New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks returns to the fantasy that launched his career--the fantasy that remains closest to his heart, and to the hearts of millions of fans around the world. More than twenty years have passed since Brooks set the new standard for the genre with his astonishing first novel, The Sword of Shannara, the now-classic commencement of a centuries-spanning epic of good and evil. Now Brooks embarks on what promises to be his masterpiece--Ilse Witch: Book One of The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara.
When the mutilated body of a half-drowned elf is found floating in the seas of the Blue Divide, an old mystery resurfaces. Thirty years ago, the elven prince Kael Elessedil--brother to the current king--led an expedition in search of a legendary magic said to be more ancient, more powerful, than any in the world. Of all those who set out on that ill-fated voyage, not one has ever returned . . .
Until now. For the rescued elf carries a map covered with mysterious symbols only one man has the skill to decipher. That man is Walker Boh, the last of the Druids. But someone else understands the map's significance, someone dark and ruthless: the Ilse Witch, a beautiful but twisted young woman who wields a magic as potent as his own. She will stop at nothing to possess the map--and the magic it leads to. To stop her, Walker must find the magic first.
So begins the voyage of the Jerle Shannara. Aboard the sleek, swift airship are an elven prince; a Rover girl; a monstrous creature part man, part enigma; and a young man named Bek Rowe, who may unknowingly hold the key to the success of the mission--or to its cataclysmic failure. Now, as old secrets come to light, sowing seeds of mistrust and suspicion among the crew, the Jerle Shannara flies into the face of unknown terrors, while the Ilse Witch and her dark allies follow, waiting to strike . . .
Publishers Weekly
Although this first volume in Brooks's proposed trilogy sputters to a slow start, bogged down by necessary background information and character development, Brooks nevertheless manages to intensify and tighten the story's momentum as the Jerle Shannara reaches its final destination. Fans familiar with the Shannara series, and new readers as well, will enjoy this first Shannara tale in four years.
Library Journal
The Shannara mythology gains a new level of history and depth in a tale that should appeal to the series' legions of fans.
Booklist
Brooks' latest entry in the long-popular Shannara saga takes place a generation after events in Talisman of Shannara (1993), in which Walker Boh reluctantly becomes a Druid....The myriad Shannara fans will relish the adventure, the mystery, the magic, and the well-developed characters, elements that hold true to the rest of the saga. The ending is a gripping cliff-hanger that will leave readers impatient for the promised sequel, Voyage of the Jerle Shannara Antrax Sky.
Kirkus Reviews
After a time out to write about demons and knights (Angel Fire East, 1999, etc.), Brooks returns to his bestselling Shannara universe (First King of Shannara, 1996, etc.). A sort of next generation, this one takes place a generation after the last of the previous series. Walker Boh, the last of the Druids, and the beautiful magician of the title team up to investigate a mysterious death. And no, of course Brooks hasn't forgotten about the sword.
Recent Reader Reviews
Rated of 5
by NM
IT ROCKS!
Rated of 5
by Mikaskakak!
This is a truly great book! The Voyage series is far better than the Heritage series. He spends a lot of time setting up things, but that's okay. It is a great additation to your collection if you don't have it! I've just read Morgawr and I can't... Read More
Rated of 5
by Andrea
Definitley another one of Brook's amazing writings. Every one of his books are awesome, I've read all of them and can't wait till the next ones get out.
Rated of 5
by john
i own all the terry brooks books except hook. so far they are all good books. thanks to terry brooks for writing them.
Rated of 5
by Abby of Arizona
Amazing! every word truely paints a picture. there is no other series better than that of what Terry Brooks writes!
Rated of 5
by Anonymous
Terry Brooks writes with such a passion, such magic, that it could sweep even the dullest of minds away. I just fly on his words, off to another land.
As a prophecy of doom cuts across the sky - a comet the color of blood and flame - six factions struggle for control of a divided land.
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of 5
by NM
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