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High Druid of Shannara #1-3 omnibus
The High Druid of Shannara Trilogy
The complete three-book series
In one handsome collector’s edition hardcover, here are all three novels that comprise Terry Brooks’s bestselling High Druid of Shannara trilogy—Jarka Ruus, Tanequil, and Straken. These thrilling novels demonstrate this acclaimed author’s magic of invention and mastery of storytelling.
Twenty years have passed since Grianne Ohmsford denounced her former life as the dreaded Ilse Witch. Fulfilling the destiny predicted for her, she has established the Third Druid Council and dedicated herself to its goals of peace and defense of the Four Lands. But the intrigue, treachery, and sinister deeds that have haunted Druid history for generations continue to thrive. And despite her devotion to the greater good as Ard Rhys, the High Druid of Paranor, Grianne still has bitter enemies who will stop at nothing to see her deposed—or destroyed.
As wicked plots are hatched, the Ard Rhys suddenly disappears in the dead of night and without a trace. Now, barely a step ahead of the malevolent forces at work, Grianne’s brave nephew, Pen Ohmsford, embarks on a dangerous mission to find and deliver the High Druid of Shannara from wherever she may be held.
With no shortage of adventure, exhilaration, suspense, and enchantment, the High Druid of Shannara trilogy proves why Terry Brooks is one of the most beloved fantasy authors of all time.
In one handsome collector’s edition hardcover, here are all three novels that comprise Terry Brooks’s bestselling High Druid of Shannara trilogy—Jarka Ruus, Tanequil, and Straken. These thrilling novels demonstrate this acclaimed author’s magic of invention and mastery of storytelling.
Twenty years have passed since Grianne Ohmsford denounced her former life as the dreaded Ilse Witch. Fulfilling the destiny predicted for her, she has established the Third Druid Council and dedicated herself to its goals of peace and defense of the Four Lands. But the intrigue, treachery, and sinister deeds that have haunted Druid history for generations continue to thrive. And despite her devotion to the greater good as Ard Rhys, the High Druid of Paranor, Grianne still has bitter enemies who will stop at nothing to see her deposed—or destroyed.
As wicked plots are hatched, the Ard Rhys suddenly disappears in the dead of night and without a trace. Now, barely a step ahead of the malevolent forces at work, Grianne’s brave nephew, Pen Ohmsford, embarks on a dangerous mission to find and deliver the High Druid of Shannara from wherever she may be held.
With no shortage of adventure, exhilaration, suspense, and enchantment, the High Druid of Shannara trilogy proves why Terry Brooks is one of the most beloved fantasy authors of all time.
1152 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2011
177 people are currently reading
1679 people want to read
About the author
Terry Brooks
420 books77.8k followersTerry Brooks was born in Illinois in 1944, where he spent a great deal of his childhood and early adulthood dreaming up stories in and around Sinnissippi Park, the very same park that would eventually become the setting for his bestselling Word & Void trilogy. He went to college and received his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College, where he majored in English Literature, and he received his graduate degree from the School of Law at Washington & Lee University.
A writer since high school, he wrote many stories within the genres of science fiction, western, fiction, and non-fiction, until one semester early in his college years he was given The Lord of the Rings to read. That moment changed Terry's life forever, because in Tolkien's great work he found all the elements needed to fully explore his writing combined in one genre.
He then wrote The Sword of Shannara, the seven year grand result retaining sanity while studying at Washington & Lee University and practicing law. It became the first work of fiction ever to appear on the New York Times trade paperback bestseller list, where it remained for over five months.
A writer since high school, he wrote many stories within the genres of science fiction, western, fiction, and non-fiction, until one semester early in his college years he was given The Lord of the Rings to read. That moment changed Terry's life forever, because in Tolkien's great work he found all the elements needed to fully explore his writing combined in one genre.
He then wrote The Sword of Shannara, the seven year grand result retaining sanity while studying at Washington & Lee University and practicing law. It became the first work of fiction ever to appear on the New York Times trade paperback bestseller list, where it remained for over five months.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 20, 2018
A fun high fantasy. Slow start with world building and characters but action takes off. The elf war didn't hold my interest as much as the other storylines and I found myself skipping along through the text. The characters usually make the right decisions and follow the hero formula with the conventional fantasy tropes guiding the plot. The weapon without magic was an interesting nod toward weapons of mass destruction today. If you are looking for a light, entertaining fantasy then give it a go. Well-written.
