The Black Elfstone: The Fall of Shannara

Terry Brooks

Jun 2017 · The Fall of Shannara Book 1 · Sold by Del Rey

About this ebook

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

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

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

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

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

Ratings and reviews

I have been reading Terry Brooks for some time and I got to agree that it's just dragging on I would have loved to seen this as a movie like Lord of the Rings cuz I think it would be as good or better but they got to stop drinking this series and looking for books similar epic adventure Dungeon Crawler as I'm bedridden with neuropathy and reading really does help me get to sleep at night any suggestions thank you bring the story to an end

Compared to earlier Shannara books, this one feels lightweight. Maybe better said, it feels like there is an awful lot going on in the story, but very little of substance. Like holding two dozen balloons in your hand, there's a lot to see, but it's all full of air...

Shannarah unfortunately has gone on for way too long. The last trilogy series was it for me with the love triangle, basically not a fantasy series anymore, more of a bad love story mixed with characters and the four lands, just nothing like the first few books, a shame.

About the author

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