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Heritage of Shannara #3
The Elf Queen of Shannara
"Find the Elves and return them to the world of Men!" the shade of the Druid Allanon had ordered Wren.
It was clearly an impossible task. The Elves had been gone from the Westland for more than a hundred years. There was not even a trace of their former city of Arborlon left to mark their passing. No one in the Esterland knew of them -- except, finally, the Addershag.
The blind old woman had given instructions to find a place on the coast of the Blue Divide, build a fire, and keep it burning for three days. "One will come for you."
Tiger Ty, the Wing Rider, had come on his giant Roc to carry Wren and her friend Garth to the only clear landing site on the island of Morrowindl, where, he said, the Elves might still exist, somewhere in the demon-haunted jungle.
Now she stood within that jungle, remembering the warning of the Addershag: "Beward, Elf-girl. I see danger ahead for you . . . and evil beyond imagining." It had proved all too true.
Wren stood with her single weapon of magic, listening as demons evil beyond all imagining gathered for attack. How long could she resist?
And if, by some miracle, she reached the Elves and could convince them to return, how could they possibly retrace her perilous path to reach the one safe place on the coast?
It was clearly an impossible task. The Elves had been gone from the Westland for more than a hundred years. There was not even a trace of their former city of Arborlon left to mark their passing. No one in the Esterland knew of them -- except, finally, the Addershag.
The blind old woman had given instructions to find a place on the coast of the Blue Divide, build a fire, and keep it burning for three days. "One will come for you."
Tiger Ty, the Wing Rider, had come on his giant Roc to carry Wren and her friend Garth to the only clear landing site on the island of Morrowindl, where, he said, the Elves might still exist, somewhere in the demon-haunted jungle.
Now she stood within that jungle, remembering the warning of the Addershag: "Beward, Elf-girl. I see danger ahead for you . . . and evil beyond imagining." It had proved all too true.
Wren stood with her single weapon of magic, listening as demons evil beyond all imagining gathered for attack. How long could she resist?
And if, by some miracle, she reached the Elves and could convince them to return, how could they possibly retrace her perilous path to reach the one safe place on the coast?
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
May 9, 2020
This 3rd entry in the Heritage of Shanara series was actually pretty good and I enjoyed it much more than the previous 2 books. This one entirely ignores the very tedious plot of the second novel,and instead focuses on Wren, a minor character from the previous books.
Wren is a relative of our other main characters, and has been charged with the task of bringing elves back to the land. This is a bit of a questing novel, and much of the novel is taken up with Wren traveling to a distant land, and hunting for the elves. I found the world building more interesting here than in the other novels, and liked many of the characters introduced here ( particularly Stresa and the Owl). Wren herself is a refreshing breath of fresh air, and I liked her resourcefulness.
All in all I hope this tone can be maintained as I begin the final novel of the set.
Wren is a relative of our other main characters, and has been charged with the task of bringing elves back to the land. This is a bit of a questing novel, and much of the novel is taken up with Wren traveling to a distant land, and hunting for the elves. I found the world building more interesting here than in the other novels, and liked many of the characters introduced here ( particularly Stresa and the Owl). Wren herself is a refreshing breath of fresh air, and I liked her resourcefulness.
All in all I hope this tone can be maintained as I begin the final novel of the set.
March 19, 2020
2020 reread: Part three out of four that follows the Ohmsfords Par and Wren and their uncle Walker Boh. This book focuses on Wren's struggle to come to grips with their heritage and magic. It follows her quest to find the elves and return them to the Four Lands. I really love this book because this has some great side characters. My favourite is still Stresa the Splinterscat, some sort of mix between a cat and a hedgehog. The world is so beautifully described in this volume! I often wanted to read back just to reread Terry's descriptions of the lands and try to imagine them in my head. This is a little less eventful than the previous two, so probably the least eventful of the Heritage of Shannara series but it's by no means boring. Only the end was pretty intense, unexpected and for me such a good ending. I almost cried. On to the last book of the series!
2017 read: I love Terry Brooks's books and read every one in the Shannara series. (About 30? I think) Most books aren't really original compared to the other ones in the series, and Brooks tends to recycle story arcs but I don't find that very annoying or troublesome. I just made sure to not read them all without breaks.
This book has some fun characters. I loved the cat Stresa and the main character Wren. Worth checking out!
2017 read: I love Terry Brooks's books and read every one in the Shannara series. (About 30? I think) Most books aren't really original compared to the other ones in the series, and Brooks tends to recycle story arcs but I don't find that very annoying or troublesome. I just made sure to not read them all without breaks.
This book has some fun characters. I loved the cat Stresa and the main character Wren. Worth checking out!
February 2, 2014
The Elf Queen of Shannara, book three of The Heritage of Shannara, is the story of Wren Ohmsford, and her journey to find the Elves and restore them to the Four Lands. This journey is a perilous one, and not just due to the physical dangers she must face to rescue the Elves. She is about to discover facts and truths about herself and the Elves. Truths that will temper her in such a way that either she will emerge stronger than ever before, or she will be emotionally and psychologically destroyed.
As the book begins, Wren and her friend and guardian, Garth, are attempting to contact the Elves via the method they had learned about in the previous book. Eventually, they succeed, and the adventure truly begins. The long and deadly journey towards her heritage and her destiny.
I know that I am speaking rather vaguely in how I describe the plot of the book, but that really can't be helped. The plot is straight-forward enough, though very important to the resolution of the conflict of the Heritage books as a whole. So there really isn't much room to describe the plot without giving everything away. So I'll just focus on a few technical merits of the story instead.
The tale is a “questing” story, broken up into two main parts. A quest to find the Elves, and a quest to save the Elves. Indeed, in this delineation between two quests, it is similar to the plot of the earlier book, The Elfstones of Shannara. The more important plot is the second quest, just as in Elfstones, but just as in Elfstones, the earlier quest was important in planting the seeds for the ending of the book.
One area of praise that Brooks deserves was how he masterfully moved forward the overall meta plot of the Heritage books. The pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place and they make sense. The reader is puzzled and surprised by various revelations, just as Wren is. Though the attentive reader will figure out some of the details earlier than she did.
The way the story was told was both exemplary and sloppy at the same time. On the one hand, Brooks really dragged certain bits out, which was unnecessary. He probably could have cut a good fifty pages or more of padding from the work, and the story would have made just as much sense. On the other hand, he did make even the more boring parts (as well as the heavier or more depressing parts) work better by interspersing them with various tidbits and glimpses of the other characters, to tell us what is happening to them.
Not as good as The Druid of Shannara, but still a very enjoyable read.
As the book begins, Wren and her friend and guardian, Garth, are attempting to contact the Elves via the method they had learned about in the previous book. Eventually, they succeed, and the adventure truly begins. The long and deadly journey towards her heritage and her destiny.
I know that I am speaking rather vaguely in how I describe the plot of the book, but that really can't be helped. The plot is straight-forward enough, though very important to the resolution of the conflict of the Heritage books as a whole. So there really isn't much room to describe the plot without giving everything away. So I'll just focus on a few technical merits of the story instead.
The tale is a “questing” story, broken up into two main parts. A quest to find the Elves, and a quest to save the Elves. Indeed, in this delineation between two quests, it is similar to the plot of the earlier book, The Elfstones of Shannara. The more important plot is the second quest, just as in Elfstones, but just as in Elfstones, the earlier quest was important in planting the seeds for the ending of the book.
One area of praise that Brooks deserves was how he masterfully moved forward the overall meta plot of the Heritage books. The pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place and they make sense. The reader is puzzled and surprised by various revelations, just as Wren is. Though the attentive reader will figure out some of the details earlier than she did.
The way the story was told was both exemplary and sloppy at the same time. On the one hand, Brooks really dragged certain bits out, which was unnecessary. He probably could have cut a good fifty pages or more of padding from the work, and the story would have made just as much sense. On the other hand, he did make even the more boring parts (as well as the heavier or more depressing parts) work better by interspersing them with various tidbits and glimpses of the other characters, to tell us what is happening to them.
Not as good as The Druid of Shannara, but still a very enjoyable read.
December 24, 2016
As derivative as it was, I really enjoyed The Sword of Shannara, and its less clichéd sequel The Elfstones of Shannara was also great. Kind of kept me reading at that stage of my life.
Maybe I had outgrown Brooks by the time I read this one as it didn't resonate nearly as strongly with me. The other reviews here are quite celebratory, I was more at the other end of the spectrum. I didn't loathe it, but I certainly felt it was just an 'OK' read.
Maybe I had outgrown Brooks by the time I read this one as it didn't resonate nearly as strongly with me. The other reviews here are quite celebratory, I was more at the other end of the spectrum. I didn't loathe it, but I certainly felt it was just an 'OK' read.
March 17, 2019
7/10. Sirve el comentario del primero de la saga. Básicamente Fantasía tolkeniana que se lee agradablemente. Se monta un mundo con trolls, elfos, enanos y todo eso y ¡hale!, batallitas entre todos ellos.
December 20, 2020
Breathless... that is the word I want to use describe this. Like all the Shannara books, I was once more riveted as I walked (more like ran) through this amazing story. Not going to give any spoilers, but I will say this: If you are a fan of the Shannara series, then this is a must read!
July 17, 2015
Best in the cycle up to this point, probably my favorite Shannara book yet. Lots of continuous action, good dramatic tension, nice character development. And Wren is cool.
April 10, 2013
Terry Brooks's Shannara books are usually of the highest quality as far as fantasy novels are concerned, and the Elf Queen is no different. The third novel in the Heritage of Shannara series features Wren Ohmsford as the feature character. Wren has been tasked to return the elves back to the four lands after they fled for some time. She is aided by Stresa, the splinterscat and her companion Garth.
The plot in this novel is very well developed and thought it. It moves at a strong pace and is filled with neat twists and strong action sequences. It also sets the stage for the finale of the series. Brooks is a very talented writer, which is quite evident in this novel. Wren is a strong female character, which is atypical of most epic fantasy novels and series. If you haven't read the first two novels in the series, you'll want to read them first to get the context of this novel, although it can stand alone. Another strong installment by Terry Brooks, one worth reading.
Carl Alves - author of Blood Street
The plot in this novel is very well developed and thought it. It moves at a strong pace and is filled with neat twists and strong action sequences. It also sets the stage for the finale of the series. Brooks is a very talented writer, which is quite evident in this novel. Wren is a strong female character, which is atypical of most epic fantasy novels and series. If you haven't read the first two novels in the series, you'll want to read them first to get the context of this novel, although it can stand alone. Another strong installment by Terry Brooks, one worth reading.
Carl Alves - author of Blood Street
January 30, 2020
This book primarily focuses on Wren's charge of finding and returning the elves. This is a hard one to stop and do stuff like go to sleep.
This is reread. Last read when it first came out in the 1990s.
This is reread. Last read when it first came out in the 1990s.
November 5, 2021
A low 3.5/5.
There were really good moments and lots of main character casualties which kept a sense of danger throughout but there were also lots of dull moments and times where the same issue kept being brought up until I started to get frustrated.
There were really good moments and lots of main character casualties which kept a sense of danger throughout but there were also lots of dull moments and times where the same issue kept being brought up until I started to get frustrated.
June 29, 2019
Just so, so good!!! The best in the Shannara series up to this point. I read it too quickly, but I could not put it down.
October 13, 2022
10/11/2022: I got this book signed and personalized by Terry Brooks when he visited Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville!
Yes, I am reading this book #3 of the series before the first two. Why? Because my friend Jacques highly, highly recommended it to me, reassuring it works as a standalone, too.
But I still have books #1 & 2 in the wings to go back to read. Then it'll just be a matter of tracking down #4...
Review time!
Wren has been charged by the shade of Allanon to bring the Elves, missing these last 100 years, back to the Four Lands. Garth, her ever-present mentor and friend, journeys with her through forests tranquil and menacing, over waters and down rivers, to seek out the lost Land Elves. Along the way they will meet friends and foes who stand testament to the passing through of the Elves, and Wren will have to make important decisions about what she is willing to do to carry out her charge. She will also have to accept the consequences these decisions bring about to her and those she meets, and accept the irrevocable changes they bring about for herself personally and for those she encounters along the way.
The world Brooks created comes alive around as you read, in vivid colors of close relationships and ever-changing mortal dangers. The vividness of the world and notably all of the Wren’s introspection that we are made privy to provide a steady base to understand this world, especially when (as for me) this is the first/only book you have read in Shannara. There is a lot of lore and history behind things, and I’d say that for someone familiar with what came before, it is more than enough information. But for those coming in blind, it’s about half-way to being enough to follow with confidence. I could tell how much there was behind the scenes, how much had happened before, and was able to piece together some of the history of things – but for me, a completionist and someone who loves getting the full story, it was a little thin. (Which honestly just means I’ll go back and start reading from the beginning of this quartet, and later going back to read the Shannara trilogy since I only have the first book of that handy and the first 3 of the books in the Heritage of Shannara quartet handy.)
The most noticeable spots where I felt lost were when we suddenly cut away to scenes of Cogline, Coll, Par, and Walker Boh. I had no idea who these people were, other than that their names had been mentioned as being known by Wren and having their own charges given them by Allanon. Yet, I felt for each of them – I wanted to know more, I was touched by their struggles and the danger they were facing, and they felt just as real as Wren and Garth and Tiger Ty and Stresa and the rest. Maybe part of that interest was because of the changes each of them were undergoing, more external/visible changes to the internal ones Wren was going through. The sort of external changes that they have little choice in, to become someone/thing different, whether or not they want or intend it.
Oddly enough, and probably because of these forced changes, Walker Boh, Coll, and them felt more solid and real to me than many of the Elves that Wren met and the connections she made with them. She felt such strong connections to each of them in so short a time, before even setting out to face dangers instead of talking about them, that I questioned how she could become so attached and so completely in so short a time. Especially as I would think that the nature of her lifestyle as a Rover with Garth would not incline itself to such strong, fast connections until being tested by the fire of fighting for their lives. For some I could find the justification , but for others, they felt sudden and forced . And I do not know how much of knowing the story of the first two books could help with that aspect.
Wren’s journey was engaging, and maybe it was because of coming in blind like this, but I felt a disconnect of the actual and perceived danger of the Shadowen and the beasts on Morrowindl. By the second half I had a better grasp of just how dangerous the creatures were, though I was still unprepared for just how deadly it would become for everyone involved.
However, this does not mean that I did not enjoy it – I did, and the scenes of brought a tear to my eye, largely because of the long history we were witness to in the lead up to that moment. It is a rich world, full of danger and complicated cultures/societies/politics, and I want to know more. But deeper than the politics and the physical danger is the questions it poses about destiny and fate, about choice and when a choice is really no choice at all. And, of course, about who we are – who we want to be, and who we find ourselves becoming through events beyond our control when a choice is really no choice at all, and learning to accept that person, that destiny, that charge with all it entails.
Favorite quotes:
“We are given our destiny in life by something we can neither understand nor control, and it binds us to our future as surely as any magic.” [said Eowen] page 136
“[…] We are both victims of circumstances set in motion three hundred years ago, and we would neither of us be so if we had the choice. But we don’t. And it does no good to rail against what has been done to us.
Responsibility did not begin and end with personal needs—Garth had taught her that much. She was a part of everything about her, and not only survival but the measure of her life was directly related to whether she accepted that truth. She could not back away from the unpleasantness of the world; she could not forget its pain. – page 232
There was an ache in her heart on such perfect days, a longing that they could last forever stitched against the knowledge that tomorrow would be different, that in life few promises were given. – page 351
Typos:
The demons sleep when its hottest. – page 88 – should be “it’s”
…at the screen of Vog, and at the dark… -- page 235 – “Vog” should not be capitalized (“vog”)
Yes, I am reading this book #3 of the series before the first two. Why? Because my friend Jacques highly, highly recommended it to me, reassuring it works as a standalone, too.
But I still have books #1 & 2 in the wings to go back to read. Then it'll just be a matter of tracking down #4...
Review time!
Wren has been charged by the shade of Allanon to bring the Elves, missing these last 100 years, back to the Four Lands. Garth, her ever-present mentor and friend, journeys with her through forests tranquil and menacing, over waters and down rivers, to seek out the lost Land Elves. Along the way they will meet friends and foes who stand testament to the passing through of the Elves, and Wren will have to make important decisions about what she is willing to do to carry out her charge. She will also have to accept the consequences these decisions bring about to her and those she meets, and accept the irrevocable changes they bring about for herself personally and for those she encounters along the way.
The world Brooks created comes alive around as you read, in vivid colors of close relationships and ever-changing mortal dangers. The vividness of the world and notably all of the Wren’s introspection that we are made privy to provide a steady base to understand this world, especially when (as for me) this is the first/only book you have read in Shannara. There is a lot of lore and history behind things, and I’d say that for someone familiar with what came before, it is more than enough information. But for those coming in blind, it’s about half-way to being enough to follow with confidence. I could tell how much there was behind the scenes, how much had happened before, and was able to piece together some of the history of things – but for me, a completionist and someone who loves getting the full story, it was a little thin. (Which honestly just means I’ll go back and start reading from the beginning of this quartet, and later going back to read the Shannara trilogy since I only have the first book of that handy and the first 3 of the books in the Heritage of Shannara quartet handy.)
The most noticeable spots where I felt lost were when we suddenly cut away to scenes of Cogline, Coll, Par, and Walker Boh. I had no idea who these people were, other than that their names had been mentioned as being known by Wren and having their own charges given them by Allanon. Yet, I felt for each of them – I wanted to know more, I was touched by their struggles and the danger they were facing, and they felt just as real as Wren and Garth and Tiger Ty and Stresa and the rest. Maybe part of that interest was because of the changes each of them were undergoing, more external/visible changes to the internal ones Wren was going through. The sort of external changes that they have little choice in, to become someone/thing different, whether or not they want or intend it.
Oddly enough, and probably because of these forced changes, Walker Boh, Coll, and them felt more solid and real to me than many of the Elves that Wren met and the connections she made with them. She felt such strong connections to each of them in so short a time, before even setting out to face dangers instead of talking about them, that I questioned how she could become so attached and so completely in so short a time. Especially as I would think that the nature of her lifestyle as a Rover with Garth would not incline itself to such strong, fast connections until being tested by the fire of fighting for their lives. For some I could find the justification , but for others, they felt sudden and forced . And I do not know how much of knowing the story of the first two books could help with that aspect.
Wren’s journey was engaging, and maybe it was because of coming in blind like this, but I felt a disconnect of the actual and perceived danger of the Shadowen and the beasts on Morrowindl. By the second half I had a better grasp of just how dangerous the creatures were, though I was still unprepared for just how deadly it would become for everyone involved.
However, this does not mean that I did not enjoy it – I did, and the scenes of brought a tear to my eye, largely because of the long history we were witness to in the lead up to that moment. It is a rich world, full of danger and complicated cultures/societies/politics, and I want to know more. But deeper than the politics and the physical danger is the questions it poses about destiny and fate, about choice and when a choice is really no choice at all. And, of course, about who we are – who we want to be, and who we find ourselves becoming through events beyond our control when a choice is really no choice at all, and learning to accept that person, that destiny, that charge with all it entails.
Favorite quotes:
“We are given our destiny in life by something we can neither understand nor control, and it binds us to our future as surely as any magic.” [said Eowen] page 136
“[…] We are both victims of circumstances set in motion three hundred years ago, and we would neither of us be so if we had the choice. But we don’t. And it does no good to rail against what has been done to us.
Responsibility did not begin and end with personal needs—Garth had taught her that much. She was a part of everything about her, and not only survival but the measure of her life was directly related to whether she accepted that truth. She could not back away from the unpleasantness of the world; she could not forget its pain. – page 232
There was an ache in her heart on such perfect days, a longing that they could last forever stitched against the knowledge that tomorrow would be different, that in life few promises were given. – page 351
Typos:
The demons sleep when its hottest. – page 88 – should be “it’s”
…at the screen of Vog, and at the dark… -- page 235 – “Vog” should not be capitalized (“vog”)
June 5, 2020
My first re-read of this book since 1992. Third book (of four) in the Heritage of Shannara series.
99% of the book is focused on Wren and the task given her by the Shade of Allanon to find the Elves and bring them back to the four lands.
Probably 3.5 stars but I'm rounding down because I never really felt like "I got" Wren - it was described to me, her history, growing up, parents, heritage, etc. but I never felt any of it, it felt like I was reading a history paper when learning of her background.
It was action packed, a page turner, tons of fights and battles and magic and monsters.
And who doesn't love spinterscat?!
A perfectly fine addition to the series but nothing great and not as good as the first two books in the series. It has been over 25 years since I've read this book so I honestly forgot every detail of the book so it was nice to revisit this book and this series.
One more to go.
99% of the book is focused on Wren and the task given her by the Shade of Allanon to find the Elves and bring them back to the four lands.
Probably 3.5 stars but I'm rounding down because I never really felt like "I got" Wren - it was described to me, her history, growing up, parents, heritage, etc. but I never felt any of it, it felt like I was reading a history paper when learning of her background.
It was action packed, a page turner, tons of fights and battles and magic and monsters.
And who doesn't love spinterscat?!
A perfectly fine addition to the series but nothing great and not as good as the first two books in the series. It has been over 25 years since I've read this book so I honestly forgot every detail of the book so it was nice to revisit this book and this series.
One more to go.
June 7, 2022
5 stars - Dutch hardcover
Title says it all. Runs on and on. Found myself quickly going through pages to get to the next eveny minute, every hour and a day.
I chose this rating because I could not put the book down and this applies to the whole series. A remarkeble author who continues to produce high quality work,Characters are well describted and plots well thought out without glaring gaps. The authors ability to keep you turning pages is quite remarkable and I say this having read thousands of books over my
56 years.
Title says it all. Runs on and on. Found myself quickly going through pages to get to the next eveny minute, every hour and a day.
I chose this rating because I could not put the book down and this applies to the whole series. A remarkeble author who continues to produce high quality work,Characters are well describted and plots well thought out without glaring gaps. The authors ability to keep you turning pages is quite remarkable and I say this having read thousands of books over my
56 years.
November 13, 2018
Ο μπρουκς τρώει τρελο κραξιμο... Η αλήθεια είναι ότι αν βάλεις το σπαθι των σαναρα στο plagiarism... Θα βγάλει επικάλυψη 95% σε τολκιν.... Τα υπόλοιπα ξεφεύγουν αρκετά και είναι καλά, διασμεδαστικα... Εύκολα... Ευχάριστα... Έτσι κι εδω....
December 8, 2009
I love fantasy fiction, and have for most of my life. For this reason, when my father was given a used copy of this book, he passed it on to me. Over the years, I had often seen books by Terry Brooks in bookstores, which told me that he must be popular, if nothing else. So I was happy to take one of his books for a spin. My happiness vanished very quickly, replaced by simple astonishment that this person ever managed to get published, never mind popular; there is not a single worthy or redeeming feature of his writing.
The Elf Queen of Shannara is, singularly, the worst book I have ever read. Even leaving aside the damning criticism that Terry Brooks has absolutely nothing original to say, and in fact is the most appallingly blatant plagiarist I have ever encountered (why Tolkien's estate has not sued him into oblivion, I can't imagine), this book is still unreadably awful. Terry Brooks has no facility with language, and no gift for storytelling. The existence of a plot is a debatable point; it's impossible to care, even a little, about his characters; and his prose is tedious at best.
Perhaps I should also mention that when I call this book "unreadably awful", I am being quite literal: I was unable to finish it. This may not seem very significant until I tell you that I cannot say the same thing about any other book I've ever started. This is partly because I always want to give an author a fair chance, and partly because I categorically dislike leaving things unfinished. So I fought my instinct - felt by the time I finished the first page - to discard this book in disgust. Though the process was never less than excruciating, I forced myself to keep reading. But finally, after getting about two-thirds of the way through, I simply could endure no more, and I unburdened myself of this truly terrible book.
Later, it occurred to me that the author's initials are the same as those of one of the most dreaded diseases in human history. Though surely that's only a coincidence.
The Elf Queen of Shannara is, singularly, the worst book I have ever read. Even leaving aside the damning criticism that Terry Brooks has absolutely nothing original to say, and in fact is the most appallingly blatant plagiarist I have ever encountered (why Tolkien's estate has not sued him into oblivion, I can't imagine), this book is still unreadably awful. Terry Brooks has no facility with language, and no gift for storytelling. The existence of a plot is a debatable point; it's impossible to care, even a little, about his characters; and his prose is tedious at best.
Perhaps I should also mention that when I call this book "unreadably awful", I am being quite literal: I was unable to finish it. This may not seem very significant until I tell you that I cannot say the same thing about any other book I've ever started. This is partly because I always want to give an author a fair chance, and partly because I categorically dislike leaving things unfinished. So I fought my instinct - felt by the time I finished the first page - to discard this book in disgust. Though the process was never less than excruciating, I forced myself to keep reading. But finally, after getting about two-thirds of the way through, I simply could endure no more, and I unburdened myself of this truly terrible book.
Later, it occurred to me that the author's initials are the same as those of one of the most dreaded diseases in human history. Though surely that's only a coincidence.
September 6, 2013
This is the 3rd book in the second series set in Shannara! Wren Ohmsford has been tasked with finding the Elves, who disappeared generatiosn ago, and bringing them back to the present world. Although reluctant to do so, she finds the puzzle curious, and soon she is travelling to the coast on the words of an old Seer. With her friend, Garth, she makes the perrilous journey to the island of Morrowindl, which is a nightmare of deep jungle, barren wasteland and rocky shores. The whole is haunted by demons and no-one who has landed there before has made it back alive. Somewhere, Wren must find a trace of the Elves and learn about her heritage...and her future.
Another fantastic Shannara book. This is such an amazing world and I love revisiting it again and again. Like most fantasies, Wren is a reluctant heroine, but her 'journey' is portrayed as being more 'realistic' than your normal hero. It is so sad in places too, but each character is beautifully drawn by the author and their fates appropriate to each. The last few chapters are a whirlwind, really fast-paced and drawing you on to read to the end. I can't wait to read the last in the series to find out how Wren, and the other Scions, fare in the war against the Shadowen.
Another fantastic Shannara book. This is such an amazing world and I love revisiting it again and again. Like most fantasies, Wren is a reluctant heroine, but her 'journey' is portrayed as being more 'realistic' than your normal hero. It is so sad in places too, but each character is beautifully drawn by the author and their fates appropriate to each. The last few chapters are a whirlwind, really fast-paced and drawing you on to read to the end. I can't wait to read the last in the series to find out how Wren, and the other Scions, fare in the war against the Shadowen.
August 27, 2020
The Elf Queen of Shannara is the 17th story chronologically in the series. 5 stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The setting on the island of Morrowindl makes this story for me. Such a tough environment to traverse - all kinds of creatures and pitfalls that Wren and her companions have to deal with, it’s almost overwhelming while reading it. I don’t know why Terry Brooks had to give Wren such a hard road to travel. I thought to myself, geez couldn’t he have given her a little bit of a break? Her journey through the island truly was a character building struggle for her. One thing to always remember about this series is that the environment is not friendly- it will consume the characters if they’re not prepared!
The magic element is also really solid in this book. There are really great descriptions like when Wren uses the Blue Elfstones. Those scenes really enhanced the story.
Continuing my re-read of the Shannara series. I’m past the 1/2 way point of the series now. The Talismans of Shannara is the next one up.
The setting on the island of Morrowindl makes this story for me. Such a tough environment to traverse - all kinds of creatures and pitfalls that Wren and her companions have to deal with, it’s almost overwhelming while reading it. I don’t know why Terry Brooks had to give Wren such a hard road to travel. I thought to myself, geez couldn’t he have given her a little bit of a break? Her journey through the island truly was a character building struggle for her. One thing to always remember about this series is that the environment is not friendly- it will consume the characters if they’re not prepared!
The magic element is also really solid in this book. There are really great descriptions like when Wren uses the Blue Elfstones. Those scenes really enhanced the story.
Continuing my re-read of the Shannara series. I’m past the 1/2 way point of the series now. The Talismans of Shannara is the next one up.
August 26, 2014
I really wanted to like this one, since I liked the first three books very much. However, the second set started out weak and by the time I got to Elf Queen, I had the distinct impression that Terry Brooks was as eager to get it over with as I was. I saw none of the care he took in Sword, Elfstones, or Wishsong, and felt he took too much time with trivial details and not enough time in making me believe the characters. A huge disappointment for me.
February 5, 2017
Fun and interesting story. Great imagery and visualization. A bit predictable in many parts, but overall a fun read which is what the Shannara books are all about.
February 5, 2020
I discovered the Shannara books nearly thirty years ago and I am enjoying them just as much today! The first book was reminiscing a bit of the LOTR saga but Terry Brooks has truly made it his own.
April 14, 2020
3rd of 4 in this mini series. It seemed to be faster paced that the last two and I enjoyed it more. looking forward to the conclusion when I can get the last book
July 5, 2022
4,5 sterren- Nederlandse hardcover
Quote: De koningin boog haar hoofd iets en haar gave gezicht werd overschaduwd door twijfel en nog iets anders. "O, magie is er, zeker. Dat voelde ik toen ik de staf gebruikte. Ik heb haar geheim overgenomen en weet dat het de waarheid moet zijn". Ze hief haar hoofd weer. " Maar wij zijn het, Wren, die de zaak moeten overbrengen. Wij moeten ervoor zorgen dat degenen die bijeen zijn door de betovering van de Loden, ons volk, weer hun plaats krijgen in de wereld en een nieuwe kans hebben in het leven. Magie alleen is niet genoeg. Dat is nooit genoeg. Onze levens, en uiteindelijk de levens van allen die afhankelijk zijn van ons, zijn voorgoed onze verantwoordelijk- heid. De magie is slechts een werktuig. Begrijp je dat?" Wren knikte somber. "Ik zal doen wat ik kan om te helpen," zei ze zacht. " Maar ik zeg u dat ik de magie dood en begraven wil zien, helemaal, tot het laatste beetje, van schaduwen en demonen tot de Loden en de Elfenstenen. Ik wil het helemaal vernietigd zien."-
Dit deel gaat grotendeels over Gwen en Garth, de nomade, en hun zoektocht naar de elfen. Om de opdracht van Allanon te vervullen alhoewel ze nogsteeds geen idee heeft hoe. Ook een klein stukje van het verdere avontuur van Par en Col en Loper Boh en de druïde burcht in dit deel vol van avontuur. We leren weer nieuwe vrienden kennen en Luchtelfen met de Roc.
Wat ik altijd waardeer bij Terry Brooks is dat niet alle hoofdpersonen en helden aan het eind van het boek nog leven. We moeten van een aantal afscheid nemen. En daarmee was het weer tijd voor de tissues.
Quote: De koningin boog haar hoofd iets en haar gave gezicht werd overschaduwd door twijfel en nog iets anders. "O, magie is er, zeker. Dat voelde ik toen ik de staf gebruikte. Ik heb haar geheim overgenomen en weet dat het de waarheid moet zijn". Ze hief haar hoofd weer. " Maar wij zijn het, Wren, die de zaak moeten overbrengen. Wij moeten ervoor zorgen dat degenen die bijeen zijn door de betovering van de Loden, ons volk, weer hun plaats krijgen in de wereld en een nieuwe kans hebben in het leven. Magie alleen is niet genoeg. Dat is nooit genoeg. Onze levens, en uiteindelijk de levens van allen die afhankelijk zijn van ons, zijn voorgoed onze verantwoordelijk- heid. De magie is slechts een werktuig. Begrijp je dat?" Wren knikte somber. "Ik zal doen wat ik kan om te helpen," zei ze zacht. " Maar ik zeg u dat ik de magie dood en begraven wil zien, helemaal, tot het laatste beetje, van schaduwen en demonen tot de Loden en de Elfenstenen. Ik wil het helemaal vernietigd zien."-
Dit deel gaat grotendeels over Gwen en Garth, de nomade, en hun zoektocht naar de elfen. Om de opdracht van Allanon te vervullen alhoewel ze nogsteeds geen idee heeft hoe. Ook een klein stukje van het verdere avontuur van Par en Col en Loper Boh en de druïde burcht in dit deel vol van avontuur. We leren weer nieuwe vrienden kennen en Luchtelfen met de Roc.
Wat ik altijd waardeer bij Terry Brooks is dat niet alle hoofdpersonen en helden aan het eind van het boek nog leven. We moeten van een aantal afscheid nemen. En daarmee was het weer tijd voor de tissues.
January 5, 2022
I don't regard Shannara as a weak series. Charming, easy to read, whimsical, Terry Brooks is a pleasure for me.
But to say he is inconsistent is not unfair. The Heritage Of Shannara is one of the more highly regarded series in the Shannara universe, but so far, it's been hit and miss for me.
The Elf Queen Of Shannara, however, was a great little fantasy story! I enjoyed pretty much everything about it, and I feel that Brooks is not given enough praise for his strong female characters. If his debut, Sword Of Shannara, had one flaw (and I love that book, so if you want to list all the things you hate about it, which seems to be normal, don't bother), the female characters were ... Of their day...
Wren is a terrific female protagonist though, and her quest to save the elves was one of the best in the series so far.
So, one book to go! I'm very forgiving when it comes to Brooks. I don't expect people to understand how I can love his works and still find so many annoying problems here and there, but I do.
7.5/10
But to say he is inconsistent is not unfair. The Heritage Of Shannara is one of the more highly regarded series in the Shannara universe, but so far, it's been hit and miss for me.
The Elf Queen Of Shannara, however, was a great little fantasy story! I enjoyed pretty much everything about it, and I feel that Brooks is not given enough praise for his strong female characters. If his debut, Sword Of Shannara, had one flaw (and I love that book, so if you want to list all the things you hate about it, which seems to be normal, don't bother), the female characters were ... Of their day...
Wren is a terrific female protagonist though, and her quest to save the elves was one of the best in the series so far.
So, one book to go! I'm very forgiving when it comes to Brooks. I don't expect people to understand how I can love his works and still find so many annoying problems here and there, but I do.
7.5/10
May 15, 2021
Derde deel van het erfgoed van Shanara. Dit keer volgen we vooral Wren Ohmsford, het nomade meisje met ook Elfen- en mensenbloed. Zij heeft de opdracht gekregen om het volk dan de elfen te zoeken en die terug te brengen naar de Vier Landen. Samen met Garth, haar leermeester, gaat ze op weg. Onderweg krijgen ze gezelschap van Stresa, de splinsterskat en Faun, de kleine boomkwiet (heel erg adorable). Heel af en toe komen ook Loper Doh en zijn verhaal voor. Verder is er natuurlijk allerlei gevaren te trotseren, bergen en ravijnen te bedwingen. Gelijk maar door in het laatste deel van deze sub-serie in de grote Shannara reeks.
July 12, 2018
Ich habe das Buch innerhalb von zwei Tagen durchgelesen. Es ist mir unglaublich schwer gefallen die Geschichte aus der Hand zu legen, denn vor allem Wren und Garth sind mir unfassbar ans Herz gewachsen. Ihr Schicksal und ihr Abenteuer haben mich komplett für sich eingenommen und ich wollte einfach unbedingt wissen, was mit ihnen geschieht. Terry Brooks hat erneut gezeigt, was er kann und ich bin absolut begeistert. Ich kann es kaum erwarten den letzten Teil dieser Reihe in den Händen zu halten.
July 5, 2019
Wren Oldsman is sent on a quest to find the missing elves who have disappeared from the Four Lands. Accompanied on her quest by her faithful mentor, Wren encounters many dangers and monsters. Along the way she will learn much about the magic of the elfstones.
May 9, 2021
UN-PUT-DOWNABLE
This book was actually pretty good. I had read it 10 years ago and I remember the story to this date.
The quest kept adrenaline pumping. Love ,betrayal ,friendship ignited the correct emotions.
Loved it...
Reread it...
This book was actually pretty good. I had read it 10 years ago and I remember the story to this date.
The quest kept adrenaline pumping. Love ,betrayal ,friendship ignited the correct emotions.
Loved it...
Reread it...
September 28, 2020
I enjoyed this one, but its still rough around the edges. One of the better books so far of this series that I've read.
May 8, 2022
Не съм сигурен, точно кога я прочетох ... приятна за четене книга, нищо особено - но Тери Брукс има много приятен стил, а "Шанара" е доста приятна поредица ...
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