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Heritage of Shannara #2
The Druid of Shannara
In the three hundred years since the death of the Druid Allanon, the mysterious, evil Shadowen have seized control and are ruining the Four Lands. Using Cogline as messenger, the shade of Allanon summons the four scions of Shannara: Par, Coll, Wren, and Walker Boh. To Walker Boh he gives the duty of restoring the lost Druid's Keep, Paranor. For that, Walker needs the black Elfstone, but his search leads him only to a trap.
Meanwhile, the King of the Silver River, a fabulous being as old as mankind, creates a daughter named Quickening and sends her to help. She is joined by Morgan Leah and Pe Ell, an assassin who plans eventually to kill her.
They find Walker Boh dying after an attack by the Shadowen, Rimmer Dall. Quickening heals him and tells him that the Elfstone is in the hands of another ancient being, the Stone King, who seeks to turn all the world to stone.
The journey will lead them to the far north, through the Charnal Mountains and beyond, into a perilous and unknown land. And no one knows what horrible monsters the Stone King has set to guard his citadel.
Meanwhile, the King of the Silver River, a fabulous being as old as mankind, creates a daughter named Quickening and sends her to help. She is joined by Morgan Leah and Pe Ell, an assassin who plans eventually to kill her.
They find Walker Boh dying after an attack by the Shadowen, Rimmer Dall. Quickening heals him and tells him that the Elfstone is in the hands of another ancient being, the Stone King, who seeks to turn all the world to stone.
The journey will lead them to the far north, through the Charnal Mountains and beyond, into a perilous and unknown land. And no one knows what horrible monsters the Stone King has set to guard his citadel.
471 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
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 355 reviews
March 15, 2020
I really struggled with this one, and it took me a month to get through.
This novel had serious pacing issues. The beginning and the end were both pretty good, but the middle dragged, and I found myself heavily skim reading just to get through it.
I do have issues with the Shanara books in general. They are all pretty samey, and the original novel especially feels like a rip off of LOTR. The previous novel was actually pretty enjoyable and built up a fun cast of characters, and I had been looking forward to continuing the story. Sadly this one chose to focus on only a few of those characters and the questing just got tedious for me.
I’ll take a short break the will press on to the Elf Queen. Despite my issues with this novel, I do want to see this series out.
This novel had serious pacing issues. The beginning and the end were both pretty good, but the middle dragged, and I found myself heavily skim reading just to get through it.
I do have issues with the Shanara books in general. They are all pretty samey, and the original novel especially feels like a rip off of LOTR. The previous novel was actually pretty enjoyable and built up a fun cast of characters, and I had been looking forward to continuing the story. Sadly this one chose to focus on only a few of those characters and the questing just got tedious for me.
I’ll take a short break the will press on to the Elf Queen. Despite my issues with this novel, I do want to see this series out.
February 2, 2014
The Heritage of Shannara quartet of books continues with The Druid of Shannara. As the book begins, the King of the Silver River is reflecting on the events of the previous book. The King of the Silver River is a powerful “fairy spirit” that is sort of a minor god/angel that was assigned by the Word (the God of the Shannara universe) with governing over the area where he lives (in a caring for that part of the natural world sense, not a political sense). That area, the “Silver River” is in the Four Lands, which are mostly in the Northwestern United States in the Shannara books' post-apocalyptic setting.
Anyways, this spirit can sense that the Shannara children are in jeopardy, but can succeed in their quests. But one of the “children” (they are all adults, but are the heirs of the Elven House of Shannara, and are also considered “children” by this immortal being), Walker Boh, is in grave peril. The King of the Silver River also senses that one of his “brothers” (fellow spirits created by the Word) is abusing his trust. Not only that, but this rogue god holds the Black Elfstone – that talisman which is needed to safely bring back lost Paranor – and Walker must recover that stone if he is to successfully bring back the Druid's Keep and restore the order. So the King of the Silver River creates a child, a “daughter” and sends her forth to heal Walker Boh, defeat this wayward fairy brother, and recapture the Black Elfstone of fairie.
Along the way, the young “elemental” girl, Quickening, meets and recruits Ohmsford ally and friend, Morgan Leah, and an assassin Pe Ell, who – known only to Quickening and one other – is in the employ of the sinister Shadowen against whom the heirs of Shannara fight. Quickening, Pe Ell, Morgan, and Walker, along with Tracker Horner Dees – who can take them to the destination they seek – can and will succeed in their quest, for the King of the Silver River, who has some ability to discern the future, has foreseen it. But it will come at a terrible price, and will not be at all what they (especially Pe Ell, thankfully) are quite expecting.
This was very much not an action-oriented book. It was very much of a “questing” book. Sort of like the literary equivalent of the quests and sidequests in some RPG games. That is not to say that it is bad. Indeed, it was better than the first book of the series, The Scions of Shannara, in my opinion. Nonetheless, potential readers ought to know what they are in for with this story. It's not like most fantasy. It's more like Tolkien wrote The Lord of the Rings with even more walking, less action, and almost none of the vividly descriptive terms and imagery that he did put into it. That would be what Druid would be like. Still, all that considered, it did have good points to it as well.
Despite not having a very good grasp of vivid prose in general (which is often needed for what I'll call a “travelogue” type of story), author Terry Brooks does do a very good job of communicating his vision via world-building. He may not put it forth as well or vividly as some other authors could, but he did a masterful job of designing his fictional future of our world.
The descriptions he gave of the ruined city of Eldwist, transformed into stone by the “Stone King”, the wicked fairy brother earlier mentioned, bring across a sense of helplessness and sadness at such devastation in the ruins of what was a modern city millennia before the story. The city seems to be either New York City or Toronto. Also, the jumbled and disoriented thoughts of the characters as they look upon this “Old World” (the term for all things before the “Great Wars” ruined most of the world in a nuclear holocaust) city really shapes the narrative.
