The Sword of Shannara

The Shannara Series, Book 1

By: Terry Brooks

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 26 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

The Sword of Shannara is the first volume of the classic series that has become one of the most popular fantasy tales of all time.

Long ago, the wars of the ancient Evil ruined the world. In peaceful Shady Vale, half-elfin Shea Ohmsford knows little of such troubles. But the supposedly dead Warlock Lord is plotting to destroy everything in his wake.

The sole weapon against this Power of Darkness is the Sword of Shannara, which can be used only by a true heir of Shannara. On Shea, last of the bloodline, rests the hope of all the races.

Thus begins the enthralling Shannara epic, a spellbinding tale of adventure, magic, and myth....

©1977 Terry Brooks (P)2003 Books on Tape, Inc.

Not as good as remembered.

I read this book as a teenager but the second go around was disappointing. Additionally, narrator's voice inflection was one-note and bland. It's like he tries to do a poorly done, pompous accent for all the characters.

excellent storytelling

I am a lifelong fan of Terry Brooks and his writing. this novel is not only extremely well written, but important to read because there are key elements in this story that the author builds on and uses in his later novels. I really enjoyed the heroism, sacrifice, nobility, and storytelling presented in a way that few other novelists can match.
Terry is a master craftsman, who has weaved a story of epic proportions that is both emotionally charged and inspiring. These books changed my life and helped me understand what true humanity is all about. Blessings to all his fans, and may your adventures be excellent.

What sci-fi/fantasy book is not based on Tolkien

Don't get caught up in this book being a rip off of The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings, almost all sci-fi or fantasy books are based on Tolkien's work, It is a compliment to him.
This book is a good book, I loved it as a teenager, and at 38 I am still not tired of Sword of Shannara. Scott Brick overall did a good job at reading this book.

Ok

After listening to Tolkien, I wanted something like those stories. Nice premise but the story just doesn't bring it home. Couldn't wait until it was over.

It was ok.

The writing of this book had way too many adverbs and a few were contradicting. That made me dislike the book. Brick is a wonderful narrator but this one was very bad. He does a better job with future sci-fi books then this fantasy. Taking out the excessive verbs would cut this book in half.

excellent narration

I will be giving preference to Scott Brick narrations from now on. His performance of this time tested tale will, I think, stand with it deservedly.

Long read/listen, worth the time.

Would you listen to The Sword of Shannara again? Why?

The story is wonderful, possibly not original, although that is up for discussion in my mind. It does get compared to LoTR regularly, I don't see this, but it is the same type of story in that it is basically middle-earth.

What did you like best about this story?

Once it gets going it is quite an interesting story. I have always compared Terry Brooks and Stephen King in that they both take forever to get into the main part of the story, they both want to make sure you know the characters before the story begins.

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Scott Brick has a wonderful voice for this type of book, he does a number of voices that are quite separate so that there is no need for him to read a name.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but as it is over 24 hrs...

Better late than never

What did you love best about The Sword of Shannara?

The story of good vs. evil. It's timeless, as many times as it gets done.

If you’ve listened to books by Terry Brooks before, how does this one compare?

This is one long book. I am afraid I didn't give it the proper attention it needed. The First King of Shannara was more digestible in this format.

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

Character voice differentiation is always nice to have.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No.

Any additional comments?

I think it was too long a story for me to give it proper attention in this format. I found myself listening during my commutes to/from work - never a good idea - as our city is full of raving lunatics driving about all day.

The story itself fell into a rhythm to me that I think repeated a bit too much - group gets together, group travels, group encounters bad, bad things, group prevails. I never felt a sense that the good guys could really lose - there just wasn't any tension there for that - for me, anyway.

I know this story has been compared to The Lord of the Rings in the past, and maybe it is similar, but I still like a good fantasy tale - and this is a good one.

first and best

this is by far the book that started it all it's an awesome read both in novel and or audible I just wish the follow-ups were as well written and thought out and not so rushed

Such a great read(listen) after such a long wait

just what i wanted in this book. the series looks to be great! it had twists and intrigue. a quick ending though