What do you think?
Rate this book
The Original Shannara Trilogy #3.25
Indomitable
Also available in Legends II
BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Terry Brooks's The Measure of the Magic.
The time of the Shannara follows in the wake of an apocalypse that has destroyed the old world and very nearly annihilated its people as well. A thousand years of savagery and barbarism have concluded at the start the series with the emergence of a new civilization in which magic has replaced science as the dominant source of power. A Druid Council comprised of the most talented of the new races–Men, Dwarves, Trolls, Gnomes, and Elves, names taken from the old legends–has begun the arduous task of rebuilding the world and putting an end to the racial warfare that has consumed the survivors of the so-called Great Wars since their conclusion.
But the wars continue, albeit in a different form. Magic, like science, is often mercurial, can be used for good or evil, and can have a positive or negative effect on those who come in contact with it. In The Sword of Shannara, a Druid subverted by his craving for magic’ s power manipulated Trolls and Gnomes in his effort to gain mastery over the other races. He failed because of Shea Ohmsford, the last of an Elven family with the Shannara surname. Shea, with the help of his brother and a small band of companions, was able to wield the fabled Sword of Shannara to destroy the Dark Lord.
Subsequently, in the Elfstones of the Shannara, his grandson Wil was faced with another sort of challenge, one that required the use of a magic contained in a set of Elfstones. But use of the Stones altered Wil’s genetic makeup, so that his own children were born with magic in their blood. As a result, in the third book of the series, the Wishsong of Shannara, Brin and her brother Jair were recruited by the Druid Allanon to seek out and destroy the Ildatch, the book of dark magic that had subverted the Warlock Lord, and was now doing the same with the Mord wraiths.
The story that follows takes place several years after the conclusion of The Wishsong and again features Jair Ohmsford, who must come to terms with his obsession with the past and his use of his magic that his sister has warned him not to trust...
Indomitable by Terry Brooks, appearing soon in the Legends II anthology.
TERRY BROOKS adds an exciting epilogue to The Wishsong of Shannara in “Indomitable,” the tale of Jair Ohmsford’s desperate quest to complete the destruction of the evil Ildatch . . . armed only with the magic of illusion.
BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Terry Brooks's The Measure of the Magic.
The time of the Shannara follows in the wake of an apocalypse that has destroyed the old world and very nearly annihilated its people as well. A thousand years of savagery and barbarism have concluded at the start the series with the emergence of a new civilization in which magic has replaced science as the dominant source of power. A Druid Council comprised of the most talented of the new races–Men, Dwarves, Trolls, Gnomes, and Elves, names taken from the old legends–has begun the arduous task of rebuilding the world and putting an end to the racial warfare that has consumed the survivors of the so-called Great Wars since their conclusion.
But the wars continue, albeit in a different form. Magic, like science, is often mercurial, can be used for good or evil, and can have a positive or negative effect on those who come in contact with it. In The Sword of Shannara, a Druid subverted by his craving for magic’ s power manipulated Trolls and Gnomes in his effort to gain mastery over the other races. He failed because of Shea Ohmsford, the last of an Elven family with the Shannara surname. Shea, with the help of his brother and a small band of companions, was able to wield the fabled Sword of Shannara to destroy the Dark Lord.
Subsequently, in the Elfstones of the Shannara, his grandson Wil was faced with another sort of challenge, one that required the use of a magic contained in a set of Elfstones. But use of the Stones altered Wil’s genetic makeup, so that his own children were born with magic in their blood. As a result, in the third book of the series, the Wishsong of Shannara, Brin and her brother Jair were recruited by the Druid Allanon to seek out and destroy the Ildatch, the book of dark magic that had subverted the Warlock Lord, and was now doing the same with the Mord wraiths.
The story that follows takes place several years after the conclusion of The Wishsong and again features Jair Ohmsford, who must come to terms with his obsession with the past and his use of his magic that his sister has warned him not to trust...
Indomitable by Terry Brooks, appearing soon in the Legends II anthology.
TERRY BROOKS adds an exciting epilogue to The Wishsong of Shannara in “Indomitable,” the tale of Jair Ohmsford’s desperate quest to complete the destruction of the evil Ildatch . . . armed only with the magic of illusion.
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2003
162 people are currently reading
5409 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
July 10, 2016
#13/29 in my Epic Shannara Quest.
An epilogue to the Shannara trilogy finds Jair returning to the dungeons of Dun Fee Aran in search of a surviving page of the Ildatch, the evil tome destroyed by his sister Brin in Wishsong. It doesn't have the same feel of the the Shannara books (probably because he wrote it after he had written his pre-Shannara books), but it is an interesting coda to the whole affair. Worth reading only if you've read Wishsong.
An epilogue to the Shannara trilogy finds Jair returning to the dungeons of Dun Fee Aran in search of a surviving page of the Ildatch, the evil tome destroyed by his sister Brin in Wishsong. It doesn't have the same feel of the the Shannara books (probably because he wrote it after he had written his pre-Shannara books), but it is an interesting coda to the whole affair. Worth reading only if you've read Wishsong.
May 2, 2016
I enjoyed this look at Jair’s character outside of Brinn’s story. Brooks wrote, taking readers back to known locations in a retrace of Jair’s previous quest in a quick and fun manner.
I found that most of the character development in this novel was based on previous knowledge from The Wishsong. Jair was a grown up version of the boy I fell in love with during his quest and Coglean was just as crazy as one would expect. That said, Kimber’s epic pessimism was so different from what we knew of her before.
To be honest, although I enjoyed this story I didn’t really understand its purpose. I felt as if it almost left me with more questions than I started with. It was a good story for those who enjoyed The Wishsong without really revealing anything new.
I found that most of the character development in this novel was based on previous knowledge from The Wishsong. Jair was a grown up version of the boy I fell in love with during his quest and Coglean was just as crazy as one would expect. That said, Kimber’s epic pessimism was so different from what we knew of her before.
To be honest, although I enjoyed this story I didn’t really understand its purpose. I felt as if it almost left me with more questions than I started with. It was a good story for those who enjoyed The Wishsong without really revealing anything new.
September 4, 2017
The epilogue to the Wishsong of Shannara, this book followed Jair, the youngest son of Wil and brother of Brin Omsford. I really enjoyed this story and how it showed us a little of the life after the threat of the Ildatch passed (well, most of the threat anyway). I loved seeing the same characters but how much they have grown and changed. Overall, a worthwhile short to read!
December 13, 2021
Great short story that tells more about Jair Ohmsford. Quick read! It's one in a long series, so not really suitable for a stand-alone read (it's the epilogue to the Wishsong series). It was quite hard to get my hands on, but I did find it in the end and I enjoyed it.
March 24, 2020
Yo.
That was so good.
Of course you need to read Wishsong first (published 1985) and then this (2003) and sure of course there's improvement in Brooks' writing after so many years. But I'm very satisfied with how this one turned out. Very much enjoyed.
That was so good.
Of course you need to read Wishsong first (published 1985) and then this (2003) and sure of course there's improvement in Brooks' writing after so many years. But I'm very satisfied with how this one turned out. Very much enjoyed.
February 11, 2025
A great short story I wish was longer but it was good to catch up with Jair again. A must read.
November 26, 2025
I...am really struggling with the timelines in this series.
Supposedly it took generations for the wishsong to change and transform into what it was for Walker Boh instead of Brin.
But now I find out that Jair's wishsong came to be just like Brin's in his lifetime. But somehow with Par it was all lost until it only made images in the air, but then it suddenly evolved into changing reality like Brin...again?
So is it usage that causes the magic to evolve? And if it's usage, then what, all of Jair's offspring and descendants until Par just didn't use it? How does that make sense? There were no wars? No petty discontent? No feuds?
Supposedly it took generations for the wishsong to change and transform into what it was for Walker Boh instead of Brin.
But now I find out that Jair's wishsong came to be just like Brin's in his lifetime. But somehow with Par it was all lost until it only made images in the air, but then it suddenly evolved into changing reality like Brin...again?
So is it usage that causes the magic to evolve? And if it's usage, then what, all of Jair's offspring and descendants until Par just didn't use it? How does that make sense? There were no wars? No petty discontent? No feuds?
November 5, 2009
I believe I heard Terry Brooks mention that writing short fiction has never been something he was particularly interested in a year or two ago during a book signing. After reading this story I would have to agree with him. He tried to take the same structure he used in his first three epic novels and compress it into a novella. The story focuses on Jair. In the first act he is asked to go on a quest without fully understanding why him. He embarks on a journey to meet with Cogline to finally learn the true nature of the quest. Then then embarks on the quest with Cogline and Kimber. He decides he must complete the quest alone and ditches both of his companions and then completes his quest, barely escaping alive. This is pretty much the format of the Wishsong of Shannara. So it was disappointing to get a quick rehash of that same story. I would have liked to see Terry Brooks attempt something different with this short story opportunity. However, it won't prevent me from reading his wonderful Epic tales.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2016
A very fun read. I'd just finished the Wishsong of Shannara (reread after 25 years) and since my first read this short story came out. It takes place shortly after the events in Wishsong. It was a fun little read and felt kind of like an 'exclamation point' for the Wishsong of Shannara.
