The Black Elfstone

The Fall of Shannara

By: Terry Brooks

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

The first book of the triumphant and epic four-part conclusion to the Shannara series, from one of the all-time masters of fantasy.

Across the Four Lands, peace has reigned for generations. But now, in the far north, an unknown enemy is massing. More troubling than the carnage is the strange and wondrous power wielded by the attackers—a breed of magic unfamiliar even to the Druid order. Fearing the worst, the High Druid dispatches a diplomatic party under the protection of the order’s sworn guardian, Dar Leah, to confront the mysterious, encroaching force and discover its purpose.

But another crucial journey is being undertaken. Exiled onetime High Druid Drisker Arc has been living in quiet seclusion, far from the politics and power struggles of his former life, until two brutal attacks by would-be assassins force him to seek out an infamous murder-for-hire guild—and find the hidden enemy who has marked him for death.

At his side is Tarsha Kaynin, a young woman gifted with the wishsong and eager to be schooled in its formidable power by a master. She, too, is pursuing a mission: to locate her wayward brother, whose own magic has driven him to deadly madness and kindled his rage for vengeance . . . against his sister.

In their darkest hours, facing dangerous adversaries, the lives and quests of Dar Leah, Drisker Arc, and Tarsha Kaynin will be inextricably drawn together. And the challenges each confronts will have resounding consequences for the future of the Four Lands.

Praise for The Black Elfstone:

“Epic scope, heroic characters, and so much heart . . . proof that the Shannara series can still reach new heights.” (Tordotcom)

“A strong opening book . . . The Four Lands face a new threat.” (Fantasy Book Review)

“Fantastic . . . one of the best books in this saga.” (SFRevu)

©2017 Terry Brooks (P)2017 Random House Audio

As always simon vance rocks

Great start to the final four conclusion of the whole series. Love going back to my four lands. Only thing is how they pronouce shanarra. They’re doing it tv style. Not scott brick style which i grew up hearing it. Even the 90’s pc games does it scott brick style. Hate how the tv pronounced it. Ugh. Other than that. Great book

Will This Really Be The End?

I like this very much now I just can't wait till I get the next installment. I will be sorry and miss this series ofthe Shannara stories. Terry Brooks is a great author.

Very enjoyable. Kept my attention

Always excited for new titles from Terry Brooks. Didn't disappoint. Narrator had a good voice, did well representing characters. I could imagine being in Shannara, sitting around a fire and having my attention captured by this raconteur.

enjoyed it

was great to hear the words come off the page in vivid details. first time to hear it read to me

well done

seemed a bit shorter than it could have been. still a good start to developing a new set of characters.

The Saga is coming to an end

Just doesn't have the flair of all of the other books in the series. Did pick up later in the book, maybe the next one will be better.

another great performance by Simon Vance

Simon Vance continues to strengthen my opinion that he is the best audiobook performer ever!

Enjoyable, but…

A fun return to the series, but Brooks really needs to stop resurrecting the same characters with slightly different names. Villains were instantly recognizable and without much depth, at least so far. It’s more of the same Shannara series, but that isn’t necessarily all a bad thing.

Great Read

Been awhile since I have read a Terry Brooks book. This brought back all the goodness. Loved the characters and it was easy to keep up with the story line. Looking forward to the next one.

One of the best!

I am a moderate fan of Shannara...having read most books of the books. This is definitely one of my favorites. Good characters, evenly paced and full of intrigue!