First King of Shannara

The Shannara Series, Prequel

By: Terry Brooks

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 19 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

In this prequel to The Sword of Shannara, in which many details of the Four Lands' history are revealed, Druids, horrified by the misuse of magic, have eschewed it in favor of science. But Bremen the Druid studies magic, and becomes an outcast on its account. Bremen discovers that an invincible army of trolls are fast conquering all that lay to their south. Before them come the Nazgul-like Skull Bearers, disfigured and transformed Druids who have fallen prey to the dark arts. And at their head is an evil archmage and former Druid called Brona. Bremen realizes that if the peoples of the Four Lands are to evade slavery, they will have to unite. But to defeat Brona, they will need a mighty weapon: the Sword of Shannara.

©1996 Terry Brooks (P)2003 Books on Tape, Inc.

Excelent Addition to the series

I don't find the detailed descriptions and background uninteresting as others have reviewed, it helps make a full bodied story. Characters are well developed, and the story fits nicely as a prequel to the series. Listening was a true pleasure.

Absolutely Amazing

I love how Terry creates such amazing visuals with his words. No details left it. The way he described location and characters it really helps get you into the story. the narrator is by far one of the best. Using different voices and tones consistently throughout the entire reading. Top notch.

This was the first time I've read this book

I loved it! excellent story and background, great book to read! I can't wait to complete the other books in the series that are new to me.

Captivating

The book and the reading kept me Spellbound. I can't wait to read the others.

Wonderful overall!

luv'd it. I really hope there is more where that came from! i'm going into withdrawl!

excellent Fantasy

sounds like some are frustrated with the pronunciation... Scott brick did check for correct pronunciation of name s and places.

slow start but really good second half

personally thought the sword of Shannara and it's two sequels were better, but this was a really good read during the second half. would recommend only if familiar with Shannara books.

Story was phenominal!

Narrator had a weird cadence to get used to, however he grew on me because the story was so good.

Precitable and Fun, a Typical Brooks Fantasy

Any additional comments?

All of Terry Brook’s novels, at least the Shannara novels, follow the same basic template. You have a character who finds himself (or herself), typically through circumstances beyond his control, suddenly thrust into a quest with an assortment of companions of varying races to travel to ____ in order to find the mythical _____ so that he or she can usually do something to save the world. As a result, most of Brook’s novels tend to feel similar and are of a similar tone with characters that stray very little from the norm. That said, once you lower your expectations and accept the fact that these stories aren’t likely to stray very far from the template, this extended series can be quite enjoyable, particularly if you enjoy good, escapist, low risk fantasy (the diametric opposite of George RR Martin). As a prequel to Terry Brook’s original Shannara series, this book feels quite at home and does round out the story, the world, and the events of those first three novels. There’s some novelty here, revisiting familiar territory and a few familiar characters, and a decent adventure. As an audiobook, expertly narrated, this presentation is great, escapist fun, well worth a month's credit.

Good story but

Did not care for the voice of the narrator in that his manner of reading and inflection seemed distracting.