The Wishsong of Shannara

The Shannara Series, Book 3

By: Terry Brooks

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 20 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Fans of the Shannara epic will revel as the forces of good battle an evil book, the Ildatch, which sends the Mord Wraiths to destroy mankind. To overcome this dark force, the Druid Allanon needs Brin Ohmsford, for she holds the power of the wishsong, a magic invoked by singing that can make plants bloom instantly or turn trees from green to autumn gold.

As Brin reluctantly joins Allanon on his dangerous journey, a prophecy foretells an evil plan to trap the unsuspecting Brin into a fate more horrible than death. But she has the help of her brother, Jair, and the protection of Rone Leah, who takes his job very seriously, as the comic rustics, Weapons Master Garet Jax and Slanter the gnome, leaven the fantasy.

©1985 Terry Brooks (P)2003 Books on Tape, Inc.

20 years after reading

I read the Shannara series and Heritage of Shannara 20 years ago. It is a pleasure to listen to. I plan on catching up in the series and wanted to listen to the original trilogy before diving into this wonderful world again.

Best of the series

Hard to stop listening to to this story. Finally, the series delivers fully developed characters who have to overcome internal struggles against fear, lack of confidence, desire for ultimate power and fight a galant battle to save the 4 lands. The female character, Brin, is more than window dressing and wields terrific power. Jer, brother, delivers powerful support in bringing her back to herself. The supporting character are well developed also and it is easy to care about what happens to them. Great fantasy but also grounded in the earthiness of its characters. I think you will love it.

Fantastic author

Have read all his books that I can get hold of. I have never been disappointed with his writing.

Great book; Scott Bricks aint that bad as well

I had doubts about Scott Bricks. But in the end I really liked how he read the book. I actually like how he gave each character a distinctive voice and kept them consistent. Dunno what other people were going on about him making everything sound dramatical.

Wishing of Shannara

Would you listen to The Wishsong of Shannara again? Why?

Yes, classic high fantasy.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jer Olmsford, good and simple person. What you see is what you get.

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Wonderful narrator.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Notice the 1985 beginning and 2016 ending? Well my second reading was by Audio and what a lifesaver it has been. Being able to just push the play button on my Fire kept me from giving up! The final battle with the Ildatch the Book of Dark Magic was masterful. Even the tiny detail of how the Elfstones were returned to Jer was clever.

Best of the three

I think Mr. Brooks gets better with each book in this series. This last being his best. Fun read.

Enthralling story/series

If you could sum up The Wishsong of Shannara in three words, what would they be?

Grand escapism adventure!

What did you like best about this story?

Love adventure/quest stories

Which scene was your favorite?

Most with Slanter

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Another Quest begins

Any additional comments?

Scott Brick really does a good job creating characters who can be kept up with solely by the voice.

Awesome!

What did you love best about The Wishsong of Shannara?

I have also enjoyed this series by Terry Brooks, but the reader really drew me in. He was terrific!

What other book might you compare The Wishsong of Shannara to and why?

Other than the author's other books in this line, I am not sure how to respond. I do not know many others in this genre other than Tolkien. However, I don't think the two are the same. While I enjoy Tolkien's stories, they can sometimes drag - Brooks is always moving forward.

Which scene was your favorite?

I can't honestly say, I stayed engaged throughout the entire book. I guess I especially enjoyed the interactions between Jair and Slanter.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes - the same goes for the first two books in the series "The Sword of Shannara" and "The Elfstones of Shannara."

Any additional comments?

These books are the main reason I joined Audible. Once I am done with the full series, I am looking forward to checking out other authors who write and elves and such =)

great read

the narration was great good voice for the book.

This is a great trilogy. will definitely find other stuff by Brooks

Just great entertainment

Good characters. Simple plot. Complications. Good feel outcome. Satisfying journey. Not burdened by worry about what the academic elite will say, And I like that the books are getting shorter - so word bloat does not seem to be driving the story.