September 18, 2012
Not overly fond of this series. I didn't think there was enough character development, and pray tell, WHY is every hero in every fantasy a redhead? I don't get it. I did get it in the Darkover series written by my favorite sci-fi fantasy author Marion Zimmer Bradley. The Comyn lords were all descended from terrans from Scotland. Ergo... Red hair. but I digress... This series just doesn't light my kindling, it's too run of the fantasy mill for me. The plot was too predictable also. Descriptions were too sketchy so I couldn't get a good mind image while I was reading. For example, the Obsidian Trillogy by J. Mallory has excellent descriptions of tea and the correct manners on how one was to review the tea to the elves. It made me want to drink tea and I don't even like it that much! Read the Druid tale if you must MacDuff, but this series only gets three stars from me!
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January 2, 2021Pen successfully did what he didn't think he would be able to do. He had to go and get a magical staff in order to bring back his aunt from the Forbidding which was a place where demons and other denizens of evil were banished to in the land of Faerie. What he didn't realize was what it would cost him. Along the way he met and lost a young gal that he fell in love with. Because in order to obtain the staff he had to give up a part of his physical being ad something of the heart. Once this was done he was able to obtain the staff and rescue his aunt and bring her back to four lands.
I thought it was great the way for which Mr. Brooks ended this one. By allowing Pen to regain the part of his heart for which he lost. It goes to show that not all is as it seems.
I thought it was great the way for which Mr. Brooks ended this one. By allowing Pen to regain the part of his heart for which he lost. It goes to show that not all is as it seems.
June 18, 2014
Three books in one, but it took me well over a month to finish because it just didn't hold my attention very well. Action wasn't very good at any point in the series. Also, i didn't really understand moving away from the main story lines and adding another one involving the elves(didn't really belong). The stories just didn't flow and i groaned when they went back to the elves or to the druids. Stick with the story line of the boy and his companions or the Ilse witch and you would of had a better book(s) Compared to other fantasy series out there, i can't really recommend this one.
September 21, 2018
Excellent writing
My favorite fantasy author. Takes time in development of facts and character. Includes depth of thought and time to fully set the scene. Understanding of the role of each of these is demonstrated in roach novel. Has a habit of leaving readers hooked one book to another. Also, don't bother with his last series, unless you are ready to loose all respect for his former books. Good luck and enjoy.
My favorite fantasy author. Takes time in development of facts and character. Includes depth of thought and time to fully set the scene. Understanding of the role of each of these is demonstrated in roach novel. Has a habit of leaving readers hooked one book to another. Also, don't bother with his last series, unless you are ready to loose all respect for his former books. Good luck and enjoy.
August 9, 2019
It follows the formula of a fantasy story which is alright; held my attention through the entire book but don't set your expectations high when it comes to story depth. Being a hard critic, there are some plot holes that are unforgivable which are ultimately a turn-off to the story. I don't think I'll be picking up another Shannarah book, but if basic fantasy is your cup of tea, you may enjoy the book.
March 5, 2019
A very typical Terry Brooks kind of story. A quick read and a decent one at that. Characters are tolerable and the writing is easy to digest. If you're looking for a deep tale with lots of layers, look elsewhere. Otherwise, it's entertaining if you keep your expectations low.
October 19, 2021
This series wavers a fair amount, has its fun moments, but some of the quests just seem a bit silly. The Forbidding is much more terrifying in the Elfstones than it is here.
September 19, 2024
I read the original series in hardback form years ago, and took advantage of a special offer to get all three books in eBook format for less than the price of one paperback.
It is probably fifteen or even twenty years since I last read the series, and some of it I honestly didn't remember - and then a bit I did remember would pop up. I understand that is my failure, aided by time, but it meant I had to read everything very carefully.
Overall it was well written, as with all of Terry's work, but there were still a few grammatical choices that were incorrect against both US and UK lecixons - ones I would have pointed out to the authors I read for, but it's a bit late with these books and after all how do you tell off a master? They are certainly very minor and did not really detract unless you are a real grammar nut and even then I quickly learned to ignore them to improve the read - no point worrying about something you cannot possibly change.
This trilogy is set a generation after the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara. The story covers the Ard Rhys of the Druid Order, the former Ilse Witch Grianne Ohmsford who is now a goodie of sorts, and how some dissident Druids managed to magically drop her in The Forbidding, a place where all sorts of monsters and demons had been exiled for safety thousands of years previously by the Elves. Her ability with the Wishsong magic means it should have been impossible for those people to have done this, and the fact that there is no way in or out of the Forbidding should have doubly prevented it, so how was it achieved and at what cost - and do they even know what the potential cost to the world might be?
Grianne's nephew Pen Ohmsford thinks he has no real magic, but is tasked by the King of the Silver River to find and retrieve Grianne from wherever she is, but he is just a boy. How can he even hope to achieve that? Will he somehow manage to do it? How many people will die?
This trilogy is well worth reading to get all the answers, and I really loved reading it again. I think it is worth 5 stars, as are Terry's other books. I don't think I have ever read a bad one, so if it says Terry Brooks on the cover it is probably well worth you purchasing it!
It is probably fifteen or even twenty years since I last read the series, and some of it I honestly didn't remember - and then a bit I did remember would pop up. I understand that is my failure, aided by time, but it meant I had to read everything very carefully.
Overall it was well written, as with all of Terry's work, but there were still a few grammatical choices that were incorrect against both US and UK lecixons - ones I would have pointed out to the authors I read for, but it's a bit late with these books and after all how do you tell off a master? They are certainly very minor and did not really detract unless you are a real grammar nut and even then I quickly learned to ignore them to improve the read - no point worrying about something you cannot possibly change.
This trilogy is set a generation after the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara. The story covers the Ard Rhys of the Druid Order, the former Ilse Witch Grianne Ohmsford who is now a goodie of sorts, and how some dissident Druids managed to magically drop her in The Forbidding, a place where all sorts of monsters and demons had been exiled for safety thousands of years previously by the Elves. Her ability with the Wishsong magic means it should have been impossible for those people to have done this, and the fact that there is no way in or out of the Forbidding should have doubly prevented it, so how was it achieved and at what cost - and do they even know what the potential cost to the world might be?
Grianne's nephew Pen Ohmsford thinks he has no real magic, but is tasked by the King of the Silver River to find and retrieve Grianne from wherever she is, but he is just a boy. How can he even hope to achieve that? Will he somehow manage to do it? How many people will die?
This trilogy is well worth reading to get all the answers, and I really loved reading it again. I think it is worth 5 stars, as are Terry's other books. I don't think I have ever read a bad one, so if it says Terry Brooks on the cover it is probably well worth you purchasing it!
February 8, 2025
I regard Tolkien and Frank Herbert as the finest creators of fictional worlds we've ever seen, but I have to say that Terry Brooks is not far behind them. In the whole Shannara series, he's woven an imaginative story that stretches over hundreds of years. In his latest Shannara trilogy - High Druid of Shannara - we are taken twenty years after the events in the last trilogy - Voyage of the Jerle Shannara (which was an incredible trilogy in its own right). The story shares a number of characters from the last trilogy such as Grianne Ohmsford and Bek Ohmsford but also takes us back to events in Brooks' 2nd Shannara novel - Elfstones of Shannara - with the re-introduction of the world of the Forbidding. Without giving too much away, Grianne Ohmsford (who had been the Ilse Witch in Voyage of the Jerle Shannara) is now the High Druid or Ard Rhys and has re-established the order of Druids at Paranor. Unfortunately for Grianne, she has many enemies who have not forgotten or forgiven her reign as the Ilse Witch. A number of rival druids, conspire to thrust Grianne into the world of the Forbidding. It falls upon her nephew, Penderrin, to find a way to return Grianne to the Four Lands. In the meantime, the war between the Southland Federation and the Free-born, that has been raging 50 years, is at a critical juncture. And if you are looking for weird creatures and monsters, Terry Brooks doesn't disappoint. We are introduced to all manner of demons and creatures of faerie such as the Ulk Bog (you'll have to read it to find out what that is) and lots of suspenseful or downright scary moments. For me this is fantasy at its best.
May 17, 2024
I picked this trilogy up in a discount pile. I had heard of Terry Brooks but wasn't very familiar with him or his Shannara books. I didn't realize that The High Druid of Shannara trilogy was the fourth series in this world. However, not knowing all the background was not an impediment to enjoying this trilogy. Sure, it would have helped with nuance but it didn't take away from this story.
If I come across other Shannara books, I will likely read them. My one complaint is that one of the books of this trilogy ends in a cliffhanger, which if I was reading the book outside of this collection, I would have been irritated and felt manipulated to purchase the next book. That is a purely personal opinion.
If I come across other Shannara books, I will likely read them. My one complaint is that one of the books of this trilogy ends in a cliffhanger, which if I was reading the book outside of this collection, I would have been irritated and felt manipulated to purchase the next book. That is a purely personal opinion.
July 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this trilogy. It was a good YA read for those who like fantasy/ adventure but not lord of the rings details and battles. My only frustration was that it threw too much information at you all at once and was hard to follow all of the characters and worlds getting started. They also used first and last names for the many characters throughout this book, but would mention them several chapters later just by the last name so I couldn’t keep track of who was who in some parts. I needed a notepad to keep track of everyone early on. It was a good summer read and look forward the next trilogy of Brooks.
January 2, 2019
Good story line, but it leaves you with questions about small things, that may not be important, but I look at “well how was that possible?” sort of things. For instance, who came to Iridia in the first place to give her the liquid night? If no one could get through the Forbidding how did she get it? Was it through the fire?
I will not add spoilers. Overall the book was very interesting and will keep you wanting to know what will happen next.
I will not add spoilers. Overall the book was very interesting and will keep you wanting to know what will happen next.
February 2, 2024
High Druid of Shanara/Jarka Ruus – First book of the Trilogy – Published 2003 - ***** Shenanigans in Paranor starts this trilogy beginning 25 years after the Sword of Shanara. The Ard Rhys, Grianne Ohmsford, is magically vanished to the Forbidden. Her rescue is entrusted to her nephew, Pen Ohmsford. Brooks as always sets his world with believable characters and great descriptions. The action doesn’t let up and you are left eager for the next book in the series.
January 17, 2021
Of course I love this series as I love everything in the Shannara universe But I really love the fact that by the end of the trilogy that Grianne not only had enough wisdom to see that she might not be the best leader for the Druids but sacrificed her self for Pen's essential happiness
May 6, 2023
What a wonderfully crafted book. Terry is a master storyteller and makes you feel as if you are one of the characters. He emotes so much feeling, his descriptions are so detailed, that you can’t help but feel as if you are in the story. Can’t wait to read the next books.
June 2, 2018
Classic Shannara story
Great plot and characters. Suffering survival and redemption. I have read.a dozen of Brooks’ novels and this is one of the best!
Great plot and characters. Suffering survival and redemption. I have read.a dozen of Brooks’ novels and this is one of the best!
July 12, 2019
Enjoyed read
Like the way Terry gets you involved in the story and one thing leads onto the other. Also like my hero’s to win in the end which he does
Like the way Terry gets you involved in the story and one thing leads onto the other. Also like my hero’s to win in the end which he does
September 10, 2022
This book series just drags. At one point I started skipping 50 pages at a time and I thing much seemed to happen. Do not recommend.
January 2, 2019
Another great trilogy! Must own for fantasy fans. A lot of magic, lot of fighting.
July 31, 2017
Wonderful trilogy
The High Druid of Shannara begins with Jarka Ruus which starts with Grianne Ohmsford being an Ard Rhys and end with her being captured by Jarka Ruus Lord Straken and betrayed by some of her fellow druids.
Second book in this trilogy is Tanequil which begins with Sen Dunsidan, Prime Minister of the Federation being shown a new discovery in weapon and ends with Pen Ohmsford and his friends being found by Druids.
Third book in High Druid trilogy is Straken begins with Pen Ohmsford being captured by the Druids and his friends left behind in the bargain he made and ends with Ard Rhys being back in the four lands and her helping Pen Ohmsford with his girlfriend.
The High Druid of Shannara begins with Jarka Ruus which starts with Grianne Ohmsford being an Ard Rhys and end with her being captured by Jarka Ruus Lord Straken and betrayed by some of her fellow druids.
Second book in this trilogy is Tanequil which begins with Sen Dunsidan, Prime Minister of the Federation being shown a new discovery in weapon and ends with Pen Ohmsford and his friends being found by Druids.
Third book in High Druid trilogy is Straken begins with Pen Ohmsford being captured by the Druids and his friends left behind in the bargain he made and ends with Ard Rhys being back in the four lands and her helping Pen Ohmsford with his girlfriend.
January 13, 2015
Enjoy it for the epic journey, the missing details and less than exciting finish notwithstanding.
When I was much younger, I read the original Sword Of Shannara books when they were first released. Since then, I have read none of the others. Picking up this trilogy had some risk as I have not read any of the intervening books. Such fears were unfounded as the trilogy is very stand alone. The necessity of having read any of the other Shannara books not present.
Unlike those first early books that are now described as The Original Shannara Trilogy where each novel was also stand alone, this one is a continuous story running through all three books where reading all is required.
The tale is filled with the standard classic epic fantasy requirements - young heroes set on perilous journeys to overcome a great evil, encountering danger and mayhem along the way. In meeting those requirements, the trilogy fit the bill.
Sadly, where it lacked against others was in the details. Things happened without explanation or hinting of them prior to occurring. There are also some glaring holes in the story that never get filled. The biggest is how the liquid night is delivered across the Forbidding into the waiting hands of Iridia. After all, the wall separating the four lands from the Forbidding is impassable, yet supposedly the transfer happened without ever explaining how. They don't even explain how Iridia and demon communicated through the wall. The second thing is why the Moric entered Paranor from the Forbidding in a different locale than where Grianne exited. It is explained in great detail how Grianne can only return to Paranor at the exact spot she left. Why didn't the Moric have to return at the exact spot as well? He used the same staff to go back, same rules should apply. Nor, for that matter, is it explained how a demon that is a changeling has the ability to consume characters from the inside out. There are other instances that troubled me, but these the most.
There were a lot of things entertaining about the trilogy. It's too bad the missing details left me unfulfilled.
When I was much younger, I read the original Sword Of Shannara books when they were first released. Since then, I have read none of the others. Picking up this trilogy had some risk as I have not read any of the intervening books. Such fears were unfounded as the trilogy is very stand alone. The necessity of having read any of the other Shannara books not present.
Unlike those first early books that are now described as The Original Shannara Trilogy where each novel was also stand alone, this one is a continuous story running through all three books where reading all is required.
The tale is filled with the standard classic epic fantasy requirements - young heroes set on perilous journeys to overcome a great evil, encountering danger and mayhem along the way. In meeting those requirements, the trilogy fit the bill.
Sadly, where it lacked against others was in the details. Things happened without explanation or hinting of them prior to occurring. There are also some glaring holes in the story that never get filled. The biggest is how the liquid night is delivered across the Forbidding into the waiting hands of Iridia. After all, the wall separating the four lands from the Forbidding is impassable, yet supposedly the transfer happened without ever explaining how. They don't even explain how Iridia and demon communicated through the wall. The second thing is why the Moric entered Paranor from the Forbidding in a different locale than where Grianne exited. It is explained in great detail how Grianne can only return to Paranor at the exact spot she left. Why didn't the Moric have to return at the exact spot as well? He used the same staff to go back, same rules should apply. Nor, for that matter, is it explained how a demon that is a changeling has the ability to consume characters from the inside out. There are other instances that troubled me, but these the most.
There were a lot of things entertaining about the trilogy. It's too bad the missing details left me unfulfilled.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 27, 2017
I read the first book and decided not to read the other two. I struggled to find interest and honestly Pen got on my nerves and I couldn’t see me finishing the book and having to deal with him. Brooks did have a few select interesting characters and I did enjoy his world building. Maybe I would feel differently if I had read his other books first and had an invested interest. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by not reading the other books however.
September 19, 2012
Practice Review: I really enjoyed this book. It is full of action, adventure, a little romance, and magic. The High Druid goes missing and there is no trace. It is up to Penderrin and his company to get his aunt back. If anyone is looking for a challenge and a great fantasy book read this. I couldn't put this book down. I would also recommend the other Shannara books which are amazing to.
June 5, 2014
I would have given this book a higher rating if she could have wrote a decent ending to the trilogy. It was going so well then it falls apart I guess she ran out of ideas on how to,tie up the loose ends.
April 4, 2015
I listed to Terry Brooks "The High Druid of Shannara Jakka Ruus while I drove into work each day. I hated when I got into work because I had to turn off the CD player in my truck. I'm getting ready for our Easter Brunch but wanted to say I loved this Audio book and can't wait to hear Tanaquil.
September 9, 2016
Brooks never disaapoints
The story follows a tried and true formulae. There are some holes in the plot but then if it were perfect it would have received 5 stars. It makes me want to return to the Sword of Shannara for re-read after 30 years.
The story follows a tried and true formulae. There are some holes in the plot but then if it were perfect it would have received 5 stars. It makes me want to return to the Sword of Shannara for re-read after 30 years.
November 4, 2012
Could not put it down at all! fantastic!
June 11, 2013
another generation of Olmsford elves have been endowed with magic and saved Shannara. good story, entertaining.
August 3, 2015
Great book. Long, but worth it. I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews