Galaphile

The First Druids of Shannara

By: Terry Brooks

Narrated by: Will Damron

New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks makes his triumphant return to the world of Shannara, delving deep into the origin story of the druid order and its enigmatic creator that will change the face of the Four Lands forever.

One of the most iconic structures in the Four Lands is Paranor, the fortress home of the Druid Order. Legend holds that it was erected by an Elven leader known as Galaphile Joss. But who was this Galaphile, and how and why did he choose to establish this center of magic and learning?

Within this book we meet the real Galaphile, following him from a friendless teenage orphan stranded in the Human world to a powerful adult and master mage, studying under the infamous recluse, Cogline. We learn of the forces that shaped him—those he loved, and those he lost; those who aided him, and those who stood against him.

Throughout it all, Galaphile’s goal is a noble one: to bring order to a chaotic world, and to make life better for those trying to survive it. To this end, he commences building the citadel which will one day be known as Paranor with the aid of the King of the Silver River. But there is one other who seeks dominion over the Four Lands—and for far less virtuous ends.

For this foe has been corrupted by an ancient evil—one that will not only reach out and touch Galaphile’s nearest and dearest, but also echo down through the centuries, sowing the seeds for some of the darkest times the Four Lands will ever face.

©2024 Terry Brooks (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Terry Brooks’s place is at the head of the fantasy world.”—Philip Pullman

“One of my favorite fictional worlds growing up.”—Karen Russell

“I can’t even begin to count how many of Terry Brooks’s books I’ve read (and reread) over the years. From Shannara to Landover, his work was a huge part of my childhood.”—Patrick Rothfuss

Added so much to the story.

I really wish it didn’t take so long for the next book to come out.

the building and naming of Paranor.

I was 14 when I read The sword of Shanara as my first fantasy novel and it set the tone of what books I would grow to enjoy. I have all of the Shanara series in print (3 in Russian) and audio. I'm so excited to see more books and adventures coming. Galaphile is a more than welcome taste of his world building in some of the earlier years. I van see where the next 2 books can take us and can't wait!

great book

I love this world. one of my favorite series in the fantasy realm. keep them coming!

In the beginning…

As a long time follower of the Shannara stories I was instantly drawn into this story. Familiar places and objects were like old friends. I look forward to the next origin tale.

It was just good, but not a waste of time or money.

Good. But it was rushed. Not his best work. Gave an overall 4 stars out of respect. It wasn’t bad. Just not great. Narrator was excellent. Read or listen and decide for yourself. I think most will agree…or they won’t. No matter to me. If you love Shannara, then buy it. It would be nice to have schematics for the keep though.

Brooks undoubtedly the Master

Terry, once again provides a strong story with characters dancing through the pages. Looking forward to the middle and end of the series.

A good story of how it all began

A good story line, a weak narrator. Character development good but not great. Not one of Brooks best but worth the listen. Hope the 2nd in the series is better.

Great Addition!

Great addition to the already amazing story! Wonderful twists and turns and much needed background to some good characters.

Not Terry

While this was still a great book and a much needed and anticipated chapter in the storyline, as I read through this book I couldn’t help but feel as though Terry was in the room directing the writing of this book with insight on the characters and plot development but definitely did not write this himself. The writing is very different, “ditto”? Really?

10/10 great book to whoever put this to paper while Terry advised you!

Complete beginning

long overdue and very unexpected. Hope to have more books written because the world has truly missed a good story. The world needs the escape