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Voyage of the Jerle Shannara #2
Il labirinto
Un gruppo di esploratori è in viaggio sulla nave volante Jerle Shannara, alla ricerca di una magia potentissima di cui si è persa la memoria. Ma il viaggio è nato sotto i peggiori auspici, e la strega di Ilse riesce a impadronirsi della nave, mentre il druido Walker, che guidava la spedizione, scompare. La strega di Ilse ritrova il fratello Bek, creduto morto, che ora possiede la magia del canto e la Spada di Shannara. La strega è in cerca di vendetta, Bek della verità: ma entrambi sanno che devono trovare Walker per impedire alla malefica entità di Castledown di imporre il proprio dominio sulle Quattro Terre.
291 pages, Paperback
First published September 18, 2001
140 people are currently reading
7175 people want to read
About the author
Terry Brooks
417 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 245 reviews
June 12, 2022
My favorite Shannara book yet.
September 4, 2020
Even better than I remembered!! This part starts off where Ilse Witch ended. The Druid Walker, the seer Ryer Ord Star and the elven prince Ahren Ellessedil are captured in Antrax's Den, Castledown. Antrax is an artificial intelligence computer program that "learned" to feed on magic users for energy in the past 2000 years. The heroes find out some grueling details about Antrax, I wont spoil them, but they got me gasping. On the outside, Tamis the elf and Quentin Leah are fleeing from a wronk, a very specific one (again, I wont spoil). A wronk is a fusion of a human and a machine, another weird kink of Antrax. Close by, the Ilse Witch is looking for the Druid Walker, to destroy him, and she's riddled with the boy Bek Rowe and what his purpose is. Bek is lucky to be protected by shapeshifter-human Truls Rohk, but he has a tragic backstory and it takes a while for them to trust each other completely. The Ilse Witch also stole the gang's airship, and the rovers are working hard to get it back.
The suspense is very well done, and the description of Castledown, it's "monsters" and Antrax is very lively. I felt myself down there with out heroes. Couldn't stop reading, even though I read these books three years ago. This has now become one of my favourites from Terry Brooks!
The suspense is very well done, and the description of Castledown, it's "monsters" and Antrax is very lively. I felt myself down there with out heroes. Couldn't stop reading, even though I read these books three years ago. This has now become one of my favourites from Terry Brooks!
May 15, 2015
Across fathomless seas, beyond the far horizon, the voyagers aboard the Jerle Shannara face the deadliest - and darkest - challenge of their lives.
The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy takes a new direction with its second book. Whereas Ilse Witch was an epic tale of adventure, Antrax is a story of a band of lost voyagers trapped on a mysterious peninsula where countless horrors await. This is where the new world of Shannara faces what is left of the old. Magic meets science while the crew of the Jerle Shannara struggles desperately for survival.
I liked Antrax. But out of so many good novels in the Shannara series, this is simply not one of the best in my opinion. It felt quite stretched, and when I finished the last page I realised that not much had happened since the first chapter. The ending was unsatisfactory because there was no ending, and the nature and identity of the book's main antagonist was revealed way too early. But to be fair, the good elements are more numerous than the bad, and the fact that I gave this book three stars does not mean that I did not enjoy reading it. In the end, it only paves the way for an amazing conclusion to the trilogy.
The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy takes a new direction with its second book. Whereas Ilse Witch was an epic tale of adventure, Antrax is a story of a band of lost voyagers trapped on a mysterious peninsula where countless horrors await. This is where the new world of Shannara faces what is left of the old. Magic meets science while the crew of the Jerle Shannara struggles desperately for survival.
I liked Antrax. But out of so many good novels in the Shannara series, this is simply not one of the best in my opinion. It felt quite stretched, and when I finished the last page I realised that not much had happened since the first chapter. The ending was unsatisfactory because there was no ending, and the nature and identity of the book's main antagonist was revealed way too early. But to be fair, the good elements are more numerous than the bad, and the fact that I gave this book three stars does not mean that I did not enjoy reading it. In the end, it only paves the way for an amazing conclusion to the trilogy.
December 6, 2020
Antrax is the 20th book chronologically in the Shannara series. 4 stars.
This is the 2nd book in the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy and it propels the plot nicely setting up an epic ending to the story in Morgawr. Antrax as a story is perhaps the height of the overall struggle in the series of technology vs. magic and man.
A basic plot summary is: Antrax is an artificially intelligent being which has a singular purpose of self-preservation. It is a ward and protector of vast databases of history and knowledge it has held for 2,500 years since during (or perhaps even before) the events in the first chronological novel in the series, Armageddon's Children. Antrax is running out of power, though, so it lured the characters from the Four Lands to steal away and siphon their magic to feed its never ending need of existence. Led by the druid, Walker, the characters have a goal of obtaining the knowledge that Antrax holds, and taking it back with them to the Four Lands, but Antrax fights them with everything it has. Daring escapes, fighting, personal loss and heroism abounds while the characters discover the secrets of Castledown where Antrax is housed, and secrets about themselves.
I didn't give it 5 stars because some parts of the plot felt a bit disjointed, but Antrax is an entertaining story and is a pretty big turning point for the rest of the series.
On to Morgawr
next in my re-read of this series. I have a goal in mind to keep reading the series now until I reach the end, The Last Druid. I'm anxious to find out how Terry Brooks wraps up this series.
This is the 2nd book in the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy and it propels the plot nicely setting up an epic ending to the story in Morgawr. Antrax as a story is perhaps the height of the overall struggle in the series of technology vs. magic and man.
A basic plot summary is: Antrax is an artificially intelligent being which has a singular purpose of self-preservation. It is a ward and protector of vast databases of history and knowledge it has held for 2,500 years since during (or perhaps even before) the events in the first chronological novel in the series, Armageddon's Children. Antrax is running out of power, though, so it lured the characters from the Four Lands to steal away and siphon their magic to feed its never ending need of existence. Led by the druid, Walker, the characters have a goal of obtaining the knowledge that Antrax holds, and taking it back with them to the Four Lands, but Antrax fights them with everything it has. Daring escapes, fighting, personal loss and heroism abounds while the characters discover the secrets of Castledown where Antrax is housed, and secrets about themselves.
I didn't give it 5 stars because some parts of the plot felt a bit disjointed, but Antrax is an entertaining story and is a pretty big turning point for the rest of the series.
On to Morgawr
next in my re-read of this series. I have a goal in mind to keep reading the series now until I reach the end, The Last Druid. I'm anxious to find out how Terry Brooks wraps up this series.
June 3, 2017
I started reading this book immediately after Ilse Witch, and I’m glad to see that Terry Brooks is following his familiar pattern. In the first novel, he puts together a large group of people to go on an epic quest to find some powerful magic treasure and/or defeat a powerful foe (in this case there is both of these things). The group is now splintered into about five or six smaller groups. What I like about this trilogy is how Brooks has departed from the typical magical entity that has to be destroyed and is instead using an artificial intelligence system from the old world (our world) as the bad guy in this novel. It tests the characters in ways they haven’t been tested in the past, and forces them to dig deep to solve a problem that is far out of their comfort zone. It ties back into the start of Brooks’s Word and the Void series, and I enjoyed the symmetry.
I think I may have enjoyed this perhaps a bit more than the Ilse Witch. The story branched off in a lot of different areas. Out of all the different storylines, I think I like the one with Bek and his sister the most. I could see where the story is going to head. She is going to finally realize that Bek and Walker have been telling the truth and she truly is Bek’s sister. I also think that she will switch sides and help Bek and company against Morgwahr in the final installment of the trilogy. I like how in this trilogy, there isn’t one but three different powerful enemies for the good guys to combat, and all three are very different. Although, Brooks is following his typical formula, he’s also giving enough different wrinkles to keep it interesting.
Carl Alves – author of Two For Eternity
I think I may have enjoyed this perhaps a bit more than the Ilse Witch. The story branched off in a lot of different areas. Out of all the different storylines, I think I like the one with Bek and his sister the most. I could see where the story is going to head. She is going to finally realize that Bek and Walker have been telling the truth and she truly is Bek’s sister. I also think that she will switch sides and help Bek and company against Morgwahr in the final installment of the trilogy. I like how in this trilogy, there isn’t one but three different powerful enemies for the good guys to combat, and all three are very different. Although, Brooks is following his typical formula, he’s also giving enough different wrinkles to keep it interesting.
Carl Alves – author of Two For Eternity
June 18, 2011
I very rarely rate books as 5 stars on here, but Antrax was quite a treat. I was not expecting this book to take quite as many turns as it did, and the blend of Old World and New World fantasy of Shannara was exceptional. Sure, there were parts of the book that were predictable, but this was one storyline that had me hoping for different outcomes at almost every turn, never receiving them, but being content nonetheless. I'm sure a lot of fans were upset about how things ended up with this book, but you have to hand it to Brooks. He sure found a way to make you feel that the characters in this book, (out of the entire Shannara series), were human; flawed to the core and never getting what they want or need, but developing and adapting throughout the experience.
June 4, 2011
This book is more fast-paced than the first in the series, Ilse Witch. We get to know more of the characters, Tamis and Quentin, Ahren, Ryer, and of course Bek, Truls, Grianne, and Walker. The biggest new character is terrifying and all too relate-able in our world.
My only trouble with this book is I don't see how all the characters are going to remain mentally intact after going through so many horrors. Sometimes it seems that Brooks throws too much at his characters and has you wondering if there are any fluffy bunnies in their world. And you know a lot more is to come in book three!
My only trouble with this book is I don't see how all the characters are going to remain mentally intact after going through so many horrors. Sometimes it seems that Brooks throws too much at his characters and has you wondering if there are any fluffy bunnies in their world. And you know a lot more is to come in book three!
October 12, 2010
i am pleased to say that for a sequel, this book does not start with a tonne of information retelling the story of the last book.
upon opening, it just gets straight into the next part of the story. by about chapter three or four, the briefest description of the previous books' most important follow on information has been given, and once again, one is lost and wrapped up in the wonders and pains of the voyage to uncover the mysterious magics that the remains of the party from book one have come to find.
expanding on the small amount of knowledge that book one revealed about the mysterious unknown magic, this story reveals, and makes understandable that which book one did not, while hinting at, and revealing bits of new mysteries as yet unguessed at.
the "nobodies" from book one are built up in character, and their "somebody"-ness becomes bigger and more intriguing, and the sombodies from book one either die or unravel more parts of their own characters.
awesome writing skills rom terry brooks make the reader unable to put this book down as well, and leaves enough mystery still uncoverd as to NEED to read the third book, requiring a quick trip to the library, with fingers crossed that it is available....
upon opening, it just gets straight into the next part of the story. by about chapter three or four, the briefest description of the previous books' most important follow on information has been given, and once again, one is lost and wrapped up in the wonders and pains of the voyage to uncover the mysterious magics that the remains of the party from book one have come to find.
expanding on the small amount of knowledge that book one revealed about the mysterious unknown magic, this story reveals, and makes understandable that which book one did not, while hinting at, and revealing bits of new mysteries as yet unguessed at.
the "nobodies" from book one are built up in character, and their "somebody"-ness becomes bigger and more intriguing, and the sombodies from book one either die or unravel more parts of their own characters.
awesome writing skills rom terry brooks make the reader unable to put this book down as well, and leaves enough mystery still uncoverd as to NEED to read the third book, requiring a quick trip to the library, with fingers crossed that it is available....
June 27, 2012
I only discovered Brooks a few years ago, starting with the original Shannara series published in a single volume. At the time I remarked on how easy it was to see the progress he made as a writer from the first to the last of that series. The leap he made from those books to the Voyage of Shannara series is equally great. In these books the plot is more complex, the characters while still somewhat typecast are more interesting and the writing is smoother. My only gripe is with the names he gives some places and people. Example? The voyage goes to a place left behind by the dead technology-dominated culture, but the name of the place is "Castledown" -- hardly a technological-linked name. On the other hand Walker Boh as the Druid's name is on the mark. If you love fantasy and haven't read this one, you won't be disappointed.
March 23, 2014
6.5/10
My initial review was deleted by mistake/my error and I don't have the patience to write it down again (especially for a book I am not that invested into and struggled through).
This was better than the first in the series but not great overall. Too many characters whom none of which I cared for.
I will finish the series but won't read anymore into the Shannara world. The saving grace of the last novel is it's the shortest of the three.
My initial review was deleted by mistake/my error and I don't have the patience to write it down again (especially for a book I am not that invested into and struggled through).
This was better than the first in the series but not great overall. Too many characters whom none of which I cared for.
I will finish the series but won't read anymore into the Shannara world. The saving grace of the last novel is it's the shortest of the three.
January 6, 2009
This book just shows the depth of imagination that Terry Brooks has...absolutely blew my mind!
November 10, 2021
What can I say? Terry Brooks never misses. I honestly cannot believe this book had to end. It was almost too good to be true.
Let's start with the plot:
I was very excited when I realized that the villain of this trilogy was going to be a creature of the Old World. I had been waiting for that since the beginning of my journey in the world of Shannara. Knowing that the Four Lands emerged from the ashes of our technologically advanced world, I was wondering how long it would take Brooks to finally explore this aspect of his universe. The clash between magic and technology was as brutal and devastating as expected and definitely set the ton for the entire book. I don't think I had ever seen that many important characters die in such a short time. The end was of course bittersweet, but it opened a door for the series to developpe itself further and I am really excited to see what is yet to come.
The characters:
Many people tend to be annoyed by Terry Brooks "formula". I personally have no problem with it and enjoy following the story of the same three families book after book. What I especially like is the incredible balance between female and male characters. Terry Brooks really mastered the art of writting powerful female characters and never hesitate to let them save the day. I also appreciate their physical appearance is not described except when it is relevant for the story or to differentiate them from other characters. That way the reader focuses solely on their personality and capacities (the same goes for men btw).
To conclude:
In my opinion one of the best books of the Shannara series. It was refreshing, it was grim and it had me firmly convinced that the world made a mistake when they crowned "The Lord of the Ring" as the one and only king of Fantasy. The Shannara series is incredibly underrated and deserves better.
Let's start with the plot:
I was very excited when I realized that the villain of this trilogy was going to be a creature of the Old World. I had been waiting for that since the beginning of my journey in the world of Shannara. Knowing that the Four Lands emerged from the ashes of our technologically advanced world, I was wondering how long it would take Brooks to finally explore this aspect of his universe. The clash between magic and technology was as brutal and devastating as expected and definitely set the ton for the entire book. I don't think I had ever seen that many important characters die in such a short time. The end was of course bittersweet, but it opened a door for the series to developpe itself further and I am really excited to see what is yet to come.
The characters:
Many people tend to be annoyed by Terry Brooks "formula". I personally have no problem with it and enjoy following the story of the same three families book after book. What I especially like is the incredible balance between female and male characters. Terry Brooks really mastered the art of writting powerful female characters and never hesitate to let them save the day. I also appreciate their physical appearance is not described except when it is relevant for the story or to differentiate them from other characters. That way the reader focuses solely on their personality and capacities (the same goes for men btw).
To conclude:
In my opinion one of the best books of the Shannara series. It was refreshing, it was grim and it had me firmly convinced that the world made a mistake when they crowned "The Lord of the Ring" as the one and only king of Fantasy. The Shannara series is incredibly underrated and deserves better.
May 30, 2023
4.0 stars - enjoyed, might read again
Yooooo this was so good actually?? I like the darker turn of things and the massive struggle these characters are going through. Definitely different from the Sanderson style. Softer magic system, for one. There's also this like, cyberpunk-ish twist (I think that's the subgenre name for it?). Magic vs technology kinda thing. I like seeing both existing in the same world. And of course I love my airships. But gosh, I think all these characters are so much better done. Maybe I'm going to like everything that comes after the Word and the Void trilogy. We'll see.
For now, onward!
Yooooo this was so good actually?? I like the darker turn of things and the massive struggle these characters are going through. Definitely different from the Sanderson style. Softer magic system, for one. There's also this like, cyberpunk-ish twist (I think that's the subgenre name for it?). Magic vs technology kinda thing. I like seeing both existing in the same world. And of course I love my airships. But gosh, I think all these characters are so much better done. Maybe I'm going to like everything that comes after the Word and the Void trilogy. We'll see.
For now, onward!
July 25, 2008
This second book in the Jerle Shannara trilogy is a darker tale than the first. It has the ambiance of a Science Fiction and Fantasy mix by introducing machines and computers like the first book but more so in this second novel. There were certainly surprising twists that leaves the reader dumbfounded but eager to read on.
The team travels to the island that holds this mysterious magic while being pursued by the Ilse Witch in her goal to seek revenge on Walker Boh and to take possession of this powerful magic.
When they get to the island, the Great Druid Walker realizes that they were led there for more than the magic. They were led into a trap by the very thing that guards the treasure that he seeks. The group becomes scattered by a turn of events and Walker Boh is left in a dark maze to battle this thing on his own. Meanwhile, the Ilse Witch is never ending in her search for Walker and his companions.
Antrax was the name given to the unseen enemy that traps souls and feeds off magic that anyone possesses. Walker has to obtain the magic that Antrax is guarding before it traps him forever in the underground prison which Antrax calls his home. The others in his party have their own battles to handle when they are separated. For some, the journey was meant to be an adventure but it turned out to be an absolute nightmare for all.
It was hard to put this book down. Even though it was well into the night, I still couldn't tear myself away from it because I really needed to know what was going to happen next and I couldn't wait 24 hours more to find out. I was surprised by some of the things that happened to the heroes in the book and I can't imagine what is going to happen in the last book.
The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara - Antrax is definitely more involved with the characters and what they discover on their journey than the first book. A lot is revealed to the reader about the fears, the challenges and hidden truths that you find out about your favorite characters.
The team travels to the island that holds this mysterious magic while being pursued by the Ilse Witch in her goal to seek revenge on Walker Boh and to take possession of this powerful magic.
When they get to the island, the Great Druid Walker realizes that they were led there for more than the magic. They were led into a trap by the very thing that guards the treasure that he seeks. The group becomes scattered by a turn of events and Walker Boh is left in a dark maze to battle this thing on his own. Meanwhile, the Ilse Witch is never ending in her search for Walker and his companions.
Antrax was the name given to the unseen enemy that traps souls and feeds off magic that anyone possesses. Walker has to obtain the magic that Antrax is guarding before it traps him forever in the underground prison which Antrax calls his home. The others in his party have their own battles to handle when they are separated. For some, the journey was meant to be an adventure but it turned out to be an absolute nightmare for all.
It was hard to put this book down. Even though it was well into the night, I still couldn't tear myself away from it because I really needed to know what was going to happen next and I couldn't wait 24 hours more to find out. I was surprised by some of the things that happened to the heroes in the book and I can't imagine what is going to happen in the last book.
The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara - Antrax is definitely more involved with the characters and what they discover on their journey than the first book. A lot is revealed to the reader about the fears, the challenges and hidden truths that you find out about your favorite characters.
June 21, 2017
Cucù da Castledown
Gira e rigira, Brooks va a sbattere sulle medesime dinamiche e gli stessi oggetti con cui abbiamo avuto il piacere di confrontarci per otto volumi (più un prequel).
Eccetto tutte le banalità del caso, una menzione speciale va fatta per Antrax, imperscrutabile intelligenza artificiale delle Grandi Guerre, nonché freddo accumulatore di dati con il pericoloso compito di proteggerli e ripreparare il mondo all'avvento della tecnologia.
Un ottimo antagonista che avrebbe meritato una scrittura più matura.
Lettura gradevole, ma con il rischio di annoiarsi per lo schema pedissequo della quest riproposto in ogni romanzo.
Gira e rigira, Brooks va a sbattere sulle medesime dinamiche e gli stessi oggetti con cui abbiamo avuto il piacere di confrontarci per otto volumi (più un prequel).
Eccetto tutte le banalità del caso, una menzione speciale va fatta per Antrax, imperscrutabile intelligenza artificiale delle Grandi Guerre, nonché freddo accumulatore di dati con il pericoloso compito di proteggerli e ripreparare il mondo all'avvento della tecnologia.
Un ottimo antagonista che avrebbe meritato una scrittura più matura.
Lettura gradevole, ma con il rischio di annoiarsi per lo schema pedissequo della quest riproposto in ogni romanzo.
July 10, 2016
#19/29 in my Epic Shannara Quest.
One of a small handful of great Shannara books. Unusually dark and well-told tale about a meeting of the Old World before the Great Wars and the World of Shannara. Technology and magic collide in this middle section of The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara that is full of terrific character embellishments and unforseen events to make for an exhilerating read. Imaginatively, intellectually and emotionally satisfying, this is the "better story" I hoped Brooks was looking towards as he played by the numbers in the dreary Ilse Witch, making the slog through that book soooooooo worth the effort.
One of a small handful of great Shannara books. Unusually dark and well-told tale about a meeting of the Old World before the Great Wars and the World of Shannara. Technology and magic collide in this middle section of The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara that is full of terrific character embellishments and unforseen events to make for an exhilerating read. Imaginatively, intellectually and emotionally satisfying, this is the "better story" I hoped Brooks was looking towards as he played by the numbers in the dreary Ilse Witch, making the slog through that book soooooooo worth the effort.
February 11, 2025
With sinister forces at work Walker Boh and troops have their work well and truly cut out for them. If only they could get through it unscathed.
Another wonderful tale from Terry.
Another wonderful tale from Terry.
June 10, 2022
An okay second book; not the best I've ever read, but still a fun read. It builds nicely on the previous installment and manages to squeeze in a truly impressive twist. The worldbuilding is unfortunately lacking; I didn't get quite the feeling of being in a hyper-advanced city as magicians. In addition to that, the climax is also lacking a bit.
In general, though, I had fun and enjoyed the second installment. I'll pick up the next some time soon.
In general, though, I had fun and enjoyed the second installment. I'll pick up the next some time soon.
May 23, 2023
Way too slow and kind of hate the way technology & magic were mixed but it’s a cool concept at the same time. The fun part of the first book, the heist, isn’t present here which basically means it’s just a bunch of characters running around in circles having revelations about identity and making little to no material progress. Still an entertaining read though.
September 11, 2024
I read the first book in this series 3 years ago, and then went on to other things, cos I didn't have the next books. Some months later, I did get the other books in this series, but wasn't able to start them because I was reading other books already.
I started this book and while it took me a short while to recall the characters and the journey they were on, I got back in sync quickly and completed this.
Just thinking : First Terminator Movie - 1984, Antrax published in 2002
No new characters introduced here, though some of them have evolved. The pace of the book is quick and the detailing of the fight scenes is superb. along with the description of Castledown.
You like Fantasy? read this, and read the earlier book first.
I started this book and while it took me a short while to recall the characters and the journey they were on, I got back in sync quickly and completed this.
Just thinking : First Terminator Movie - 1984, Antrax published in 2002
No new characters introduced here, though some of them have evolved. The pace of the book is quick and the detailing of the fight scenes is superb. along with the description of Castledown.
You like Fantasy? read this, and read the earlier book first.
December 5, 2021
Idk, I thought it was pretty great! I like these characters and its less formulaic than previous Shannara books. Excited to round out the trilogy.
October 23, 2018
Just a quick review. Overall I enjoyed the book like I do all Shannara books, but....
My only real issue with Antrax was that the story kept going back and forth. It felt a little contrived just to extend the length of the story, rather than furthering or enhancing the story.
Don't get me wrong..I don't mean that it was so contrived it was bad...it just felt like there was a little bit more "back and forth" than there needed to be.
I do love the premise of the Shannara characters coming face to face with a living remnant from the past (e.g. "our world"). It sort helped tie the long-term storyline together a bit.
My only real issue with Antrax was that the story kept going back and forth. It felt a little contrived just to extend the length of the story, rather than furthering or enhancing the story.
Don't get me wrong..I don't mean that it was so contrived it was bad...it just felt like there was a little bit more "back and forth" than there needed to be.
I do love the premise of the Shannara characters coming face to face with a living remnant from the past (e.g. "our world"). It sort helped tie the long-term storyline together a bit.
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February 6, 2025This was a satisfying second volume of a unique new Shannara trilogy involving airships and ancient technology. The novel picks up right where the previous one ended - our heroes are scattered in and around the mysterious Castledown, all facing their own obstacles and challenges, some of them truly terrifying. Brooks does a good job approaching the modern tech of Castledown with the perspective of a traditional medieval fantasy POV, making sure this doesn't slide into sci-fi.
December 29, 2016
After being somewhat let-down by the first book of this trilogy, I had feared that I would have the same negative reaction to this one. Fortunately, I have discovered my fears to be groundless, as this turned out to be one of my very favorite Shannara books of all. With the character introductions, world-building, and plot set-up mostly taken care of in the first book, Brooks is able to jump right into the excitement in ANTRAX. And that excitement is intense and non-stop throughout the book. Perhaps the most action-packed of any Shannara books, this one is tough to put down.
The same excellent characters continue to develop here as well. Each of the primary characters go through some intense physical and emotional trials, as they fight to complete their purposes or simply to stay alive. The secrets behind the unique and much-loved Truls Rohk continue to be revealed, as well as those behind Ryer Ord Star and the semi-sentient Antrax. Walker, Bek, Rue, Quentin and the Ilse Witch all approach their destinies, and each of their stories are completely captivating.
Brooks has done an excellent job of thinking out the direction of this plot, and quite a few unexpected turns have severely altered the path of the story. Highly exciting and emotionally intense, this book rates as one of my favorite of Brooks' books up to this point. Very highly recommended to fans of high fantasy. Save yourself a bit of money and shelf space by getting the entire trilogy in a single volume with The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara Trilogy.
The same excellent characters continue to develop here as well. Each of the primary characters go through some intense physical and emotional trials, as they fight to complete their purposes or simply to stay alive. The secrets behind the unique and much-loved Truls Rohk continue to be revealed, as well as those behind Ryer Ord Star and the semi-sentient Antrax. Walker, Bek, Rue, Quentin and the Ilse Witch all approach their destinies, and each of their stories are completely captivating.
Brooks has done an excellent job of thinking out the direction of this plot, and quite a few unexpected turns have severely altered the path of the story. Highly exciting and emotionally intense, this book rates as one of my favorite of Brooks' books up to this point. Very highly recommended to fans of high fantasy. Save yourself a bit of money and shelf space by getting the entire trilogy in a single volume with The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara Trilogy.
June 19, 2013
Antrax was much better than Isle Witch. While it still has the problems of a middle book, it leaves the reader with a sense that something was accomplished--oddly enough the very thing I felt was lacking in Isle Witch.
For Brooks fans who have struggled through Isle Witch Antrax is a breath of fresh air in this trilogy. The action is much better, though still not on par with his other, earlier novels, but the phrasing and vocabulary still seem out of place for his usual writing style.
The characters--namely Bek, Ahren, and Quentin--really evolve in this novel. Without revealing anything: difficult choices are made, maturity is revealed, and some hard realities are faced.
The story itself is a great combination of fantasy and science-fiction. It has enough twists to keep you guessing (though some were pretty easy to guess) and enough mystery to make you want to buy Morgawr (book three).
Why you should pick it up: You've read Isle Witch, it's a good sequel, strong action, good character development, interesting story elements.
Why you should leave it: Not his best writing, not his best storyline, some pretty cheesy characters/"dramatic scenes", the ending points in a very obvious direction (I hope I have to eat my words after reading Morgawr, but at the rate this trilogy is going I doubt that I will).
For Brooks fans who have struggled through Isle Witch Antrax is a breath of fresh air in this trilogy. The action is much better, though still not on par with his other, earlier novels, but the phrasing and vocabulary still seem out of place for his usual writing style.
The characters--namely Bek, Ahren, and Quentin--really evolve in this novel. Without revealing anything: difficult choices are made, maturity is revealed, and some hard realities are faced.
The story itself is a great combination of fantasy and science-fiction. It has enough twists to keep you guessing (though some were pretty easy to guess) and enough mystery to make you want to buy Morgawr (book three).
Why you should pick it up: You've read Isle Witch, it's a good sequel, strong action, good character development, interesting story elements.
Why you should leave it: Not his best writing, not his best storyline, some pretty cheesy characters/"dramatic scenes", the ending points in a very obvious direction (I hope I have to eat my words after reading Morgawr, but at the rate this trilogy is going I doubt that I will).
June 19, 2012
This was such an unexpected gem. The first book started out formulaic but by the end Brooks had pulled it all together to make it a 4 star read. Typically 2nd books in trilogies are just setup books and as a result are the worst of the set. Well that does not apply to Antrax. This book started out ok and in no time at all it kicked into a higher gear than I've seen since Elfstones of Shannara. There was so much character development I had doubts this was a Shannara book at all. Brooks' books are a lot of fun but not exactly deep in character dev. Then add so many twists and turns that completely blindsided me and an end I still can't get over. Add in a strong dose of apocalyptic technology and some truly horrifying scenes, well all I can say is "Holy cow!" Well done Mr. Brooks. Very well done indeed. Yeah this one goes 5-Stars. Now I'm really scared ... How can the next book ever hope to pick up where this left off?
December 25, 2025
I don't have the benefit of childhood nostalgia for this one. I read it the first time as an adult and thought 'meh'.
I read it this time as an adult and thought 'meh', better than Galaphile. No need to keep this book or reread it again.
On the other hand, I quite liked Little Red, and thought that the relationships and character growth in this book were deeper than in many of the others in this series. I also quite liked her description of endurance: "Endurance demanded sacrifice, but gave back life. Endurance was always the tougher choice, but gave the truer measure of a heart."
I agree. Endurance is a virtue that we should cultivate. I guess you could say, in my own little way, I am cultivating it by finishing out this march through Shannara. :D
Probably not what Brooks intended, but hey, take practice where you can get it.
I read it this time as an adult and thought 'meh', better than Galaphile. No need to keep this book or reread it again.
On the other hand, I quite liked Little Red, and thought that the relationships and character growth in this book were deeper than in many of the others in this series. I also quite liked her description of endurance: "Endurance demanded sacrifice, but gave back life. Endurance was always the tougher choice, but gave the truer measure of a heart."
I agree. Endurance is a virtue that we should cultivate. I guess you could say, in my own little way, I am cultivating it by finishing out this march through Shannara. :D
Probably not what Brooks intended, but hey, take practice where you can get it.
July 28, 2025
Shades! Another great book in the series!
February 4, 2012
So where were we? Ah, yes, a giant, weather-controlling, all-powerful, almost-as-smart-as-Mike-Thayer, computer vs. the forces of both good and evil. The book starts off with our heroes in distress and scattered to the four winds. The book then proceeds to proceed for several hundred pages, and ends rather dramatically by leaving our heroes distressed and scattered to the four winds.
The End.
So what do I do? On to book #3!
The End.
So what do I do? On to book #3!
December 19, 2014
This is the middle book of a trilogy and I haven't read either the first or the third yet. This book did stand on its own but I felt that I was missing the whole picture so I have reserved 1 and 3 from my library. Terry Brooks is a great writer but like all series some of the books are better than the others. This one I feel is not one of those. It was interesting enough that I do want to read the others to see the whole picture.
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