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High Druid of Shannara #2
Tanequil
Dark magic has opened a gateway to the Forbidding and trapped within it Grianne Ohmsford, rightful High Druid of Shannara. Rescuing Grianne will be merely the beginning of the effort to return the Four Lands to some semblance of peace. Only her young nephew, Penderrin, has any hope of returning her to power. But to breach the Forbidding and bring Grianne back to the natural world, Pen must find the fabled Tanequil . . . and the talisman it alone can provide. That means journeying into the Inkrim–a dreaded region thick with shadows and haunted by harrowing legends. And there, Pen will strike a bargain more dire than he could ever imagine.
From the Paperback edition.
From the Paperback edition.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
174 people are currently reading
7154 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 190 reviews
February 12, 2024
Very good gets even better!
In JARKA RUUS (Book 1), Grianne Ohmsford, struggled with the inner demons of her former evil life as the Ilse Witch and the politics of her new role as Ard Rhys, High Druid of Paranor. A faction of dissenting druids on the Council led by Shadea a'Rhu, succeeded in a Machiavellian plot to lock her behind impenetrable magic walls in the land of the Forbidding. Her trusted servant and aide, Tagwen, narrowly escaped Paranor, relentlessly pursued by Terek Molt, another rebellious Druid on the Council and Aphasia Wye, a deadly assassin. Tagwen sought help from the only people he could think of - Pen Ohmsford, Grianne's resourceful, young nephew and Ahren Ellesdil, a self-exiled elf Druid and master of no small amount of magic himself! The Trolls, led by Kermadec, a faithful long-time friend of Grianne's, have been blamed for her disappearance and have retreated for now to the safety of their fortified mountain homeland.
The story continues in TANEQUIL (Book 2), as the small company of stalwarts - Pen Ohmsford; his blind, young love, Cinnaminson; Ahren Ellesdil, druid-in-exile and his apprentice neice, Khyber Ellesdil; Tagwen; and Cinnaminson's father, the Rover Captain, Gar Hatch - follow the cryptic instructions of the King of the Silver River. With the assistance of the banished trolls, they seek the Tanequil, a magic darkwand made from the branches of an ancient sentient tree in Stridegate who must be persuaded to willingly part with a piece of itself. They also strive to avoid certain cruel death at the hands of Terek Molt and Aphasia Wye who relentlessly track them using the residual trail of magic they leave behind them. The Tanequil is the only magic that will somehow open the doors of the Forbidding and allow Pen to enter in an attempt to rescue Grianne from the clutches of the banished Warlock Lord. In the meantime, a rather slimy Sen Dunsidan, Prime Minister of the Federation, fully revealed as a conspirator in the Druid's plot to eliminate Grianne, wages open war against the Freeborn elves to control the four lands and struggles for his political life with Shadea a'Rhu, now sitting as Ard Rhys of the Druid Council.
If JARKA RUUS announced Terry Brooks' re-emergence as a master of the fantasy genre, then TANEQUIL pushes that envelope further and showcases his skills as a writer that can add realism, extended character development and thoughtful, probing philosophical discussion to an exciting, perfectly-paced action filled plot! For example - not being female myself, I couldn't swear that he got it right - but Brooks provided a thought-provoking discussion on a female's perception of violence and rape! His compelling portrayal of the sibling rivalry between Kermadec, the leader of the Trolls, and his younger brother, Atalan, added high drama and real life characterization to the Trolls' flight from their mountain hideout to Stridegate. When Shadea a'Rhu murders a co-conspirator, the evil that was psychopathic is made even more frightening by its presentation as stunningly banal. Grianne's imprisonment and torture is convincing, to say the least, and demonstrates the depths of despair to which someone in her position can plummet! The exciting climax to Cinnaminson's and Pen's search for the Tanequil in Stridegate provides an inspiring example of how love, of necessity, often means sacrifice. His physical descriptions of the ephemeral, fluid magical landscape of Stridegate are ... well, magical ... I don't think any other word does it justice! Sheer poetry.
This time, he also got the ending right! The second novel ends at a precise turning in the plot and provides a natural starting point to leap into the third installment STRAKEN - which I will be eagerly looking for! He's set the bar mighty high this time but, if he can clear the standard he's set for himself with the final part of THE HIGH DRUID OF SHANNARA, this will be a trilogy for the ages!
Paul Weiss
In JARKA RUUS (Book 1), Grianne Ohmsford, struggled with the inner demons of her former evil life as the Ilse Witch and the politics of her new role as Ard Rhys, High Druid of Paranor. A faction of dissenting druids on the Council led by Shadea a'Rhu, succeeded in a Machiavellian plot to lock her behind impenetrable magic walls in the land of the Forbidding. Her trusted servant and aide, Tagwen, narrowly escaped Paranor, relentlessly pursued by Terek Molt, another rebellious Druid on the Council and Aphasia Wye, a deadly assassin. Tagwen sought help from the only people he could think of - Pen Ohmsford, Grianne's resourceful, young nephew and Ahren Ellesdil, a self-exiled elf Druid and master of no small amount of magic himself! The Trolls, led by Kermadec, a faithful long-time friend of Grianne's, have been blamed for her disappearance and have retreated for now to the safety of their fortified mountain homeland.
The story continues in TANEQUIL (Book 2), as the small company of stalwarts - Pen Ohmsford; his blind, young love, Cinnaminson; Ahren Ellesdil, druid-in-exile and his apprentice neice, Khyber Ellesdil; Tagwen; and Cinnaminson's father, the Rover Captain, Gar Hatch - follow the cryptic instructions of the King of the Silver River. With the assistance of the banished trolls, they seek the Tanequil, a magic darkwand made from the branches of an ancient sentient tree in Stridegate who must be persuaded to willingly part with a piece of itself. They also strive to avoid certain cruel death at the hands of Terek Molt and Aphasia Wye who relentlessly track them using the residual trail of magic they leave behind them. The Tanequil is the only magic that will somehow open the doors of the Forbidding and allow Pen to enter in an attempt to rescue Grianne from the clutches of the banished Warlock Lord. In the meantime, a rather slimy Sen Dunsidan, Prime Minister of the Federation, fully revealed as a conspirator in the Druid's plot to eliminate Grianne, wages open war against the Freeborn elves to control the four lands and struggles for his political life with Shadea a'Rhu, now sitting as Ard Rhys of the Druid Council.
If JARKA RUUS announced Terry Brooks' re-emergence as a master of the fantasy genre, then TANEQUIL pushes that envelope further and showcases his skills as a writer that can add realism, extended character development and thoughtful, probing philosophical discussion to an exciting, perfectly-paced action filled plot! For example - not being female myself, I couldn't swear that he got it right - but Brooks provided a thought-provoking discussion on a female's perception of violence and rape! His compelling portrayal of the sibling rivalry between Kermadec, the leader of the Trolls, and his younger brother, Atalan, added high drama and real life characterization to the Trolls' flight from their mountain hideout to Stridegate. When Shadea a'Rhu murders a co-conspirator, the evil that was psychopathic is made even more frightening by its presentation as stunningly banal. Grianne's imprisonment and torture is convincing, to say the least, and demonstrates the depths of despair to which someone in her position can plummet! The exciting climax to Cinnaminson's and Pen's search for the Tanequil in Stridegate provides an inspiring example of how love, of necessity, often means sacrifice. His physical descriptions of the ephemeral, fluid magical landscape of Stridegate are ... well, magical ... I don't think any other word does it justice! Sheer poetry.
This time, he also got the ending right! The second novel ends at a precise turning in the plot and provides a natural starting point to leap into the third installment STRAKEN - which I will be eagerly looking for! He's set the bar mighty high this time but, if he can clear the standard he's set for himself with the final part of THE HIGH DRUID OF SHANNARA, this will be a trilogy for the ages!
Paul Weiss
August 1, 2022
The first book of this trilogy was great, but, this one really suffered from middle-book-syndrome. There really only seemed to be 100-150 pages of actual forward momentum so I found myself just wishing that Terry Brooks would just get on with it.
3.25/5
3.25/5
May 15, 2015
Pen continues the journey to find the Tanequil in order to save his aunt, Grianne finally faces her greatest adversary yet inside the Forbidding, the century-long war on the Prekkendorran takes a drastic new turn as the Federation invents a secret superweapon to crush the Free-born, and the two most powerful Druids left in Paranor become lovers while each also plots to dispose of the other.
Forget Word & Void, Genesis, Legends, Heritage and Voyage. The High Druid of Shannara is the best series Terry Brooks has written since the early '80s. I'll take the chance of saying that now, before even starting the third book.
The series has only one downside that's worth mentioning, and the name of that downside is Pen Ohmsford. Pen is the young, reluctant Ohmsford hero on his epic quest to save everyone and everything while actually not knowing a thing about what he's doing. If this entire story was written from his point of view, I wouldn't hesitate to give this two stars. His presence in the first book is tolerable, but he is playing a bigger part in the second, and in the end he was the only reason I did not give this a full five stars.
The other parts of the book are more or less perfect. Grianne's story actually gets better, if at all possible, and she might be my new favourite character in the Shannara universe. The same is true for the storylines of the treacherous Druids at Paranor and the leadership of the Federation.
In addition to that, the book adds another POV character to the already solid bunch: Pied Sanderling, the Elven Captain of the Home Guard. He serves as the only voice of reason among the advisors of a useless excuse for a king, and he must rally the Free-born army to fight a desperate battle in order to avoid losing the war in a single stroke.
All in all, Tanequil is a solid sequel to Jarka Ruus, and a great continuation of the best Shannara trilogy yet.
Forget Word & Void, Genesis, Legends, Heritage and Voyage. The High Druid of Shannara is the best series Terry Brooks has written since the early '80s. I'll take the chance of saying that now, before even starting the third book.
The series has only one downside that's worth mentioning, and the name of that downside is Pen Ohmsford. Pen is the young, reluctant Ohmsford hero on his epic quest to save everyone and everything while actually not knowing a thing about what he's doing. If this entire story was written from his point of view, I wouldn't hesitate to give this two stars. His presence in the first book is tolerable, but he is playing a bigger part in the second, and in the end he was the only reason I did not give this a full five stars.
The other parts of the book are more or less perfect. Grianne's story actually gets better, if at all possible, and she might be my new favourite character in the Shannara universe. The same is true for the storylines of the treacherous Druids at Paranor and the leadership of the Federation.
In addition to that, the book adds another POV character to the already solid bunch: Pied Sanderling, the Elven Captain of the Home Guard. He serves as the only voice of reason among the advisors of a useless excuse for a king, and he must rally the Free-born army to fight a desperate battle in order to avoid losing the war in a single stroke.
All in all, Tanequil is a solid sequel to Jarka Ruus, and a great continuation of the best Shannara trilogy yet.
November 16, 2017
Chiacchiericcio nel Divieto
Tael Riverine, dal suo castello nero come la pece, racconta a Grianne di quanto fossero belle le antiche epoche con i demoni liberi a pascolare nel mondo, mentre gli umani stavano zitti e muti; e che i tempi erano ormai maturi per il ritorno (migliaia e migliaia di anni in attesa non si sa bene di cosa).
Insomma, nel Divieto si sparano fregnacce a destra e sinistra; addirittura a un certo punto si fanno riferimenti sibillini a piani d'accoppiamento tra l'umana e il demone per partorire una progenie infernale che...dovrà fare qualcosa di importante.
Quello che sfugge a tutti è la credibilità di Tael Riverine come leader all'interno del Divieto, visto che l'unico piano che ordisce in migliaia di anni è quello di liberare sulla terra il Moric e, nel frattempo, accoppiarsi con Grianne (lo farei anche io eh, ma da un'entità infernale ci si aspetterebbe una sottigliezza mentale n'attimino più articolata).
Tutto quello che resta della storia è un ripescaggio poco convinto di dinamiche stantie e già lette, con l'unica simpatica eccezione dell'ingegnere federale che riscopre il laser con applicazioni in campo bellico (collegamento con il mondo antecedente alle guerre atomiche).
Tael Riverine, dal suo castello nero come la pece, racconta a Grianne di quanto fossero belle le antiche epoche con i demoni liberi a pascolare nel mondo, mentre gli umani stavano zitti e muti; e che i tempi erano ormai maturi per il ritorno (migliaia e migliaia di anni in attesa non si sa bene di cosa).
Insomma, nel Divieto si sparano fregnacce a destra e sinistra; addirittura a un certo punto si fanno riferimenti sibillini a piani d'accoppiamento tra l'umana e il demone per partorire una progenie infernale che...dovrà fare qualcosa di importante.
Quello che sfugge a tutti è la credibilità di Tael Riverine come leader all'interno del Divieto, visto che l'unico piano che ordisce in migliaia di anni è quello di liberare sulla terra il Moric e, nel frattempo, accoppiarsi con Grianne (lo farei anche io eh, ma da un'entità infernale ci si aspetterebbe una sottigliezza mentale n'attimino più articolata).
Tutto quello che resta della storia è un ripescaggio poco convinto di dinamiche stantie e già lette, con l'unica simpatica eccezione dell'ingegnere federale che riscopre il laser con applicazioni in campo bellico (collegamento con il mondo antecedente alle guerre atomiche).
November 19, 2020
Part two in the series High Druid of Shannara was a little less exciting than the first part. Makes sense, since its the second out of three and building up to the finale book of the trio.
Pen & the crew set out to find the Tanequil tree, which will give them one of its branches. It should be used as a magic wand that Pen can use to help release his aunt Grianne Ohmsford from the hell that is the Forbidding. Meanwhile, Grianne is having a rough time down there trying not to be converted into something evil, like she was in her youth as the Ilse Witch. She used to be evil but she battled it to become good and the leader of the druids. (Explained in earlier books in the series)
I'm not overly fond of the "bad guys" in the High Druid of Shannara series, while usually the bad guys Mr Brooks writes are enjoyable. The druid traitor Shadea is kind of annoying and "too perfect". Sen Dunsidan's actions are too weak for the power he has. The Forbidding's master the Straken Lord is the devil, basically. More of him will return in book 3. Also, the first 200 pages are less interesting to me and I wished often that it would go on quicker. The last 100 pages made up for that with a great sacrifice & faster paced writing.
Onwards!
Pen & the crew set out to find the Tanequil tree, which will give them one of its branches. It should be used as a magic wand that Pen can use to help release his aunt Grianne Ohmsford from the hell that is the Forbidding. Meanwhile, Grianne is having a rough time down there trying not to be converted into something evil, like she was in her youth as the Ilse Witch. She used to be evil but she battled it to become good and the leader of the druids. (Explained in earlier books in the series)
I'm not overly fond of the "bad guys" in the High Druid of Shannara series, while usually the bad guys Mr Brooks writes are enjoyable. The druid traitor Shadea is kind of annoying and "too perfect". Sen Dunsidan's actions are too weak for the power he has. The Forbidding's master the Straken Lord is the devil, basically. More of him will return in book 3. Also, the first 200 pages are less interesting to me and I wished often that it would go on quicker. The last 100 pages made up for that with a great sacrifice & faster paced writing.
Onwards!
February 11, 2025
I enjoyed this tale but it is a little different to the others. Tanequil is the second book in the High Druid of Shannara books. Not one of my all time favourites but still interesting read.
October 18, 2023
Descriptions are good, but in this book, there are too many, mind tends to wander while trying to get through the descriptions.
March 29, 2022
An excellent chapter in The High Druid Of Shannara trilogy, Brooks takes the action in a different direction from previous novels. The constant pursuit of the heroes is harrowing, as outside of Pen, none seem safe. However, it’s the scenes in The Forbidding that make Tanequil such a great read in the larger world of Shannara. Dark and savage, it’s a perfect description of hell, the reader hoping for escape while secretly wanting a bit more. Tremendous fun, this is one of Terry Brooks best books.
March 12, 2010
Another great read by Terry Brooks. I love the way he leaves you hanging at the end of the story so you will jump right into the next book. As soon as I finished this book, I jumped right into Straken, the third and final book in the High Druid Of Shannara trilogy.
The journey continues for Penderrin and along the way he even picks up more help to get him to the Tanequil. Kermadec and his fellow Trolls join the journey along with Cinnaminson.
Grianne Ohmsford finds herself captured and brought to Tael Riverine, Straken Lord of Kraal Reach. She also finds out why he brought her there and why he arranged for her to come to the forbidding. His goal is not only to mate with her to have his offsprings but to trade his Moric for her in order for Moric to accomplish his goal of destroying the barrier (Ellcrys)that keeps the forbidding locked away.
Through out the book, things seem to be leading to the success of Moric with everything falling into place. The Druid's keep is unsure of the new Ard Rhys Shadea a'Ru and not everyone trust her even her friend Iridia who so happened to disappear. What they don't know is that the Moric has taken over her body and has went to the Prime Minister to be his personal advisor.
The Prime Minister has come into a new weapon - a lazer gun and the Moric has plans to put it to use by using the Prime Minister and trying to talk him into destroying the Elves Home, their wives and children, while the men are off trying to fight in the war between the federation and the free-born.
Penderrin makes it to the Tanequil but in order for him to receive the darkwand, he had to give up something of himself, a part of himself and a part of his heart. So the Tanequil took two of his fingers in exchange for a limb from the tree and it took Cinnaminson, the love of his heart - she became a spirit in order to help him to retrieve the darkwand.
Penderrin's parents are capture and are locked away at the Druids Keep but eventually escape and are now on their way to find Penderrin.
The Druid's Keep gromes finally catch up with Penderrin and his friends at the Tanequil and in exchange for his surrender they would let his friends go - to top it off, Penderrin had it in his mind that he could get back to Pandora the Druid's Keep faster in order to free Grianne from the forbidding. However, the Druids abord the airship that captured Penderrin find out why he went to Tanequil and take the darkwand away from him.
Weka Dart, Grianne's new friend is deciding if he should rescue her or not from Tael Riverine - gotta read the next book to find out if he rescues her.
So Terry Brooks leaves us hanging on what will happen:
Will Grianne be rescued? Will Penderrin free Grianne from the forbidding? Will Penderrin make it to the Druid's Keep and get back the darkwand in order to rescue Grianne? Will Bek and Rue, Penderrin's parents find him? The next book should be awsome finding out the answers.
The journey continues for Penderrin and along the way he even picks up more help to get him to the Tanequil. Kermadec and his fellow Trolls join the journey along with Cinnaminson.
Grianne Ohmsford finds herself captured and brought to Tael Riverine, Straken Lord of Kraal Reach. She also finds out why he brought her there and why he arranged for her to come to the forbidding. His goal is not only to mate with her to have his offsprings but to trade his Moric for her in order for Moric to accomplish his goal of destroying the barrier (Ellcrys)that keeps the forbidding locked away.
Through out the book, things seem to be leading to the success of Moric with everything falling into place. The Druid's keep is unsure of the new Ard Rhys Shadea a'Ru and not everyone trust her even her friend Iridia who so happened to disappear. What they don't know is that the Moric has taken over her body and has went to the Prime Minister to be his personal advisor.
The Prime Minister has come into a new weapon - a lazer gun and the Moric has plans to put it to use by using the Prime Minister and trying to talk him into destroying the Elves Home, their wives and children, while the men are off trying to fight in the war between the federation and the free-born.
Penderrin makes it to the Tanequil but in order for him to receive the darkwand, he had to give up something of himself, a part of himself and a part of his heart. So the Tanequil took two of his fingers in exchange for a limb from the tree and it took Cinnaminson, the love of his heart - she became a spirit in order to help him to retrieve the darkwand.
Penderrin's parents are capture and are locked away at the Druids Keep but eventually escape and are now on their way to find Penderrin.
The Druid's Keep gromes finally catch up with Penderrin and his friends at the Tanequil and in exchange for his surrender they would let his friends go - to top it off, Penderrin had it in his mind that he could get back to Pandora the Druid's Keep faster in order to free Grianne from the forbidding. However, the Druids abord the airship that captured Penderrin find out why he went to Tanequil and take the darkwand away from him.
Weka Dart, Grianne's new friend is deciding if he should rescue her or not from Tael Riverine - gotta read the next book to find out if he rescues her.
So Terry Brooks leaves us hanging on what will happen:
Will Grianne be rescued? Will Penderrin free Grianne from the forbidding? Will Penderrin make it to the Druid's Keep and get back the darkwand in order to rescue Grianne? Will Bek and Rue, Penderrin's parents find him? The next book should be awsome finding out the answers.
July 26, 2012
Terry Brooks is a masterful writer who takes fantasy fiction to extreme heights, with his outstandingly unique creation of Shannara. Beginning with the series on Shannara where readers are introduced to the most original and inspired creation of a distinctive world, continued with the heritage of Shannara and the voyage of the Jerle of Shannara which takes you on an epic journey that is so exceptional. In the high druid of Shannara series following on from book 1 (Jarka Ruus), Tanequil takes you on the most exciting quest that opens ones mind to all the possibilities and innovative ideas that can be created within this genre that is comparable to JRR Tolkien. Here is an author who captures ones imagination so that you loose yourself within his work, lost within another world that is so spectacular it can be quite overwhelming to comprehend. Following the main character of Penderrin Ohmsford one is immediately hit with the mighty battles and treachery that is happening all around, making it such an intense storyline that is so hard to put down as you become engrossed within a gripping plot.
Penderrin Ohmsford’s quest is simple; he wishes to return to the natural world and escape the harsh mirror-world of the Forbidding, by journeying into a region called Inkrim that is dangerous and perilous. A dark and most evil creature also threatens Penderrin’s passage home, adding to the potency and thrilling action that is constantly fast-paced. I was fascinated and totally mesmerized by Terry Brook’s worlds and the elements that he added in to make the story even more spine-tingling such as the creatures, magic and mystery surrounding the unknown ingredients that keep you guessing. Sitting on the edge of my seat throughout I was reluctant to leave this world and concepts of Shannara, which has delighted so many readers who adore fantasy fiction at its very best. Here is a writer who displays all the qualities of Raymond E Feist, the epic JRR Tolkien, Kate Elliot, Stephen Donaldson and Janny Wurts but with a modern 21st century twist that is current with which you can relate to easily.
Full of drama, intensity, suspense and thrills here is a book that you will devour within a few hours and which will keep you hooked unable to let go. Terry Brooks has written many fantasy series surrounding his creation of Shannara, being something truly unique and immensely rich that cannot be compared to any other writer’s work. He is an accomplished and highly acclaimed author whom deserves all the praise that he receives, due to his in-depth knowledge of this genre that is combined with his passion and creativity.
Penderrin Ohmsford’s quest is simple; he wishes to return to the natural world and escape the harsh mirror-world of the Forbidding, by journeying into a region called Inkrim that is dangerous and perilous. A dark and most evil creature also threatens Penderrin’s passage home, adding to the potency and thrilling action that is constantly fast-paced. I was fascinated and totally mesmerized by Terry Brook’s worlds and the elements that he added in to make the story even more spine-tingling such as the creatures, magic and mystery surrounding the unknown ingredients that keep you guessing. Sitting on the edge of my seat throughout I was reluctant to leave this world and concepts of Shannara, which has delighted so many readers who adore fantasy fiction at its very best. Here is a writer who displays all the qualities of Raymond E Feist, the epic JRR Tolkien, Kate Elliot, Stephen Donaldson and Janny Wurts but with a modern 21st century twist that is current with which you can relate to easily.
Full of drama, intensity, suspense and thrills here is a book that you will devour within a few hours and which will keep you hooked unable to let go. Terry Brooks has written many fantasy series surrounding his creation of Shannara, being something truly unique and immensely rich that cannot be compared to any other writer’s work. He is an accomplished and highly acclaimed author whom deserves all the praise that he receives, due to his in-depth knowledge of this genre that is combined with his passion and creativity.
August 2, 2011
Tanequil was hit and miss. I found myself very interested for a few chapters in a row, and then Brooks would change focus and the story lagged for another two chapters before picking up again.
Penderrin is developing well as a character, and most of the plots, especially Grianne's and the Federation/Free-Born War can easily hold their own. However, WHY didn't Brooks dedicate just a bit more time to the Tanequil? I was hoping for something more along the lines of the "Stone King" from The Druid of Shannara or "Antrax" from the book of the same name. Naming a book after an entity that doesn't really get explained very well, even when the character interacting with it can communicate with plants and animals a la Aquaman... it's just not cool. I was looking forward to the confrontation for a book and a half and it just fell, well, predictably flat.
At this point, I'm glad I only have one book left in the Shannara series before reading other books. I've really enjoyed reading all of the novels, and Brooks is an awesome storyteller, but his writing style isn't the best, and I really need to mix in some other styles.
Penderrin is developing well as a character, and most of the plots, especially Grianne's and the Federation/Free-Born War can easily hold their own. However, WHY didn't Brooks dedicate just a bit more time to the Tanequil? I was hoping for something more along the lines of the "Stone King" from The Druid of Shannara or "Antrax" from the book of the same name. Naming a book after an entity that doesn't really get explained very well, even when the character interacting with it can communicate with plants and animals a la Aquaman... it's just not cool. I was looking forward to the confrontation for a book and a half and it just fell, well, predictably flat.
At this point, I'm glad I only have one book left in the Shannara series before reading other books. I've really enjoyed reading all of the novels, and Brooks is an awesome storyteller, but his writing style isn't the best, and I really need to mix in some other styles.
June 19, 2016
#22/29 in my Epic Shannara Quest.
Another thrilling chapter in the development of the Shannara saga. Exciting with some shamelessly cinematic scenquences that still manage to entertain. Nothing unexpected happens (the demon plot to subjugate the Four Lands was obvious halfway through the previous book in this trilogy), but the continuing dark tone of Tanequil maintains the tension throughout. Eerily beautiful climactic scene.
Another thrilling chapter in the development of the Shannara saga. Exciting with some shamelessly cinematic scenquences that still manage to entertain. Nothing unexpected happens (the demon plot to subjugate the Four Lands was obvious halfway through the previous book in this trilogy), but the continuing dark tone of Tanequil maintains the tension throughout. Eerily beautiful climactic scene.
April 24, 2023
Star Rating: 5 stars
Note: This is the 2nd book in the High Druid of Shannara trilogy and the 16th book in the overarching Shannara epic (Since I am reading them for the first time, I’m reading them in the order that Terry Brooks recommends for new readers.) so this will not be an in-depth review.
At this point, I have been reading the Shannara series by Terry Brooks for around 3 years, and to be honest, I was starting to think that I was losing interest in the series as I found I wasn’t enjoying the books as much as I had in the past. However, as I have been making my way through the 5 books that I assigned to myself this year (In my long currently running series such as Shannara, I assign myself at least 5 books a year so that I am making steady progress and they aren’t sitting on my TBR for longer than they should.), I realized that wasn’t the case, instead I think I was letting too much time past between books, and that was what was decreasing my enjoyment so I have made a point not to do that this year.
However, when it comes to this book in particular, it continues the story of Penderrin Ohmsford and his companions as they struggle to find a mysterious magical artifact and save his aunt and possibly the world in the process. My favorite part about this book is definitely the world-building, particularly Brooks’s nature writing as he has a talent for it. To explain what I mean, let me give you some context, this book appears like your typical epic fantasy at first and in many ways it is, however as the story progresses, you start to realize that something much more significant is going on as certain elements of the story start to come to the forefront. You learn very quickly that even settings that you know and have experience with can become magical and scared if enough time has passed and enough knowledge has been lost, and this is where Brooks shines, in conveying these scenes and the feelings they would emote. All in all, if you think that this is your typical Lord of the Rings-style fantasy, then you’re in for a treat. (Side note: I hate that every classic epic fantasy is compared to Lords of the Rings. Yes, the Lord of the Rings established the genre, made it mainstream, and created a lot of the recognizable troupes, however, the works that followed him (Jordan’s Wheel of Time, Brooks’s Shannara, and others) are their own thing and stand on their own, using motifs and troupes that Tolkien established in their own unique ways.)
The other thing that I liked about this book is the themes that Brooks explores in this narrative-themes of the weight of leadership and how different people approach heroism and sacrifice. Although I can’t express exactly how he utilizes them in this narrative because they are reoccurring and I don’t want to spoil anything, just know they are flawless if you like your books to explore deeper concepts as well as giving you a straight story. I will say that our main character, Penderrin, goes through some deep character development in this book, specifically in regard to these themes. (Side note again: I love how the titles are deep references to events in the book that you don’t understand the full context of until you’re done reading. It’s a nice touch!!)
All in all, this was a great addition to the narrative of Shannara, and I am looking forward to picking up the next and final one in this arc as well as reading the rest of the Shannara series as my love for the series has been reunited. 5 stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Note: This is the 2nd book in the High Druid of Shannara trilogy and the 16th book in the overarching Shannara epic (Since I am reading them for the first time, I’m reading them in the order that Terry Brooks recommends for new readers.) so this will not be an in-depth review.
At this point, I have been reading the Shannara series by Terry Brooks for around 3 years, and to be honest, I was starting to think that I was losing interest in the series as I found I wasn’t enjoying the books as much as I had in the past. However, as I have been making my way through the 5 books that I assigned to myself this year (In my long currently running series such as Shannara, I assign myself at least 5 books a year so that I am making steady progress and they aren’t sitting on my TBR for longer than they should.), I realized that wasn’t the case, instead I think I was letting too much time past between books, and that was what was decreasing my enjoyment so I have made a point not to do that this year.
However, when it comes to this book in particular, it continues the story of Penderrin Ohmsford and his companions as they struggle to find a mysterious magical artifact and save his aunt and possibly the world in the process. My favorite part about this book is definitely the world-building, particularly Brooks’s nature writing as he has a talent for it. To explain what I mean, let me give you some context, this book appears like your typical epic fantasy at first and in many ways it is, however as the story progresses, you start to realize that something much more significant is going on as certain elements of the story start to come to the forefront. You learn very quickly that even settings that you know and have experience with can become magical and scared if enough time has passed and enough knowledge has been lost, and this is where Brooks shines, in conveying these scenes and the feelings they would emote. All in all, if you think that this is your typical Lord of the Rings-style fantasy, then you’re in for a treat. (Side note: I hate that every classic epic fantasy is compared to Lords of the Rings. Yes, the Lord of the Rings established the genre, made it mainstream, and created a lot of the recognizable troupes, however, the works that followed him (Jordan’s Wheel of Time, Brooks’s Shannara, and others) are their own thing and stand on their own, using motifs and troupes that Tolkien established in their own unique ways.)
The other thing that I liked about this book is the themes that Brooks explores in this narrative-themes of the weight of leadership and how different people approach heroism and sacrifice. Although I can’t express exactly how he utilizes them in this narrative because they are reoccurring and I don’t want to spoil anything, just know they are flawless if you like your books to explore deeper concepts as well as giving you a straight story. I will say that our main character, Penderrin, goes through some deep character development in this book, specifically in regard to these themes. (Side note again: I love how the titles are deep references to events in the book that you don’t understand the full context of until you’re done reading. It’s a nice touch!!)
All in all, this was a great addition to the narrative of Shannara, and I am looking forward to picking up the next and final one in this arc as well as reading the rest of the Shannara series as my love for the series has been reunited. 5 stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 5, 2023
Book 2 of the High Druid of Shannara series. This book definitely suffers from middle child syndrome. I have to say that this book started out as one of my favorite Terry Brooks books of all time. I'm serious about that. Absolutely phenomenal first 10-11 chapters. But shortly around halfway through it loses that feel and turns into something close to a disaster.
The positive, as always, Brooks still brings the reader in with engaging descriptors and great dialogue from beginning to end.
Small holes that show up on and off throughout the book that are hard to digest or are never explained bog down the entire experience. To name a few:
-Numerous times where characters go without food and water for days but then somehow engage in lengthy battles.
-No explanation on how so many random people throughout the world now have the use of magic.
-No real reason given why so many members of the druid council are evil.
-If Grianne knew these druids were extraordinarily evil, why did she enlist them AND allow them to grow in power? (And "not wanting to start the Council over" is not an excuse. These people want to kill you...)
-There are a few issues with the timeline that don't seem to add up. Specifically when traveling long distances by airship. Sometimes the journey takes days and other times (when protagonists are being chased) it's immediate.
Many negative things stand out in this book that make it feel like the second half was severely rushed.
Here are the MUCH BIGGER problems I found that I struggled mightily to get passed...
-In typical Brooks fashion, he builds great characters that you connect with and then monumental catastrophe hits and they immediately die a horrible death or they are imprisoned and raped. This happened multiple times.
-As an invested reader, you sometimes ask yourself why the author chooses to make decisions that are both useless and in no way add to the story. Brooks is no different in this book. Just causing pain and love loss for no other reason than to emulate immense nonsensical suffering does not enhance the story.
-Choices involving almost all the female characters in this book are written with the fact that they are less than or in desperate need of a male counterpart. I found this incredibly odd because Brooks usually employs INCREDIBLY strong female characters.
I wanted to love this book. The feeling I got from the first 200 or so pages was thrill and excitement. I couldn't put it down. It just fell apart so fast and it could not recover. The first half of this book was fantastic that's why it gets 3 stars. If this book had started how it ended, it very well could've been my first 1 star rated book.
The positive, as always, Brooks still brings the reader in with engaging descriptors and great dialogue from beginning to end.
Small holes that show up on and off throughout the book that are hard to digest or are never explained bog down the entire experience. To name a few:
-Numerous times where characters go without food and water for days but then somehow engage in lengthy battles.
-No explanation on how so many random people throughout the world now have the use of magic.
-No real reason given why so many members of the druid council are evil.
-If Grianne knew these druids were extraordinarily evil, why did she enlist them AND allow them to grow in power? (And "not wanting to start the Council over" is not an excuse. These people want to kill you...)
-There are a few issues with the timeline that don't seem to add up. Specifically when traveling long distances by airship. Sometimes the journey takes days and other times (when protagonists are being chased) it's immediate.
Many negative things stand out in this book that make it feel like the second half was severely rushed.
Here are the MUCH BIGGER problems I found that I struggled mightily to get passed...
-In typical Brooks fashion, he builds great characters that you connect with and then monumental catastrophe hits and they immediately die a horrible death or they are imprisoned and raped. This happened multiple times.
-As an invested reader, you sometimes ask yourself why the author chooses to make decisions that are both useless and in no way add to the story. Brooks is no different in this book. Just causing pain and love loss for no other reason than to emulate immense nonsensical suffering does not enhance the story.
-Choices involving almost all the female characters in this book are written with the fact that they are less than or in desperate need of a male counterpart. I found this incredibly odd because Brooks usually employs INCREDIBLY strong female characters.
I wanted to love this book. The feeling I got from the first 200 or so pages was thrill and excitement. I couldn't put it down. It just fell apart so fast and it could not recover. The first half of this book was fantastic that's why it gets 3 stars. If this book had started how it ended, it very well could've been my first 1 star rated book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2019
This is the second book in the trilogy. Most of the story involves Pen getting to the Tanequil to get the branch to make the darkwind staff but it also tells us what is going on with Grianne in Jarka Ruus, especially since she has to use dark magic to survive but she has found an unexpected ally of sorts to help her.
The group of Druids who plotted to gain control of the Druid council have no idea of how they have been utilized as puppets by the Overlord Straken Demon. In fact, one of them (Iridia) has been "absorbed" by the Moric, using her appearance as a skin to hide its true appearance. By doing so, it influences Sen Dunisdan, the head of the Federation to attack the home city of the Elves, Arborlon, where the Ellcrys lives.
Pen escaped with Khyber and Tagwen from the Magg marsh and go to the Troll to get Kenmadec, their Maturen to assist them in getting to the Inkrim where there's the sacred island of the Tanequil. They have brought along Cinnaminson, whom they rescued from the spiderlike creature who is carrying the Stiehl knife to kill Pen with. When the group gets to the island, only Pen and Cinnaminson are allowed by the spirits to cross safely over the sole bridge, so the group waits for them to return. Pen and Cinnaminson are taken to the Tanequil tree, but Cinnaminson leaves Pen alone while she wanders with the spirits. Both of them make separate bargains which result in Pen getting the branch from the Tanequil to carve into the darkwind staff. Pen loses two of his fingers and Cinnaminson as the bargain included part of his body and his heart. Despite the heartache, Pen realizes that Cinnaminson has been given a way to be free, On his way to the bridge, he is stalked by the spiderlike creature who is still alive but the spirits distract him into falling into the ravine surrounding the island which houses the "mother" part of the Tanequil, which means he will be absorbed into her as nutriment.
At the end of this book, Pen now has the darkwind staff, the Elven home is in danger, Grianne is in Jarkus Ruus and Bek and Rue Olmstead (Pen's parents) are prisoners at Paranor, where Pen has to go to enter Jarkus Ruus to rescue his aunt.
The group of Druids who plotted to gain control of the Druid council have no idea of how they have been utilized as puppets by the Overlord Straken Demon. In fact, one of them (Iridia) has been "absorbed" by the Moric, using her appearance as a skin to hide its true appearance. By doing so, it influences Sen Dunisdan, the head of the Federation to attack the home city of the Elves, Arborlon, where the Ellcrys lives.
Pen escaped with Khyber and Tagwen from the Magg marsh and go to the Troll to get Kenmadec, their Maturen to assist them in getting to the Inkrim where there's the sacred island of the Tanequil. They have brought along Cinnaminson, whom they rescued from the spiderlike creature who is carrying the Stiehl knife to kill Pen with. When the group gets to the island, only Pen and Cinnaminson are allowed by the spirits to cross safely over the sole bridge, so the group waits for them to return. Pen and Cinnaminson are taken to the Tanequil tree, but Cinnaminson leaves Pen alone while she wanders with the spirits. Both of them make separate bargains which result in Pen getting the branch from the Tanequil to carve into the darkwind staff. Pen loses two of his fingers and Cinnaminson as the bargain included part of his body and his heart. Despite the heartache, Pen realizes that Cinnaminson has been given a way to be free, On his way to the bridge, he is stalked by the spiderlike creature who is still alive but the spirits distract him into falling into the ravine surrounding the island which houses the "mother" part of the Tanequil, which means he will be absorbed into her as nutriment.
At the end of this book, Pen now has the darkwind staff, the Elven home is in danger, Grianne is in Jarkus Ruus and Bek and Rue Olmstead (Pen's parents) are prisoners at Paranor, where Pen has to go to enter Jarkus Ruus to rescue his aunt.
December 13, 2020
The second entry of author Terry Brooks’ High Druid of Shannara series opens with Sen Dunsidan, Prime Minister of the Federation, meeting with engineer Etan Orek, whom he has develop a deadly weapon to use against the Federation’s enemies. Shadea a’Ru still rules as the Ard Rhys of the Druid order, getting a note of a character’s death and doubting Bek Ohmsford as a threat. Meanwhile, a shadowy creature infests the airship Skatelow, with the Elfstones and tar pondered as possible counters, and Khyber ultimately confronting the entity. Pen and his companions also travel to the Trolls’ homeland in search of Kermadec.
Pen and his companions also battle mutens, Troll-like creatures, when the reach Rock Troll country, although battle forces them through perilous mountains. In the meantime, Grianne still finds herself trapped in the shadow world known as the Forbidden, awaiting her salvation and interacting with the Straken Lord. Pied Sanderline, Captain of the Elven Home Guard, also follows his ancestors’ legacy of defending an Elven royal family. Pen ultimately reaches the tree from which he can procure the eponymous tanequil necessary to construct the darkwand needed to free Grianne, although it comes with some sacrifices.
The second book ends with Pen at a ravine with Druids finally reaching him, and is generally an enjoyable romp through the post-doomsday world of Shannara, with plenty of fantastical action and occasional politics. The constant alternation between the perspectives of characters will undoubtedly throw some off, along with some explicit violence later on in the story, and some additional description as to the appearances of specific characters would have been welcome. Regardless, I definitely enjoyed the novel, given its importance in the Shannara mythos, and very much look forward to reading the conclusion to the trilogy.
Pen and his companions also battle mutens, Troll-like creatures, when the reach Rock Troll country, although battle forces them through perilous mountains. In the meantime, Grianne still finds herself trapped in the shadow world known as the Forbidden, awaiting her salvation and interacting with the Straken Lord. Pied Sanderline, Captain of the Elven Home Guard, also follows his ancestors’ legacy of defending an Elven royal family. Pen ultimately reaches the tree from which he can procure the eponymous tanequil necessary to construct the darkwand needed to free Grianne, although it comes with some sacrifices.
The second book ends with Pen at a ravine with Druids finally reaching him, and is generally an enjoyable romp through the post-doomsday world of Shannara, with plenty of fantastical action and occasional politics. The constant alternation between the perspectives of characters will undoubtedly throw some off, along with some explicit violence later on in the story, and some additional description as to the appearances of specific characters would have been welcome. Regardless, I definitely enjoyed the novel, given its importance in the Shannara mythos, and very much look forward to reading the conclusion to the trilogy.
December 21, 2017
Tanequil tells a story that is mixed with hope and despair. The characters introduced in Jarka Ruus are face with further challenges that test their resilience. Penderrin Ohmsford has a unique ability which is limited, yet essential, in his quest to rescue his aunt, Grianne, the High Druid, from the alternate demon world of the Forbidding. Along with his apprentice druid companion, Khyber Ellesedil, and his physically blind (but with otherworldly sight) girlfriend Cinnaminson, he enlists the help of the sturdy and powerful rock trolls.
It's not often in a Brooks story that the druids are the enemies, yet unbeknownst to them, they are being manipulated from demons behind the Forbidding with secret ulterior motives. The irony is that druids are usually the ones doing the manipulating! Brooks creates political intrigue in the druid order, and also reveals how the implications of events effects the world at large, including the Federation and Free-Born war that has divided the Four Lands for decades.
Tanequil is a direct continuation of the first book in the series and as such, is very similar. Brooks unveils more mysteries and has a fitting conclusion with a big reveal. He doesn't create mysteries he doesn't know the answer to and is accomplished at tying all the threads together. The love story may not be preferable to some (myself included) but it serves a great purpose which makes it justifiable.
I look forward to the High Druids enemies receiving retribution for their crimes in Straken
It's not often in a Brooks story that the druids are the enemies, yet unbeknownst to them, they are being manipulated from demons behind the Forbidding with secret ulterior motives. The irony is that druids are usually the ones doing the manipulating! Brooks creates political intrigue in the druid order, and also reveals how the implications of events effects the world at large, including the Federation and Free-Born war that has divided the Four Lands for decades.
Tanequil is a direct continuation of the first book in the series and as such, is very similar. Brooks unveils more mysteries and has a fitting conclusion with a big reveal. He doesn't create mysteries he doesn't know the answer to and is accomplished at tying all the threads together. The love story may not be preferable to some (myself included) but it serves a great purpose which makes it justifiable.
I look forward to the High Druids enemies receiving retribution for their crimes in Straken
June 18, 2024
Better than the first one, but due to the rating system on Goodreads they end up with the same rating.
As usual with Terry Brooks, his first books in a new series are often a bit of a miss because he piles on the information dumps and has to cross off a bunch of checkmarks on his template list, but the following books in the series are better because more focus can go to the actual story. Same here.
I think it's positive that we're getting PoV's from all sides because in an on itself none of the characters are overly interesting and are quite formulaic. Too many aspects of the plot also don't make much sense, how the hell did this Tanequil tree survive without any reference to it over the past 500 years, for example. Or how is the world inside the Forbidding so structured when in The Elfstones of Shannara those demons were all pretty mindless, evil and chaotic? How do you have a static front for nearly a 100 years when you have bloody airships? Why are none of those airships flying around the battlefield towards other areas, hell, why isn't even part of the army slipping around the battlefield to attack places of strategic interest? Brooks just doesn't think about the bigger picture and doesn't consider the complications of his statements in the story, unfortunately.
Still, if you turn your brain off it's a decent read with some exciting stuff happening.
As usual with Terry Brooks, his first books in a new series are often a bit of a miss because he piles on the information dumps and has to cross off a bunch of checkmarks on his template list, but the following books in the series are better because more focus can go to the actual story. Same here.
I think it's positive that we're getting PoV's from all sides because in an on itself none of the characters are overly interesting and are quite formulaic. Too many aspects of the plot also don't make much sense, how the hell did this Tanequil tree survive without any reference to it over the past 500 years, for example. Or how is the world inside the Forbidding so structured when in The Elfstones of Shannara those demons were all pretty mindless, evil and chaotic? How do you have a static front for nearly a 100 years when you have bloody airships? Why are none of those airships flying around the battlefield towards other areas, hell, why isn't even part of the army slipping around the battlefield to attack places of strategic interest? Brooks just doesn't think about the bigger picture and doesn't consider the complications of his statements in the story, unfortunately.
Still, if you turn your brain off it's a decent read with some exciting stuff happening.
October 2, 2025
I listened to this on audiobook so I can't spell any of the names in this (thank goodness for long blurbs) but I'm not sure that matters. This was way way way too convoluted. There are so many story lines that by the time you get back to one, you've forgotten it entirely. It tries to cover too much ground.
There is Shadea a'Ru and her coup of the Druid council and all the corrupt stuff going on around her and how she's trying to end her rival Grianne's bloodline after imprisoning Grianne in a hell dimension, including Grianne's nephew Penderrin.
Then there is the storyline of Shadea and Pen's parents, we have Pen trying to get the titular Tanequil (a magical tree) as it's the only thing that might bring back his aunt the Aud Rhys. We have the stone orc subplot, the elf princess sub plot, the elf king subplot (which is freaking stupid and he deserves his fate) the blind tinker girl subplot and her roles as love interest for Pen (and the ableist ending of her being happier as how she turns out than blind and slowing Pen down, OMG)
And of course giant chunks of Grianne's story being tortured in the hell dimension. Like a lot of torture.
It's slow. It's too much. Either it needed edited way down or it needed to be two books. Either way I didn't care enough to get the next book to find out what happened (and I'm kinda remembering why I abandoned Shannara years ago)
There is Shadea a'Ru and her coup of the Druid council and all the corrupt stuff going on around her and how she's trying to end her rival Grianne's bloodline after imprisoning Grianne in a hell dimension, including Grianne's nephew Penderrin.
Then there is the storyline of Shadea and Pen's parents, we have Pen trying to get the titular Tanequil (a magical tree) as it's the only thing that might bring back his aunt the Aud Rhys. We have the stone orc subplot, the elf princess sub plot, the elf king subplot (which is freaking stupid and he deserves his fate) the blind tinker girl subplot and her roles as love interest for Pen (and the ableist ending of her being happier as how she turns out than blind and slowing Pen down, OMG)
And of course giant chunks of Grianne's story being tortured in the hell dimension. Like a lot of torture.
It's slow. It's too much. Either it needed edited way down or it needed to be two books. Either way I didn't care enough to get the next book to find out what happened (and I'm kinda remembering why I abandoned Shannara years ago)
January 7, 2019
I am a big fan of the Shannara world by Terry Brooks. And Grainne Ohmsford is one of the most intriguing characters I've run into in this epic fantasy series. Tanequil continues the story of her involuntarily journey into the Forbidding, a land full of demons and other nasty evil things, and her nephew Penderrin's search for a way to bring her back.
Penderrin finds himself searching for a magical talisman that will allow him to enter the Forbidding, find his aunt, and bring her back. But as any reader of epic fantasy well knows, magical talismans come with a very high price. Terry Brooks does an excellent job of showing that payment isn't always a physical sacrifice, sometimes it's emotional as well. Penderrin's experiences as he obtains the Tanequil were some of my favorite of the book.
Meanwhile, Grainne finds out the same thing in a slightly different way. Not all punishment is physical, and she begins to lose herself to the magic of the Forbidding. Enemies and allies in unexpected places really brought this realm to life. It truly is another world within Shannara, and I can see why the elves first sealed it away. I can't wait to find out if she will be the same person or something completely different by the end of the series.
Penderrin finds himself searching for a magical talisman that will allow him to enter the Forbidding, find his aunt, and bring her back. But as any reader of epic fantasy well knows, magical talismans come with a very high price. Terry Brooks does an excellent job of showing that payment isn't always a physical sacrifice, sometimes it's emotional as well. Penderrin's experiences as he obtains the Tanequil were some of my favorite of the book.
Meanwhile, Grainne finds out the same thing in a slightly different way. Not all punishment is physical, and she begins to lose herself to the magic of the Forbidding. Enemies and allies in unexpected places really brought this realm to life. It truly is another world within Shannara, and I can see why the elves first sealed it away. I can't wait to find out if she will be the same person or something completely different by the end of the series.
September 17, 2019
Every time I think that Terry Brooks has written all he can, he produces yet another great story.
Tanequil follows up the High Druid of Shannara right after Jarka Ruus. The story was very enjoyable and the pacing was great. The story never stayed with one group too long for it to become stale.
The characters of this story are similar to characters in every other Brooks story, but that is both by design and is what makes it fun. His use of the "recurring" trope is what endears myself and others to Shannara.
Now I just really want to know what Brooks is going to do in the final book, Straken. Normally I don't read books in a series back to back, but this book makes me want to do just that.
Some of the dialogue was childish at times and the climax was slightly predictable, but it was a fun book nonetheless. Oh, and having Bek and Rue Ohmsford back was great!
Overall, solid, solid book. I think that this book is roughly the same as it's predecessor in score, which shows that Brooks is consistent in hitting his goal. 8.6 out of 10!
Tanequil follows up the High Druid of Shannara right after Jarka Ruus. The story was very enjoyable and the pacing was great. The story never stayed with one group too long for it to become stale.
The characters of this story are similar to characters in every other Brooks story, but that is both by design and is what makes it fun. His use of the "recurring" trope is what endears myself and others to Shannara.
Now I just really want to know what Brooks is going to do in the final book, Straken. Normally I don't read books in a series back to back, but this book makes me want to do just that.
Some of the dialogue was childish at times and the climax was slightly predictable, but it was a fun book nonetheless. Oh, and having Bek and Rue Ohmsford back was great!
Overall, solid, solid book. I think that this book is roughly the same as it's predecessor in score, which shows that Brooks is consistent in hitting his goal. 8.6 out of 10!
May 23, 2024
It's decent but predictable
3 stars. I liked it. I actually enjoy these Shannara books for the simple reason that they're easy, quick, and I don't have to be super focused or invested. By this point in the series, its easily predictable because every book has a lot of the same plot points.
I like the Elves. I always like the Elves. Gimme Elves and I'll be all over it. I love following the Ellesedil family through all these books too. That's another fun aspect. The family lines that you can trace from generation to generation.
Tired of sacrificing animal companions (Bandit? Hello? Why?) and the girl character that the main protagonist loves so much but ah, willing to sacrifice her for the sake of the quest. Rolling my eyes, so tired. Whatever.
I'm going to finish all these books. I started. I'm not stopping haha. And yeah, I still like it. Easy, predictable, kinda fun, not much brainpower.
3 stars. I liked it. I actually enjoy these Shannara books for the simple reason that they're easy, quick, and I don't have to be super focused or invested. By this point in the series, its easily predictable because every book has a lot of the same plot points.
I like the Elves. I always like the Elves. Gimme Elves and I'll be all over it. I love following the Ellesedil family through all these books too. That's another fun aspect. The family lines that you can trace from generation to generation.
Tired of sacrificing animal companions (Bandit? Hello? Why?) and the girl character that the main protagonist loves so much but ah, willing to sacrifice her for the sake of the quest. Rolling my eyes, so tired. Whatever.
I'm going to finish all these books. I started. I'm not stopping haha. And yeah, I still like it. Easy, predictable, kinda fun, not much brainpower.
August 12, 2020
Libro di mezzo senza lodi e senza infamia.
Prosegue sulla falsariga del primo volume, forse un po' troppo lento.
La storia è sempre la stessa cui Brooks sembra essere abbonato. Ricalca un po' le pietre magiche, con alberi senzienti, il rischio del crollo delle difese contro il divieto e il sacrificio della... non spoilero.
Un po' deboli le motivazioni e il comportamento del super cattivo del momento e soprattutto personaggi oramai troppo stereotipati.
Gli dò tre stelle solo perché sono affezionata alla saga e perché il libro scorre bene. Spero che col terzo mi sorprenda.
P.S. Come sempre copertina da bocciare perché non c'entra assolutamente nulla con la storia, ma ormai si sa, i draghi in copertina tirano parecchio.
Prosegue sulla falsariga del primo volume, forse un po' troppo lento.
La storia è sempre la stessa cui Brooks sembra essere abbonato. Ricalca un po' le pietre magiche, con alberi senzienti, il rischio del crollo delle difese contro il divieto e il sacrificio della... non spoilero.
Un po' deboli le motivazioni e il comportamento del super cattivo del momento e soprattutto personaggi oramai troppo stereotipati.
Gli dò tre stelle solo perché sono affezionata alla saga e perché il libro scorre bene. Spero che col terzo mi sorprenda.
P.S. Come sempre copertina da bocciare perché non c'entra assolutamente nulla con la storia, ma ormai si sa, i draghi in copertina tirano parecchio.
May 21, 2017
After the Voyage of Jerle Shannara I was left disappointed that Brooks had somehow maintained a formula, but the magic of the company's tale was not as stong as his previous work. With the first book in the High Druid of Shannara series, Jarka Ruus, came a stronger storyline, a more entangling series of events and an underlying political plotline which allowed Brooks' mastery to come forth. In Tanequil it all moves up a notch. It's fast paced, full of backstabbing, intrigue, character development and, of course, magic. It's compulsive emotionally charged reading. The only regret you'll have is finishing it and not having Straken to read.
June 28, 2023
Hope you have the series!!!
I started reading this series after a Christmas present of the first book in the second trilogy. My son hadn't realized it was a whole world to explore when he gave it to me, but the journey, so far, has been completely worth it. I supplement any hard copies I can't find (or I started reading a trilogy without having them ALL in my possession, as is the case here) with the kindle version. The physical feel of paper and the maps in the books are well worth the investment, but if you don't have shelf space, the kindle versions are a great substitute.
I started reading this series after a Christmas present of the first book in the second trilogy. My son hadn't realized it was a whole world to explore when he gave it to me, but the journey, so far, has been completely worth it. I supplement any hard copies I can't find (or I started reading a trilogy without having them ALL in my possession, as is the case here) with the kindle version. The physical feel of paper and the maps in the books are well worth the investment, but if you don't have shelf space, the kindle versions are a great substitute.
January 14, 2018
That moment your almost to the end of the story, and there is a page missing in your copy of the book! Yep that happened, thank goodness I had another copy available (thanks to my mother) to finish the story. I really liked this book and the characters. This installment I read surprisingly fast, I think if was because I was really into the story and characters. More so than I have ever been in this series. I am excited to move on to the next installment and see what happens next. I just hope the next installment doesn't have a page missing, if it does I will be raiding my mothers bookshelf!
December 30, 2021
I was wondering if the author forgot the Ellcrys. I started this serie on chronological order and it was all about the demons. After the great war, except the Elfstones of Shannara book, we didn't see or hear them. With High Druid of Shannara trilogy, the serie is back to business.
One thing bothers me that the Forbidding has been breached, one demon escaped and en route to destroy the Ellcrys but Ellcrys had no warning so far. Shouldn't it know its borders has been crossed? Intersting...
And still no Leah to be seen or heard. I wonder what happened to him.
One thing bothers me that the Forbidding has been breached, one demon escaped and en route to destroy the Ellcrys but Ellcrys had no warning so far. Shouldn't it know its borders has been crossed? Intersting...
And still no Leah to be seen or heard. I wonder what happened to him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2018
Part of Brooks’ charm in his early work was his unique ability to pump fresh life into old legends and archetypes. Unfortunately in his later work he falls into predictable tropes, uninspired recycling of his older (good) work, with a little more shock and gore and technology to try and make it seem new. A gifted young girl is sacrificed to a magical tree so that a bumbling Ohmsford can save the four lands from the demons trapped in the Forbidding? I think I’ve read that one before...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2018
I've been super happy with the Shannara books and the character progression. Pen is great addition to the the Ohmsford's family and Grianne is a new refreshing mix up with her checkered past. If I was going to make one complaint it would be that there wasn't much of the forbidding in this book but I'm sure it will all be different in the next one. I'm super excited to see where this trilogy ends and onto the next!
November 1, 2024
Another quest, more tunnels and new monsters - good enough
There's a definite pattern to the Shannara books - always a quest to far-off lands, the obligatory tunnels and some new nasty creatures to tax our intrepid party of mixed races. This time we continue the story of Pen in his effort ot rescue Grianne from the Forbidding. It's engaging enough and quite well written so no complaints there. Only worth reading if you have read the preceding volume. One to go in this trilogy.
There's a definite pattern to the Shannara books - always a quest to far-off lands, the obligatory tunnels and some new nasty creatures to tax our intrepid party of mixed races. This time we continue the story of Pen in his effort ot rescue Grianne from the Forbidding. It's engaging enough and quite well written so no complaints there. Only worth reading if you have read the preceding volume. One to go in this trilogy.
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