What do you think?
Rate this book
High Druid of Shannara #3
Straken
The High Druid of Shannara trilogy draws to a thrilling close as a young hero nears completion of his trial by fire, a banished ruler fights for her life in a wilderness of dread, and forces of darkness and light square off in a battle unto death for the right to absolute rule. Prepare to be spellbound by the masterly hand of bestselling legend weaver Terry Brooks, conjuring at the peak of his skills.
For reasons known only to himself, the King of the Silver River has charged young Penderrin Ohmsford, barely more than a boy, with the daunting task of rescuing his aunt, Grianne, Ard Rhys of the Druid order, from her forced exile in the terrifying dimension of all things damned: the Forbidding. With the noble dwarf Tagwen and the prodigal elven princess Khyber Elessedil by his side–and with the outcome of the bloody war between the Federation and the Free-born at stake–Pen has accepted his mission without question. But not without risk . . . or sacrifice.
Because Shadea a’Ru, the ruthless Druid responsible for imprisoning the true Ard Rhys and usurping leadership at Paranor, has sent her agents and assassins in relentless pursuit of Pen and his comrades. And in securing the talisman he needs to breach the Forbidding, Pen has paid a devastating price. Now if the Free-born forces–already decimated by the Federation’s death-dealing new weapon–should fall, Shadea’s domination of the Four Lands will be assured. Nothing short of Pen’s success can turn the tide.
But Pen’s challenge grows greater when he learns that his parents, Bek Ohmsford and Rue Meridian, have fallen into Shadea’s hands. He must try to help them–but once within the walls of Druid’s Keep, where Shadea’s minions and dark magic lurk at every turn, Pen’s survival is far from assured. Yet it will all pale in comparison to the horrors that wait inside the Forbidding–horrors poised to break free upon the Four Lands when the time is right. . . .
From the Hardcover edition.
For reasons known only to himself, the King of the Silver River has charged young Penderrin Ohmsford, barely more than a boy, with the daunting task of rescuing his aunt, Grianne, Ard Rhys of the Druid order, from her forced exile in the terrifying dimension of all things damned: the Forbidding. With the noble dwarf Tagwen and the prodigal elven princess Khyber Elessedil by his side–and with the outcome of the bloody war between the Federation and the Free-born at stake–Pen has accepted his mission without question. But not without risk . . . or sacrifice.
Because Shadea a’Ru, the ruthless Druid responsible for imprisoning the true Ard Rhys and usurping leadership at Paranor, has sent her agents and assassins in relentless pursuit of Pen and his comrades. And in securing the talisman he needs to breach the Forbidding, Pen has paid a devastating price. Now if the Free-born forces–already decimated by the Federation’s death-dealing new weapon–should fall, Shadea’s domination of the Four Lands will be assured. Nothing short of Pen’s success can turn the tide.
But Pen’s challenge grows greater when he learns that his parents, Bek Ohmsford and Rue Meridian, have fallen into Shadea’s hands. He must try to help them–but once within the walls of Druid’s Keep, where Shadea’s minions and dark magic lurk at every turn, Pen’s survival is far from assured. Yet it will all pale in comparison to the horrors that wait inside the Forbidding–horrors poised to break free upon the Four Lands when the time is right. . . .
From the Hardcover edition.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
About the author
Terry Brooks
410 books77.6k followersTerry Brooks was born in Illinois in 1944, where he spent a great deal of his childhood and early adulthood dreaming up stories in and around Sinnissippi Park, the very same park that would eventually become the setting for his bestselling Word & Void trilogy. He went to college and received his undergraduate degree from Hamilton College, where he majored in English Literature, and he received his graduate degree from the School of Law at Washington & Lee University.
A writer since high school, he wrote many stories within the genres of science fiction, western, fiction, and non-fiction, until one semester early in his college years he was given The Lord of the Rings to read. That moment changed Terry's life forever, because in Tolkien's great work he found all the elements needed to fully explore his writing combined in one genre.
He then wrote The Sword of Shannara, the seven year grand result retaining sanity while studying at Washington & Lee University and practicing law. It became the first work of fiction ever to appear on the New York Times trade paperback bestseller list, where it remained for over five months.
A writer since high school, he wrote many stories within the genres of science fiction, western, fiction, and non-fiction, until one semester early in his college years he was given The Lord of the Rings to read. That moment changed Terry's life forever, because in Tolkien's great work he found all the elements needed to fully explore his writing combined in one genre.
He then wrote The Sword of Shannara, the seven year grand result retaining sanity while studying at Washington & Lee University and practicing law. It became the first work of fiction ever to appear on the New York Times trade paperback bestseller list, where it remained for over five months.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
February 13, 2024
Peace returns to the Four Lands!
JARKA RUUS announced Terry Brooks' re-emergence as a master of the fantasy genre. Then TANEQUIL pushed that envelope further and showcased his skills as a writer that could add realism, extended character development and thoughtful, probing philosophical discussion to an exciting, perfectly-paced action filled plot! STRAKEN is the icing on the cake - the exciting conclusion to a trilogy weaves together the myriad plotlines and allows the reader to turn the final page and sit back with a smile and a satisfied sigh of contentment!
The threads of each of the story lines are gathered up, woven together and brought to a stunning conclusion. Young Pen Ohmsford's quest to enter the Forbidding, discover the magic of the "darkwand" and release his aunt Grianne Ohmsford, Ard Rhys of the lawful Druids and the Straken queen is completed. Grianne, in turn, must face her usurper and arch-foe, Shadea a'Ru in a final cataclysmic confrontation at Paranor, the ancient Druid's keep. The Free Born's struggle against Sen Dunsidan and the forces of the Federation with their unstoppable fire weapon is concluded and peace returns to the Four Lands.
Frankly, I don't think it's a spoiler to let potential readers know all's well that ends well! Most readers of the Shannara universe and this particular trilogy would probably be devastated to discover otherwise. But, you will find the ending to be a superb unexpected twist nonetheless that proves Terry Brooks can still keep a hidden ace up his sleeve to play at an opportune moment. I've only got one question left, Mr Brooks! Where in the world is Weka Dart?
