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The Sword of Shannara

The Shannara Trilogy, Book 1

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The Sword of Shannara

By: Terry Brooks
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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About this listen

50 million Terry Brooks copies sold around the world
The Shannara Chronicles is now a major TV series

Volume one in the classic best-selling series from one of the all-time masters of fantasy.

Long ago, the world of the Four Lands was torn apart by the wars of ancient Evil. But in the Vale, the half-human, half-elfin Shea Ohmsford now lives in peace - until the mysterious, forbidding figure of the druid Allanon appears, to reveal that the supposedly long-dead Warlock Lord lives again. 

Shea must embark upon the elemental quest to find the only weapon powerful enough to keep the creatures of darkness at bay: the fabled Sword of Shannara. 

©1977 Terry Brooks (P)2003 Books on Tape, Inc. Fantasy Fiction Magic Users

Critic reviews

"A marvellous fantasy trip." (Frank Herbert)
"Confirms Terry's place at the head of the fantasy world." (Philip Pullman)

"If Harry Potter has given you a thirst for fantasy and you have not discovered the magic of Terry Brooks, you are in for a treat." (Rocky Mountain News)
All stars
Most relevant
and wondered what it would be like now.
A slightly predictable plot but a great romp though a Tolkien like world. Good character development and concepts.
I'd would recommend this book. and now im about to start the elfstones of shannara

I read this book 30 years ago

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having read the books , alot. I was sure I was going to be disappointed.

took a few chapters to get used to the narrator and a couple of times I nearly stopped. THANK GOD I DIDNT.

Once I got used to hearing rather then reading I settled in to the book with ease.

Great flow and pace , eagerly looking forward to hearing the rest.

Already I have listened to the Skaar Invasion which is good , but to really appreciate the entire book collection you have to start here.

DIE HARD FAN

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I first read the Sword of Shannara when it was first published in the UK, my first fantasy read. With the publication of the final Shannara novel I’ve decided to revisit the whole series. I loved The Sword of Shannara then, it’s themes of bravery, companionship, friendship, distrust and trust, and near the end an outcast from his own land laying down his life for Shea and Panamon Creel, his friends.
A story of growth, self understanding and learning to trust.
This time I listened on Audible at the same time as reading and got even more from the experience.
Looking forward to the next volume - The Elfstones of Shannara.

A Story that remains relevant

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have read, and loved, these books before, but due to a change in circumstances I no longer can.
the reading is fantastic, though some of the pronunciation is a bit different to expected. have ordered the rest of the series, and a couple of others narrated by Scott Brick

fantastic book

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Ok a classic? probably. well written yes, well performed yes. original...... not so sure.

Although an enjoyable listen I can't help but notice the similarities to Tolkens LOTR which is a bit of a shame really some of the original bit were good but more often than not you feel you are in middle earth with the fellowship than in the world of Shannara on a original quest..

The best I can give it is LOTR re-Imagined. this does not mean its not worth the time to listen to.

Have we not been here before?

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