Sample
  • 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 (9,679 ratings)

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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
  • 5 Stars
    5,226
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    2,424
  • 3 Stars
    1,232
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    493
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    304
Performance
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    4,789
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    1,948
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    269
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Story
  • 4 out of 5 stars
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    4,434
  • 4 Stars
    1,903
  • 3 Stars
    1,071
  • 2 Stars
    435
  • 1 Stars
    285

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

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

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

Classic fantasy

A classic. What’s not to love?
Every time I listen to this story, I find more to appreciate.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

What a horrible narrator

I don’t think they could have chosen a worse narrator. His inflection and tone ruin the book.

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

Familiar and fun

This was a series I’ve wanted to revisit for some time and I’m glad I finally did. I read these books years ago when I was young and they preceded my reading of the Hobbit/Lord of the Rings.

Now, looking back with those other series under my belt too and a deep love for Tolkien’s works, there are similarities between them but the story feels nostalgic in such a good way. A bit slow at the start, it still drew me in and kept me interested in the ways I remembered. The ending still gave me a smile and a laugh and left me ready for the next book to come which was a relief because sometimes stories don’t hold up to memories as the years go on. Ultimately this was a listen/read I was happy to have experienced again. The audio book is a long haul at over 26 hrs of listen time, but it was definitely worth it.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not as good as remembered.

I read this book as a teenager but the second go around was disappointing. Additionally, narrator's voice inflection was one-note and bland. It's like he tries to do a poorly done, pompous accent for all the characters.

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6 people found this helpful

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

excellent storytelling

I am a lifelong fan of Terry Brooks and his writing. this novel is not only extremely well written, but important to read because there are key elements in this story that the author builds on and uses in his later novels. I really enjoyed the heroism, sacrifice, nobility, and storytelling presented in a way that few other novelists can match.
Terry is a master craftsman, who has weaved a story of epic proportions that is both emotionally charged and inspiring. These books changed my life and helped me understand what true humanity is all about. Blessings to all his fans, and may your adventures be excellent.

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3 people found this helpful

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

What sci-fi/fantasy book is not based on Tolkien

Don't get caught up in this book being a rip off of The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings, almost all sci-fi or fantasy books are based on Tolkien's work, It is a compliment to him.
This book is a good book, I loved it as a teenager, and at 38 I am still not tired of Sword of Shannara. Scott Brick overall did a good job at reading this book.

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3 people found this helpful

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

Ok

After listening to Tolkien, I wanted something like those stories. Nice premise but the story just doesn't bring it home. Couldn't wait until it was over.

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2 people found this helpful