Highly recommended!
Paul Weiss
JARKA RUUS announced Terry Brooks' re-emergence as a master of the fantasy genre. Then TANEQUIL pushed that envelope further and showcased his skills as a writer that could add realism, extended character development and thoughtful, probing philosophical discussion to an exciting, perfectly-paced action filled plot! STRAKEN is the icing on the cake - the exciting conclusion to a trilogy weaves together the myriad plotlines and allows the reader to turn the final page and sit back with a smile and a satisfied sigh of contentment!
The threads of each of the story lines are gathered up, woven together and brought to a stunning conclusion. Young Pen Ohmsford's quest to enter the Forbidding, discover the magic of the "darkwand" and release his aunt Grianne Ohmsford, Ard Rhys of the lawful Druids and the Straken queen is completed. Grianne, in turn, must face her usurper and arch-foe, Shadea a'Ru in a final cataclysmic confrontation at Paranor, the ancient Druid's keep. The Free Born's struggle against Sen Dunsidan and the forces of the Federation with their unstoppable fire weapon is concluded and peace returns to the Four Lands.
Frankly, I don't think it's a spoiler to let potential readers know all's well that ends well! Most readers of the Shannara universe and this particular trilogy would probably be devastated to discover otherwise. But, you will find the ending to be a superb unexpected twist nonetheless that proves Terry Brooks can still keep a hidden ace up his sleeve to play at an opportune moment. I've only got one question left, Mr Brooks! Where in the world is Weka Dart?
Highly recommended!
Paul Weiss
May 15, 2015
I'm feeling too bitter to write a write a proper review, but you should know that this rating has nothing to do with the quality of the book. The book was awesome, the trilogy was amazing, the entire story was great. And I hated the ending.
And don't mistake the meaning of that. The ending of this book is well written and exceptionally beautiful. I just hated what happened. Don't ever do something like this to me again, Terry Brooks.
And don't mistake the meaning of that. The ending of this book is well written and exceptionally beautiful. I just hated what happened. Don't ever do something like this to me again, Terry Brooks.
April 17, 2021
Straken is the 24th book in the Shannara series. 4 stars.Jarka Ruus
I decided to take a pause of my classic book bingo challenge to attempt to finish my chronological re-read of the entire Shannara series that I had begun last year. Straken is another solid story, although I thought some of the plot resolutions were a bit too easy, especially the ending. This one had some memorable characters- as always Grianne Ohmsford, but also Weka Dart, the Ulk Bog she encounters.
I thought this trilogy was good “world building” where readers get to see what it’s like inside The Forbidding which is a place of banishment, warded by a magical tree called the Ellcrys, to which the evil creatures of the Four Lands are confined. I also really like the cover of this book. The back of the dust jacket on this one and on the back of Jarka Ruus are my favorites in the series.
Next up is Wards of Faerie. I’ve been wanting to re-read this next trilogy for a while now so I’m looking forward to it.
I decided to take a pause of my classic book bingo challenge to attempt to finish my chronological re-read of the entire Shannara series that I had begun last year. Straken is another solid story, although I thought some of the plot resolutions were a bit too easy, especially the ending. This one had some memorable characters- as always Grianne Ohmsford, but also Weka Dart, the Ulk Bog she encounters.
I thought this trilogy was good “world building” where readers get to see what it’s like inside The Forbidding which is a place of banishment, warded by a magical tree called the Ellcrys, to which the evil creatures of the Four Lands are confined. I also really like the cover of this book. The back of the dust jacket on this one and on the back of Jarka Ruus are my favorites in the series.
Next up is Wards of Faerie. I’ve been wanting to re-read this next trilogy for a while now so I’m looking forward to it.
November 16, 2017
Fine dello strazio
Impostato il pilota automatico, la storia prosegue su binari prestabiliti per approdare a una chiusura da reflusso gastroesofageo (il Moric, antagonista principale, manco capisce cosa debba fare né perché sia tornato nel Divieto).
Gradevole solo la personalità di Grianne, personaggio interessante inserito in un teatrino grottesco di banalità e scemenze messe lì senza costrutto; per il resto trattasi di un pessimo volume che funge da pietra tombale per una trilogia che Brooks poteva tranquillamente risparmiarsi.
Impostato il pilota automatico, la storia prosegue su binari prestabiliti per approdare a una chiusura da reflusso gastroesofageo (il Moric, antagonista principale, manco capisce cosa debba fare né perché sia tornato nel Divieto).
Gradevole solo la personalità di Grianne, personaggio interessante inserito in un teatrino grottesco di banalità e scemenze messe lì senza costrutto; per il resto trattasi di un pessimo volume che funge da pietra tombale per una trilogia che Brooks poteva tranquillamente risparmiarsi.
November 22, 2020
Ahhh loose ends!!!! I hate that!!
Loved this book, more than part two, which was lacking a bit. Straken has more logical adventures, the problems from book two are not present in this one.
But some things remain unsolved, or not explained, and I really don't like that. Tell me what happened to Weka Dart! Or the demon king! He wouldn't have let this happen really..
Also, I wish Grianne got some closure, or at least acceptance.. the trilogy spends a lot of time on her coming to terms with her past, so I expected some more on that towards the end.
Loved reading about Pen in the forbidding. His bond with the dragon was a lot of fun & interesting.
Loved this book, more than part two, which was lacking a bit. Straken has more logical adventures, the problems from book two are not present in this one.
But some things remain unsolved, or not explained, and I really don't like that. Tell me what happened to Weka Dart! Or the demon king! He wouldn't have let this happen really..
Also, I wish Grianne got some closure, or at least acceptance.. the trilogy spends a lot of time on her coming to terms with her past, so I expected some more on that towards the end.
Loved reading about Pen in the forbidding. His bond with the dragon was a lot of fun & interesting.
