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

Noooooo!

I listened to this all the way through. barely taking time to sleep! It is bitter sweet to see it all come to an end as all things muust! I have been a Shanara fan since High school! Loved this book!

Terry Brooks continues his masterful work.

This book grabs from the get go and there are quite a few dangling threads to follow. Excitement abounds for this series!

Same predictable Terry Brooks storyline

I love the Shannara series since the beginning, but the overall story lines are always essentially the same thing. Always a spy who easily infiltrates, add a little side stories, etc... it’s plug and play...but I still like the fantasy world, just wish another author could take over a bring something more original to the four lands

Narrator drives me nuts.

I got both the physical book and the audible book so that I can read and listen back-and-forth. This latest installment from Terry Brooks is wonderful, and even stronger than the last few books in the Shannara series. The narrator drives me crazy, though. He is British, and speaks with that exaggeratedly refined style in which he gets quiet at the end of every sentence. Unfortunately, Terry Brooks often writes with the most important part of the sentence at the end, such as a name or place. When I'm listening in the car, I miss so many important points. I don't want to turn up the volume because the beginning of every sentence is loud, in the end is too soft!Once I noticed that speech pattern after about three chapters, it drives me crazy! It happens constantly, so I can't ignore it.

A great tale - but why divided into 4 books?

I felt fully engaged in the story from the beginning, because I cheated - reading book 4 first. It gave significance to the otherwise uncomplicated multiple quests in book 1. This example of Shannara-verse and its characters are engaging, the prose without pretense and affectation. I reread Middle Earth tales for JRRT's tapestry. I reread Shannara tales just to enjoy the various journeys, not necessariiy for cleverness of plot.

Great read

Maybe just me, but it seemed a little slow in the beginning. It soon took off, though, and ended up as another example of Brooks great talent.

Oh Terry

I had this book on my wish list for a while and I was really looking forward to listening to it. I can say that I am very disappointed. It's the same old shit different day! How many times can Paranor disappear really? The only good thing was Simon Vance is a good narrator.

Just ok

Decent start to a series. I'll buy the second if its on sale. Good reading by Lee

Great book one

Great start to the fall of Shannara series
Continues in the whole Shannara tradition

Great listen.

Narrator was excellent. I will continue the story as the characters were interesting and kept my interested.