The Sword of Shannara

The Shannara Series, Book 1

By: Terry Brooks

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 26 hrs and 21 mins

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.

The great adventure begins

Where does The Sword of Shannara rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Very high with much anticipation of the series ahead.

What did you like best about this story?

The fantasy setting is very nice to escape into

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

The great Druid, Allanon

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Lots

Palmed from Tolkien but a gateway to a new land

As I listened to this story most of the storyline was very familiar, I had met ALL the characters before, and most scenes are familiar. Good thing this is the authors first work and he borrowed heavily from other major works. The dialog is scant and most of the prose is simply narration. Many misuses of words and context shift in the middle of scene, let alone constant contradiction within the same paragraph. An excellent first novel which it is and a good showing for a inexperienced author. His editors should be fined for not doing their jobs. I do look forward to the next book and deeply hope that a well of over emotion is quelled. The drama of youth and verboseness of an Faulkner fan.

Awesome story

This book is what got me into reading fantasy adventure novels to begin with I really enjoyed it

Enjoyed going back to this book I read as a kid 34 years ago.

Too many Lord of the Rings parallels to get five stars, but It took me back to when I read it in Junior High over 30 years ago. Look forward to listening to Elfstones and Wishsong to complete the review from childhood and then in to the 27 more books that make up this amazing series. Love Terry Brooks and I suggest looking up a few if his interviews on YouTube to enhance the experience if reading his books. He totally admits the LOTR ties in Sword, but says Elfstones is all him, lol. With this narrator you can listen at 1.5-1.75 speed without losing any articulation.

A little too familiar

There are way too many similarities between this and LOTH. Yes, there are certain twists that pull you away from Tolkien's story. But you still get the sense it's a little too close to home.

A bit long and sometimes repetitive but worth it

A good yarn though very very very long. Still good grasp of character and the narrator was perfect at giving each a voice.

Good yarn to escape into. Just really long.

Not for Christians

I looked for an analogy to the Bible story but this does not go that direction. I learned it was not something I should have listened to. My bible study group said to remove all things with trolls and gnomes so I am going to return this one.

Delightful fantasy

This was a welcome departure from the realty of the world today. A wonderful mixture of magic and adventure. The characters were believable and complex. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Fantastic!

No matter how many times I've read this wonderful book, hearing it read by Scott Brick was like the very first time I opened the cover!!

excellent as always! !

Terry Brooks has a knack for sucking me directly into the four lands, i get hooked very soon into every book!!!