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Warrior
In 1997, Terry Brooks reinvented the fantasy genre with Running with the Demon, a dark contemporary urban fantasy. Now he returns to that Word and Void mythos with a novella sure to delight his readers and a story as powerful as that previous trilogy.
Sinnissippi Park, in Hopewell, Illinois, has long been a place of magic.
Jack McCall learned this at a young age when confronted with a deadly childhood disease. He overcame that threat with aid from the unlikeliest of companions -- the woodland creature Pick and his trusted owl Daniel -- and the magic that existed within his own heart.
Now grown, Jack has graduated from college, leaving behind that terrible time and having never witnessed magic again. That is about to change. Lacking direction in life, he is summoned by the Lady, who recruits men and women to the service of the Word. For she is in dire need of Jack's unique history to help preserve the world's future -- a service that will be needed only once but on which all things hinge.
Sinnissippi Park, in Hopewell, Illinois, has long been a place of magic.
Jack McCall learned this at a young age when confronted with a deadly childhood disease. He overcame that threat with aid from the unlikeliest of companions -- the woodland creature Pick and his trusted owl Daniel -- and the magic that existed within his own heart.
Now grown, Jack has graduated from college, leaving behind that terrible time and having never witnessed magic again. That is about to change. Lacking direction in life, he is summoned by the Lady, who recruits men and women to the service of the Word. For she is in dire need of Jack's unique history to help preserve the world's future -- a service that will be needed only once but on which all things hinge.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2018
121 people are currently reading
876 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 42 reviews
January 18, 2025
This is a sequel to the short story "Imaginary Friends". In this one we visit Jack again as he is graduating high school. He gets a call from a fairy creature asking for his service. This service has to be unquestioned and it might cause him sacrifice and harm.
I liked the concept of visiting this character as a graduate. When we first saw him he was just entering his teenage years so some time has passed. As for the story it fits in perfectly with this universe and it is a classic example of a Terry Brooks offering. You get the battle between good and evil, the fairy creatures asking the main character for his services and this main character having to sacrifice something for the greater good. When I read the trilogy that this short story takes place in what grabbed me the most was the fantasy theme taking place during our contemporary times. This one does that flawlessly and I really liked this aspect.
This novella is a tough task to track down. Even on this website if you look at "The Word and the Void" series I believe this is not even listed as part of it. It does say it is part of it on this page. It almost feels like Brooks was not the happiest with this work. It isn't spectacular and really does not add much to the overall arc of the trilogy. It is a supplement that is worth the time to read if you have enjoyed the other works in this series.
I liked the concept of visiting this character as a graduate. When we first saw him he was just entering his teenage years so some time has passed. As for the story it fits in perfectly with this universe and it is a classic example of a Terry Brooks offering. You get the battle between good and evil, the fairy creatures asking the main character for his services and this main character having to sacrifice something for the greater good. When I read the trilogy that this short story takes place in what grabbed me the most was the fantasy theme taking place during our contemporary times. This one does that flawlessly and I really liked this aspect.
This novella is a tough task to track down. Even on this website if you look at "The Word and the Void" series I believe this is not even listed as part of it. It does say it is part of it on this page. It almost feels like Brooks was not the happiest with this work. It isn't spectacular and really does not add much to the overall arc of the trilogy. It is a supplement that is worth the time to read if you have enjoyed the other works in this series.
September 18, 2018
This is from Terry Brooks urban fantasy series in which Jack McCall is a Knight of the Word and has been charged with protecting our world from dark and sinister forces. This story is his first real battle with a demon after he is given his black staff. He has met the love of his life, they have two young children and he is gainfully employed when the demon enters his life and threatens everything. If you are not familiar with this series this is a good place to begin. If you are then you should still enjoy this story.
September 14, 2018
Have read every other book by Brooks and have been a big fan since first reading the Elfstones in 7th grade. This one feels like a very few scenes were written in depth and the rest of the story was pieced together as quickly and painlessly as possible. Cannot feel that ANY effort went into writing this.
October 6, 2018
I enjoyed reading this short story, though the word and the void is not one of my favourite series. I liked that the main character was someone we know. I like him and his family. The pacing was good.
September 17, 2018
A great addition
This was a great side story to the Word and The Void world. It took me back to when I first read the authors books. I enjoyed that Jack was vulnerable to his weaknesses and regardless of his reasoning, he overcame his fear. It really got me excited to go back and visit the series again!
This was a great side story to the Word and The Void world. It took me back to when I first read the authors books. I enjoyed that Jack was vulnerable to his weaknesses and regardless of his reasoning, he overcame his fear. It really got me excited to go back and visit the series again!
September 14, 2018
The Staff
Beautifully written. These stories are modern day tales of tge battle between good and evil. We say goodbye to Jack McCall and no doubt wonder who will wield the Staff next. The Void is always there and the fight must go on.
Beautifully written. These stories are modern day tales of tge battle between good and evil. We say goodbye to Jack McCall and no doubt wonder who will wield the Staff next. The Void is always there and the fight must go on.
September 19, 2018
It's warmed over "Running With the Demon." Same encounters we've all read before. Jack meets The Lady. Jack meets O'olish. Same encounters as when John Ross met them. Nothing new revealed about this world. It's like fan fiction.
There's no real conflict other than a Demon wants to kill Jack. Why? Is there something extra special about Jack other than he's a Knight? Does the Demon have a plan Jack is in the way of? Unknown. Just generic "Demon wants Knight dead." Yawn. We've read all this before. The final encounter is so rushed and sparse of detail it's all over before it even gets going. Rushed, hurried, and simplistic.
Been reading Brooks since I was 12 in 1977 when Sword came out. Read everything. Some twice. I just can't quit. Hoping "Street Freaks" has revitalized his interest in writing with some level of enthusiasm for the work.
There's no real conflict other than a Demon wants to kill Jack. Why? Is there something extra special about Jack other than he's a Knight? Does the Demon have a plan Jack is in the way of? Unknown. Just generic "Demon wants Knight dead." Yawn. We've read all this before. The final encounter is so rushed and sparse of detail it's all over before it even gets going. Rushed, hurried, and simplistic.
Been reading Brooks since I was 12 in 1977 when Sword came out. Read everything. Some twice. I just can't quit. Hoping "Street Freaks" has revitalized his interest in writing with some level of enthusiasm for the work.
October 6, 2018
Good but
What's good - does link Word & Void with Brook's short story, Imaginary Friends, and brings that to an end. Ending almost makes up for a little lackluster rest of story.
Not so good - Have away too much at times. Not much added to the Word & Void Series.
Better than three stars but not making four.
What's good - does link Word & Void with Brook's short story, Imaginary Friends, and brings that to an end. Ending almost makes up for a little lackluster rest of story.
Not so good - Have away too much at times. Not much added to the Word & Void Series.
Better than three stars but not making four.
November 27, 2018
Wow! The Word and the Void series is one of my favorites. I enjoyed revisiting that world again. It truly makes me believe magic still exists in the beauty of nature and hides in quiet places all around us. Highly recommend the whole series of books to reluctant readers and any one who enjoys urban fantasy. 5 stars all around.
Wow! The Word and the Void series is one of my favorites. I enjoyed revisiting that world again. It truly makes me believe magic still exists in the beauty of nature and hides in quiet places all around us. Highly recommend the whole series of books to reluctant readers and any one who enjoys urban fantasy. 5 stars all around.
Wow! The Word and the Void series is one of my favorites. I enjoyed revisiting that world again. It truly makes me believe magic still exists in the beauty of nature and hides in quiet places all around us. Highly recommend the whole series of books to reluctant readers and any one who enjoys urban fantasy. 5 stars all around.
December 30, 2020
I had forgotten I had this novella on Kindle somehow! Even though it had typos and was very similar to what we've already read in the series, it was a nice reminder of the Word and the Void books since it's been a while since I've read them. I never deeply loved that series like I did Shannara and Landover though. This was also an extremely quick read...started it around 10:40 pm and was done a couple of hours later.
I'm wondering what direction Terry is going to go now that he's wrapped up the Shannara series. Honestly I'd be happy to see him go back to Landover or create a similar land, especially after 2020...some lighter, funnier along the lines of Magic Kingdom for Sale would be perfect!
I'm wondering what direction Terry is going to go now that he's wrapped up the Shannara series. Honestly I'd be happy to see him go back to Landover or create a similar land, especially after 2020...some lighter, funnier along the lines of Magic Kingdom for Sale would be perfect!
September 16, 2024
Sure as hell, it has been a pleasure to return to the world of the Word and the Void, and to read another adventure, albeit the last one, of Jack McCall. What does it mean to be a Knight of the Word? What are the sacrifices to me made to uphold the promise done to the Lady to serve her? All of that, and much more, in this novella, which recaptured perfectly the spirit of the world before the Great War that was the beginning of the new world that would lead to the Four Lands and the Shannara saga.
January 5, 2019
I expected better
This story was okay, but nothing kills the suspension of disbelief more quickly and jarringly than poor editing. That's why I try to avoid most self-published e-books. It's just not worth it. More than a handful of times in this short novella, there were entire words missing from sentences. Has Terry Brooks fired his support staff? I expect better from established authors.
This story was okay, but nothing kills the suspension of disbelief more quickly and jarringly than poor editing. That's why I try to avoid most self-published e-books. It's just not worth it. More than a handful of times in this short novella, there were entire words missing from sentences. Has Terry Brooks fired his support staff? I expect better from established authors.
March 1, 2022
2 stars - it's okay, I guess
Honestly, feels like things move too fast and the main character is really just shoved into places and told where to go and he does the things. Again, feels like Brooks has an issue with telling instead of showing waaaay too much. Nothing wrong with a destined or chosen warrior but the way things just happen with little explanation and he just accepts it like - bruuuuh, no. Not a fan.
Honestly, feels like things move too fast and the main character is really just shoved into places and told where to go and he does the things. Again, feels like Brooks has an issue with telling instead of showing waaaay too much. Nothing wrong with a destined or chosen warrior but the way things just happen with little explanation and he just accepts it like - bruuuuh, no. Not a fan.
September 12, 2018
An amazing visit back to the Word and the Void
Brooks revisits the Word and Void story arc and does a masterful job of bringing the reader into a classic battle between good and evil. An added bonus is the question of how to be honest with loved ones when the truth is nearly unbelievable.
Brooks revisits the Word and Void story arc and does a masterful job of bringing the reader into a classic battle between good and evil. An added bonus is the question of how to be honest with loved ones when the truth is nearly unbelievable.
November 2, 2018
Replay
A shortened version of the older and more comprehensive novel Knight of the Word which Terry wrote years ago. The original was much more comprehensive and entertaining. Although I enjoy Terry:s style, I'm disappointed by this shortened version. I recommend the reader read the original and the sequel Running with the Demon. Both novels are superb.
A shortened version of the older and more comprehensive novel Knight of the Word which Terry wrote years ago. The original was much more comprehensive and entertaining. Although I enjoy Terry:s style, I'm disappointed by this shortened version. I recommend the reader read the original and the sequel Running with the Demon. Both novels are superb.
January 18, 2025
This is a short story that takes place before the events of "The Word and the Void" series. There is nothing in this book that affects any of the other books so it is not essential to read this book. I would recommend reading the other short story "Imaginary Friends" first to get more of an introduction to the main character Jack McCall.
September 17, 2018
A Terry Brooks taste
A quick read with the unmistakable Brooks style. For who knows the style of the author it will be a quick enjoyable disappointment, for the newest to the flock it will be a nice door opener to the wider Word and Void series
A quick read with the unmistakable Brooks style. For who knows the style of the author it will be a quick enjoyable disappointment, for the newest to the flock it will be a nice door opener to the wider Word and Void series
September 26, 2018
Love Terry Brooks
Terry Brooks is still one of my favorite authors! His writing has never let me down. This short tale that kicks off the Word and the Void is just as exciting as the full length novels that follow!
Terry Brooks is still one of my favorite authors! His writing has never let me down. This short tale that kicks off the Word and the Void is just as exciting as the full length novels that follow!
December 9, 2018
Revisit
A nice revisit to the original trilogy. I enjoyed it but dropped a star because it didn't feel as unique as I would have liked, as if I've read this hero vs demon story several times before.
A nice revisit to the original trilogy. I enjoyed it but dropped a star because it didn't feel as unique as I would have liked, as if I've read this hero vs demon story several times before.
March 4, 2019
This story very much wishes me to Hope Brooks would write again in this world. Loved the original 3 books and have always hoped there would be more. This gives me a little taste but there is so much more that can be written and told.
July 5, 2019
As with all Terry Brooks novels i loved it. I've read everything he has ever written and he just always surpasses my expectation. These are books I have hard copies wait when the massive solar flare kills all electronic devices i can still re-read them many times.
September 14, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
Overall, a very well written story. I was hooked and was enjoying to the very end. it felt very real and engaging. I could visualize everything that he was describing in pretty good detail. And I am happy with the ending.
Overall, a very well written story. I was hooked and was enjoying to the very end. it felt very real and engaging. I could visualize everything that he was describing in pretty good detail. And I am happy with the ending.
September 13, 2018
Great story and a welcome addition to the Word and Void world!
September 13, 2018
In the traditional style of the Word vs the Void stories
The story continued the saga of both forces battling each other, Knights of the Word against Demons of the Void.
The story continued the saga of both forces battling each other, Knights of the Word against Demons of the Void.
September 17, 2018
Quick Read
This a short story but it is well told and complete. Terry Brooks never fails to draw you in and make you feel a part of the journey.
This a short story but it is well told and complete. Terry Brooks never fails to draw you in and make you feel a part of the journey.
October 1, 2018
Another look into the world that might be
A very good read, although short it captures the imagination of a world preparing to devolve into chaos . Thank you Mr Brookes
A very good read, although short it captures the imagination of a world preparing to devolve into chaos . Thank you Mr Brookes
October 5, 2018
Satisfying
A really satisfying adventure to finish the journey the story that began in Imaginary Friends. Well worth your time to read. Enjoy.
A really satisfying adventure to finish the journey the story that began in Imaginary Friends. Well worth your time to read. Enjoy.
October 12, 2018
Similar to Running with the Demon... good, but nothing new.
November 26, 2018
Good quick read
Great book if you are a Terry Brooks fan, it was a quick read, under a couple of hours. I enjoyed it.
Great book if you are a Terry Brooks fan, it was a quick read, under a couple of hours. I enjoyed it.
December 3, 2018
Always amazing!
As always, Terry Brooks tells an amazing story about a knight of the word. I loved this short novella! Can't wait to read it again!
As always, Terry Brooks tells an amazing story about a knight of the word. I loved this short novella! Can't wait to read it again!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews