Fabulous reads – Brooks fans must prepare for the end

The Black Elfstone (The Fall of Shannara #1), Terry Brooks, Jonathan Ball Publishers, ISBN: 9780553391480

THE Shannara series is drawing to a close and many have referred to this novel, the first in the final trilogy, as the beginning of the end.

Luckily for me, an avid reader who is relatively new to his work, can refer to it as ‘the beginning’.

This story follows three likable and intriguing characters, Tarsha Kaynin, Drisker Arc and Darcon Leah.

Each has a completely separate storyline and somehow throughout the novel, Brooks works his magic to ensure they cross paths in one way or another.

Tarsha discovers she has magical abilities at a young age and practices control over it in secret. She is soon found out by her brother, who also has power, but it is dark, twisted and destructive.

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Drisker Arc was the former High Druid of Paranor but was exiled for reasons unknown. He lives in a small holding in a generally remote area in the four lands. Tarsh finds him to better learn control over her powers in a bid to help her anguished brother.

Darcon Leah is the Blade of the High Druid, a sworn protector of the druidic order.

An army is on the march and have decimated the Troll forces that have stood in their way. It is up to him and two council members to establish contact with the enemy and open a channel of communication.

While this is the first book in the final trilogy, anyone can pick it up and give it a read.

The book’s storytelling mechanic is simplistic and isn’t bogged down with too much lore. It also helps that it is highly engrossing and the characters are wonderfully fleshed out and their journey is an interesting one to follow.

Readers new to the work of Terry Brooks must be warned; in one foul swoop of his fingers across a keyboard, he can effortlessly murder off any of his characters.

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