June 20, 2024
Again we're back with the lack of surprises. Premonition or an "oracle" telling the future. Do this, then that, it was difficult, but we managed nonetheless. Fine, this too shall come to pass. Can we move on to the next topic now? No, we obviously need to endure another shitty trilogy.
Then there's some business with the elves and "the Federation" that no one really cares about. Oh wow! Much worldbuilding, such storyline! Ensuring us there are actually other people supposedly living in this world other than the main protagonists - the jolly Ohmsfords.
Then there's some business with the elves and "the Federation" that no one really cares about. Oh wow! Much worldbuilding, such storyline! Ensuring us there are actually other people supposedly living in this world other than the main protagonists - the jolly Ohmsfords.
March 15, 2010
A very good ending for the "High Druid of Shannara trilogy" and a great addition to the Shannara Series.
So much happens with the journey that Penderrin makes in going to the Forbidding and bringing back Grianne (the Ard Rhys of the Third Druid Order) and discovering that Pen has use of the wishsong that was brought forth from the darkwand that Pen had gotten from Tanequil.
I found Pen's experience with the darwand and the dragon fasinating and would of liked to see more of a bond and relationship between the two - kind of like turning the dragon into a pet. I like Weka Dart from the forbidding and was hoping that Grianne and Pen would of found a way to get him over to the four lands and out of the forbidding but that didn't happen - it was sad.
Now that Grianne was back, she cleaned house and with the help from Kermadec (Troll)spear, Shadea's rule as Ard Rhys ended. Kermadec and his warrior Trolls cleaned out the traitors in the Druid Keep and Grianne brought order back to the Druid Keep.
By bring order to the keep, she put in charge her loyal followers and stepped down as Ard Rhys leaving her young faitful Druids in charge and to rebuild with new recruits. Grianne also brought peace among the Federation and the Free-born and ended the war.
All the characters were awsome - Bek & Rue (Pen's Parents), Kermadec (friend and Head Troll to Grianne), The Trolls themself, Tagwen (Dawrf), the Druids Trefen Morys and Bellizen, & Khyber the Elf Girl(Khrens niece).
The King of the Silver River reveals to Bek that the demons from the Forbidding had manipulated Shadea and her Druid allies and that their purpose in helping Shadea had nothing to do with getting their hands on Grianne; their purpose was to release a demon (Moric) in to their world. The demons mission was to destroy the Ellcrys and tear down the Forbidding to release all the demons into the four lands. Pen is the only one that can stop the demon from doing so by using the darkwand.
I love how Terry Brooks ends this - In order to put the demon back into the forbidding, the demon must have his hands on the darkwand and With the use of the Elf Stones and the Darkwand, the demon is revealed, so Bek, Rue, Pen, Khyber, and Tagwen take flight to catch Sen Dunsidan - aka... Prime Minister, the demon Moric, Changeling.
Bek and crew act like they are a messenger from Shadea and convince the demon that Shadea has sent him a gift to help in his raid against the Elves and upon seeing the gift - the staff (darkwand), the demon is memorized and has to have it, the demon doesn't know what it is but knows he has to have it. He doesn't realize it until it is too late that it has sent him back into the Forbidding. So the Elf City is saved and the Forbidding remains blocked by the Ellcrys.
In the end, Grianne is so thankful for Pen and does something special for Pen since he sacrificed so much to bring her back. Grianne and Pen go back to Tanequil and to Pen's surprise, Grianne makes a trade for Cinnaminson by offering herself instead, so now Grianne is an Aeriad.
I like the reasoning behind Grianne's decision - this way she starts a new life where her old liffe will not follow her - I think it is agreat ending and a happy ending for Pen now that he has his love of his heart even though he still has a piece of it still left to Tanequil due to his Aunt Grianne.
So much happens with the journey that Penderrin makes in going to the Forbidding and bringing back Grianne (the Ard Rhys of the Third Druid Order) and discovering that Pen has use of the wishsong that was brought forth from the darkwand that Pen had gotten from Tanequil.
I found Pen's experience with the darwand and the dragon fasinating and would of liked to see more of a bond and relationship between the two - kind of like turning the dragon into a pet. I like Weka Dart from the forbidding and was hoping that Grianne and Pen would of found a way to get him over to the four lands and out of the forbidding but that didn't happen - it was sad.
Now that Grianne was back, she cleaned house and with the help from Kermadec (Troll)spear, Shadea's rule as Ard Rhys ended. Kermadec and his warrior Trolls cleaned out the traitors in the Druid Keep and Grianne brought order back to the Druid Keep.
By bring order to the keep, she put in charge her loyal followers and stepped down as Ard Rhys leaving her young faitful Druids in charge and to rebuild with new recruits. Grianne also brought peace among the Federation and the Free-born and ended the war.
All the characters were awsome - Bek & Rue (Pen's Parents), Kermadec (friend and Head Troll to Grianne), The Trolls themself, Tagwen (Dawrf), the Druids Trefen Morys and Bellizen, & Khyber the Elf Girl(Khrens niece).
The King of the Silver River reveals to Bek that the demons from the Forbidding had manipulated Shadea and her Druid allies and that their purpose in helping Shadea had nothing to do with getting their hands on Grianne; their purpose was to release a demon (Moric) in to their world. The demons mission was to destroy the Ellcrys and tear down the Forbidding to release all the demons into the four lands. Pen is the only one that can stop the demon from doing so by using the darkwand.
I love how Terry Brooks ends this - In order to put the demon back into the forbidding, the demon must have his hands on the darkwand and With the use of the Elf Stones and the Darkwand, the demon is revealed, so Bek, Rue, Pen, Khyber, and Tagwen take flight to catch Sen Dunsidan - aka... Prime Minister, the demon Moric, Changeling.
