The Sword of Shannara

by Terry Brooks
The Sword of Shannara cover
Good Books rating 3.6
Fantasy
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4604
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • ISBN: 9781841495484
  • Publisher: Orbit Books
  • Published: 2006-10-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Long ago, the world of the Four Lands was torn apart by the wars of ancient Evil. In the present, Shea Ohmsford, a half-human, half-elfin, lives in peace in the Vale until the enigmatic druid Allanon reveals that the Warlock Lord, thought long dead, lives again. Shea is thrust into a quest to find the fabled Sword of Shannara, the only weapon powerful enough to combat the resurgent darkness. /n/nThis first volume of the classic Shannara series has become one of the most beloved fantasy tales of all time, showcasing the masterful storytelling of Terry Brooks. The novel blends elements of high fantasy with a richly imagined world and a compelling hero's journey.

Reviews
Fantasy Book Review · 2025-10-22
excellent 4.30

The characters are easy and fun to bond with, and the story has a nice flow.

The reviewer found 'The Sword of Shannara' to be a top read with easy and fun characters that are quickly engaging. The story flows nicely, keeping the reader interested without any dull moments. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging, making it a enjoyable read overall. The reviewer highly recommends it for fans of fantasy.

Quick quotes

    A top read. Easy and fun characters that you quickly begin to bond with as you read.

    The story has a nice flow and you are never left reading for chapter after chapter without something interesting happening.

    The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging, making it a enjoyable read overall.

Goodreads · 2025-10-22
good 3.50

The book is intriguing and action-packed, but there are a few aspects that the reviewer didn't like.

The reviewer found 'The Sword of Shannara' to be an intriguing and action-packed fantasy that explores themes of loyalty and friendship. They enjoyed the story overall but noted that there were a few aspects they didn't like, which slightly detracted from their enjoyment. The characters and world-building are engaging, but some elements fell short of expectations.

Quick quotes

    3.5 stars! I enjoyed this book, but there were a few aspects that I didn't like.

    This was an intriguing and action-packed fantasy about loyalty, friendship, ...

    The characters and world-building are engaging, but some elements fell short of expectations.

Fantasy Literature · 2025-10-22
mixed 3.00

The characters are dynamic and multidimensional, and the descriptions of the land are compelling, but the story is too derivative of other works.

The reviewer appreciates the dynamic and multidimensional characters in 'The Sword of Shannara', as well as the compelling descriptions of the land and the ruined cities. However, they find the story to be too derivative of other works, particularly 'The Lord of the Rings', which detracts from the overall experience. The action and adventure are engaging, but the lack of originality is a significant drawback.

Quick quotes

    Characterizations are dynamic and multidimensional, the descriptions of the land as well as the ruined cities and small towns are compelling, the action and ...

    The Sword of Shannara is too derivative of other works, particularly 'The Lord of the Rings'.

    The story is engaging and well-paced, but the lack of originality is a significant drawback.

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