The Elfstones of Shannara

Terry Brooks

Book 2 in the series:The Original Shannara

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In 'The Elfstones of Shannara' by Terry Brooks, the story follows Wil Ohmsford, the last of the Shannara bloodline, as he is recruited by the Druid Allanon to escort Elven girl Amberle on a mission to save the Ellcrys, a magical tree crucial for protecting the land. The plot revolves around their quest to take a seed of the Ellcrys to Bloodfire for a chance at a rebirth, filled with adventure, cliffhangers, and dangerous encounters with demons. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and filled with imaginative creatures and thrilling action sequences, making it a fantastic example of a classic fantasy novel.

The book is praised for its well-crafted characters, including Wil and Amberle, the compelling story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, and the gripping nature of the narrative that draws readers in. Despite some clichéd moments and familiar fantasy tropes, the book is commended for its entertaining plot, memorable creatures, and the heroic journey of the characters to overcome challenges and save their world.

Characters:

Characters are complex, showcasing growth and struggles, with strong female representation but still embodying certain tropes.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by rich descriptions and emotional depth, though it also faces criticism for being overly lengthy and derivative.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers around a quest involving a dying magical tree and the threat of unleashed demons, focusing on themes of sacrifice and duty.

Setting:

The story is set in a rich fantasy world filled with diverse cultures and heightened stakes tied to the fate of the magical Ellcrys.

Pacing:

The pacing is improved and more engaging than in the first installment, though some find it still uneven due to lengthy descriptions.

The night sky brightened faintly in the east with the approach of dawn as the Chosen entered the Gardens of Life. Without, the Elven city of Arborlon lay sleeping, its people still wrapped in the warm...

Notes:

The Elfstones of Shannara features Wil, a healer and the grandson of Shea, tasked with protecting Amberle, a pivotal elven character.

Amberle is the first female Chosen in centuries, but struggles with her identity as the Ellcrys speaks to her.

Eretria is depicted as a strong character, raised among thieves, who despite her flaws shows significant moral strength.

The Rovers in the book are a representation of the Roma people, sparking discussions about cultural representation in fantasy.

Allanon, the druid, manipulates characters for a greater good but often sacrifices individual lives in the process.

Eventine, the elven king, shows favoritism towards his elder son Arion, damaging family dynamics and undermining his character's heroism.

The book explores themes like sacrifice and the complexities of heroism and personal responsibility.

Brooks’ writing in The Elfstones has been praised for offering both depth of character and a fast-paced plot, distinguishing it from his first book.

The Elfstones has a unique plot involving a magical tree, the Ellcrys, that must be reborn to protect the world from demons.

Many readers note that while there are similarities to Tolkien's work, The Elfstones maintains originality through its world-building and character depth.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are themes that may be disturbing, including violence and the presence of demons.

Has Romance?

There are elements of romance, particularly between Wil and Amberle, though it is not the main focus of the story.

From The Publisher:

The grandson of Shea, Wil Ohmsford, searches for Amberle, the Chosen whose gift of Bloodfire is needed to create the Ellcrys tree that protects against demons.

Ratings (14)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (8)
Liked It (2)
It Was OK (3)

Reader Stats (23):

Read It (17)
Want To Read (4)
Not Interested (2)

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