Title: Jarka Ruus
Author: Terry Brooks
First published August 26, 2003
416 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780345483898 (ISBN10: 0345483898)
Rating: 3.98
Overview
In the magical world of Shannara, the adventure continues with Terry Brooks’ Jarka Ruus. Twenty years have passed since the Ilse Witch denounced her former life and established the Third Druid Council.
As Ard Rhys, the High Druid of Paranor, Grianne Ohmsford fulfills her destiny of peace and harmony. However, her enemies still plot against her, and she suddenly disappears without a trace.
With the help of Grianne’s trusted servant Tagwen, her nephew Pen Ohmsford, and the powerful elf Ahren Elessedil, they embark on a dangerous mission to rescue the High Druid of Shannara from an unspeakable fate. Expect no shortage of suspense and enchantment in this New York Times bestseller.
About the Author
Terry Brooks was born in 1944 in Illinois. As a child and young adult, he spent a lot of time in Sinnissippi Park, which later became the setting for his popular Word & Void trilogy.
He attended Hamilton College, where he majored in English Literature, and later received his graduate degree from the School of Law at Washington & Lee University.
Brooks had been writing stories since high school and had explored various genres such as science fiction, western, fiction, and non-fiction. However, his life changed when he was given The Lord of the Rings to read during one semester in college.
He found that Tolkien’s work had all the elements he needed to fully explore his writing in one genre.
After studying at Washington & Lee University and practicing law, Brooks wrote The Sword of Shannara, which took him seven years to complete while maintaining his sanity. The book became the first work of fiction ever to appear on the New York Times trade paperback bestseller list, where it stayed for over five months.
Editoral Review
Jarka Ruus by Terry Brooks is a must-read for fantasy genre enthusiasts who are looking for a gripping adventure through a magical realm. Brooks is renowned for his captivating storytelling and his ability to transport readers into his fantastical worlds, and Jarka Ruus does not disappoint.
The novel is set in a mystical land called the Four Lands, where magic and power struggles between factions are the norm. The protagonist, Pen Ohmsford, comes from a distinguished family of magic users and inherits dangerous powers that he must learn to control.
Along with his human and elven allies, Pen is tasked with rescuing his aunt from the clutches of a malicious being known as the Jarka Ruus. Brooks has created a deeply intricate world, complete with its own mythology and history.
His attention to detail in creating a diverse cast of characters, from the devious sorceress Morgan Leah to the wise Elven King, brings this world to life. The action and pacing are well-balanced, captivating readers with every twist and turn.
At the heart of Jarka Ruus is the exploration of power dynamics and the consequences of ambition. Brooks delves deeply into these themes, providing excellent insights into what corrupts those who hold immense power, while offering hope in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
One minor criticism of the book is that Brooks tends to go overboard with details, especially where world-building is concerned. While this adds depth to the Four Lands, it can be tedious for readers looking for a faster-paced narrative.
Additionally, some readers may find some of the plot twists predictable, but this does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Overall, Jarka Ruus is an undeniably excellent read.
Brooks’ masterful storytelling combined with his vividly imagined world and relatable characters make it a page-turner. It is perfect for fans of epic fantasy novels looking for an adventure through a uniquely crafted world.
The book earns a four out of five-star rating, brought down slightly by the slow pacing and occasional predictability. However, these criticisms are minor in the grand scheme of things, and Jarka Ruus is a must-have for any fantasy genre enthusiast’s bookshelf.
