The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara: Ilse Witch

The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 1

By: Terry Brooks

Narrated by: Raphael Corkhill

Length: 17 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

Now in a new unabridged audio edition, read by Raphael Corkhill

For more than 20 years, New York Times best-selling author Terry Brooks has proven himself one of the modern masters of fantasy, winning the hearts and minds of devoted fans around the world with his classic Shannara epic.

When a half-drowned elf is found floating in the seas of the Blue Divide, an old mystery resurfaces. Thirty years ago, an elven prince led an expedition in search of a legendary magic said to be more powerful than any in the world. Of all those who set out on that ill-fated voyage, not one has ever returned.

Until now.

The rescued elf carries a map covered with mysterious symbols - and Walker Boh, the last of the Druids, has the skill to decipher them. But someone else understands the map’s significance: the Ilse Witch, a ruthless young woman who wields a magic as potent as his own. She will stop at nothing to possess the map - and the magic it leads to.

Return to the world of beloved novelist Terry Brooks, where creatures drift up from the earth like mist, a hypnotic song can kill, a sword can cut through a veil of lies - and one man, the true heir of an ancient magic, must choose between betrayal and redemption.

©2000 Terry Brooks (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“If Harry [Potter] has given you a thirst for fantasy and you have not discovered the magic of Terry Brooks, you are in for a treat.” (Rocky Mountain News)

“This latest volume finds Mr. Brooks’ power ascending...the action and creatures come fast and furious.” (The Dallas Morning News)

Great story, great characters

As good a book as Brooks has written. #1 author for me. A plus is a really spectacular performance

this series is one of my all time favorites

a huge improvement over the previous audible version of this series and I can't wait to listen to the next book

Talk about memories

I’ve waited for this book to be released unabridged and it finally did. All three. And bought them right away. And I’m so glad I did. It had been almost 20 years since I read it and a lot of it I didn’t remember but enjoyed it like the first time. The narrator was superb. Hadn’t heard of him and was skeptical at first But the moment he started talking I was wishsonged into the book and its grip held me fast. I’m on the third book already. Just came back to review it. Terry of course did a great job with the story. I’m just glad to have it complete in my library.

Another great adventure by Terry Brooks

The narrator was awesome. I had to get used to the change from Scott Brick as a lot of other Brooks’ books were narrated.

The book itself was a wonderful change from the previous collection with shifting in technologies and understanding but with the constant discomfort and urgency. Starting the next one very soon.

narrator ok

Finally an unabridged version. narrator too scottish/irish brogue style for my taste. But not unpleasant. Hard for a new narrator to come in after Scott Brick and John Lee. Narration for previous volumes is amazing.

Worth the wait!

Wonderful! I've waited nearly ten years for an unabridged version and now it's here. Perfectly read by an excellent narrator. Whether this is your intro to the Shannara books or you're a long time fan this trilogy is one of the best Brooks has ever written.

Ilse Witch

This book is just fantastic. Raphael Corkhill brings the Ilse Witch to life with amazing narration. I read this years ago, and this trilogy is definitely my favorite Shannara tale.

amazing the difference a good narrator makes

Terry Brooks has been a favorite author of mine for literally decades, so it was very frustrating that the narrator for the four Heritage of Shannara books was so... not great. It's so refreshing to hear someone read this book with something resembling skill. It actually elevates the writing a little bit.

It had been a long time since I'd revisited the The Jerle Shannara books. I'm glad it had been, too. I'd forgotten enough details that it felt fresh and suspenseful again. I'm still not sure that the central mystery/"twist" really works, but it's not something that completely breaks the story, so it's ready enough to look past.

waiting for a long time

I'm so happy that this series has been released unabridged.

brings back so many fond memories and characters. truls has been my gaming alias since I first read this series years ago in high school.

Nothing Groundbreaking

The story is a bit predictable, my thoughts on it will depend on the next 2 books in the trilogy. Good enough to go on, but doesn't stand on its own.