Bek and crew act like they are a messenger from Shadea and convince the demon that Shadea has sent him a gift to help in his raid against the Elves and upon seeing the gift - the staff (darkwand), the demon is memorized and has to have it, the demon doesn't know what it is but knows he has to have it. He doesn't realize it until it is too late that it has sent him back into the Forbidding. So the Elf City is saved and the Forbidding remains blocked by the Ellcrys.
In the end, Grianne is so thankful for Pen and does something special for Pen since he sacrificed so much to bring her back. Grianne and Pen go back to Tanequil and to Pen's surprise, Grianne makes a trade for Cinnaminson by offering herself instead, so now Grianne is an Aeriad.
I like the reasoning behind Grianne's decision - this way she starts a new life where her old liffe will not follow her - I think it is agreat ending and a happy ending for Pen now that he has his love of his heart even though he still has a piece of it still left to Tanequil due to his Aunt Grianne.
April 13, 2022
While it’s satisfying ending to the main stories, Straken ultimately disappoints as Brooks passes on opportunities to give some of the secondary characters more action and time. Most of the final chapter is a tie up of loose ends newspaper style, no emotion or heart. The villains are too easily dispatched, with little to keep the reader at the edge of their seat. However, despite the criticisms, the main action leading to the climax is thrilling, all the main characters being transformed (some more literally than others) in some way by the hardships.
February 8, 2017
This was a somehow difficult book. I have read a couple from Brooks before and also the others were not my favourites. I know, reading a book of a series out of context and not in the right order always is complicated and since I have done this so many times before, I try not to judge this at all. But this book was very difficult, to understand all the terms and happenings that are only hinted at. The story is gripping enough and well constructed and I did like it. Sometimes it seemed to be too many pages of prose, some spoken word would have lightened up the book. also i was not happy that the creature from the forbidding was forgotten in the end. and when finally the demon was sent back, i saw hope.. but no! too bad. anyway, the constructed fantasy world is well spun and full of magic and still untold stories. I just think that i never really got into this one..
August 24, 2017
It ended they way it should. It ended as I assumed it would. One of those endings where you know it's going to happen but don't want it to happen. Overall, great series. One of my favorite Shannara quests! Brooks does it again with this epic tale.
November 15, 2022
A very fun read and a nice wrap-up to the trilogy. However, the book seemed very rushed like this was supposed to be a 4 book series and was squeezed into three.
3.75/5
3.75/5
March 4, 2023
4.5 stars
May 28, 2019
This might be my new favorite of TB's series. I really loved the playing out of the story overall. Some great characters too.
February 24, 2012
Since this book had the most activity in it, I think I liked it the best. If it were any author other than Terry Brooks, I probably wouldn't have liked the entire trilogy as much. It felt like a lot of what happened was written in there just to make the books longer. To flesh out a trilogy, where as one sleeker long single volume would have been much more engrossing.
I never really felt Pen's emotional connection with Cinnaminsin developed, felt like I was told what was there and then had to accept it. There were threads thrown in that seemed to go nowhere, like the promise Rue makes Bek make about Pen and Grianne. Weka Dart's thread, though there for all three books, was dropped more quickly than I expected. And the ending, while I liked it mostly, was so very quick after all the previous things took so long.
After hauling myself through more than a thousand pages of the High Druid of Shannara, I would have liked more of an ending. Still, like I said, it was Terry Brooks and so I cannot dislike it. But it wasn't my favorite either.
I never really felt Pen's emotional connection with Cinnaminsin developed, felt like I was told what was there and then had to accept it. There were threads thrown in that seemed to go nowhere, like the promise Rue makes Bek make about Pen and Grianne. Weka Dart's thread, though there for all three books, was dropped more quickly than I expected. And the ending, while I liked it mostly, was so very quick after all the previous things took so long.
After hauling myself through more than a thousand pages of the High Druid of Shannara, I would have liked more of an ending. Still, like I said, it was Terry Brooks and so I cannot dislike it. But it wasn't my favorite either.
July 10, 2016
#23/29 in my Epic Shannara Quest.
Exciting conclusion to what has been, for me, the most consistently entertaining Shannra series to date. The dark tone slowly gives way to an ending that was in no way unexpected, but mostly satisfying. A descendant of Leah played no part in the trilogy, though it was stated that Quentin Leah (from The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy) died 18 years after the adventures in Parkasia, which would have put just shy of 40--maybe he didn't leave an heir. I also would liked to have known what happened to the demons Weka Dart and Tael Riverine, but I suppose it doesn't matter.
Six books to go
Exciting conclusion to what has been, for me, the most consistently entertaining Shannra series to date. The dark tone slowly gives way to an ending that was in no way unexpected, but mostly satisfying. A descendant of Leah played no part in the trilogy, though it was stated that Quentin Leah (from The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy) died 18 years after the adventures in Parkasia, which would have put just shy of 40--maybe he didn't leave an heir. I also would liked to have known what happened to the demons Weka Dart and Tael Riverine, but I suppose it doesn't matter.
Six books to go
May 14, 2009
A note on this particular trilogy of Shannara books: really really good. Magic, intrigue, danger. All that stuff.
December 4, 2016
An underwhelming finish for the series. It was oddly paced and the epic conclusion was over in quite the rush.
February 7, 2022
3.5 stars, rounded up.
July 2, 2019
In this third book of the series, Pen has the darkwind staff which he got by sacrificing two of his fingers and the loss of Cinnaminson. As he was coming across the bridge from the island, he sees his friends captured by a pair of Druids and Gnome Hunters. He stops halfway across the bridge and negotiates a deal to go with the Druids back to Paranor, where he needs to be to enter the Forbidden Lands, after conferring with Tawgen to tell the others. Unknown to him, Khyber decides to also go with him on the other Druid ship. Once back at Paranor, she manages to get Pen out of the cell, that he was in, and to the room where he needed to enter the Forbidden, where his darkwind staff was also stored. As he entered the Forbidden, Khymer held back the two Druids and the Gnome Hunters. Pen started his journey across the Forbidden along with a protective companion ( big dragon) who was enchanted by the runes that came forth from the darkwind staff as it guided him to his aunt. Meanwhile his parents, who had escaped Paranor, went to rescue Kermadec and his Trolls helpers and Tawgen along with the two Druids who helped them escape. Once everyone rested from the rescue, a plan was formed to take over Paranor and for Bex, Rue and Tawgen to be present to defend Grianne and Pen when they come back since the hostile Druids had set up a magical trap called a triagenel which uses 3 magical spells weaved together to form a net to trap anyone who enters where it is set up. Khyber had been sentenced to death by fire by the hostile Druids but she managed to kill all the Gnome Hunters who were taking her to the furnace and get back the Elfstones which showed her the path to the room she needs to help Pen come back to and settled to wait for the return. When Bek, Rue, and Tawgen come up the same tunnels from a secret entrance into Paranor, they find her. Between Bek's use of the wishsong and Khyber's use of the Elfstones, they breakdown the links of the net in enough places that Grianne could dissolve the rest, which she does immediately upon her return. Grianne sends Pen away with his parents while she battles the hostile Druids with the help of the Trolls. But Pen has one more task to do, he has to find the demon who escaped the Forbidden and return him back, which means he has to face the demon and hand over the darkwind and let go once the demon takes hold of it. He does and the demon is set back and finds himself facing a dragon, the one who helped Pen while in the Forbidden. Grianne decides to leave the Druid council and leaves the remnant to be rebuilt by Khyber and the two loyal Druids who helped get her back. Without telling Bek and Pen her total plans, she agrees to help get Cinnaminson back from the Tanquil. By exchanging places, she gets freedom from condemnation and gives the lovers a chance to live.
August 21, 2023
Star Rating: 4 stars
Date: 8/15/23 – 8/19/23
Note: This is the 3rd and final book in the High Druid of Shannara series and the 17th book in the reading order I am choosing to go by so this will not be an in-depth review.
After reading some many new releases over the last couple of months (all my holds decided to come at once), I decided to get back on the track of making steady progress in all the series I am currently making my way through by reading Straken, book 3 in the High Druid of Shannara series the 17th book in the recommended order for new readers that I’m choosing to follow. This book wrap up the story of Penderrin Ohmsford and his friends as they struggle to rescue the Ard Rhys and Pen’s aunt, Grianne Ohmsford, from a fate she doesn’t deserve.
First, I want to say that if you’re looking for a lower-stakes, introduction series to get you used to series that are more big-idea, theme-based, then Terry Brooks’s Shannara is a great option. Brooks does deep dives into themes but in a much less intense way then most of the other series in this sub-genre so it makes his series a great stepping-stone if you are transitioning from more plot or character-heavy series. To be honest, he was actually my introduction to the sub-genre as well. One day, I was roaming through my local public library waiting on my mom to get off work, and I saw Sword of Shannara on the shelf and decided to check it out. As you may already know if you’ve been following my reviews, it must have been a great introduction since this sub-genre is now my favorite of all-time.
If you’re wondering what big ideas/themes this book covers, it is a deep exploration of the “chosen one” troupe. Within this series, there are two sets of “chosen ones”, one we met in a previous series and the ones from this one, and because of this we are able to explore this concept in new ways due to the two sets of “chosen ones”, their connection to each other, and their different stages in life and their “chosen one” path. Although I have read many series that delve into this topic, none of them have ever taken the angle of having two sets of “chosen ones” on the page at the same time. It was a really interesting lens to look through and made me think about the ideas in new and challenging ways.
All in all, this was a good conclusion to this arc of the series and I am looking forward to reading future installments in this world as they are good breaks between the longer and more intense books I’m reading while not being entirely out of left field as it is still technically in the same sub-genre, just on the other end of the spectrum, in my opinion. 4 stars!!!!!!!!!!!
Note: This is the 3rd and final book in the High Druid of Shannara series and the 17th book in the reading order I am choosing to go by so this will not be an in-depth review.
After reading some many new releases over the last couple of months (all my holds decided to come at once), I decided to get back on the track of making steady progress in all the series I am currently making my way through by reading Straken, book 3 in the High Druid of Shannara series the 17th book in the recommended order for new readers that I’m choosing to follow. This book wrap up the story of Penderrin Ohmsford and his friends as they struggle to rescue the Ard Rhys and Pen’s aunt, Grianne Ohmsford, from a fate she doesn’t deserve.
First, I want to say that if you’re looking for a lower-stakes, introduction series to get you used to series that are more big-idea, theme-based, then Terry Brooks’s Shannara is a great option. Brooks does deep dives into themes but in a much less intense way then most of the other series in this sub-genre so it makes his series a great stepping-stone if you are transitioning from more plot or character-heavy series. To be honest, he was actually my introduction to the sub-genre as well. One day, I was roaming through my local public library waiting on my mom to get off work, and I saw Sword of Shannara on the shelf and decided to check it out. As you may already know if you’ve been following my reviews, it must have been a great introduction since this sub-genre is now my favorite of all-time.
If you’re wondering what big ideas/themes this book covers, it is a deep exploration of the “chosen one” troupe. Within this series, there are two sets of “chosen ones”, one we met in a previous series and the ones from this one, and because of this we are able to explore this concept in new ways due to the two sets of “chosen ones”, their connection to each other, and their different stages in life and their “chosen one” path. Although I have read many series that delve into this topic, none of them have ever taken the angle of having two sets of “chosen ones” on the page at the same time. It was a really interesting lens to look through and made me think about the ideas in new and challenging ways.
All in all, this was a good conclusion to this arc of the series and I am looking forward to reading future installments in this world as they are good breaks between the longer and more intense books I’m reading while not being entirely out of left field as it is still technically in the same sub-genre, just on the other end of the spectrum, in my opinion. 4 stars!!!!!!!!!!!
December 22, 2017
Young Penderrin Ohmsford is faced with one impossible task after another, all of which are tied up in rescuing his aunt, Grianne Ohmsford, the High Druid, who is trapped in the alternate demon world of the Forbidding. Grianne's enemies will stop at nothing to ensure she never returns, while a diabolical enemy roams the Four Lands with an agenda of it's own. Straken, the last entry in the High Druid of Shannara trilogy leaves no stone unturned, and no Ohsmford unscathed!
Every character in Straken have their own trials to overcome, including the young apprentice druid Khyber Ellesedil, bearer of the Elfstones, who was last seen stowed away on an enemy druid warship; Bek Ohsmford, wounded and barely alive after his daring escape from Paranor, must pave the way for his son and sisters return; Kermadec, the leader of the rock trolls, is determined to set things right by restoring Grianne to the office of High Druid; the Moric - that strange, twisted demon - who is tasked with breaching the walls into the Four Lands from the Forbidding; Shadea A'Ru, the rebel Druid leader, makes plans to thwart any attempt of the High Druids return. Other perspectives lend essential elements to the unfolding tale - Pied Sanderling, Captain of the Elven Home Guard; Sen Dunsidan, Prime Minister of the Federation; Tagwen, loyal assistant to the High Druid.
Brooks has a knack for separating his characters from each other, creating impossible scenarios for them, and then allowing them out through the most miniscule of chances. This may be overdone, but it allows for individual character growth, and grants a unique perspective for each of them.
Straken has a resolution for every scenario that began with Jarka Ruus, along with a bittersweet ending; however, there was one topic that could have been expanded upon - the demon leader Tael Riverine.
The world of the Four Lands is now ripe for a fresh dilemma for the next series.
Every character in Straken have their own trials to overcome, including the young apprentice druid Khyber Ellesedil, bearer of the Elfstones, who was last seen stowed away on an enemy druid warship; Bek Ohsmford, wounded and barely alive after his daring escape from Paranor, must pave the way for his son and sisters return; Kermadec, the leader of the rock trolls, is determined to set things right by restoring Grianne to the office of High Druid; the Moric - that strange, twisted demon - who is tasked with breaching the walls into the Four Lands from the Forbidding; Shadea A'Ru, the rebel Druid leader, makes plans to thwart any attempt of the High Druids return. Other perspectives lend essential elements to the unfolding tale - Pied Sanderling, Captain of the Elven Home Guard; Sen Dunsidan, Prime Minister of the Federation; Tagwen, loyal assistant to the High Druid.
Brooks has a knack for separating his characters from each other, creating impossible scenarios for them, and then allowing them out through the most miniscule of chances. This may be overdone, but it allows for individual character growth, and grants a unique perspective for each of them.
Straken has a resolution for every scenario that began with Jarka Ruus, along with a bittersweet ending; however, there was one topic that could have been expanded upon - the demon leader Tael Riverine.
The world of the Four Lands is now ripe for a fresh dilemma for the next series.
December 17, 2020
The third and final entry of author Terry Brooks’ High Druid of Shannara trilogy opens with the rogue Druids catching up to Pen and his companions, with the former disguising the tanequil intended to rescue his aunt Grianne from the Forbidding upon his capture. The rogue magicians interrogate Pen about his mysterious staff, although he manages at first to disguise the talisman’s true nature. His parents, Rue Meridian and Bek Ohmsford, are also in captivity, with the leader of the Druid order, the rogue Ard Rhys Shadea, still seeing Grianne as the antagonistic Ilse Witch that she was in the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy.
Several conflicts between the Elven forces and the Federation occur throughout the book, with Shadea maintaining her ties with its sinister Prime Minister Sen Dunsidan. Meanwhile, Grianne still finds herself stuck in the Forbidding, escorted by the Ulk Bog Weka Dart, as she awaits her salvation at the hands of a boy fated to cross dimensions. Pen does eventually cross into the Forbidding in search of his aunt, with Weka Dart wanting to join him and Grianne in their return to the Four Lands. The third book ends with a final conflict between the rogue Druids and their enemies at the Druid’s Keep Paranor.
All in all, I definitely relished reading the High Druid of Shannara trilogy, given its continuation of the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara books and close interval proximity to those particular stories. Granted, it’s not perfect, given the ambiguous nature of the Federation, and one can occasionally find it difficult to keep tabs of what races to which the various characters belong. There are also some occasional odd stylistic choices in the text, with occasional redundancy, and better descriptions for a few of the characters would have been welcome for readers to better imagine the story. Regardless, I would definitely recommend this book and its precursors to Shannara fans.
Several conflicts between the Elven forces and the Federation occur throughout the book, with Shadea maintaining her ties with its sinister Prime Minister Sen Dunsidan. Meanwhile, Grianne still finds herself stuck in the Forbidding, escorted by the Ulk Bog Weka Dart, as she awaits her salvation at the hands of a boy fated to cross dimensions. Pen does eventually cross into the Forbidding in search of his aunt, with Weka Dart wanting to join him and Grianne in their return to the Four Lands. The third book ends with a final conflict between the rogue Druids and their enemies at the Druid’s Keep Paranor.
All in all, I definitely relished reading the High Druid of Shannara trilogy, given its continuation of the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara books and close interval proximity to those particular stories. Granted, it’s not perfect, given the ambiguous nature of the Federation, and one can occasionally find it difficult to keep tabs of what races to which the various characters belong. There are also some occasional odd stylistic choices in the text, with occasional redundancy, and better descriptions for a few of the characters would have been welcome for readers to better imagine the story. Regardless, I would definitely recommend this book and its precursors to Shannara fans.
June 19, 2024
Extremely disappointing and lackluster final. Also completely nonsensical in many aspects.
My biggest gripe was with the war between Elves and Federation that was at a stalemate for decades, then Federation destroys all Elves airships and ... somehow doesn't use this to their advantage. Where did all their airships go afterwards? Why they only have one left?
The whole sequence of fights from Pied's PoV was utter garbage. Stalemate for decades and then literally in the space of a few days everything goes in favor of the Elves despite losing their air support, losing their Monarch and being initially routed. It's very clear that Brooks wanted this to end in a particular way and just did not bother to go about this in any logical sense.
Speaking of nonsense, the whole dialogue between the Queen of the Elves and Pied was soooo cringeworthy. A pathetic attempt to create stress and conflict, based on nothing.
Aside from that, we have a finale with high stakes but no high cost. I finished the book because it was short and I wanted it over with, not because I was interested in the ending in any way. Oh wait, I was interested in how it would end for Weka Dart and of course we receive no information on that. Bummer.
While I never have high expectations for books from Terry Brooks, this was even for him a very disappointing book.
My biggest gripe was with the war between Elves and Federation that was at a stalemate for decades, then Federation destroys all Elves airships and ... somehow doesn't use this to their advantage. Where did all their airships go afterwards? Why they only have one left?
The whole sequence of fights from Pied's PoV was utter garbage. Stalemate for decades and then literally in the space of a few days everything goes in favor of the Elves despite losing their air support, losing their Monarch and being initially routed. It's very clear that Brooks wanted this to end in a particular way and just did not bother to go about this in any logical sense.
Speaking of nonsense, the whole dialogue between the Queen of the Elves and Pied was soooo cringeworthy. A pathetic attempt to create stress and conflict, based on nothing.
Aside from that, we have a finale with high stakes but no high cost. I finished the book because it was short and I wanted it over with, not because I was interested in the ending in any way. Oh wait, I was interested in how it would end for Weka Dart and of course we receive no information on that. Bummer.
While I never have high expectations for books from Terry Brooks, this was even for him a very disappointing book.
September 28, 2019
Terry Brooks has done it again!
One thing I admire about Terry Brooks is his ability to bring everything together in a way no other author is really able to. His action and adventure lends itself to explode in the readers imagination and makes the reader want to continue to read more, even if they don't like the direction of the story.
I kind of saw the ending of the book coming, and I was sad because I didn't want it to end the way it did, but it made complete sense. Terry Brooks was able to put a sense of finality on this trilogy that was desparately needed.
Unfortunately, it just wasn't as interesting a story to me. I knew Pen would go into the Forbidding, I knew he would go to save Grianne, and I knew that there would be a battle at Paranor. There just wasn't enough shock and awe to surprise me. Also, I really hoped when I picked up this trilogy that Brooks would spend more time in the Forbidding, exploring it's world, and unfortunately, he did not. Maybe he does in later stories, but this one was somewhat lackluster on new places.
That being said, I'm intrigued by the future of the series and will eventually read the rest.
Overall, decent story, but probably the worst of the trilogy, but decent nonetheless. 7.9 out of 10! Good job Brooks. Keep on writing.
One thing I admire about Terry Brooks is his ability to bring everything together in a way no other author is really able to. His action and adventure lends itself to explode in the readers imagination and makes the reader want to continue to read more, even if they don't like the direction of the story.
I kind of saw the ending of the book coming, and I was sad because I didn't want it to end the way it did, but it made complete sense. Terry Brooks was able to put a sense of finality on this trilogy that was desparately needed.
Unfortunately, it just wasn't as interesting a story to me. I knew Pen would go into the Forbidding, I knew he would go to save Grianne, and I knew that there would be a battle at Paranor. There just wasn't enough shock and awe to surprise me. Also, I really hoped when I picked up this trilogy that Brooks would spend more time in the Forbidding, exploring it's world, and unfortunately, he did not. Maybe he does in later stories, but this one was somewhat lackluster on new places.
That being said, I'm intrigued by the future of the series and will eventually read the rest.
Overall, decent story, but probably the worst of the trilogy, but decent nonetheless. 7.9 out of 10! Good job Brooks. Keep on writing.
January 20, 2019
Grainne remains one of my favorite Shannara characters through the end of this series. She has such a dynamic past and is constantly evolving to adapt to her present - trying to predict what she will need to be for her future. But she has found herself in over her head exiled in the Forbidding.
Through Straken we see the resolution of Grainne's story and the beginning of Pen's. For he has the wishsong. Their stories will draw in all of the realms in true epic fantasy style.
The war between the Federation and the Free-born is raging on, with no real win in sight. A false Ard Rhys is leading the order of the druids, and Pen has sacrificed much to help make it right. Terry Brooks somehow manages to weave all these pieces together and once again reach a satisfying - if sometimes surprising - conclusion to this era of the Shannara story.
But the door is open for more - and I know there is because they are sitting on my shelf waiting. However, one of the things I like best about these series within a series is the ability to have that satisfaction of finishing - while still knowing you get to come back for a grand new adventure soon.
Through Straken we see the resolution of Grainne's story and the beginning of Pen's. For he has the wishsong. Their stories will draw in all of the realms in true epic fantasy style.
The war between the Federation and the Free-born is raging on, with no real win in sight. A false Ard Rhys is leading the order of the druids, and Pen has sacrificed much to help make it right. Terry Brooks somehow manages to weave all these pieces together and once again reach a satisfying - if sometimes surprising - conclusion to this era of the Shannara story.
But the door is open for more - and I know there is because they are sitting on my shelf waiting. However, one of the things I like best about these series within a series is the ability to have that satisfaction of finishing - while still knowing you get to come back for a grand new adventure soon.
January 4, 2017
This is the last book of the High Druid of Shannara trilogy. Terry isn't a complicated writer and his books could be considered high school readings. Nevertheless I started reading him at about age 10 and have continued to this day. This last book was an okay end to the trilogy. There were some great parts with the battle between the Federation, but the actions of Grianne, who was trapped in the Forbidding seemed to be lacking. There could have been so much more to say but there wasn't. And some others disagree, but I thought the ending was pretty good. It wrapped up everything nicely.
This was a fun read, but not one of Terry's best works. Another thing Terry has been writing shorter novels the past 6 years but trying to cram more into the books. Less descriptions are being used and many ideas are left open for the readers to decide. This is an evolution by Terry and I like it. He's tackling more serious issues than he has in the past and he's not taking up pages of lengthy descriptions that characterize a writer like Stephen King.
This was a fun read, but not one of Terry's best works. Another thing Terry has been writing shorter novels the past 6 years but trying to cram more into the books. Less descriptions are being used and many ideas are left open for the readers to decide. This is an evolution by Terry and I like it. He's tackling more serious issues than he has in the past and he's not taking up pages of lengthy descriptions that characterize a writer like Stephen King.
December 28, 2020
Spoiler warning.
This review is more of the overall trilogy instead of just this book
Brooks falls into many of his familiar tropes. Middle aged druid is around just long enough to teach his successor the bare minimum to survive than dies. Teenage Ohmsford saves the day with some mysterious mystical item involved to fill in wherever needed to solve any plot holes. Pretty rinse and repeat.
And yet this might be my favorite ending to any of the Shannara mini-series. I wish there was some sort of a more concrete finish to the plot lines involving Tael and/or Weka, but at least with the former it makes a lot of sense that Griannes only option was to sneak away with only her life.
In my opinion Brooks best attributes as a author are character development and interactions, along with adding onto the world lore and world building and he's at his best in this trilogy.
I haven't looked ahead at what he's written since Straken came out, but I really hope one day he writes more about the glory days of the druid order.
This review is more of the overall trilogy instead of just this book
Brooks falls into many of his familiar tropes. Middle aged druid is around just long enough to teach his successor the bare minimum to survive than dies. Teenage Ohmsford saves the day with some mysterious mystical item involved to fill in wherever needed to solve any plot holes. Pretty rinse and repeat.
And yet this might be my favorite ending to any of the Shannara mini-series. I wish there was some sort of a more concrete finish to the plot lines involving Tael and/or Weka, but at least with the former it makes a lot of sense that Griannes only option was to sneak away with only her life.
In my opinion Brooks best attributes as a author are character development and interactions, along with adding onto the world lore and world building and he's at his best in this trilogy.
I haven't looked ahead at what he's written since Straken came out, but I really hope one day he writes more about the glory days of the druid order.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2017
Straken has me undecided about it's qualities. It has all the required elements of a magical Terry Brooks read, but it does fail to entrap you in the world of Shannara. It has less of the typical intrigue and emotion and more action and pace. Is that a good thing? There's my dilemma. I love Brooks for the former, and he rarely employs the latter. So, about two thirds through, caught up in terrific pace, you'll not want it to end, pleading that there'll be another book - there seems so much to come, yet so few pages left. I feel that the final third was rushed, there was plenty of scope for more, but this isn't plotted like previous books. Brooks has found a new gusto and it's good, but not expected. So be warned - a well crafted story, but written with a different style. Well wrapped up, but the characters weren't strong enough to pull on your heartstrings as in previous Shannara books. Hopefully you'll still be caught up in a little of the magic.
August 31, 2020
In pieno stile classico Brooks.
Persino l'autore stesso all'interno del romanzo fa riflettere il suo personaggio sul ripetersi continuo della stessa, identica storia. Ma allora è conscio di ripetersi continuamente.
Nonostante ciò, rimane comunque piacevole a leggersi, scorrevole e ben curato.
Peccato per aver svelato che ciò che c'è aldilà del divieto non ne è assolutamente all'altezza. Creature oscure di ben poco spessore. E per il finale, ci sarebbe stato meglio qualcosa di più "wow": dove sono gli effetti speciali?
Condanno invece in modo ufficiale l'editore italiano che ha sbagliato sia il titolo, che la copertina. Il primo avrebbe dovuto lasciarlo in originale: avrebbe avuto più senso e sarebbe stato in linea con i precedenti, la seconda invece... non ho parole, ma è così difficile illustrare una delle bellissime scene evocate dal libro? O per qualche oscuro motivo è obbligatorio fare una copertina che non c'entra nulla con la storia?
Persino l'autore stesso all'interno del romanzo fa riflettere il suo personaggio sul ripetersi continuo della stessa, identica storia. Ma allora è conscio di ripetersi continuamente.
Nonostante ciò, rimane comunque piacevole a leggersi, scorrevole e ben curato.
Peccato per aver svelato che ciò che c'è aldilà del divieto non ne è assolutamente all'altezza. Creature oscure di ben poco spessore. E per il finale, ci sarebbe stato meglio qualcosa di più "wow": dove sono gli effetti speciali?
Condanno invece in modo ufficiale l'editore italiano che ha sbagliato sia il titolo, che la copertina. Il primo avrebbe dovuto lasciarlo in originale: avrebbe avuto più senso e sarebbe stato in linea con i precedenti, la seconda invece... non ho parole, ma è così difficile illustrare una delle bellissime scene evocate dal libro? O per qualche oscuro motivo è obbligatorio fare una copertina che non c'entra nulla con la storia?
September 13, 2018
This one was hard to get into. The first book in the trilogy, Jarka Ruus, held promise. A new situation, new idea, things we hadn’t seen in Shannara stories before. The Druid order is a force with hundreds of members from across the four lands, treachery as a rebel group of druids collude with a demon power to trap the Ard Rhys in the forbidding, unwittingly releasing a demonic power on the four lands.
But then Brooks falls into his well-worn tropes. The sacrificial virgin hopelessly loved by the Ohmsford. A magical tree that requires blood sacrifice. A meaningless war that nobody understands or cares about. Senseless politics and foreign relations (which I guess is what we call world building nowadays?) An unexplainable talisman that magically fills all the plot holes. Everybody lives happily ever after. Predictable and boring.
But then Brooks falls into his well-worn tropes. The sacrificial virgin hopelessly loved by the Ohmsford. A magical tree that requires blood sacrifice. A meaningless war that nobody understands or cares about. Senseless politics and foreign relations (which I guess is what we call world building nowadays?) An unexplainable talisman that magically fills all the plot holes. Everybody lives happily ever after. Predictable and boring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews