This is, simply put, a triumph.

Terry Brooks is one of those writers that's strongly influenced fantasy writing, and also our expectations for what such writing should bring to its readers and listeners.

Granted. We all can agree on that. We can all also agree that on occasion, certain of his works stand out from the others, while some step back into the shadows of his better works. Granted again. All in all, though, each one of the Shannara novels is a VERY enjoyable and rewarding read.

Now, here's where I rant, but not in a bad way. You see, believe it or not, the ENTIRE series, as a whole, could be considered complete. Oh, but no. Not according to Brooks, who has, over the past few years, written a whole series of prequels, then a series of PRE-prequels, as well as other lines of books that start along the Shannara timeline, and then branch out, combining both new and old characters, blending new and old magics, and both twisting and strengthening the story lines.

Now, this isn't a bad thing. Just don't get settled. Don't think it's over, because obviously, in Brooks' Shannara universe, you never really know. And guess what?

He's done it again.

In this first book in the Dark Legacy Series, his latest efforts in the highly popular Shannara realm, New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks has decided return to one of the most exciting eras in that series, and in doing so, presents two of his very obvious traits, starting with page one.

First, this novel shows Brooks' well-known bent for setting up a glorious quest, which may seem a bit formulaic to many of his fans. Let's understand that Brooks tends to paint on a large canvas, one that requires much room to live up to the author's, and your, expectations. He does this in Wards Of Faerie with initially modest, then broad literary strokes. Now, when Brooks does this, you can count on the second obvious trait.

It's going to get good. Really, really, really really good. And it DOES.

One hundred years after Brooks' High Druid novel, Straken, which ended with a discovered diary possibly pointing the way to the lost elfstones, we are introduced to new generations of the major players in the Shannara series. We're also treated with the twisted plans and plots that are rife in both the elven kingdom, where magic is fading, and the human-led federation, where technology and science seem to be gaining a questionable foothold.

So, the obvious question: Is this one of Brooks' Shannara novels that stands apart, or hides a bit in the shadows?

This one definitely stands apart, and then some. Brooks' writing style is on the mark, and pulls us in immediately with engaging, descriptive emotional writing that is, at the same time, not too heavy-handed. It was a pleasure to both read, and then listen to this work, and as usual, Brooks surprised me along the way with shifting plots and surprising directions. I just used an Audible credit to get the second novel in the series. And loved it. Read my review for more details on that worthy second tome in the series.

As usual, I will NOT give hints, spoilers, plots, or anything else to take away from the wondrous literary ride this new series offers to you, Audible listener. No whining.

If you want some of Brooks' best writing in the Shannara series, look no further.

This is, simply put, a triumph.

26 people found this helpful

Call It A Comeback!

What made the experience of listening to Wards of Faerie the most enjoyable?

The narrator was great but it was the story itself , this is undoubtedly Terry Brooks finest book since The First King Of Shannara.

What did you like best about this story?

This story had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Some parts of it were so thrilling i had to hold my breath

What about Rosalyn Landor’s performance did you like?

She did a great job of relating the emotions of the characters involved. I liked in particular the scene where the Khyber confronts the Ohmsford Twin's mother. The emotion was raw in that scene and she did a great job of portraying the mother's intense reaction to Khyber's request.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The Battle of Paranor was very thrilling, I didn't know what was going to happen from one moment to the next even though it was a mismatch going into it. The Federation had no chance to win the battle but the narrative and the story really made it seem like they were going to do it.

Any additional comments?

This is Terry's finest novel in a decade and i hope he continues the momentum throughout the rest of the decade.

14 people found this helpful

Very Good!

What made the experience of listening to Wards of Faerie the most enjoyable?

The story is classic Brooks and left me wanting more. I especially enjoyed the narrator and hope she does more. Her ability to slip into different voices for different characters helped bring the story to life.

What did you like best about this story?

I am a fan of Terry Brooks and have read everything he has written for publication. This story has believeable characters that I came to care about and want to know more about. I'm anxious for the sequel.

Have you listened to any of Rosalyn Landor’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This the first time that I've heard her narrate a book.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

9 people found this helpful

Loved it!

What did you like best about this story?

The story drew me in and I couldn't "put the book down".

Have you listened to any of Rosalyn Landor’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to this reader before but feel she did a very good job. I didn't have difficulty following the story, who was talking, etc... due to her change of voice and identification of person.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book did make me laugh though I did not cry.

6 people found this helpful

Mishmash, but entertaining

What did you like best about Wards of Faerie? What did you like least?

Best:

1. The author's depiction of a non gender-biased society, people are valued for their skills and not their gender. Inherent sexism is given no space in this book.

2. Dialogue, when it's developed. In fact, the dialogue, when it heralded originality, i.e. wasn't overtly borrowing from other authors, was the very best part.

3. Direct connections between the fallibility of the character's judgements and the outcomes of their futures. Everyone makes errors in judgement. As a reader, this allowed me to better identify with the character development. Killing off characters due to their own ego indulgence or faulty judgement was strangely validating, especially in comparison to other stories that refuse to allow characters to experience the consequences of faulty/immoral decisions.

Least:

1. Liberal borrowing of concepts/passages from other book series was thinly veiled: e.g. The Hobbit... Blend of faerie species on quest to dark land, led by powerful magic person, to recover stolen powerful magic treasure that will save the land; Star Trek/Dune/Harry Potter...think Volcan mind meld ala BeniJeserat mind probe ala Dumbledor memory threads; Star Wars... undisciplined, young son(s) with extraordinary skills and passion for flying machines, desperate to assist widowed mother, possessing special magical skills -wishsong aka "the Force"; King Killer Chronicles... Tempi warrior; Clan of the Cave Bear..."the Mogur used to have a name, long since forgotten, now he is just called The Mogur" and in this story, "the Speakman used to have a name, long since forgotten, now he is just called the Speakman;" Darkover... forbidden crystals that power flying machines skimming over the land (also StarTrek dilithium crystals, and more), Harry Potter/Darkover... Order of magic, prejudice against species and attempt to annihilate/genocide, etc., etc, etc,...

2. Rush to character development: too much telling/description, too little showing/dialogue. As a reader, it's always more enriching for me to assess the characters through dialogue so I can draw my own conclusions, rather than be told what to think about the character, especially without supporting evidence.

3. The chaotic, undeveloped entrance of myriad new characters. Plot twists and complexity are one thing, ADD plot twists are another.

4. Abruptness. Everywhere.

Would you ever listen to anything by Terry Brooks again?

Yes. Despite the liberal borrowing, there was enough reconfiguration of used ideas and sprinkles of originality that I feel the need to finish the series.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No. I've seen all those movies. Give me something entirely new.

Any additional comments?

The narrator's vocal abilities were fun. Nice job.

4 people found this helpful

Excellent Work!

Where does Wards of Faerie rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top ten for sure

What other book might you compare Wards of Faerie to and why?

It's difficult to compare Brooks to other authors. But it lines up perfectly with some of his earlier work.

4 people found this helpful

Read this because I like the narrator R Landor

What did you like about this audiobook?

Great story line and feel to this book. Really loved it and as soon as I finished it bought the next book. Tried it because if the narrator who I loved in my Julie garwood books. Fascinating and am just a little upset to find oly three books in the series but happy book 3 was just released.

What did you find wrong about the narrator's performance?

She is amazing and the reason I tried a new author.

3 people found this helpful

Great read/listen

Where does Wards of Faerie rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Terry brooks is my favorite author and I can not pick just one. I love all the Shannara books.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love how they all play off each other.Just when I start to like one the story shifts and I find another!

Have you listened to any of Rosalyn Landor’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It ended too soon!

3 people found this helpful

Cliffhanger....otherwise excellent

Excellent plot. Characters are well described. narrated exceptionally well. I will listen to it again for sure. But you need to buy all three because of the cliffhanger ending.

2 people found this helpful

Good listen, could use more character development

Would you try another book from Terry Brooks and/or Rosalyn Landor?

Yes, I like Terry's older stuff.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Flat, was surprised it ended where it did.

What does Rosalyn Landor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Really good job!!

Was Wards of Faerie worth the listening time?

Absolutely

2 people found this helpful