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Paladins of Shannara #1
Allanon's Quest
The legendary hero Allanon takes center stage in the first of three gripping new stand-alone eBook short stories set in the world of the fantasy-fiction phenomenon that is Shannara - by beloved New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks.
The history is The once-Druid Brona, seduced by his pursuit of dark magic, was forever transformed into the Warlock Lord - whose evil would be the downfall of the Four Lands and the death of the Races. Against him, the Elven King Jerle Shannara wielded the fabled sword that bore his surname and triumphed. Or so it was believed. But though the Dark Lord was driven out . . . he was not destroyed.
The Druid Allanon knows only too well the prophecy passed down to him by his late that eventually the Warlock Lord will return. Now, after hundreds of years, that day seems imminent. And the time is at hand for the Sword of Shannara to once more be brought forth from its sanctuary to serve its ancient purpose. All that remains is for a blood descendent of the Elven house of Shannara to carry the blade into battle.
With ever more portents of doom on the horizon, Allanon must seek out the last remaining Shannara heir, who alone will bear the burden of defending the Four Lands' destiny. But with agents of darkness closing in from behind, unexpected enemies lying in wait ahead, and treachery encroaching on every side, there can be no certainty of success. Nor any assurance that this desperate quest will not be the Druid's last.
PRAISE FOR TERRY BROOKS
'A great storyteller, Terry Brooks creates rich epics filled with mystery, magic, and memorable characters. If you haven't read Terry Brooks, you haven't read fantasy' - Christopher Paolini , bestselling author of ERAGON and BRISINGR
'Terry Brooks is a master of the craft and a trailblazer . . . Required reading' - Brent Weeks , bestselling author of the Night Angel trilogy
'I can't even begin to count how many of Terry Brooks's books I've read (and re-read) over the years' - Patrick Rothfuss , bestselling author of THE NAME OF THE WIND
'Terry's place is at the head of the fantasy world' - Philip Pullman , author of NORTHERN LIGHTS
The history is The once-Druid Brona, seduced by his pursuit of dark magic, was forever transformed into the Warlock Lord - whose evil would be the downfall of the Four Lands and the death of the Races. Against him, the Elven King Jerle Shannara wielded the fabled sword that bore his surname and triumphed. Or so it was believed. But though the Dark Lord was driven out . . . he was not destroyed.
The Druid Allanon knows only too well the prophecy passed down to him by his late that eventually the Warlock Lord will return. Now, after hundreds of years, that day seems imminent. And the time is at hand for the Sword of Shannara to once more be brought forth from its sanctuary to serve its ancient purpose. All that remains is for a blood descendent of the Elven house of Shannara to carry the blade into battle.
With ever more portents of doom on the horizon, Allanon must seek out the last remaining Shannara heir, who alone will bear the burden of defending the Four Lands' destiny. But with agents of darkness closing in from behind, unexpected enemies lying in wait ahead, and treachery encroaching on every side, there can be no certainty of success. Nor any assurance that this desperate quest will not be the Druid's last.
PRAISE FOR TERRY BROOKS
'A great storyteller, Terry Brooks creates rich epics filled with mystery, magic, and memorable characters. If you haven't read Terry Brooks, you haven't read fantasy' - Christopher Paolini , bestselling author of ERAGON and BRISINGR
'Terry Brooks is a master of the craft and a trailblazer . . . Required reading' - Brent Weeks , bestselling author of the Night Angel trilogy
'I can't even begin to count how many of Terry Brooks's books I've read (and re-read) over the years' - Patrick Rothfuss , bestselling author of THE NAME OF THE WIND
'Terry's place is at the head of the fantasy world' - Philip Pullman , author of NORTHERN LIGHTS
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2012
243 people are currently reading
6123 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 153 reviews
July 13, 2012
Allanon is and always has been my favorite character in all of fiction, and I would have been happy to read a story about him when he was younger and less indomitable...but that story should NOT take place right before The Sword of Shannara. The Allanon from whose POV we see this story has very little resemblance to the Allanon whose POV we get a few glimpses of in Sword.
In fact, you'd think that if an author was going to write a story that takes place immediately before one of his previous books (yes, "Allanon's Quest" is about Allanon's search for the heirs of Shannara), he would take the time to go back and *re-read* said book to make sure he doesn't contradict something he wrote before. The continuity errors in this short story are myriad!
For example, the fact that Allanon can do telepathy is a *really significant* plot point in Sword. But since that ability would interfere with the plot twist in this short story, Brooks seems to have conveniently forgotten about it (or, more likely, simply didn't care). Oh, and that creepy aura that the Skull Bearers gave off? Well, that would have been a problem as well, so out it goes.
Then there are the details about Shea. In Sword, Shea's mother was still alive when she brought him to Shady Vale, dying shortly after they arrived. In this story, she died well before Shea was taken to Shady Vale. In Sword, Curzad Ohmsford was supposedly just a distant cousin of Shea's mother. In this story, he's her brother...which makes the fact that Shea considers Curzad his adopted father instead of his uncle more than a little weird!
Okay, I admit that I'm a little OCD about these details. And as a writer, I know that it's a lot easier to forget what you yourself wrote than what someone else wrote. But that's all the more reason to refresh your memory before you undertake a project like this! To fail to do so is lazy, sloppy, and indicates that the author ultimately just doesn't give a hoot. Even the fight scene--something at which Brooks has always excelled--is sketchy (a mere five paragraphs).
I can't say I'm terribly surprised, though. While I did enjoy the recent A Princess of Landover, after the declining quality that was more and more evident in the Voyage series and the High Druid series, I gave up on Brooks' Shannara-related books. Since this story was about my favorite character and it only cost 99 cents, I thought it was worth a try. Sadly, this story ends up feeling like something pumped out to make a few more dollars off of undiscriminating fans.
July 14, 2021
My Thoughts On The Book:
This is going to be just a mini review as it's hardly right to put out a full size review of a book that's only 40 pages long, not that this book is anything less than great as for a book so small it packs a punch for fans of Shannara. This short novella tells of events directly before Allanon's appearance in Shady Vale looking for Shea Ohmsford in The Sword Of Shannara.
Allanon is the last of the Druids and is desperately searching for the last heir of Shannara, the one person in the world who can defeat the darkness using the famed Sword Of Shannara, this heir is the only one able to wield it but at every step the enemy is getting to the heirs first and slaughtering them before Allanon can get to them, to protect them. Time is running short and there is no knowing how many heirs are left, if any at all, so Allanon is chasing every lead no matter how slim it is but there is one last twist of fate in store for the druid, one that he could never have hoped for.
This is a short, but poignant novella, full of deceit and betrayal which nearly steals the remains of Allanon unusually long life. The tale gives us a sneaky little insight into events leading to The Sword Of Shannara and into the enigmatic druid himself.
It's a wonderfully crafted little story that slips perfectly into the gigantic Shannara timeline and only adds to the whole series. It's crisp and clearly formed, full of imagery despite it's limited length and as usual Brooks has written something that stays with you which is surprising for such a tiny tale. Allanon had always been a mesmerizing character and this tiny tale only adds to the mystery surrounding this strange and powerful man.
Final Thoughts:
This is a fantastic addition to the Shannara series, it's fits well into it's surroundings and despite it's being a novella it actually does add something to the whole Shannara sequences, gives us glimpses into the events leading to The Sword Of Shannara and gives that books extra meaning now we know how Allanon got to that point in time. So if you are a fan of the epic Shannara books then this is most surely a must read book for die hard fans.
This is going to be just a mini review as it's hardly right to put out a full size review of a book that's only 40 pages long, not that this book is anything less than great as for a book so small it packs a punch for fans of Shannara. This short novella tells of events directly before Allanon's appearance in Shady Vale looking for Shea Ohmsford in The Sword Of Shannara.
Allanon is the last of the Druids and is desperately searching for the last heir of Shannara, the one person in the world who can defeat the darkness using the famed Sword Of Shannara, this heir is the only one able to wield it but at every step the enemy is getting to the heirs first and slaughtering them before Allanon can get to them, to protect them. Time is running short and there is no knowing how many heirs are left, if any at all, so Allanon is chasing every lead no matter how slim it is but there is one last twist of fate in store for the druid, one that he could never have hoped for.
This is a short, but poignant novella, full of deceit and betrayal which nearly steals the remains of Allanon unusually long life. The tale gives us a sneaky little insight into events leading to The Sword Of Shannara and into the enigmatic druid himself.
It's a wonderfully crafted little story that slips perfectly into the gigantic Shannara timeline and only adds to the whole series. It's crisp and clearly formed, full of imagery despite it's limited length and as usual Brooks has written something that stays with you which is surprising for such a tiny tale. Allanon had always been a mesmerizing character and this tiny tale only adds to the mystery surrounding this strange and powerful man.
Final Thoughts:
This is a fantastic addition to the Shannara series, it's fits well into it's surroundings and despite it's being a novella it actually does add something to the whole Shannara sequences, gives us glimpses into the events leading to The Sword Of Shannara and gives that books extra meaning now we know how Allanon got to that point in time. So if you are a fan of the epic Shannara books then this is most surely a must read book for die hard fans.
August 16, 2012
About the literary equivalent of one of those little, bite-sized snickers. For 99 cents, it's worth reading...barely.
Brooks continues to squeeze the Shannara grape for every last drop he can get...but sadly that grape ran out of juice about 6 or 7 books ago. Now it's just this barely moist, mushy pulp stuff and it's gone sour...not pleasantly fermented...just sour.
Brooks can be such a great writer. I just wish he could come up with a new world and a new story.
Brooks continues to squeeze the Shannara grape for every last drop he can get...but sadly that grape ran out of juice about 6 or 7 books ago. Now it's just this barely moist, mushy pulp stuff and it's gone sour...not pleasantly fermented...just sour.
Brooks can be such a great writer. I just wish he could come up with a new world and a new story.
August 24, 2012
Read This Review & More Like It On My Blog!
I admit it. I'm a Shannara fan, for all its blatant borrowing from The Lord of the Rings, for all its cliched and predictable plotlines, I can usually find a lot to enjoy in Terry Brook's fertile imagination. I've read more than my far share of the Shannara series in all its spin-offs and sideways travels, and though it's far from great literature, or even great fantasy, this short ebook reminds me of why I had such fondness for this author, and this widepsread world he has so lovingly created.
Though obviously this falls far short from my all-time Shannara favorites (those would be The Elfstones of Shannara [I was actually scared by one of the 'demon' antagonists in this - the Changeling - so much so I had to stop reading it at night haha], the Wishsong of Shannara [Garet Jax is and forever will be one of the most badass fantasy characters] and the Elf-Queen of Shannara [Garth!]), this forty-page journey with series staple Allanon is short, simple, and easy to digest. More of a bite-size snack rather than a full meal, but still Paladins of Shannara manages to bring back the full Shannara nostalgia. Fans of the series and books before will eat it up -- and appreciate the sneak peek into the next in this farspread, always expanding series, Wards of Faerie -- but, it's not the best place to start reading for any reader not familiar with the well-worn tales that Brooks has published. It's heavy on the history and mythology we all know so well from The Sword of Shannara on, with a lot of explanation and exposition to remind readers of what has come before, but is later in the chronology.
Though a bit thin on plot and filled with repetition, this is a diverting and engaging read for fans of Terry Brooks and his beloved, familiar characters. Anyone ever curious about howGandalf Allanon was sent on the path to find Shea Ohmsford and stop the Warlock Lord for good will find just that in this quickly read and enjoyed novella. And now I want to go reread all my old favorites and prep myself for the release of the next book in this long-running series. While the novels can be a bit formulaic in their plots, it's the characters (Morgan Leah, Quentin Leah, Wren, Garet Jax, Garth, Eventine Elessedil) that I remember most and keep me coming back for more.
I admit it. I'm a Shannara fan, for all its blatant borrowing from The Lord of the Rings, for all its cliched and predictable plotlines, I can usually find a lot to enjoy in Terry Brook's fertile imagination. I've read more than my far share of the Shannara series in all its spin-offs and sideways travels, and though it's far from great literature, or even great fantasy, this short ebook reminds me of why I had such fondness for this author, and this widepsread world he has so lovingly created.
Though obviously this falls far short from my all-time Shannara favorites (those would be The Elfstones of Shannara [I was actually scared by one of the 'demon' antagonists in this - the Changeling - so much so I had to stop reading it at night haha], the Wishsong of Shannara [Garet Jax is and forever will be one of the most badass fantasy characters] and the Elf-Queen of Shannara [Garth!]), this forty-page journey with series staple Allanon is short, simple, and easy to digest. More of a bite-size snack rather than a full meal, but still Paladins of Shannara manages to bring back the full Shannara nostalgia. Fans of the series and books before will eat it up -- and appreciate the sneak peek into the next in this farspread, always expanding series, Wards of Faerie -- but, it's not the best place to start reading for any reader not familiar with the well-worn tales that Brooks has published. It's heavy on the history and mythology we all know so well from The Sword of Shannara on, with a lot of explanation and exposition to remind readers of what has come before, but is later in the chronology.
Though a bit thin on plot and filled with repetition, this is a diverting and engaging read for fans of Terry Brooks and his beloved, familiar characters. Anyone ever curious about how
February 10, 2023
A short bridge between the First King of Shannara and Sword of Shannara Trilogy. The story is about Allanon and his discovery that the evil Brona has come back and is killing off the lineage of the line of Shannara to ensure that no one can wield the Sword of Shannara. Great story.
September 4, 2012
A novella chronicling Allanon’s quest to find the last Shannara heir? Count me in! I was expecting this novella to be an eye-opening read that answered a lot of the questions I had and still have about the events between The First King of Shannara and The Sword of Shannara. But I found myself disappointed – mainly because this novella is so short it really can’t do justice as a prequel to The Sword of Shannara.
Repetitive and lacklustre are the two words that come to mind when I think about the writing in Allanon’s Quest. Most of the things mentioned in this book are things we already know, and the new details weren’t interesting enough to engage me. In this forty page novella, Allanon waxes lyrical about bringing back the Druid Keep back into the world and then using the Druid Sleep to wait out the years, but we already know all this and it seemed like a huge waste of space! The things I associate with the Shannara books – the world building, character development and inclusion of all things epic, just isn’t here.
The journey itself, to find the boy we all know as Shea Ohmsford, is disjointed and not what I had expected. Everything fell into place too readily and suddenly, after a few minor set backs that did nothing, in my opinion, to further the plot, Allanon sets off to Shady Vale.
While this novella will be enjoyed by die-hard fans of the series, and is definitely a must-read for those who need to know anything and everything about the Shannara world, I think the average Fantasy reader will give it a miss because of its lack of substance. In my opinion, Terry Brooks should stick to what he knows, and continue to write full length novels.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
Repetitive and lacklustre are the two words that come to mind when I think about the writing in Allanon’s Quest. Most of the things mentioned in this book are things we already know, and the new details weren’t interesting enough to engage me. In this forty page novella, Allanon waxes lyrical about bringing back the Druid Keep back into the world and then using the Druid Sleep to wait out the years, but we already know all this and it seemed like a huge waste of space! The things I associate with the Shannara books – the world building, character development and inclusion of all things epic, just isn’t here.
The journey itself, to find the boy we all know as Shea Ohmsford, is disjointed and not what I had expected. Everything fell into place too readily and suddenly, after a few minor set backs that did nothing, in my opinion, to further the plot, Allanon sets off to Shady Vale.
While this novella will be enjoyed by die-hard fans of the series, and is definitely a must-read for those who need to know anything and everything about the Shannara world, I think the average Fantasy reader will give it a miss because of its lack of substance. In my opinion, Terry Brooks should stick to what he knows, and continue to write full length novels.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
November 24, 2016
Very nice short story telling the prestory to the Sword of Shanarra book. Nice and interesting read. Recommended
November 5, 2017
Great Short
Really enjoyed this brief glimpse into a series I haven't read for a long while. I will definitely read more of Brooks' shorts!
Really enjoyed this brief glimpse into a series I haven't read for a long while. I will definitely read more of Brooks' shorts!
November 17, 2012
Quite useless: it’s just a fistful of pages about Allanon’s quest of the Shannara scion, the one who will wield the Sword against the new-reborn Warlock Lord.
Half of this brief tale it’s just a summary of the previous events that you can read in “The first King of Shannara” or in “The Sword of Shannara”.
Praticamente inutile: si tratta di una manciata di pagine relative alla ricerca di Allanon dell'erede Shannara che potrà brandire la Spada contro il Signore degli Inganni appena risorto.
Metà del già breve racconto non è che un riassunto degli eventi precedenti, di cui si può leggere ne 'Il primo re di Shannara' o ne 'La spada di Shannara'.
Half of this brief tale it’s just a summary of the previous events that you can read in “The first King of Shannara” or in “The Sword of Shannara”.
Praticamente inutile: si tratta di una manciata di pagine relative alla ricerca di Allanon dell'erede Shannara che potrà brandire la Spada contro il Signore degli Inganni appena risorto.
Metà del già breve racconto non è che un riassunto degli eventi precedenti, di cui si può leggere ne 'Il primo re di Shannara' o ne 'La spada di Shannara'.
November 23, 2015
Pretty good little short story from Brooks. I really would only recommend it to longtime Shannara readers or someone about to start The Sword of Shannara. It might still be enjoyed otherwise, but wouldn't pack the same punch. Still, this is a good way to spend 30 minutes if you enjoy the Shannara world.
March 2, 2013
Actually 3.5 stars but Goodreads doesn't do half stars.
It's a 3 star story with mediocre writing but if you've read Brooks before or are in any way invested in the Shannara history it's probably 4 stars because it fills in some of the gaps specifically how Allanon found the heirs of Shannara.
Recommended only if you are invested in the story and have read the other books
It's a 3 star story with mediocre writing but if you've read Brooks before or are in any way invested in the Shannara history it's probably 4 stars because it fills in some of the gaps specifically how Allanon found the heirs of Shannara.
Recommended only if you are invested in the story and have read the other books
February 11, 2025
This cleverly crafted very short story is only 60 pages but it is about one of my favourite characters and who it all started with basically, Allanon. It is where it all started with a quest and what a quest and journey it has been.
September 12, 2012
This was a fantastic short intro for the "Sword of Shannara." Anything with Allanon never disappoints. I probably would have given it 5 stars but I would have preferred if this story would have been longer and more fleshed out. Highly recommend for any Terry Brooks fan.
August 1, 2012
It was so nice to go back and re-visit this world that first introduced me to the world of fantasy literature. I found it fascinating to see the journey Allanon went on to find Shea and begin the story that would span so many years.
July 12, 2012
This short story is awesome. Is a great addition to the Shannara timeline, if you like Terry Brooks then you will love this.
October 5, 2012
Great start...now the wait for the next two installments.
July 30, 2020
This is a short piece written, along with two others, as add-on stories in the larger Shannara world. As such, none really add a whole lot to the bigger picture, but do give us a bit of a spotlight on events not essential to the novels.
This one is set before the events of Sword of Shannara and endeavors to tell how Allanon first learned that there was a Shannara descendant that the Warlock Lord had not managed to track down and kill. It's got a lot of the familiar in it- Allanon, of course, the first Druid we meet in the Shannara series (and one of my favorite characters), Eventine Ellessedil as a young king, and a new character, Eldra Daravanian, who worked for the Ellessidil family as historian and genealogist. He's the only one who might know of a side lineage of Shannara that could still be out there. He left Arborlon under less than ideal circumstances, and Allanon has to convince him to help. And there follows the usual Brooksian twists and turns in a compacted format.
Overall, it's a decent story. Brooks has said in the past that short form isn't his strong suit, and it does sort of show in this (and the other two) stories. But the story is decent and it feels like a Shannara story. It has some tension, magic, and action. The problem is that there are some details that don't quite line up with the what was related in the original novel. Whether this is because Brooks didn't remember all the details (not necessarily unbelievable with the number of books in the series), or, like other authors of lengthy series, decided the earlier details were no longer relevant, they are there, and for those who know the stories well, they do jump out. At the same time, none of the changes really make a difference in the original story. Nothing changes in Shea Ohmsford's destiny or adventures if his mother died before or after he was brought to Shady Vale. So, while I noted the discrepancies, they didn't hurt my enjoyment of the original story or this short piece. It was a nice add-on to the larger series, a quick read, and, well, if Allanon's involved, I'm probably going to like it.
This one is set before the events of Sword of Shannara and endeavors to tell how Allanon first learned that there was a Shannara descendant that the Warlock Lord had not managed to track down and kill. It's got a lot of the familiar in it- Allanon, of course, the first Druid we meet in the Shannara series (and one of my favorite characters), Eventine Ellessedil as a young king, and a new character, Eldra Daravanian, who worked for the Ellessidil family as historian and genealogist. He's the only one who might know of a side lineage of Shannara that could still be out there. He left Arborlon under less than ideal circumstances, and Allanon has to convince him to help. And there follows the usual Brooksian twists and turns in a compacted format.
Overall, it's a decent story. Brooks has said in the past that short form isn't his strong suit, and it does sort of show in this (and the other two) stories. But the story is decent and it feels like a Shannara story. It has some tension, magic, and action. The problem is that there are some details that don't quite line up with the what was related in the original novel. Whether this is because Brooks didn't remember all the details (not necessarily unbelievable with the number of books in the series), or, like other authors of lengthy series, decided the earlier details were no longer relevant, they are there, and for those who know the stories well, they do jump out. At the same time, none of the changes really make a difference in the original story. Nothing changes in Shea Ohmsford's destiny or adventures if his mother died before or after he was brought to Shady Vale. So, while I noted the discrepancies, they didn't hurt my enjoyment of the original story or this short piece. It was a nice add-on to the larger series, a quick read, and, well, if Allanon's involved, I'm probably going to like it.
May 9, 2018
This Shannara short story focuses on the Druid Allanon generations after First King of Shannara and his restoration of Paranor to the world of Men, visiting the Elven village of Archer Trace, fifty miles northeast of the city of Arborlon. After entering a tavern, he beseeches information on Eldra Derrivanian, a keeper of genealogical records for the Elessedils. The Warlock Lord’s return is imminent, and Allanon sees the young Elven King Eventine Elessedil, seeking to protect the relatives of Jerle Shannara, and ultimately visiting Eldra’s abode for more information of Shannara descendants.
Eldra tells Allanon of Weir, a possible relative of the fantasy franchise’s eponymous royal family, with the Elf living on a farm north of Emberen close to the edge of the Kierlak Desert. Allanon visits Weir, although a Skull Bearer changes the situation, with the Druid returning to Derrivanian to hear of another heir to Shanarra, Aren Shea, also known as Shea Ohmsford, residing in the village of Shady Vale south of the Border Cities. The story ends with Allanon setting off for the heir, and is ultimately enjoyable, although there are some small details that are slightly unclear.
Eldra tells Allanon of Weir, a possible relative of the fantasy franchise’s eponymous royal family, with the Elf living on a farm north of Emberen close to the edge of the Kierlak Desert. Allanon visits Weir, although a Skull Bearer changes the situation, with the Druid returning to Derrivanian to hear of another heir to Shanarra, Aren Shea, also known as Shea Ohmsford, residing in the village of Shady Vale south of the Border Cities. The story ends with Allanon setting off for the heir, and is ultimately enjoyable, although there are some small details that are slightly unclear.
January 7, 2019
I love Brooks' writing style, and it was very helpful to have a little preview into Allanon's time before arriving in the Vale in Sword of Shannara. I really enjoyed this short, although I still don't understand why the Skull Bearer didn't just kill him when it had the chance. I know it said it wanted to bask in Allanon's misery, but I just don't buy that when they are wiping out the entire Shannara line just to be sure no one will be able to use the Sword. And yes, they now believe that there aren't any more heirs, but they also have "plans" for the Druids to make them pay for giving Jerle the Sword in the first place...but then why not capture Allanon right then and there? Or track him? Or...something?
Other than that brief confusion, I really enjoyed this. I read it while also reading Sword for the first time, and again love that I had this extra insight to the world Brooks has created so well. I look forward to reading as much Brooks as I can!
Other than that brief confusion, I really enjoyed this. I read it while also reading Sword for the first time, and again love that I had this extra insight to the world Brooks has created so well. I look forward to reading as much Brooks as I can!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2024
This is an extremely short story from a master whos created an entire world and acts as a precursor for the main series The Sword of Shannara. It bodes well to have this book after having written reams on the fantasy world but there are shortcomings to the main story which would only be apparent to people who have read and have followed the Shannara series closely.
So from the point of view of a Shannara veteran this plot has lots of holes that does not fit well enough with the series, read books which should follow after this one. But for a new reader to the series with no mental baggage, the story reads well like the adventure it is and the plot is one which the reader will enjoy.
This review after my recent re-reading is from a general point of view and so it gets a 3 star rating and is short enough to read in one small sitting.
So from the point of view of a Shannara veteran this plot has lots of holes that does not fit well enough with the series, read books which should follow after this one. But for a new reader to the series with no mental baggage, the story reads well like the adventure it is and the plot is one which the reader will enjoy.
This review after my recent re-reading is from a general point of view and so it gets a 3 star rating and is short enough to read in one small sitting.
June 19, 2018
Author Terry Brooks brings us a short story focusing on the Durid Allanon who is searching for the last of the Shannara blood line. During his quest we find out that the Warlock Lord has returned and that his skull wraths are also are also looking for anyone in the Shannara line in order to kill them. This short story reminds me of the series that has come out the Shannara chronicles but the series has adapted events differently than they are in the books but that's not a bad thing. It was the series that really got me into reading these books and I am looking forward to reading the next two shorts in the Paladains of Shannara trilogy. I highly recommend this short story to any Fantasy fan.
November 18, 2025
One, I'm glad this was short.
Two, I have learned that Terry Brooks is indeed capable of writing. This is a short story. It has characterization. There are basically two characters, one we know, the infamous Allanon, the other we don't know, a throwaway character. Literally. He dies. And yet, we get to know him as a person, we know why he dies, it's a choice, because he knows he is a weak man. Voila. We know and empathize with him.
If he can accomplish this in a teeny weeny short story, why can't he manage to do it in all of Galaphile?
Plot still too pat for my taste, but it's a short story, what do you expect.
Two, I have learned that Terry Brooks is indeed capable of writing. This is a short story. It has characterization. There are basically two characters, one we know, the infamous Allanon, the other we don't know, a throwaway character. Literally. He dies. And yet, we get to know him as a person, we know why he dies, it's a choice, because he knows he is a weak man. Voila. We know and empathize with him.
If he can accomplish this in a teeny weeny short story, why can't he manage to do it in all of Galaphile?
Plot still too pat for my taste, but it's a short story, what do you expect.
September 23, 2020
There’s not much to the story. Allanon’s quest to find a Shannara heir is already known to be successful, as this story was written long after The Sword of Shannara, so there’s no real suspense. It’s basically a small filler to the Shannara mythology. Not a necessary filler, or even what one might call a good one, but a filler, nevertheless.
So far I’ve enjoyed the Shannara books, but I’d prefer Brooks go on to something else.
So far I’ve enjoyed the Shannara books, but I’d prefer Brooks go on to something else.
October 8, 2020
Well, that was a good, quick read. In some ways it could probably function as a prologue for The Sword of Shannara. It didn't give quite as much information about Shea's background and parents as I would have preferred but it was still a good addition to the Shannara story.
July 30, 2022
I read this in the anthology "Unfettered 3".
Allanon is a druid, the last of his kind. He begins to see signs that an ancient evil is returning. Allanon then starts searching for descendants of Jerle Shannara-the man who defeated the evil originally. Only they may wield the Sword of Shannara. But the evil has been systematically killing all who have the blood of Jerle, and now there are few left. Allanon has come to Archer Trace hoping he's not too late.
Allanon is a druid, the last of his kind. He begins to see signs that an ancient evil is returning. Allanon then starts searching for descendants of Jerle Shannara-the man who defeated the evil originally. Only they may wield the Sword of Shannara. But the evil has been systematically killing all who have the blood of Jerle, and now there are few left. Allanon has come to Archer Trace hoping he's not too late.
July 1, 2024
A short novella which describes the moments before the druid Allanon goes to meet Shea Ohmsford for the first time, and explains just why him is the Chosen One for yielding the fabled Sword of Shannara.
Not a masterpiece, but is sheds light on a choice that, retrospectively, had never been explained (albeit guessed, perhaps) before, and it is written in the typical Brooks' style, sure to appease the fans of the saga.
Not a masterpiece, but is sheds light on a choice that, retrospectively, had never been explained (albeit guessed, perhaps) before, and it is written in the typical Brooks' style, sure to appease the fans of the saga.
February 20, 2017
Way too short, way too fast and not well developed. The majority of the narrative was spent going over the past or repeating what had already happened or describing the journey of Allanon from here to there. I could have gained the extra knowledge that added to the Shannara story here in a short excerpt from something like one page in Allanon' s journal. I'm terribly disappointed.
July 5, 2017
The Four Lands were at war long ago than peace came but when the Warlock returns Allanon must seek out the last heir of the Shannara throne to wield the Sword of Shannara once more.
I really like the story of the Druid Allanon and it takes place early in the Shannara cannon. It helps fill in the gaps of what he was doing and how it helped developed his character.
I really like the story of the Druid Allanon and it takes place early in the Shannara cannon. It helps fill in the gaps of what he was doing and how it helped developed his character.
December 5, 2017
Allanon's quest is a short story that immediately precedes the events in The Sword of Shannara. Brooks treats us to a rare glimpse inside the mind of his enigmatic and iconic character, the druid Allanon.
May 21, 2018
I was excited to see this Shannara short ("Kindle Singles Exclusive") as I thought I had read all of Terry Brooks' Shannara series. Ultimately, due to the length of the novella/short story, it really is one basic story with a pretty simple plot line. So, certainly not as engrossing as the traditional novels. Still, it's nice to see some familiar characters back in action.
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