Wards of Faerie

The Dark Legacy of Shannara

By: Terry Brooks

Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor

Length: 14 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Seven years after the conclusion of the High Druid of Shannara trilogy, New York Times best-selling author Terry Brooks at last revisits one of the most popular eras in the legendary epic fantasy series that has spellbound listeners for more than three decades.

When the world was young, and its name was Faerie, the power of magic ruled - and the Elfstones warded the race of Elves and their lands, keeping evil at bay. But when an Elven girl fell hopelessly in love with a Darkling boy of the Void, he carried away more than her heart.

Thousands of years later, tumultuous times are upon the world now known as the Four Lands. Users of magic are in conflict with proponents of science. Elves have distanced their society from the other races. The dwindling Druid order and its teachings are threatened with extinction. A sinister politician has used treachery and murder to rise as prime minister of the mighty Federation. Meanwhile, poring through a long-forgotten diary, the young Druid Aphenglow Elessedil has stumbled upon the secret account of an Elven girl's heartbreak and the shocking truth about the vanished Elfstones. But never has a little knowledge been so very dangerous - as Aphenglow quickly learns when she's set upon by assassins.

Yet there can be no turning back from the road to which fate has steered her. For whoever captures the Elfstones and their untold powers will surely hold the advantage in the devastating clash to come. But Aphenglow and her allies - Druids, Elves, and humans alike - remember the monstrous history of the Demon War, and they know that the Four Lands will never survive another reign of darkness. But whether they themselves can survive the attempt to stem that tide is another question entirely.

©2012 Terry Brooks (P)2012 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"[Terry Brooks is] the most important fantasy writer since J.R.R. Tolkien." ( Rocky Mountain News)

Depressing

This book is a bit bleak. Not a lot of good stuff happens and so far all of the bad that has happened is because they decide to go out on a treasure quest instead of working hard to find solutions to the real issues of the Four Lands. I don't feel like Khyber from the High Druid series would be so quick to seek out easy solutions and sacrifice so many people given what she went through in the previous series and yet here she is doing just that. The Federation is an annoying villian....again. I am just not a huge fan of this book.

great listen

the narrator was great, incredible voice and easy to listen to. My first book by Terry Brooks and it did not disappoint.

Very enjoyable

Definitely love the style of writing by Terry Brooks. Great lovable characters. Just enough action and adventure to draw you into part 2.

It's a have to read if you're a fan

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would if they had read all his other books. It's not a starter book for anyone.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Wards of Faerie?

I'd rather not say so I don't spoil it for anybody who hasn't read it yet.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

She just wasn't a good one for these books. But not the worst narrator I've ever heard. You kinda get used to her. Phil Gigante or Sam Tsoutsouvas are really the best guys for Terry Brooks.

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

no

Any additional comments?

I have always been a huge fan of Terry Brooks. I did enjoy this story, and have big hopes for the series. It wasn't as long as I had hoped. There wasn't as much action as there should have been. I just wish that one Druid would come along that is as bad-ass as Allanon or Grianne. These Druids are weak and pitiful.

Good listen, could use more character development

Would you try another book from Terry Brooks and/or Rosalyn Landor?

Yes, I like Terry's older stuff.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Flat, was surprised it ended where it did.

What does Rosalyn Landor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Really good job!!

Was Wards of Faerie worth the listening time?

Absolutely

cant wait!

Would you listen to Wards of Faerie again? Why?

Cant wait for the next one.. Terry does it again.. love this series

Good story

Good story and very well read. It's good for fans of the series and for new comers. Highly recommended.

The missing elfstones!

The title says it all. What could you not love about this?!

Listened to this having just come off of the measure of magic which I was actually quite disappointed in. This reinstated my faith in the Shannara series which I've been following for roughly 30 years. The performance was barely noticeable, in a good way, leaving room for the story. Loved it!

I am walking to my computer to get book to now, I

I am walking to my computer to get book to now, I only wish the books or longer they seem to end just when I'm getting into it.

Snoozefest

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

The narrator sounds like she should do professional lullabies. I couldn't listen for longer than 30 min at a time because she lacked the necessary animation and enthusiasm all great narrators exhibit.

Would you recommend Wards of Faerie to your friends? Why or why not?

No. It takes a ton of patience befor it even starts getting slightly interesting.

What didn’t you like about Rosalyn Landor’s performance?

She lacks personality.

Do you think Wards of Faerie needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Nope. I've heard enough. It's too hackneyed of a story anyway. Give me characters that are unique.

Any additional comments?

Save your credits for something else.