I highly recommend. It's only a short story and can be read in an hour or two.
I highly recommend. It's only a short story and can be read in an hour or two.
October 16, 2011
Nice novella. I enjoyed the epilogue to the Wishsong of Shanara. Already ordered the graphic novel, which according to Terry Brooks' website is the next book in the reading order for beginners.
Enjoying this fantasy series.
Enjoying this fantasy series.
December 9, 2012
It was rather interesting to get back to the Shannara world as I pretty much enjoyed original trilogy. This short story was ok especially because it brings back some memorable characters and the memories of their quest.
March 22, 2012
Another great story from my favorite author.
March 21, 2012
Loved this novella, I wish it was longer! It was great seeing Jair and Kimber again!
And I LOVE that the title was a reference to Garet Jax. <3 Very awesome.
And I LOVE that the title was a reference to Garet Jax. <3 Very awesome.
September 5, 2018
"A bridge story from The Shannara Chronicles. A classic Brooks book." --patron
April 17, 2024
Another excellent novella set in this incredible world. Definitely worth the read.
November 24, 2021
Interviewing Terry Brooks decades ago, I never got the feeling that he was particularly mystical in the sense of areas that might be relegated to New Age in the present age. Where I had read an overtly spiritual meaning into the dark magic described in his first trilogy, Brooks informed me that he had the evils of technology and its potential for destroying the entire global environment in mind. Yet, his very practical mindset doesn’t preclude him from creating vivid characters for whom the mystical aspects of fantasy can be instructive once the magic within the story is reduced to an interpretation for more pragmatic folks. Yes, even fantasy can be instructive for the human condition.
Indomitable is a great title for this slim volume illustrated with manipulated black and white photography. Not only is the title a reference to a long-dead hero in the Shannara universe but it is what Jair Ohmsford, youngest of the heroes in early works, needs to become in order to succeed in a quest that, inexplicably he thinks, falls to him. Yes, it begins with the appearance of a girl, Kimber Boh, who fought alongside our heroes long before she matured into the fascinating woman who awakens discomfort and embarrassment in young Jair. But it is her message from her grandfather, Cogline the former druid who cannot quite throw off all vestiges of that life.
The key element of the plot is unveiled early on when Kimber asks if Jair believes in the present being entwined or entangled with past lives. Jair doesn’t really buy into the idea of past lives: “I think we are always reaching back in some way, bringing forward what we remember, sometimes for information, sometimes just for comfort. I don’t remember other lives, but I remember the past of this one. I remember the people who were in it.” (p. 22) His theory may or may not have any merit as he moves toward his personal test.
It turns out that eliminating the evil menace will require Jair to face fears and doubts that he remembers quite clearly from when he was held prisoner in Dun Fee Aran, fortress of the Mwellrets. But before he can summon the courage or, perhaps, obligation to go there, he is assured/inspired in a dream of Jungian proportion and significance—a dream featuring an appearance of one of the earliest characters in the Brooks’ corpus, Allanon. As a result, much of the little book deals with the internal dialogue Jair experiences between his feelings of fear and inadequacy and his memories of those he perceived as more qualified than himself to succeed in this quest.
Fans of the magical and fantastic need not worry. There is a vivid scene in which “magic” is at play, but one can interpret it differently than as a “literal” account of a fantastic event (which, “fantastic,” it was). Yet, I found myself very satisfied with Jair’s inner dialogue after the deed was done. As he observed, “The past is always with us, but sometimes we don’t recognize it right away for what it is.” (p. 96)
Indomitable is a great title for this slim volume illustrated with manipulated black and white photography. Not only is the title a reference to a long-dead hero in the Shannara universe but it is what Jair Ohmsford, youngest of the heroes in early works, needs to become in order to succeed in a quest that, inexplicably he thinks, falls to him. Yes, it begins with the appearance of a girl, Kimber Boh, who fought alongside our heroes long before she matured into the fascinating woman who awakens discomfort and embarrassment in young Jair. But it is her message from her grandfather, Cogline the former druid who cannot quite throw off all vestiges of that life.
The key element of the plot is unveiled early on when Kimber asks if Jair believes in the present being entwined or entangled with past lives. Jair doesn’t really buy into the idea of past lives: “I think we are always reaching back in some way, bringing forward what we remember, sometimes for information, sometimes just for comfort. I don’t remember other lives, but I remember the past of this one. I remember the people who were in it.” (p. 22) His theory may or may not have any merit as he moves toward his personal test.
It turns out that eliminating the evil menace will require Jair to face fears and doubts that he remembers quite clearly from when he was held prisoner in Dun Fee Aran, fortress of the Mwellrets. But before he can summon the courage or, perhaps, obligation to go there, he is assured/inspired in a dream of Jungian proportion and significance—a dream featuring an appearance of one of the earliest characters in the Brooks’ corpus, Allanon. As a result, much of the little book deals with the internal dialogue Jair experiences between his feelings of fear and inadequacy and his memories of those he perceived as more qualified than himself to succeed in this quest.
Fans of the magical and fantastic need not worry. There is a vivid scene in which “magic” is at play, but one can interpret it differently than as a “literal” account of a fantastic event (which, “fantastic,” it was). Yet, I found myself very satisfied with Jair’s inner dialogue after the deed was done. As he observed, “The past is always with us, but sometimes we don’t recognize it right away for what it is.” (p. 96)
December 7, 2017
Continuing The Wishsong of Shannara, Indomitable brings back Jair Ohmsford, who has a power called the wishsong, which can create powerful illusions out of anything he can imagine. He teams up with old companions Kimber Boh, a ranger-type young woman, and Cogline, who reveals himself to be of the old Druid order. They journey to tie up a "loose end" from their previous quest.
Unlike the short stories Brooks wrote in the Paladins of Shannara, Indomitable feels fully fleshed-out. We get an inner perspective on Jair's thoughts and struggles, as well as an understanding as to where his head has been since the closing events of the Wishsong. All the mental anguish that Jair goes through while realizing that the burden of completing this challenge lies on him serves a purpose in the end - and what a great and fitting ending.
Indomitable reads as if it's part of a novel, and has been referred to as an epilogue; as such, it's much more fitting to read this in context with the original novel. I know Brooks has said he's not great at short stories, but Indomitable works, and it works well. Whatever formula he had going on here should be emulated in any future shorts he writes.
Unlike the short stories Brooks wrote in the Paladins of Shannara, Indomitable feels fully fleshed-out. We get an inner perspective on Jair's thoughts and struggles, as well as an understanding as to where his head has been since the closing events of the Wishsong. All the mental anguish that Jair goes through while realizing that the burden of completing this challenge lies on him serves a purpose in the end - and what a great and fitting ending.
Indomitable reads as if it's part of a novel, and has been referred to as an epilogue; as such, it's much more fitting to read this in context with the original novel. I know Brooks has said he's not great at short stories, but Indomitable works, and it works well. Whatever formula he had going on here should be emulated in any future shorts he writes.
July 28, 2020
So what we have hear is kind of an epilogue to The Wishsong of Shannara, picking up 2 years after the events in that book and chronicling Jair's journey to destroy a page from the Ildatch that survived the events of Wishsong.
The best way to read this is immediately after Wishsong. I could easily see this as a final chapter with "Epilogue: Two Years Later." in Wishsong of Shannara.
That being said, it can be enjoyed as a standalone story, but knowledge of the series, particularly Wishsong is certainly going to improve the experience.
The story is brisk and I finished it in little over an hour. Kimber Boh comes to Shady Vale on a mission from her grandfather looking for Jair. It's revealed that her grandfather had a vision from the shade of Allanon instructing him to find Jair and that the Ildatch is not fully destroyed as they thought. It must be destroyed before it can regenerate itself. With the memories of his fallen companions still pulling at his memories, Jair agrees to set out with Kimber and her grandfather and return to Greywatch, the last place in the world Jair wants to go.
Overall a quick read but satisfying. Jair's growth is nice to see, and his mastery over the wishsong in the intervening two years is a treat.
The best way to read this is immediately after Wishsong. I could easily see this as a final chapter with "Epilogue: Two Years Later." in Wishsong of Shannara.
That being said, it can be enjoyed as a standalone story, but knowledge of the series, particularly Wishsong is certainly going to improve the experience.
The story is brisk and I finished it in little over an hour. Kimber Boh comes to Shady Vale on a mission from her grandfather looking for Jair. It's revealed that her grandfather had a vision from the shade of Allanon instructing him to find Jair and that the Ildatch is not fully destroyed as they thought. It must be destroyed before it can regenerate itself. With the memories of his fallen companions still pulling at his memories, Jair agrees to set out with Kimber and her grandfather and return to Greywatch, the last place in the world Jair wants to go.
Overall a quick read but satisfying. Jair's growth is nice to see, and his mastery over the wishsong in the intervening two years is a treat.
May 28, 2018
This short story occurs a few years after author Terry Brooks’ The Wishsong of Shannara, with Jair Ohmsford again a protagonist, dealing with his sister Brin’s warning not to use a special kind of magic, and dreaming regularly about Garet Jax. The two siblings have since lived in separate arrangements, Brin living in the Highlands with her husband Rone Leah. The news that a page of the Ildatch escaped incineration comes to fruition, with Kimber’s grandfather Cogline tasking Jair with the quest to destroy it, further providing a critical detail about his past.
Jair has dreams of visitation by the Druid Allanon, which Cogline interprets as proof a shade still lives, with Jair ultimately going to the Mwellret stronghold of Dun Fee Aran to find and destroy the remaining Ildatch page. Overall, this is a short and sweet short story that fans of the Shannara series are sure to enjoy, although those who are new to the franchise probably won’t make much of it, given its deep connection to Wishsong, and it’s only after reading that particular entry of the original Shannara trilogy that readers will come to appreciate this novella more.
Jair has dreams of visitation by the Druid Allanon, which Cogline interprets as proof a shade still lives, with Jair ultimately going to the Mwellret stronghold of Dun Fee Aran to find and destroy the remaining Ildatch page. Overall, this is a short and sweet short story that fans of the Shannara series are sure to enjoy, although those who are new to the franchise probably won’t make much of it, given its deep connection to Wishsong, and it’s only after reading that particular entry of the original Shannara trilogy that readers will come to appreciate this novella more.
August 16, 2017
Shannara short story.
Two years after Jair returns home to Shady Vale, he feels that his life is just going through the motions. He still practices his Wishsong, conjuring up pretend images, wishing that his life had more meaning. One day, as if reading his mind Kimber Boh comes to Jair with a problem that she says that only he can solve; one of the Ildatch's pages survived the burning that Brin gave to it, and it is trying to become reborn through blood sacrifices at the one place that Jair vowed to never return to: the dungeons where he was held by Stythys the Mellwret. Unfortunately, that is the one place that he must go. After being led through the Eastland by Cogline and Kimber, Jair finds himself facing his greatest challenge yet, without the aide of physical Wishsong power. He longs to be brave like the Weapons Master, Garet Jax, knowing that he never can be....or can he?
Two years after Jair returns home to Shady Vale, he feels that his life is just going through the motions. He still practices his Wishsong, conjuring up pretend images, wishing that his life had more meaning. One day, as if reading his mind Kimber Boh comes to Jair with a problem that she says that only he can solve; one of the Ildatch's pages survived the burning that Brin gave to it, and it is trying to become reborn through blood sacrifices at the one place that Jair vowed to never return to: the dungeons where he was held by Stythys the Mellwret. Unfortunately, that is the one place that he must go. After being led through the Eastland by Cogline and Kimber, Jair finds himself facing his greatest challenge yet, without the aide of physical Wishsong power. He longs to be brave like the Weapons Master, Garet Jax, knowing that he never can be....or can he?
June 23, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised at this engaging, short read. It fits in after the Wishsong of Shannara and the Dark Wraith graphic novel. Both Indomitable and Wraith focus on Jair Ohmsford and his usage of the wishsong in relation to his previous quest to rescue Brin from the Ildatch.
It was nice to take focus away from Brin and give Jair his own mission completely independent of Brin. He really does feel as if he is coming into his own. I would like to have followed him in more of his adventures but I know that Brooks ended the Shannara series this year and what a series it is!
This is a nice rainy day read that does have some suspenseful moments that had me annoyed at interruptions. Enjoy.
It was nice to take focus away from Brin and give Jair his own mission completely independent of Brin. He really does feel as if he is coming into his own. I would like to have followed him in more of his adventures but I know that Brooks ended the Shannara series this year and what a series it is!
This is a nice rainy day read that does have some suspenseful moments that had me annoyed at interruptions. Enjoy.
May 8, 2021
Read this in Legends II: Dragon, Sword and King (an anthology of Sci-Fi Fantasy short stories)
This story is a novella that describes a challenge for Jair, some two years after the events in The Wishsong of Shannara
Probably best to read this is just after Wishsong. But if you are not reading the excellent Shannara series, or indeed just Wishsong, then I'd suggest you likely won't get much out of reading this one.
This story is a novella that describes a challenge for Jair, some two years after the events in The Wishsong of Shannara
Probably best to read this is just after Wishsong. But if you are not reading the excellent Shannara series, or indeed just Wishsong, then I'd suggest you likely won't get much out of reading this one.
May 17, 2017
This is a short story involving Jair Ohmsford two years after the search for the Ildatch. It's interesting for information on the evolution of the wishsong within Jair. Some details are not congruent with the story, so the idea that a page of the Ildatch survived wasn't the best. For example, how would Breman have been able to move on at the end of the Wishsong if a page had survived Brin's magic? That would mean that his promise to see an end to the evil that created the Warlock Lord would not have been destroyed from the world. Yes, minor detail, but those little things set the story off for me and I can't enjoy it as much. Details are important!
April 26, 2020
Excellently written, sentence structure mature, variety of lengths, and same with the paragraphs. Writing style is a very important feature in a book's enjoyability, if you haven't figured that out by my reviews yet, especially everything in Legends II, where this tale is found.
I've only read the first of the Shanara series and was disappointed in what amounted to copying LOTR. Clearly, over how many books, the story has taken on a life of its own. I could say it was predictable, but an interesting twist manifested in a way that couldn't be prepared for. I'd recommend it, and I'll even pursue more of the series.
I've only read the first of the Shanara series and was disappointed in what amounted to copying LOTR. Clearly, over how many books, the story has taken on a life of its own. I could say it was predictable, but an interesting twist manifested in a way that couldn't be prepared for. I'd recommend it, and I'll even pursue more of the series.
January 16, 2021
Hmm. That was a lot of build up and almost no resolution. It’s a short story so maybe there wasn’t time or space to resolve it more fully, but it felt shocking easy for Jair to infiltrate Dun Fee Aran and get to the remnant of the Ildatch. And then he doesn’t even seem to make sure that it is fully destroyed, which seems important since the whole reason he has to do this is because a page survived last time they destroyed the book. His attraction to Kimber has got to be the worst part of the story and his transformation into Garet Jax is the coolest part. Maybe there’s more to be explained in future books, but I feel like it ended abruptly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2020
I’m not much of a short story reader, but I really enjoyed this one, no matter its short length. Jair and Garet Jax were my two favorite characters from Wishsong. Kimber comes in a close third, so the inclusion of her and her grandfather was a plus. There is a definitely growth in the Jair character, yet I kept hoping that there would be more to the return of Garet Jax than there was.
The story is much better than the three Paladins short stories that precede it, probably because this is more of a novella, rather than a short story.
The story is much better than the three Paladins short stories that precede it, probably because this is more of a novella, rather than a short story.
January 30, 2020
I enjoyed the story for the most part, but (and I hate to say this) the illustrations were atrocious. Why would you put weird photoshop art into this piece? It makes no sense and I really hated them. Every time I came across another one, it was so discordant it totally took me out of the story and the experience. I feel bad, because I'm sure the illustrator worked hard on them, but they were so bad.
March 10, 2017
This was my favorite of the short stories in and around the time period in which the Sword of Shannara trilogy is set. Jair was a very good character and I like how Brooks handled him in this story. Sometimes by looking back, we can fail to go forward. Jair might deserve another story of his own. Well done by all involved.
January 20, 2018
Every bit as good as I expected it to be
...it’s a short story, yes, but it deals with finally reaching maturity and dealing with all that maturity requires. It’s also about learning to look at ideas and events thru adult eyes, and recognizing how much you have learned and how much you still have to learn. An excellent story! <><
...it’s a short story, yes, but it deals with finally reaching maturity and dealing with all that maturity requires. It’s also about learning to look at ideas and events thru adult eyes, and recognizing how much you have learned and how much you still have to learn. An excellent story! <><
March 22, 2019
A fun little novella that comes directly after Wishsong. I liked the development of Jair's character - and magical ability - in this new addition. I also liked revisiting the Mwellrets. The special edition by Subterranean Press is a nice book and I like the cover illustration, but the illustrations inside are sub-par.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews