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Expected 25 Aug 26Return to the world of Shannara with the sequel to Galaphile, and discover how the seeds of the greatest evil that the Four Lands has ever known inadvertently grew out of Galaphileʼs dream for peace—from the New York Times bestselling authors Terry Brooks and Delilah S. Dawson.
Years have passed since Galaphile Joss and his life partner, Nirianne, established Paranor as a way to bring harmony to the Four Lands. Now their two sons are becoming men in a land of peace and plenty. Admittedly, it is a land that their eldest child, Abronja, finds rather boring. At sixteen, he longs for a way to prove himself—a chance to show he is every bit the equal of his famous father. But when the excitement he has been longing for materializes, it is in the form of an old evil: a dark sorcerer whom his father had defeated but not destroyed. And who is now back, stronger and deadlier than ever.
Galaphile has always dreaded this wicked resurgence—and not just because of what it means for the wider world. Abronja was conceived while the dark sorcerer had control of Nirianne, and Galaphile has always feared that a spark of malevolence lives on in his beloved child.
Abronja, for his part, is certain he will never be corrupted by evil. He is fully committed to his fatherʼs vision for peace and is determined to make his name by finally destroying the monster that has targeted his family. But tangling with dark magic is not a thing to be taken lightly—especially for a young man as yet untested in the ways of the world. And when the repercussions of this encounter could have consequences for centuries to come . . .
Years have passed since Galaphile Joss and his life partner, Nirianne, established Paranor as a way to bring harmony to the Four Lands. Now their two sons are becoming men in a land of peace and plenty. Admittedly, it is a land that their eldest child, Abronja, finds rather boring. At sixteen, he longs for a way to prove himself—a chance to show he is every bit the equal of his famous father. But when the excitement he has been longing for materializes, it is in the form of an old evil: a dark sorcerer whom his father had defeated but not destroyed. And who is now back, stronger and deadlier than ever.
Galaphile has always dreaded this wicked resurgence—and not just because of what it means for the wider world. Abronja was conceived while the dark sorcerer had control of Nirianne, and Galaphile has always feared that a spark of malevolence lives on in his beloved child.
Abronja, for his part, is certain he will never be corrupted by evil. He is fully committed to his fatherʼs vision for peace and is determined to make his name by finally destroying the monster that has targeted his family. But tangling with dark magic is not a thing to be taken lightly—especially for a young man as yet untested in the ways of the world. And when the repercussions of this encounter could have consequences for centuries to come . . .
- GenresFantasy
368 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication August 25, 2026
About the author
Terry Brooks
429 books77.9k 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 31, 2026
Thank you Del Rey and NetGalley for the gifted eARC!
This was a phenomenal read! Seeing Abronja’s journey and how life events shaped him (in a manner entirely different from Galaphile’s in the previous book in this prequel series) was absolutely fascinating and so skillfully done. I found myself alternating between empathizing and raging from moment to moment, and I thought the pacing issues I had with the previous book were largely resolved here. Galaphile was my first Shannara book (yes, I’m questioning how I managed to go this long without reading them as well) and while it got me interested in the world, this book absolutely convinced me to go back and read the rest!
This was a phenomenal read! Seeing Abronja’s journey and how life events shaped him (in a manner entirely different from Galaphile’s in the previous book in this prequel series) was absolutely fascinating and so skillfully done. I found myself alternating between empathizing and raging from moment to moment, and I thought the pacing issues I had with the previous book were largely resolved here. Galaphile was my first Shannara book (yes, I’m questioning how I managed to go this long without reading them as well) and while it got me interested in the world, this book absolutely convinced me to go back and read the rest!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Brona, the second book in The First Druids of Shannara series, provides a fantastic⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ addition to the origins of the Druid Council and their fortress Paranor, as well as the origins of the Warlock Lord. I recommend reading the first book in this series, Galaphile, before beginning Brona because of the multiple references to events in the earlier story. (To learn more about the earlier book read my spoiler-free review of Galaphile).
This second book in the series resumes the tale about 17 years after the events of Galaphile. After their last battle with the Spectre Telle, Galaphile and his life-partner Nirianne have continued to oversee the construction of Paranor while raising their 2 sons, 16 year old Abronja, nicknamed Brona, and his 10 year old brother Ional. Although the Spectre Telle has not been seen in many years, they remain vigilant and often travel throughout the Four Lands to improve relations and establish peace between the races of Humans, Elves, Gnomes and Trolls. When at home in Paranor, Galaphile continues to train Brona in the use of magic, which he did not start until Brona turned 14, in spite of his older son's eagerness to begin earlier.
In many ways, Brona is a "coming of age" tale. It is chock-full of new experiences, both tragic and heroic, as well as quests and battles. It's also a tale of the struggle between youth and experience, knowing when to act and when to wait, and the need to be seen as being skillful and able to handle new responsibilities without constant supervision.
Most of all, this is a tale of a young man who desires to step out from beneath the perceived shadow of his parents' accomplishments, and of the burdens he carries being unable to forgive himself for a tragedy caused by a mistake in judgement. His drive to increase his magical skills, his desire to prove himself, and the overconfidence of youth make him particularly vulnerable to the temptations and traps set by evil forces at work within the Four Lands.
Longtime readers will recognize many elements of the story, while enjoying new discoveries about the Druids, Paranor and the Four Lands. Newcomers and longtime readers alike will enjoy the adventures that occur, celebrate the victories and mourn the losses.
In March of 2025, Shannara author Terry Brooks announced that he was stepping back from day to day writing and was passing the Shannara torch to sci-fi/fantasy author Delilah S. Dawson. This semi-retirement meant that Brooks, 81 years old at the time, could continue to be involved and provide guidance to his chosen successor, without having the burden of writing the full book by himself. Brona is the result of that first collaboration, and is a more-than-worthy addition to the Shannara canon. It's a fantastic story and I look forward to reading what comes next.
Recommended.
Thanks to the publisher, Del Rey for offering me an eARC to review.
This second book in the series resumes the tale about 17 years after the events of Galaphile. After their last battle with the Spectre Telle, Galaphile and his life-partner Nirianne have continued to oversee the construction of Paranor while raising their 2 sons, 16 year old Abronja, nicknamed Brona, and his 10 year old brother Ional. Although the Spectre Telle has not been seen in many years, they remain vigilant and often travel throughout the Four Lands to improve relations and establish peace between the races of Humans, Elves, Gnomes and Trolls. When at home in Paranor, Galaphile continues to train Brona in the use of magic, which he did not start until Brona turned 14, in spite of his older son's eagerness to begin earlier.
In many ways, Brona is a "coming of age" tale. It is chock-full of new experiences, both tragic and heroic, as well as quests and battles. It's also a tale of the struggle between youth and experience, knowing when to act and when to wait, and the need to be seen as being skillful and able to handle new responsibilities without constant supervision.
Most of all, this is a tale of a young man who desires to step out from beneath the perceived shadow of his parents' accomplishments, and of the burdens he carries being unable to forgive himself for a tragedy caused by a mistake in judgement. His drive to increase his magical skills, his desire to prove himself, and the overconfidence of youth make him particularly vulnerable to the temptations and traps set by evil forces at work within the Four Lands.
Longtime readers will recognize many elements of the story, while enjoying new discoveries about the Druids, Paranor and the Four Lands. Newcomers and longtime readers alike will enjoy the adventures that occur, celebrate the victories and mourn the losses.
In March of 2025, Shannara author Terry Brooks announced that he was stepping back from day to day writing and was passing the Shannara torch to sci-fi/fantasy author Delilah S. Dawson. This semi-retirement meant that Brooks, 81 years old at the time, could continue to be involved and provide guidance to his chosen successor, without having the burden of writing the full book by himself. Brona is the result of that first collaboration, and is a more-than-worthy addition to the Shannara canon. It's a fantastic story and I look forward to reading what comes next.
Recommended.
Thanks to the publisher, Del Rey for offering me an eARC to review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is not perfect, but it is everything I wanted Galaphile to be when it was released. This is our first adventure with Delilah S. Dawson taking over for Terry as primary writer of the Shannara series. Even though this wasn't Terry's writing, I definitely felt his influence throughout the book. I admit I was reticent about this change, Shannara is very much a comfort series for me and I have been very anxious about what this series would evolve into, thankfully I can say I'm happily surprised.
I could immediately see Delilah in the writing, conversations between characters flowed more easily in Brona compared to Galaphile. Admittedly, there were times where I struggled with the shifting POVs in one conversation. I also found Abronja's perspective very grating and annoying to read at times. As the story progressed, I realized that was very likely an intentional choice on Delilah's part and it was VERY well done. There was several OMG moments throughout the book and I will admit my jaw hit the floor several times, which I wasn't expecting! Overall, this was a very good story and I'm excited to see what happens next.
As a longtime Shannara fan/reader, there are some continuity errors that really bothered me and which I hope are corrected when the book goes to print. Specifically, the two most egregious ones are Misty Marsh instead of Mist Marsh and Elit Druin instead of Eilt Druin. I also noted some incorrect spellings of character names from one chapter to the next, but again that will hopefully be corrected in the printed version.
Thank you to NetGalley, Del Rey, Terry Brooks, and Delilah S. Dawson for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I could immediately see Delilah in the writing, conversations between characters flowed more easily in Brona compared to Galaphile. Admittedly, there were times where I struggled with the shifting POVs in one conversation. I also found Abronja's perspective very grating and annoying to read at times. As the story progressed, I realized that was very likely an intentional choice on Delilah's part and it was VERY well done. There was several OMG moments throughout the book and I will admit my jaw hit the floor several times, which I wasn't expecting! Overall, this was a very good story and I'm excited to see what happens next.
As a longtime Shannara fan/reader, there are some continuity errors that really bothered me and which I hope are corrected when the book goes to print. Specifically, the two most egregious ones are Misty Marsh instead of Mist Marsh and Elit Druin instead of Eilt Druin. I also noted some incorrect spellings of character names from one chapter to the next, but again that will hopefully be corrected in the printed version.
Thank you to NetGalley, Del Rey, Terry Brooks, and Delilah S. Dawson for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Brona is book two in the First Druids of Shannara in what appears to be a trilogy. This will be a non-spoiler review.
Overall a very good read for Terry Brooks fans. While reading the book I was still able to "hear" Mr. Brooks voice throughout, while apperciating Mrs. Dawson's different style of writing. From reading the story it is easy to tell that this book was a partnership and is true to the cannon of Shannara. The premise of this story is Brona as a young man growing up in the shadow of his father, and while wanting to be like him do it in his own way. Through the course of this story (which takes place over some years) Brona grows and improves on his use of magic both by practicing what his father taught him, as well as other dark sources. As with any Shannara story there are epic battles, sad deaths, and a couple of twist that you don't see coming.
If you have Sword of Shannara or even First King of Shannara you already know how this trilogy will end. However how the story gets there will be interesting and exciting to see. I believe that a few more twist and turns are coming as we see how Brona evolves into his final form.
Overall a very good read for Terry Brooks fans. While reading the book I was still able to "hear" Mr. Brooks voice throughout, while apperciating Mrs. Dawson's different style of writing. From reading the story it is easy to tell that this book was a partnership and is true to the cannon of Shannara. The premise of this story is Brona as a young man growing up in the shadow of his father, and while wanting to be like him do it in his own way. Through the course of this story (which takes place over some years) Brona grows and improves on his use of magic both by practicing what his father taught him, as well as other dark sources. As with any Shannara story there are epic battles, sad deaths, and a couple of twist that you don't see coming.
If you have Sword of Shannara or even First King of Shannara you already know how this trilogy will end. However how the story gets there will be interesting and exciting to see. I believe that a few more twist and turns are coming as we see how Brona evolves into his final form.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Brona: The First Druids of Shannara" by Terry Brooks and Delilah S. Dawson is the latest installment of a sprawling high epic fantasy world spanning over 20 books I believe. The "Brona" story is high stakes and has a strong sense of inherited legacy. Its strongest feature is the tension between Abronja’s desire to prove himself and the dangerous history surrounding his family. Old evil returns after being partly defeated fits well into a classic epic-fantasy trope. I think it is a worthy addition to the series. Unfortunately the dialogue can feel a little stilted at times, which keeps some scenes from feeling fully natural. Overall, it should still appeal to readers who enjoy big-world fantasy with family drama, moral struggle, and difficult choices.
I'm grateful to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I'm grateful to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This continues from Galaphile, book one of the First Druids of Shannara and it focuses on Abronje, Galaphile's son. I found it less engaging in places than the first book though, I couldn't take to Brona at all. I kept hoping he'd improve, but he didn't. He was a nasty little weasel (sorry Mustela nivalis) from beginning to end
I'm glad that I read it because I wanted to see what happened after the first book. And I really would like to know how the story continues, so I guess I'll be reading the next one in the series when it is released.
However, it felt to me that the style of writing was a bit lacking, I can't quite put my finger on it, but it definitely felt like I was too old to be reading this book, despite liking the genre.
I am thankful to the author, Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for free.
I'm glad that I read it because I wanted to see what happened after the first book. And I really would like to know how the story continues, so I guess I'll be reading the next one in the series when it is released.
However, it felt to me that the style of writing was a bit lacking, I can't quite put my finger on it, but it definitely felt like I was too old to be reading this book, despite liking the genre.
I am thankful to the author, Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for free.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Over the years I have read all the books Terry Brooks has written. I'm enjoying coming back to this world. Although you probably need to read the first of this series as this book picks up 16 years later and doesn't fill in the whole history of the first. Brona is a teenager with the I know everything and have to surpass my father's abilities to be important. He was so annoying I kept waiting for his comeuppance, and his parents were so worried about his self esteem he only grew more self centered. Well written and the overall story arc really advanced, but I never warmed up to the oh so humble ass. Didn't expect the ending! Looking forward to the next, thanks to NetGalley for an early read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
No spoilers for this one as it was an Advanced Reader Copy. All I can say is that I really enjoyed reading Brona. I have been a fan of Terry Brooks from the beginning of the Shannara saga and as with most of his fans, I had some reservations about him handing the reins over to Delilah Dawson. That being said, I trusted his judgement and was excited to read her first book in the saga. She captured all the excitement, adventure, intrigue and magic of Shannara in Brona. I am extremely impressed and happy to see the story continue while Terry enjoys retirement.
I’ve pre-ordered my hard cover for release later this year and now can’t wait for the concluding book in the trilogy.
I’ve pre-ordered my hard cover for release later this year and now can’t wait for the concluding book in the trilogy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the second book in The First Druids of Shannara series. It picks up where Galaphile ends and the focus is on his son and his development in learning magic and controlling himself. The Spectre Telle also plays a roll in this book. Overall, a good addition to the Shannara series of books.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon, and my fiction book review blog.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank u for the arc for the second book I really enjoyed been a big fan of Terry Brooks be my first by Delilah s Dawson looking forward to reading more .It was a very good Second book I am hopping there is more
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews