Title: The Elf Queen of Shannara
Author: Terry Brooks
First published January 1, 1992
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9781857238273 (ISBN10: 1857238273)
Rating: 4.05
Overview
Wren was given an impossible task by the Druid Allanon: find the lost Elves and bring them back to the world of Men. But after a hundred years of their disappearance, there was no hope of finding them.
That is until the blind Addershag gave her a clue to their whereabouts on the island of Morrowindl. With the help of Tiger Ty, the Wing Rider, Wren and her friend Garth set out to find the Elves in the demon-infested jungle.
But danger lurks at every turn, and Wren must use her magic to fend off unimaginable evil. Even if she manages to convince the Elves to return, the journey back to safety will be treacherous.
Will Wren succeed in her mission, or will the evil forces overpower her?
About the Author
Terry Brooks was born in Illinois in 1944. As a child and young adult, he spent much of his time daydreaming in Sinnissippi Park, which later became the setting for his bestselling Word & Void trilogy.
After graduating from Hamilton College with a degree in English Literature, he went on to receive his graduate degree from the School of Law at Washington & Lee University.
Brooks had been writing stories since high school, dabbling in various genres such as science fiction, western, fiction, and non-fiction. However, it wasn’t until he was given The Lord of the Rings to read during his college years that he found his true calling.
Tolkien’s masterpiece contained all the elements he needed to fully explore his writing in one genre.
After seven years of hard work balancing law school and writing, Brooks completed The Sword of Shannara. The novel became the first work of fiction to appear on the New York Times trade paperback bestseller list and remained there for over five months.
This moment marked a turning point in Brooks’ life and solidified his place as a successful author.
Editoral Review
The Elf Queen of Shannara by Terry Brooks is a classic fantasy novel first published on January 1st, 1992. Brooks is an American author famous for his Shannara series, which includes over 35 novels set in a world filled with magic, elves, and adventure.
This book is an excellent addition to the series and contains many of the same themes and motifs that fans have come to love. The plot follows Wil Ohmsford, a descendant of the legendary hero Shea Ohmsford, who must search for the mysterious Elfstones to save his home from an evil demon lord.
Along the way, he encounters a fierce fighter named Eretria and a young elf named Amberle, who is destined to become the next Elven queen. The trio must navigate dangerous forests, battle vicious monsters, and confront their own inner demons to succeed in their quest.
The world-building is excellent, and the descriptions of the magical creatures and powers are vivid and engaging. The characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own personal struggles and motivations.
Wil is an endearing hero, stoic and brave, but also vulnerable as he confronts his own fears and doubts. Eretria is a fierce warrior with a sassy attitude, and Amberle is a brave young woman who must learn to embrace her destiny as a leader.
The interactions between these three characters are excellent, and their relationships deepen over the course of the novel. The pacing is well done, with plenty of action and suspense to keep the reader engaged.
The plot structure is also well crafted, with multiple subplots that all tie together in the end. Brooks’ writing style is easy to read and descriptive, creating a vivid world that is easy to visualize.
The themes of the novel are classic fantasy fare, including courage, destiny, and the power of friendship. However, the book also touches on darker themes, such as loss, sacrifice, and the consequences of power.
These themes are explored in a thoughtful and nuanced way, adding depth to the story and characters. One potential limitation of the novel is its reliance on tropes and cliches common in the fantasy genre.
The characters and plot are somewhat predictable, and some readers may find this off-putting. However, Brooks’ excellent writing and world-building more than make up for any weaknesses in the story.
Overall, The Elf Queen of Shannara is a fantastic novel that will satisfy any fan of the fantasy genre. Its engaging characters, exciting plot, and vivid world-building make it a must-read for anyone looking to escape into a magical world of adventure.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and thrilling reading experience. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
