• The Sword of Shannara

  • The Shannara Series, Book 1
  • By: Terry Brooks
  • Narrated by: Scott Brick
  • Length: 26 hrs and 21 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (9,612 ratings)

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The Sword of Shannara  By  cover art

The Sword of Shannara

By: Terry Brooks
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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Publisher's summary

The Sword of Shannara is the first volume of the classic series that has become one of the most popular fantasy tales of all time.

Long ago, the wars of the ancient Evil ruined the world. In peaceful Shady Vale, half-elfin Shea Ohmsford knows little of such troubles. But the supposedly dead Warlock Lord is plotting to destroy everything in his wake.

The sole weapon against this Power of Darkness is the Sword of Shannara, which can be used only by a true heir of Shannara. On Shea, last of the bloodline, rests the hope of all the races.

Thus begins the enthralling Shannara epic, a spellbinding tale of adventure, magic, and myth....

©1977 Terry Brooks (P)2003 Books on Tape, Inc.

What listeners say about The Sword of Shannara

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4 out of 5 stars
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    5,190
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    2,407
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    1,223
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Performance
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Story
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  • 4 Stars
    1,893
  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
    281

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    5 out of 5 stars

Fun reading

Loved it. Would recommend it to all who love fantasy. A great read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Classic

Not much to dislike! Just a wonderful classic fantasy that I’ve read over and over since it’s initial release. What can I say, this book was written for me; LOL had to have been! And the later books in the series are every bit as good.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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My favorite book

Loved it, it is well done, moves along well, enrapturing. I think this does the novel justice and is a great value

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not sure I'll continue the series but...

Excellent narrator. Unavoidably similar to LOTR. Full of surprises. Attention to detail and patience are necessary but rewarding.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Good clean fantasy fun

I read this series years ago. When you read the first book, you feel like it's a Tolkien knockoff. But keep going! The world Terry creates is rich, deep and real. This is a wonderful series for teens that love fantasy. I have many dog-earred paperback copies that made the rounds of my boys friends. Of course, the best way to decide on books for your kids... read them first! Then you have something to talk about.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Okay narration; good story

good story albeit a touch similar to the fellowship of the ring during the first 40% the book takes off on its own and distinguishes itself rather well.

I felt at times that the narrator was just trolling mankind by his oddly opposing pronunciation of Shannara from the classically accepted pronunciation for 30 years.

he also needs to improve his vocal intonation match the mood described. at times he would read the line as if the characters were sitting around a table for tea, when the descriptor of the line given by Brooks was as follows "he said, with more ferocity than any of the others had before heard" or something to that effect.

apart from these few instances and the constant odd pronunciation of the titular name, which is mentioned constantly in the book, it was a decently good audio book.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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READ!!!!!!

Amazing fantasy. Don't know why the MTV series is starting with the second book. Always start with the first book. Glorious imagery, unique characters with a story whos depth will always teach a lesson.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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Narration

I love this series but the narrator did not appeal to me nor hold my attention adequately.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

35 years old and still good!!

A friend told me this was a great book. And Terry Brooks is a great author.. I'm glad I listened this book is great. The sword of Shannare reminds me of The Lord of the Rings. I hope the other books are just as good.Must read!!!!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book!

Edge of your seat action the whole way! Never knew till the end what was really going to happen.

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