The Wishsong of Shannara

by Terry Brooks, Terry Brooks

The Wishsong of Shannara

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1985

About the author

Terry 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.

Reviews

[Garet Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first fantasy novel I read as a child, and I must admit my bias in this review. My mother recommended it to me while explaining that I was named after a character in the book, Garet Jax. Naturally, I was curious about the character.

The story follows a brother (Jair) and sister (Brin) who possess magical powers called the Wishsong. The narrative follows each sibling, resulting in a split narrative when they become separated. Each have their own trials in this adventure, and it all unfolds wonderfully. Each pick up companions as they navigate the perils ahead.

Garet Jax, the weapons master, is enigmatic yet simple, and he plays an important role in more than one pivotal moment in the story. His departure is bittersweet, and even as a child I recognized that it was appropriate and fitting (I'd say more but I'm striving to avoid some spoilers).

This is a fun story with several powerful moments which readers will surely find entertaining. I heartily recommend this book.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book almost as much as elfstones. The only thing holding it back was the antagonist....or lack there of. But the characters oh the characters. They are the best in the series so far. Slanter!!!!!!