name. It was easy to relate to each of the characters and it felt like I was was making the decisions with them.
(Spoilers) I really, really did not like the ending of this book. It was one of those kill the bad guy straight up then release goody good magic back into the land everybody lives happily every after endings for me. I was thoroughly disappointed to find that the conclusion of four long novels came to this sort of thing, and I really think he could have done better than this. Rimmer Dall was such a cool character, he was wasted in my opinion. I also didn't like Morgan and Matty's relationship because it was kind of weird and I don't know why Matty was even into Morgan. The author in my opinion also put too many hugging and holding parts for them that it was just kind of awkward.
Overall, this book, despite it's ups and downs, provided a great action filled suspense fantasy conclusion to the Heritage series.
In this story, the charges of Allanon to the Ohmsfords have been fulfilled, and Par, Wren, Walker, Coll, Morgan, and friends must find a way to defeat Rimmer Dall and rid the Four Lands of the Shadowen. The Elves find themselves on the brink of destruction, and Wren as Queen of the Elves must find a way to avert her people from annihilation, and to reveal the terrible secret of the Shadowen to the others. Walker Boh and Cogline come face to face with his destiny as he unlocks the secrets of Paranor and as he completes his transformation. And Finally, Par and his brother with the Sword of Shannara, must finally discover the truth about the Shadowen, and himself. This, and so much more in this epic conclusion of Terry Brook's sequel series.
So what I liked about this book was the style of his writing. The character arcs and progression for each character was amazing. I really liked how he wrote each side of the story with their own thinking styles so you always knew who you were following. I really loved Walker Boh's point of view and I got excited every time I turned a page and the chapter started with his name. It was easy to relate to each of the characters and it felt like I was was making the decisions with them.
(Spoilers) I really, really did not like the ending of this book. It was one of those kill the bad guy straight up then release goody good magic back into the land everybody lives happily every after endings for me. I was thoroughly disappointed to find that the conclusion of four long novels came to this sort of thing, and I really think he could have done better than this. Rimmer Dall was such a cool character, he was wasted in my opinion. I also didn't like Morgan and Matty's relationship because it was kind of weird and I don't know why Matty was even into Morgan. The author in my opinion also put too many hugging and holding parts for them that it was just kind of awkward.
Overall, this book, despite it's ups and downs, provided a great action filled suspense fantasy conclusion to the Heritage series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2020
Star Rating: 5 stars
Note: This is the 4th and final book in The Heritage of Shannara series and the 7th book in the overarching Shannara series so this will not be an in-depth review.
When I am reading through a series, I try to read a book every month until I get caught up on it or until I finish it in its entirety, and I got one more step closer to this goal when it comes to the Shannara book by Terry Brooks by reading The Talismans of Shannara, book 4 of the Heritage of Shannara series and book 7 in the over-arching Shannara epic. This book wraps up the story of Par, Coll, Wren, and Walker as they struggle to fulfill their charges that the shades of Allanon gave them in book 1 and to save their world from the Shadowen threat.
As always, my favorite part of this book is the themes that Brooks explores and, in this installment, he chooses to address truth and responsibility. This series happens hundreds after the conclusion of the 1st 3 books and the events of aforesaid books have faded into the realm of myth and legend. When the land starts to show signs of poisoning, people start to blame it on the actions of the characters of 1st trilogy without even realizing that they may be falling prey to rumor and misconceptions. In order to clear their family names and, possibly, save the world, the descendants of the original narrative decide to discover the truth, come to terms with the legacies of their ancestors, and the responsibilities that these legacies entail. Each character in this story goes on a journey to find their truth and learn how to be responsible when it comes to this truth and I was totally invested in each and every one.
Speaking of the characters’ journeys in this book, I love the fact that instead of focusing on the overarching events (he does chronicle them!!!), Brooks chooses to focus on how his characters are affected by and changed as a result of the overarching plot and it adds a personal touch to the story that I really enjoy as it makes the book much more immersive for me.
All in all, Brooks holds on to his position as my all-time favorite author, even though this book is not my favorite that he has written. 5 stars and have already requested the next one, First King of Shannara, from my library!!!!!!
Note: This is the 4th and final book in The Heritage of Shannara series and the 7th book in the overarching Shannara series so this will not be an in-depth review.
When I am reading through a series, I try to read a book every month until I get caught up on it or until I finish it in its entirety, and I got one more step closer to this goal when it comes to the Shannara book by Terry Brooks by reading The Talismans of Shannara, book 4 of the Heritage of Shannara series and book 7 in the over-arching Shannara epic. This book wraps up the story of Par, Coll, Wren, and Walker as they struggle to fulfill their charges that the shades of Allanon gave them in book 1 and to save their world from the Shadowen threat.
As always, my favorite part of this book is the themes that Brooks explores and, in this installment, he chooses to address truth and responsibility. This series happens hundreds after the conclusion of the 1st 3 books and the events of aforesaid books have faded into the realm of myth and legend. When the land starts to show signs of poisoning, people start to blame it on the actions of the characters of 1st trilogy without even realizing that they may be falling prey to rumor and misconceptions. In order to clear their family names and, possibly, save the world, the descendants of the original narrative decide to discover the truth, come to terms with the legacies of their ancestors, and the responsibilities that these legacies entail. Each character in this story goes on a journey to find their truth and learn how to be responsible when it comes to this truth and I was totally invested in each and every one.
Speaking of the characters’ journeys in this book, I love the fact that instead of focusing on the overarching events (he does chronicle them!!!), Brooks chooses to focus on how his characters are affected by and changed as a result of the overarching plot and it adds a personal touch to the story that I really enjoy as it makes the book much more immersive for me.
All in all, Brooks holds on to his position as my all-time favorite author, even though this book is not my favorite that he has written. 5 stars and have already requested the next one, First King of Shannara, from my library!!!!!!
September 15, 2007
I will admit I liked this book when I first read it, but I was young and foolish at the time. This book does NOT hold up on re-reading.
The promising parts aren't major players, alas. Wren becomes an idiot and barely has any screen time. Walker is still basically cool (at least in the first half of the book), but then gets infected with terminal stupidity in the ending ("I'm in such a damn hurry to rest I can't stop at the victory feast?"), not to mention abandoning the "Rargh I hate druids and their ways" plotline which actually made him interesting. That leaves... the brothers of fail, Par and Coll, and also Rimmer Dall, who turns out to be way less cool villain than he was built up to be. Par proves himself an utter idiot with his responses to Rimmer's fairly obvious poor insinuations, and Coll is still ensnared by Rimmer's really obvious trap from earlier, and doesn't really redeem himself later. Rimmer basically doesn't care about losing the war and throws everything into seducing Par to the Dark Side; I say good riddance, these two idiots deserve each other.
They at least give Wren an interesting challenge in the last half of the book in defending against a horde of evil black magic walker thingies, but everything Returns to Normal and the Day is Saved before she can come up with some cool plan to defeat them. Damn it.
This is just scratching the surface of this book's problems. So, yeah. Stop at Elf Queen.
The promising parts aren't major players, alas. Wren becomes an idiot and barely has any screen time. Walker is still basically cool (at least in the first half of the book), but then gets infected with terminal stupidity in the ending ("I'm in such a damn hurry to rest I can't stop at the victory feast?"), not to mention abandoning the "Rargh I hate druids and their ways" plotline which actually made him interesting. That leaves... the brothers of fail, Par and Coll, and also Rimmer Dall, who turns out to be way less cool villain than he was built up to be. Par proves himself an utter idiot with his responses to Rimmer's fairly obvious poor insinuations, and Coll is still ensnared by Rimmer's really obvious trap from earlier, and doesn't really redeem himself later. Rimmer basically doesn't care about losing the war and throws everything into seducing Par to the Dark Side; I say good riddance, these two idiots deserve each other.
They at least give Wren an interesting challenge in the last half of the book in defending against a horde of evil black magic walker thingies, but everything Returns to Normal and the Day is Saved before she can come up with some cool plan to defeat them. Damn it.
This is just scratching the surface of this book's problems. So, yeah. Stop at Elf Queen.
June 27, 2020
Good book
November 17, 2015
This is one of the most disappointing anti-climactic ends to a series that I've ever read.
About 3/4 of the way through the book, I still had no idea why anyone was doing what they were doing. There was no purpose to any of it.
There was far too many people getting captured and released, then captured and released again throughout this series. It got old in the first book and was more irritating in this one.
And the ending... what the hell. Let's not tie anything together really, we'll just explain it all away and go on.
The only saving grace this book had was in the growth of the characters. It was fairly well done and did make me want to continue reading. (Aside from Morgan who seems to fall in love with any available woman...)
About 3/4 of the way through the book, I still had no idea why anyone was doing what they were doing. There was no purpose to any of it.
There was far too many people getting captured and released, then captured and released again throughout this series. It got old in the first book and was more irritating in this one.
And the ending... what the hell. Let's not tie anything together really, we'll just explain it all away and go on.
The only saving grace this book had was in the growth of the characters. It was fairly well done and did make me want to continue reading. (Aside from Morgan who seems to fall in love with any available woman...)
August 25, 2016
Wow! What a great wrap up to the Heritage series!
Read by Rene Auberjonois, awesomely (of course).
All the little seeds planted along the way pay off royally in this book. The only thing that would have made it perfect would have been if Wren played a part in the final battle.
Great tension and conflict. I particularly love how talismans we are familiar with from the prior books are given new interpretations. Continued great treatment of the villain. Love that the women are battle-worn, showing superior skill to some of the men even though they don't use magic, much in the spirit of Eretria. And especially love that the women are NOT coddled by the men, but recognized for their strength and skill.
If this tetralogy were organized better, it would be five stars across the board.
Read by Rene Auberjonois, awesomely (of course).
All the little seeds planted along the way pay off royally in this book. The only thing that would have made it perfect would have been if Wren played a part in the final battle.
Great tension and conflict. I particularly love how talismans we are familiar with from the prior books are given new interpretations. Continued great treatment of the villain. Love that the women are battle-worn, showing superior skill to some of the men even though they don't use magic, much in the spirit of Eretria. And especially love that the women are NOT coddled by the men, but recognized for their strength and skill.
If this tetralogy were organized better, it would be five stars across the board.
February 11, 2025
The Talismans of Shannara is the fourth amazing instalment in this epic high fantasy.
Great characters. Great storyline. Wonderful world-building. Terry weaves a complicated trove of treasures in his storytelling and I for one am grateful.
Rereading this epic tale many, many years from the first time.
Great characters. Great storyline. Wonderful world-building. Terry weaves a complicated trove of treasures in his storytelling and I for one am grateful.
Rereading this epic tale many, many years from the first time.
November 9, 2017
I need more 😅
March 15, 2025
Много ми е мъчно, задето Тери Брукс не успя да се наложи в България като автор по начина, по който това стори Реймънд Фийст, но от дистанция на годините, не съм и много изненадан. В книгите за “Шанара” по специфичен начин се преглежда уязвимостта на героите, които, макар да са храбри и решителни, не влизат в стереотипа на всепобедния боец или всезнаещия магьосник. При израстването си младежите от родовете Омсфорд и Лех често показват уязвимост, несигурност, припряност, правят грешки, понякога демонстрират слабост. Струва ми се, че като народ на нас ни е все още неудобно да говорим за тези неща, държим винаги да сме отгоре и да пръскаме (банална) мъдрост, поради което такива теми ни карат да се чувстваме некомфортно. Според мен обаче именно те правят сюжета интересен, развитието на персонажите емоционално, конфронтациите с антагонистите напрегнати и интригуващи. Затова и мисля, че до появата на Дж.К. Роулинг, именно Тери Брукс беше най-добрият автор на фентъзи и бих се радвал, ако моите ревюта поне у няколко души предизвикат интерес да прочетат книгите му.
Повече за сюжета може да прочетете в пълното ревю на сайта Цитаделата:
https://citadelata.com/%d1%82%d0%b0%d...
Повече за сюжета може да прочетете в пълното ревю на сайта Цитаделата:
https://citadelata.com/%d1%82%d0%b0%d...
June 30, 2018
La pluma de Terry Brooks es, para mí, perfecta. Descripciones moderadas sin saturar pero que te meten de lleno en la historia, las emociones y sentimientos de los personajes bien descritas, haciendo que sientas lo que ellos padecen. Lo que he leído de historia me ha parecido coherente, muy entretenida y la resolución me ha gustado mucho, aunque creo que después de cuatro libros tal vez puede parecer algo rápido a los seguidores de la saga.
¡La reseña completa en el blog!
https://tintaliteratura.blogspot.com/...
¡La reseña completa en el blog!
https://tintaliteratura.blogspot.com/...
December 5, 2021
This Shannara book is the closest to Lord of the Rings of any of the 9 books in the series I've read mostly due to the Gollum-like subplot. This was also more mature than any of the previous six books in the series.
December 21, 2020
Meine ausführliche Rezension folgt...
September 19, 2022
An apt conclusion to quadrilogy. Old school fantasy that is expertly written and wonderfully read.
January 9, 2018
juraba que en este libro, por como estaban caminando los hechos de una forma un tanto lenta, no tendría una resolución pronta o que dejaría cabos sueltos, pero no ha sido así. el final de la tetralogía es estupendo. hay muchísima acción, ahora nos enfocaremos más en quizá el favorito de muchos: par y sus amigos. Será más bien entre par, Padishar, el gran Topo (me cae bien ese personaje jeje), el propio Morgan con nueva acompañante en la aventura, y Coltar. Aunque no dejaremos tampoco de lado a Wren, que tiene su propia misión ya instaurada en la sociedad de los Elfos... todos se preparan para la batalla final contra los espectros. el momento se cierra ahora ante Par, pues ya las misiones han sido completadas, sólo se necesita que nuestro amigo haga su parte. pero ese camino estará sembrado de muchas dudas, lleno de obstáculos, de decisiones difíciles.
Lo reitero. todo ese equilibrio entre los personajes ha sido brillante, no fue enfocado en uno más que del otro, todos tuvieron su justa medida, su propio desarrollo, había momentos ranquilos es cierto, escenas románticas, pero no fue el eje bajo el que circuló la saga en absoluto. Hago mención en esta última idea, porque muchos autores contemporáneos suelen meter más romance y cosas que no son las importantes en el género, dando a la idea que estás leyendo algo de romance juvenil en vez de una buena literatura fantástica, y brooks no se sale de el objetivo inicial de la trama... y sobre todo, considero importante también decir que todos tenían su rol, y lo hacían bastante bien.
Todos, de alguna manera, entre personajes secundarios, algunos incidentales, llevaron a nuestros amigos a cumplir lo que debían de hacer.
La rebelación al final del libro de todo lo que fue este asunto de los espectros me satisfizo. todo tuvo un gran sentido... en conclusión, una excelente tetralogía, a pesar de que es la secuela de la trilogía inicial de Shannara, pero incluso si la leen así suelta como lo hice yo sin leerse la trilogía anterior, no se pierden en nada porque a medida que ésta avanza, te metes y vas hilando todo de una forma genial.
muy recomendada. puntuación total a la serie: 95 de 100.
Lo reitero. todo ese equilibrio entre los personajes ha sido brillante, no fue enfocado en uno más que del otro, todos tuvieron su justa medida, su propio desarrollo, había momentos ranquilos es cierto, escenas románticas, pero no fue el eje bajo el que circuló la saga en absoluto. Hago mención en esta última idea, porque muchos autores contemporáneos suelen meter más romance y cosas que no son las importantes en el género, dando a la idea que estás leyendo algo de romance juvenil en vez de una buena literatura fantástica, y brooks no se sale de el objetivo inicial de la trama... y sobre todo, considero importante también decir que todos tenían su rol, y lo hacían bastante bien.
Todos, de alguna manera, entre personajes secundarios, algunos incidentales, llevaron a nuestros amigos a cumplir lo que debían de hacer.
La rebelación al final del libro de todo lo que fue este asunto de los espectros me satisfizo. todo tuvo un gran sentido... en conclusión, una excelente tetralogía, a pesar de que es la secuela de la trilogía inicial de Shannara, pero incluso si la leen así suelta como lo hice yo sin leerse la trilogía anterior, no se pierden en nada porque a medida que ésta avanza, te metes y vas hilando todo de una forma genial.
muy recomendada. puntuación total a la serie: 95 de 100.
April 7, 2018
This is the conclusion of the four book series. The elves, dwarves, humans, and Druids unite in the final showdown with Dimmer Rall and his forces of evil. The talismans of Shannara are recovered and brought together. A fitting conclusion to the series.
September 22, 2024
Enjoyable ending to the series. Ending felt a bit rushed and the 'bad guys' seemed quite weak.
March 12, 2024
it’s time for a break from the shannara books
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