There wasn't the same sense of “true companions” that there was in the previous book. But then again, these aren't “true companions” at all. No one likes or trusts Pe Ell, and Walker and Morgan are injured in their hearts and trying to heal. Thus, there is very little kindness shown to each other. But, of course, this camaraderie is established by the survivors of the party at the end of the book.
While Druid isn't nearly as “action-oriented” as the other Shannara books that I've read, it is very much an engrossing, enjoyable yarn.
Anyways, this spirit can sense that the Shannara children are in jeopardy, but can succeed in their quests. But one of the “children” (they are all adults, but are the heirs of the Elven House of Shannara, and are also considered “children” by this immortal being), Walker Boh, is in grave peril. The King of the Silver River also senses that one of his “brothers” (fellow spirits created by the Word) is abusing his trust. Not only that, but this rogue god holds the Black Elfstone – that talisman which is needed to safely bring back lost Paranor – and Walker must recover that stone if he is to successfully bring back the Druid's Keep and restore the order. So the King of the Silver River creates a child, a “daughter” and sends her forth to heal Walker Boh, defeat this wayward fairy brother, and recapture the Black Elfstone of fairie.
Along the way, the young “elemental” girl, Quickening, meets and recruits Ohmsford ally and friend, Morgan Leah, and an assassin Pe Ell, who – known only to Quickening and one other – is in the employ of the sinister Shadowen against whom the heirs of Shannara fight. Quickening, Pe Ell, Morgan, and Walker, along with Tracker Horner Dees – who can take them to the destination they seek – can and will succeed in their quest, for the King of the Silver River, who has some ability to discern the future, has foreseen it. But it will come at a terrible price, and will not be at all what they (especially Pe Ell, thankfully) are quite expecting.
This was very much not an action-oriented book. It was very much of a “questing” book. Sort of like the literary equivalent of the quests and sidequests in some RPG games. That is not to say that it is bad. Indeed, it was better than the first book of the series, The Scions of Shannara, in my opinion. Nonetheless, potential readers ought to know what they are in for with this story. It's not like most fantasy. It's more like Tolkien wrote The Lord of the Rings with even more walking, less action, and almost none of the vividly descriptive terms and imagery that he did put into it. That would be what Druid would be like. Still, all that considered, it did have good points to it as well.
Despite not having a very good grasp of vivid prose in general (which is often needed for what I'll call a “travelogue” type of story), author Terry Brooks does do a very good job of communicating his vision via world-building. He may not put it forth as well or vividly as some other authors could, but he did a masterful job of designing his fictional future of our world.
The descriptions he gave of the ruined city of Eldwist, transformed into stone by the “Stone King”, the wicked fairy brother earlier mentioned, bring across a sense of helplessness and sadness at such devastation in the ruins of what was a modern city millennia before the story. The city seems to be either New York City or Toronto. Also, the jumbled and disoriented thoughts of the characters as they look upon this “Old World” (the term for all things before the “Great Wars” ruined most of the world in a nuclear holocaust) city really shapes the narrative.
There wasn't the same sense of “true companions” that there was in the previous book. But then again, these aren't “true companions” at all. No one likes or trusts Pe Ell, and Walker and Morgan are injured in their hearts and trying to heal. Thus, there is very little kindness shown to each other. But, of course, this camaraderie is established by the survivors of the party at the end of the book.
While Druid isn't nearly as “action-oriented” as the other Shannara books that I've read, it is very much an engrossing, enjoyable yarn.
March 15, 2020
2020 reread: Funny how I experience the books way different than the first time I read them. That's why I love Goodreads, so I can read my previous thoughts! I still think this is a great book, I wouldn't say now that this is one of my favourites but that's probably because I've read all 35(36?) now. It's pretty action packed actually. Loved the introduction of the characters Quickening and Horner Dees. Pe Ell was a little annoying to me, lol.
2016 read: One of my favourites in the series! It's really an adventuring story, and a little less action packed than the others.
2016 read: One of my favourites in the series! It's really an adventuring story, and a little less action packed than the others.
October 23, 2015
One of the best Shannara books for sure. A true adventure fantasy. I was already losing hope that Brooks has just degenerated into generic fantasy, but this book really stands out on it's own. A little bit of doubt, soul searching, interesting characters and the big picture coming together. Still "young adult" friendly, but not as naive.
March 20, 2016
Maybe I'm just getting a little burnt-out on the Shannara books, 'cause I've been reading so many of them now that the show's come out (and I'm still praying that MTV renews it for a second season, 'cause it's a hell of about time they have something worth watching other than Teen Wolf.) But I feel like every Shannara book I read now ends up being a bit more of the same. Case in point with this book, which repeats a storytelling tactic that showed up in one of the earlier Shannara books - not exactly in the same way, but the circumstances were pretty similar. Not to mention similarly tragic. It didn't have quite the same impact on me as did the previous major tragedy, though, for some reason. I can't quite put my finger on it...
But what I can put my finger on is the fact that, let's face it, this book just got ridiculous with the names for some of its characters. Pe Ell, for instance, is bad enough (it sounds like "Peele" in my head, so why not just call him that? After all, unlike most Tolkien-esque high fantasies, this series at least sticks to names that are A) pronounced pretty much the way they look, and B) look normal enough that they could possibly pass muster in the real world in some cases). But then you get a character who shares her name with the subtitle of one of the Highlander movies, unless I miss my guess (I think it was the one that made the fans cry, "There should've been only one!"), and every time Quickening's name is invoked, it's just instant Narm for me.
For all its flaws, though, Druids still serves up enough of the classic Shannara elements (Creeper horror, strange magic, and Elfstones, Elfstones, Elfstones) to keep me interested even through the less magical parts of the book.
Let's face it, I'm not much of a high fantasy reader. I barely managed to get through LOTR the first time around (it took me a second read to appreciate it more.) I'll keep reading these books, but I'm not sure how much longer I can last with these. At least I've now officially stuck to it longer than I did with the Emberverse, so that's saying something...
But what I can put my finger on is the fact that, let's face it, this book just got ridiculous with the names for some of its characters. Pe Ell, for instance, is bad enough (it sounds like "Peele" in my head, so why not just call him that? After all, unlike most Tolkien-esque high fantasies, this series at least sticks to names that are A) pronounced pretty much the way they look, and B) look normal enough that they could possibly pass muster in the real world in some cases). But then you get a character who shares her name with the subtitle of one of the Highlander movies, unless I miss my guess (I think it was the one that made the fans cry, "There should've been only one!"), and every time Quickening's name is invoked, it's just instant Narm for me.
For all its flaws, though, Druids still serves up enough of the classic Shannara elements (Creeper horror, strange magic, and Elfstones, Elfstones, Elfstones) to keep me interested even through the less magical parts of the book.
Let's face it, I'm not much of a high fantasy reader. I barely managed to get through LOTR the first time around (it took me a second read to appreciate it more.) I'll keep reading these books, but I'm not sure how much longer I can last with these. At least I've now officially stuck to it longer than I did with the Emberverse, so that's saying something...
July 10, 2016
Book #15/29 in my Epic Shannara Quest.
A unique and very well-written entry into the Shannara legend.
This one chronicles the quest of Walker Boh to restore Paranor and the Druids to the Four Lands. Great characters and exciting action make for a splendid read. The character of Carisman the tunesmith did not make sense to me, but he was entertaining. The interludes of the trials of the other children of Shannara are thankfully few, but the overall stucture of this saga is quite effective.
Brooks hits a high note narratively with this book. I hope he can keep it going with the next one.
A unique and very well-written entry into the Shannara legend.
This one chronicles the quest of Walker Boh to restore Paranor and the Druids to the Four Lands. Great characters and exciting action make for a splendid read. The character of Carisman the tunesmith did not make sense to me, but he was entertaining. The interludes of the trials of the other children of Shannara are thankfully few, but the overall stucture of this saga is quite effective.
Brooks hits a high note narratively with this book. I hope he can keep it going with the next one.
November 24, 2015
The Druid of Shannara focuses on Walker Boh this time. We didn't really get to know him very well in the first book in this series and I wasn't sure I wanted to read an entire novel that centered around him as the main character. Then when he lost his arm, I wasn't sure how this story was all going to turn it or if I was going to end up like Walked Boh any more than I did at the beginning of the tale. How can he be a druid with only one arm? But, in the end, I found that I did enjoy reading about him and getting to know him better.
As for the assassin Pe Ell, at first I couldn't stand him. After all, he's an assassin, right? You're not supposed to like him. As the story progresses, you do warm up to him a little bit, but not much. After all, are you really going to like someone that is determined to kill everyone in Walker Boh's party, especially the beautiful Quickening? I think not! Then there is Quickening. I really liked her but found that she didn't quite grow in the direction I thought she would. The other main character is the old man, Dees. I really liked him. He's an awesome character.
Terry Brooks does a wonderful job bringing us another fantasy tale in the world of Shannara. I'm sure that he has always regretting killing off Allanon in The Sword of Shannara, the first book he ever wrote in this world. I always thought it was a mistake. After all, the author uses the druid's shade all the time on other books. I liked that this story involve the resurrection of Paranor, the Druid's Keep. I have always been excited about the prospect of having new druids in Shannara. So, I was rooting for Walker Boh to be successful in his quest.
As for the story itself, it is another exciting quest that kept me wanting more. The Stone King, although not evil, is misguided. He is a great opponent for Walker Boh and I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure of crossing the Charnal Mountains and entering the stony land beyond.
Overall, The Druid of Shannara is a great fantasy tale and a wonderful addition to the ever-growing Shannara series. Terry Brooks is my favorite author and I always enjoy being swept back into the world of Shannara. I recommend this book if you are a lover of fantasy, but really do recommend starting from the beginning of the series.
I rated this book an 8 out of 10.
As for the assassin Pe Ell, at first I couldn't stand him. After all, he's an assassin, right? You're not supposed to like him. As the story progresses, you do warm up to him a little bit, but not much. After all, are you really going to like someone that is determined to kill everyone in Walker Boh's party, especially the beautiful Quickening? I think not! Then there is Quickening. I really liked her but found that she didn't quite grow in the direction I thought she would. The other main character is the old man, Dees. I really liked him. He's an awesome character.
Terry Brooks does a wonderful job bringing us another fantasy tale in the world of Shannara. I'm sure that he has always regretting killing off Allanon in The Sword of Shannara, the first book he ever wrote in this world. I always thought it was a mistake. After all, the author uses the druid's shade all the time on other books. I liked that this story involve the resurrection of Paranor, the Druid's Keep. I have always been excited about the prospect of having new druids in Shannara. So, I was rooting for Walker Boh to be successful in his quest.
As for the story itself, it is another exciting quest that kept me wanting more. The Stone King, although not evil, is misguided. He is a great opponent for Walker Boh and I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure of crossing the Charnal Mountains and entering the stony land beyond.
Overall, The Druid of Shannara is a great fantasy tale and a wonderful addition to the ever-growing Shannara series. Terry Brooks is my favorite author and I always enjoy being swept back into the world of Shannara. I recommend this book if you are a lover of fantasy, but really do recommend starting from the beginning of the series.
I rated this book an 8 out of 10.
January 19, 2020
My first re-read of this book since I first read it the week it was released 25-30 years ago.
It essentially a quest book where we have Walker Boh (along with Morgan Leah, Quickening, Pe Ell and a few more adventurers) searching for the Black Elfstone in order to restore Paranor and the Druids to the Four Lands.
It's got some decent characters and I did enjoy the book but found the pacing a little hard to deal with.
It essentially a quest book where we have Walker Boh (along with Morgan Leah, Quickening, Pe Ell and a few more adventurers) searching for the Black Elfstone in order to restore Paranor and the Druids to the Four Lands.
It's got some decent characters and I did enjoy the book but found the pacing a little hard to deal with.
January 28, 2018
Verso la Città di Pietra
Come da prassi, Brooks calibra piuttosto male il ritmo narrativo e quello che rimane al lettore è una storia asfittica e poco armoniosa nelle unità che la compongono.
Viridiana e l'idea della desolante Città di Pietra riscattano in parte il volume e tengono deste un interesse che oramai procede con la forza dell'inerzia.
Come da prassi, Brooks calibra piuttosto male il ritmo narrativo e quello che rimane al lettore è una storia asfittica e poco armoniosa nelle unità che la compongono.
Viridiana e l'idea della desolante Città di Pietra riscattano in parte il volume e tengono deste un interesse che oramai procede con la forza dell'inerzia.
June 28, 2022
4,5 sterren- Nederlandse hardcover
Maar anders dan mijn vader hield uhl Bell zich niet aan het woord had gegeven. Door zijn overlevingsstrijd zag hij dat niet meer en meende eenvoudig te blijven bestaan. Tot elke prijs, alles was wat er toe deed.
Opwekking de dochter van de koning van de zilverrivier, gaat op queste met Loper Boh, of te wel duistere oom, Morgen Leah, Hornet Dees, Woudenberg en Pe-ell, beroepsmoordenaar en spion. Maar dat laatste weten de andere niet. Behalve Opwekking want zij had het al gezien en hD hem nodig.
Weer een echte Terry Brooks. Personages met goede en slechte kanten, onmogelijke keuzes en hoop, hoop op betere tijden.
Geweldige re-read. Op naar deel drie.
Maar anders dan mijn vader hield uhl Bell zich niet aan het woord had gegeven. Door zijn overlevingsstrijd zag hij dat niet meer en meende eenvoudig te blijven bestaan. Tot elke prijs, alles was wat er toe deed.
Opwekking de dochter van de koning van de zilverrivier, gaat op queste met Loper Boh, of te wel duistere oom, Morgen Leah, Hornet Dees, Woudenberg en Pe-ell, beroepsmoordenaar en spion. Maar dat laatste weten de andere niet. Behalve Opwekking want zij had het al gezien en hD hem nodig.
Weer een echte Terry Brooks. Personages met goede en slechte kanten, onmogelijke keuzes en hoop, hoop op betere tijden.
Geweldige re-read. Op naar deel drie.
October 30, 2021
A bit weaker than the previous book, but still as good as Terry Brooks can get it. Really like his language. Smooth, easily read and very vivid.
April 11, 2022
Short summary: A miserable and boring experience.
More words: I've always been fascinated with how Terry Brooks approaches Shannara. In my opinion, what he did with the first three was quite clever. Having stories that were separate though loosely intertwined let him avoid having a dud trilogy, as each book could stand on its own.
This is the first time he's written a direct sequel to a Shannara book and it was an absolutely miserable slog. The previous book, Scions, had a fun setup with lots of neat little callbacks that served the story well.
The idea of having an overarching story where everyone gets their own moment in the sun while fulfilling the Shade of the Dark Lord of Endless Babble Allanon's charge is a great setup. I believe that Brooks worked out after the wonky Sword of Shannara that he works better with smaller groups, as was evidenced by how that one picked up toward the end when it got to focus on Shea, Keltset and Panamon rather than having to juggle 10 blank archetypes at once.
He would carry this forward somewhat in his Magic Kingdom for Sale! series, where the first and third were far better with a more narrow focus. This tactic also helped ensure that Wishsong of Shannara was at least palatable thanks to Jair's side of the story which included a fantastic dynamic between him and Slanter. The idea that he would carry this over, though to novelised form rather than within the same story was an idea worth pursuing. Unfortunately, the Druid of Shannara had the best and worst of Brooks rolled in to one.
The first issue is the general mood and setting. It rains. A lot. That mood carries over to the characters who are miserable, petulant and insufferable throughout the text. That pessimistic viewpoint wouldn't be so bad if there was something worth saying or a point that needed to be brought up. However, it seems only to be utilised in order to give a final triumph or 'aha!' moment. A needless grind that served no real purpose other than to remind you over a very long feeling 400+ pages.
The characters themselves are well realised for the most part, particularly Pe Ell. Brooks has refined his craft to give each character their own voice, even if some voices need to be silenced (I'm looking at you, Morgan Leah).
[A slight tangent: Truly, Morgan Leah's arc to this point has been the worst. I understand the idea of PTSD that Brooks has tried to feed in from the previous book. Bringing the character down from a jubilant, easygoing adventure-seeker to someone who is now tarnished by experience and life is a worthwhile endeavour...however, it has felt that we've gone from a capable man-child to a petulant baby in record time. I don't know which person in Brooks' life is an insert of the various Leahs, but each has been terrible in their own right]
Reflecting back on the book, it felt like endless descriptions of traversal that brought back Brooks' worst traits from Sword of Shannara. We get it. The city of stone is cold and desolate. The grass has faded. The rivers are flowing. Okay. Fine. Move on and do something with this scenery!
I could go on, but truly, there isn't too much to say. The reason is that ultimately this is a book that probably could have been an 80-100 page subplot in another novel that was stretched out in to its own thing for over 400 pages that had very little to say or do other than to indulge in each character's mopey nothingness.
I hope the Elf Queen bounces back a little, because this was a very disappointing follow-up.
More words: I've always been fascinated with how Terry Brooks approaches Shannara. In my opinion, what he did with the first three was quite clever. Having stories that were separate though loosely intertwined let him avoid having a dud trilogy, as each book could stand on its own.
This is the first time he's written a direct sequel to a Shannara book and it was an absolutely miserable slog. The previous book, Scions, had a fun setup with lots of neat little callbacks that served the story well.
The idea of having an overarching story where everyone gets their own moment in the sun while fulfilling the Shade of the Dark Lord of Endless Babble Allanon's charge is a great setup. I believe that Brooks worked out after the wonky Sword of Shannara that he works better with smaller groups, as was evidenced by how that one picked up toward the end when it got to focus on Shea, Keltset and Panamon rather than having to juggle 10 blank archetypes at once.
He would carry this forward somewhat in his Magic Kingdom for Sale! series, where the first and third were far better with a more narrow focus. This tactic also helped ensure that Wishsong of Shannara was at least palatable thanks to Jair's side of the story which included a fantastic dynamic between him and Slanter. The idea that he would carry this over, though to novelised form rather than within the same story was an idea worth pursuing. Unfortunately, the Druid of Shannara had the best and worst of Brooks rolled in to one.
The first issue is the general mood and setting. It rains. A lot. That mood carries over to the characters who are miserable, petulant and insufferable throughout the text. That pessimistic viewpoint wouldn't be so bad if there was something worth saying or a point that needed to be brought up. However, it seems only to be utilised in order to give a final triumph or 'aha!' moment. A needless grind that served no real purpose other than to remind you over a very long feeling 400+ pages.
The characters themselves are well realised for the most part, particularly Pe Ell. Brooks has refined his craft to give each character their own voice, even if some voices need to be silenced (I'm looking at you, Morgan Leah).
[A slight tangent: Truly, Morgan Leah's arc to this point has been the worst. I understand the idea of PTSD that Brooks has tried to feed in from the previous book. Bringing the character down from a jubilant, easygoing adventure-seeker to someone who is now tarnished by experience and life is a worthwhile endeavour...however, it has felt that we've gone from a capable man-child to a petulant baby in record time. I don't know which person in Brooks' life is an insert of the various Leahs, but each has been terrible in their own right]
Reflecting back on the book, it felt like endless descriptions of traversal that brought back Brooks' worst traits from Sword of Shannara. We get it. The city of stone is cold and desolate. The grass has faded. The rivers are flowing. Okay. Fine. Move on and do something with this scenery!
I could go on, but truly, there isn't too much to say. The reason is that ultimately this is a book that probably could have been an 80-100 page subplot in another novel that was stretched out in to its own thing for over 400 pages that had very little to say or do other than to indulge in each character's mopey nothingness.
I hope the Elf Queen bounces back a little, because this was a very disappointing follow-up.
May 4, 2013
The Druid of Shannara by Terry Brooks is the second book of the Heritage of Shannara series set in the Shannara universe. This book deals with four characters journey to deal with the threat posed to the world by Uhl Belk a stone spirit who wants to change the whole world to stone. The first of the character is Quickening who is a the elemental daughter of the king of the silver river. As such she has great magic but was created fully formed for a purpose. The second of the four main characters is Morgan Leah who eventually falls in love with Quickening. I feel a deep empathy for this character even if he is not the focus of the book as I also often wonder if anyone I love can truly love me back. The third main character is Pe Ell who is a federation assassin who plans to eventually kill them all as soon as he gets what he can from them. This character is by far and away the most complicated character that Brooks has put into the Shannara series up to the point that the book was written as he is a villain but yet their are a few things about him that make him slightly sympathetic. The last and in many way main character is Walker Boh the man who does not want to fulfill Allanon's mission for him. The story more than anything is one of self discovery for him as he realizes that he must be honest with who and what he will become in order to fulfill his goal. In the end we must all look at ourselves and discover how we are trying to deceive ourselves in order than we might better be prepared to go out and do good in the world. Overall a good book much better than any of the first three Shannara books.
February 27, 2021
Better than expected! The messiah figure is fascinating because she has the power to compel people to do things and heal things, but at the same time she is human or at least has an intriguing relationship to her humanness. I was completely taken with how complex the assassin character is, and I like the allusions to the ancient ruins that seem like New York City.
One big question I have: what's the point of Carisman? He was magical, but it wasn't really explained how or what his magic was, and then *spoiler alert* he gets killed almost randomly and very few of the characters seem to care at all. His purpose in the book was very obscure. Does he come up again in the later books of the series?
One big question I have: what's the point of Carisman? He was magical, but it wasn't really explained how or what his magic was, and then *spoiler alert* he gets killed almost randomly and very few of the characters seem to care at all. His purpose in the book was very obscure. Does he come up again in the later books of the series?
April 13, 2020
Enjoyed the book, but I can see the elements of his characters worrying about each other too much and not enough action blooming in this book. These are heavily present in his later books and bother me alot.
Also, this book is way more dragged out than it needed to be and compared to the earlier books in the series. The same points are made over and over, and there is alot of time with the characters talking to each other without much content instead of moving forward on their adventure.
Also, this book is way more dragged out than it needed to be and compared to the earlier books in the series. The same points are made over and over, and there is alot of time with the characters talking to each other without much content instead of moving forward on their adventure.
July 16, 2020
Der zweite Teil der Reihe “Die Erben von Shannara” beginnt mit der Weitererzählung von Walker Bohs Reise den schwarzen Elfenstein zu finden. Der erste Band hat bei seiner Geschichte mit einem riesigen Cliffhanger geendet.
Ich muss ehrlich sagen, ich brauche immer die ungefähr ersten hundert Seiten, um in eine Geschichte von Terry Brooks hineinzukommen. Dies ging mir hier auch wieder so.
Hauptsächlich geht es in diesem Band um die Gemeinschaft um Walker Boh, bestehend aus Quickening, Morgan Leah, Pe Ell, Carisman und Horner Dees, die auf der Suche nach dem schwarzen Elfenstein ist.
Ich finde die innere Zerrissenheit in Walker Boh sehr faszinierend, zu Beginn habe ich mich oft über ihn geärgert, aber mittlerweile mag ich ihn sehr. Er hat sich mit seiner Magie angefreundet, hat gemerkt, dass er nicht auf sie verzichten möchte und kann. Walker akzeptiert im Laufe der Zeit seine Bestimmung. Wofür er eine ganze Weile gebraucht hat, habe ich schon relativ früh erahnen können, dass er der nächste Druide werden soll.
Auch Morgan Leah hat wieder sein Päckchen zu tragen, er trauert immer noch um den Verlust der Magie des Schwertes von Shannara und ist voller Hoffnung diese vielleicht doch wiedererlangen zu können. In einigen Momenten merkt er, dass im gebrochenen Schwert noch Magie schlummert und er diese einsetzen kann, natürlich weiß er, dass dies nur ein kleiner Hauch des vollständigen Potenzials ist. In einigen Momenten ist er leider sehr naiv und blind vor Liebe. Dennoch mag ich Morgan.
Der dritte wichtige Charakter ist Pe Ell, er ist ein Meuchelmörder, ausgeschickt im Auftrag Rimmer Dalls, Quickening zu töten. Hält jedoch nicht viel von diesem und beschließt oft seinen eigenen Weg zu gehen. Er ist mir mit seinem Beweggründen bis zum Ende nicht sonderlich sympathisch. Ich denke, dass war auch Terry Brooks ansinnen, einen Charakter zu erschaffen, den man nicht mag und der einem nicht im Laufe der Geschichte sympathisch wird. Pe Ell ist ein kleiner Streithahn, hält mit seiner Abneigung gegen die anderen nicht hinterm Berg und lässt seine schlechte Laune gern an den anderen ab.
Die Reise ist interessant geschrieben, Terry Brooks hat einfach das Talent, lange Reisen, nicht komplett trocken und jeden Grashalm beschreibend darzustellen, nein er kürzt gekonnt längere Passagen zusammen und baut ein anderes Ereignis mehr aus. Die Geschichte verläuft sehr seicht und wenn man es recht betrachtet passiert während der Zeit in Eldwist nicht viel, der Weg dorthin war schon deutlich rasanter und mit mehr Gefahren und Abenteuern gespickt. Die Gruppe irrt meist ziellos in der Stadt umher und weiß selbst nicht so recht wie sie dem Steinkönig auf die Schliche kommen soll. Natürlich müssen sie dennoch einigen Gefahren trotzen, mussten sich trennen und einige Verluste erleiden. Zum Ende hin wird es noch einmal richtig spannend und die Reise steuert auf einen unausweichlichen Schluss hin.
Zwischendurch darf man auch einen Blick auf Coll, Par und Wren werfen. Die Drei haben jeweils ein einzelnes Kapitel, das im Großen und Ganzen nicht sonderlich ins Gewicht fällt, aber da die Geschichte rund um die Suche des schwarzen Elfensteins spannend ist, störte mich das kaum.
Ich muss ehrlich sagen, ich brauche immer die ungefähr ersten hundert Seiten, um in eine Geschichte von Terry Brooks hineinzukommen. Dies ging mir hier auch wieder so.
Hauptsächlich geht es in diesem Band um die Gemeinschaft um Walker Boh, bestehend aus Quickening, Morgan Leah, Pe Ell, Carisman und Horner Dees, die auf der Suche nach dem schwarzen Elfenstein ist.
Ich finde die innere Zerrissenheit in Walker Boh sehr faszinierend, zu Beginn habe ich mich oft über ihn geärgert, aber mittlerweile mag ich ihn sehr. Er hat sich mit seiner Magie angefreundet, hat gemerkt, dass er nicht auf sie verzichten möchte und kann. Walker akzeptiert im Laufe der Zeit seine Bestimmung. Wofür er eine ganze Weile gebraucht hat, habe ich schon relativ früh erahnen können, dass er der nächste Druide werden soll.
Auch Morgan Leah hat wieder sein Päckchen zu tragen, er trauert immer noch um den Verlust der Magie des Schwertes von Shannara und ist voller Hoffnung diese vielleicht doch wiedererlangen zu können. In einigen Momenten merkt er, dass im gebrochenen Schwert noch Magie schlummert und er diese einsetzen kann, natürlich weiß er, dass dies nur ein kleiner Hauch des vollständigen Potenzials ist. In einigen Momenten ist er leider sehr naiv und blind vor Liebe. Dennoch mag ich Morgan.
Der dritte wichtige Charakter ist Pe Ell, er ist ein Meuchelmörder, ausgeschickt im Auftrag Rimmer Dalls, Quickening zu töten. Hält jedoch nicht viel von diesem und beschließt oft seinen eigenen Weg zu gehen. Er ist mir mit seinem Beweggründen bis zum Ende nicht sonderlich sympathisch. Ich denke, dass war auch Terry Brooks ansinnen, einen Charakter zu erschaffen, den man nicht mag und der einem nicht im Laufe der Geschichte sympathisch wird. Pe Ell ist ein kleiner Streithahn, hält mit seiner Abneigung gegen die anderen nicht hinterm Berg und lässt seine schlechte Laune gern an den anderen ab.
Die Reise ist interessant geschrieben, Terry Brooks hat einfach das Talent, lange Reisen, nicht komplett trocken und jeden Grashalm beschreibend darzustellen, nein er kürzt gekonnt längere Passagen zusammen und baut ein anderes Ereignis mehr aus. Die Geschichte verläuft sehr seicht und wenn man es recht betrachtet passiert während der Zeit in Eldwist nicht viel, der Weg dorthin war schon deutlich rasanter und mit mehr Gefahren und Abenteuern gespickt. Die Gruppe irrt meist ziellos in der Stadt umher und weiß selbst nicht so recht wie sie dem Steinkönig auf die Schliche kommen soll. Natürlich müssen sie dennoch einigen Gefahren trotzen, mussten sich trennen und einige Verluste erleiden. Zum Ende hin wird es noch einmal richtig spannend und die Reise steuert auf einen unausweichlichen Schluss hin.
Zwischendurch darf man auch einen Blick auf Coll, Par und Wren werfen. Die Drei haben jeweils ein einzelnes Kapitel, das im Großen und Ganzen nicht sonderlich ins Gewicht fällt, aber da die Geschichte rund um die Suche des schwarzen Elfensteins spannend ist, störte mich das kaum.
March 20, 2018
Dieses Buch hat mich nun doch sehr lange begleitet und ich hatte erneut große Freude mit den Erben von Shannara. Das Abenteuer von Walker Boh hat mir sehr viel Spaß gemacht, denn der "Dunkle Onkel" ist ein Charakter, der in sich völlig zerrissen ist. Er hat so viele Zweifel und Ängste in sich, dass er sich selbst so oft im Weg steht. Auf seiner Suche nach dem schwarzen Elfenstein wird ihm so vieles über sich selbst klar und das hat mir unfassbar gut gefallen.
Es war schade, dass nur wenig über Par, Coll und Wren aufgetaucht ist. Ich hätte gerne etwas abwechslungsreicher gelesen, allerdings kann ich sehr gut verstehen, wieso Brooks es so gelöst hat. Eine ausführlichere Rezension gibt's auf dem Blog: https://liveyourlifewithbooks.wordpre...
Es war schade, dass nur wenig über Par, Coll und Wren aufgetaucht ist. Ich hätte gerne etwas abwechslungsreicher gelesen, allerdings kann ich sehr gut verstehen, wieso Brooks es so gelöst hat. Eine ausführlichere Rezension gibt's auf dem Blog: https://liveyourlifewithbooks.wordpre...
June 7, 2022
5 sterren - Nederlandse hardcover
The story: Walker Boh, who had denied his order to restore the druids, was setting out to do just that. with a misfit crew of strangers as his companions, he sets out to find the find component to complete his task. fate has the upper hand and she will play the cards as she chooses; someone may lose.
It was an excellent choice to break off one character and to follow him. It did allow me the reader to see the character in-depth and to meet his companions without confusion.
The story: Walker Boh, who had denied his order to restore the druids, was setting out to do just that. with a misfit crew of strangers as his companions, he sets out to find the find component to complete his task. fate has the upper hand and she will play the cards as she chooses; someone may lose.
It was an excellent choice to break off one character and to follow him. It did allow me the reader to see the character in-depth and to meet his companions without confusion.
July 23, 2020
2 stars? 3 stars? 2.5?
I dont know man, these books have such a terrible problem of "telling" instead of "showing" and it gets so frustrating to read sometimes. The first third or so was good enough to hook me and keep me for a while but then the quest adventure starts and its like blah blah blah...
End was good, though. And the characterization / development of Walker Boh is what really carries the stars for me.
I dont know man, these books have such a terrible problem of "telling" instead of "showing" and it gets so frustrating to read sometimes. The first third or so was good enough to hook me and keep me for a while but then the quest adventure starts and its like blah blah blah...
End was good, though. And the characterization / development of Walker Boh is what really carries the stars for me.
January 14, 2018
The offspring of Shannara have been tasked by Allanon with four quests that will aid in restoring the Four Lands. Walker Boh and Morgan Leah are tasked with recovering the Black Elfstone. With the aid of a beautiful elemental they will seek out to Stone King to recover it. Another outstanding and gripping tale by Brooks.
May 23, 2024
Ça y'est, je l'ai enfin fini haha. C'est le tome que j'ai le moins aimé pour le moment, même si j'étais contente de retrouver les personnages du tome 1. J'ai ressenti pas mal de longueurs qui m'ont fait lâcher parfois. Néanmoins, je continuerais ma lecture avec le tome 3, parce que malgré tout, je veux savoir comment ça va continuer...
January 31, 2021
Awe. Some. Book.
The character progression is so captivating and perfect.
This is was book 16 for me (I'm reading chronologically) and it may be my favourite book so far. I'm so glad the story continues for two more books!
The character progression is so captivating and perfect.
This is was book 16 for me (I'm reading chronologically) and it may be my favourite book so far. I'm so glad the story continues for two more books!
December 8, 2020
Další díl Shannary, děj kupodivu přímo navazuje na ten předchozí díl a více se soustředí na "vedlejší" postavy. Moc pěkné, stále mě to nepřestalo bavit.
September 22, 2023
Druid kelimesi evrensel bir şey mi acaba? Yüzüklerin Efendisi’ nde de var.
October 10, 2021
The first half just seemed all build-up while the second half seemed to rush along.
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.
March 26, 2020
There are druids, people with magic, magic swords, and a young woman who was never born. The woman has a quality about her. When she asks each person to go on a quest with her, they all follow.
There are many adventures in this quest for the elf stones. And the finding and getting away with the stones takes a toll on their group. Several do not survive.
There are many adventures in this quest for the elf stones. And the finding and getting away with the stones takes a toll on their group. Several do not survive.
March 23, 2011
While not as good as The Scions of Shannara, the first entry in the Heritage of Shannara quadrilogy, The Druid of Shannara (#2 of the series) had some great moments and an interesting overall plot. I enjoyed the new characters it introduced and the ultimate battle with the Stone King and his minions was very satisfying. That being said, it left a lot to be desired.
Druid is a continuation of the overall story arch started in Scions. In the first book, Par, Col, and Wren Olhmsford along with Walker Boh, all descendants of Jerel Shannara, the ancient king of the Elves, were called on three separate quests by the shade of the druid Allanon to save the Four Lands from the evil Shadowen. Par and Col were to find the legendary Sword of Shannara, Wren was to find the lost elves, and Walker was to bring back the lost Druid Keep of Paranor and the order of the Druids with it.
I enjoyed Scions. While largely focusing on Par and Col's quest to find the Sword of Shannara (with exciting results), it also managed to balance the other two stories (admittedly, it balanced Walker's a bit better than Wren's, but both were there) and gave insights into the workings of the new, darker Four Lands and political machinations of its corrupt leaders. I was excited for the second book, but was somewhat disappointed.
First, the book suffered from "middle book syndrome" in that very little was actually resolved by the end. After a handful of wrap-up chapters to help the reader remember where everyone stood, the book followed Walker's story pretty much the entire time. After a while, it became monotonous and I wanted to know what was happening with the others. The two chapters about Wren, which are awkwardly inserted at seemingly random intervals, did not fill my desire to see more of the other quests. And after those chapters, it bounced right back to Walker. Also, because Walker's quest takes him out of the Four Lands, all of the political machinations and insight into the world were sorely missed.
Second, the book really dragged in the second-half. The problem was the same as in many other epic fantasy books: the characters reached an insurmountable obstacle and spent several chapters struggling (and failing) to overcome that obstacle. In this case, Walker and his companions, who are searching for the Stone King, arrive at Eldwist, the King's home, only to discover that it is all-but empty of life and spend several chapters looking for him. After a while, it just got long.
Third, most of the new characters were throw away. It was obvious from the start that most of the new characters brought into this story were only there for this book alone. And while that created some anticipation about how and when they would die, it was also frustrating because some of them were very fascinating and it would have been interesting to see them taken to another place and level.
And last, Walker isn't the most interesting character. He broods too much and doubts too much and spends too much time ignoring or fighting against the obvious. In this book, he is balanced a bit by Morgan Leah, but Morgan spends most of his time having the same internal debate over and over again.
So, the book had problems. But I still enjoyed it and I am interested to see where the story goes next. The Elf Queen of Shannara, book 3 in the series, promises to focus on Wren, who has been underutilized so far. So here's to hoping for a more exciting entry in the series.
Druid is a continuation of the overall story arch started in Scions. In the first book, Par, Col, and Wren Olhmsford along with Walker Boh, all descendants of Jerel Shannara, the ancient king of the Elves, were called on three separate quests by the shade of the druid Allanon to save the Four Lands from the evil Shadowen. Par and Col were to find the legendary Sword of Shannara, Wren was to find the lost elves, and Walker was to bring back the lost Druid Keep of Paranor and the order of the Druids with it.
I enjoyed Scions. While largely focusing on Par and Col's quest to find the Sword of Shannara (with exciting results), it also managed to balance the other two stories (admittedly, it balanced Walker's a bit better than Wren's, but both were there) and gave insights into the workings of the new, darker Four Lands and political machinations of its corrupt leaders. I was excited for the second book, but was somewhat disappointed.
First, the book suffered from "middle book syndrome" in that very little was actually resolved by the end. After a handful of wrap-up chapters to help the reader remember where everyone stood, the book followed Walker's story pretty much the entire time. After a while, it became monotonous and I wanted to know what was happening with the others. The two chapters about Wren, which are awkwardly inserted at seemingly random intervals, did not fill my desire to see more of the other quests. And after those chapters, it bounced right back to Walker. Also, because Walker's quest takes him out of the Four Lands, all of the political machinations and insight into the world were sorely missed.
Second, the book really dragged in the second-half. The problem was the same as in many other epic fantasy books: the characters reached an insurmountable obstacle and spent several chapters struggling (and failing) to overcome that obstacle. In this case, Walker and his companions, who are searching for the Stone King, arrive at Eldwist, the King's home, only to discover that it is all-but empty of life and spend several chapters looking for him. After a while, it just got long.
Third, most of the new characters were throw away. It was obvious from the start that most of the new characters brought into this story were only there for this book alone. And while that created some anticipation about how and when they would die, it was also frustrating because some of them were very fascinating and it would have been interesting to see them taken to another place and level.
And last, Walker isn't the most interesting character. He broods too much and doubts too much and spends too much time ignoring or fighting against the obvious. In this book, he is balanced a bit by Morgan Leah, but Morgan spends most of his time having the same internal debate over and over again.
So, the book had problems. But I still enjoyed it and I am interested to see where the story goes next. The Elf Queen of Shannara, book 3 in the series, promises to focus on Wren, who has been underutilized so far. So here's to hoping for a more exciting entry in the series.
December 23, 2019
Love this whole series.
July 14, 2012
Il secondo libro della seconda saga.
Avevamo lasciato Walker nella Cripta dei Re in preda al veleno dell'Asphinx, Par nella disperazione più nera per la consapevolezza di aver ucciso il fratello Coll, ma in possesso della Spada di Shannara, e Morgan con Padishar in procinto di abbandonare la Sporgenza.
A Culhaven, dove Morgan si è recato per prestare soccorso a Nonna Elise e Zia Jilt, le due nane che gestivano l'orfanotrofio e rischiavano di essere state tradite da Teel come lo era stato il Movimento, giunge una bellissima ragazza che afferma di essere la figlia del Fiume Argento. Ha grandi poteri magici, tanto da restituire ai Nani i perduti Giardini di Meade, che la Federazione ha bruciato dopo la fine della guerra.
Ha un compito da svolgere: cercare un talismano, la Pietra Nera che Walker credeva di ritrovare nella tomba dei Quattro Re, l'unico oggetto col potere di restituire al mondo la perduta Paranor.
Viridiana si mette dunque sotto la protezione di Pe Ell, letale assassino che in realtà è stato mandato da Rimmer Dall ad ucciderla, e gli chiede di partire con lei e altri due compagni senza la cui presenza la pietra non potrà essere recuperata: Morgan Leah, rinchiuso nel carcere della Federazione per aver liberato le due Nane dai campi di lavoro, e Walker Boh, che oltre ad aver perso un braccio è ancora afflitto dal veleno che presto lo muterà in pietra, e che i Guaritori di Stor, presso cui Cogline l'aveva portato, non sono stati in grado di guarire.
Pe Ell gioca con Viridiana come un gatto con il topo imprigionato: soggiogato dalla bellezza della fanciulla, non la uccide ancora perchè spera che lei lo conduca dal talismano con cui potrà ricattare Rimmer Dall...
Walker la segue perché la magia è forte in entrambi, e si sente a lei molto simile.
Morgan Leah, dal canto suo, ne rimane perdutamente innamorato.
Questo secondo libro tarda a decollare (infatti sarebbe più da due stellette e mezzo che non da tre): la descrizione di ciò che i personaggi provano per Viridiana è continua e ripetitiva; il viaggio dei quattro verso Rampling Steep è lungo e abbastanza noioso, se si eccettua l’incontro con gli Gnomi e il tenero Carismano.
Ma il libro si risolleva notevolmente nelle ultime 100/150 pagine, ovvero dall’arrivo dei protagonisti a Eldwist. Le fughe continue da Rastrello, il Maw Grint, la lotta col Re di Pietra per il possesso della pietra. Appassionante la breve ma intensa storia d’amore tra Morgan e Viridiana, così come il sacrificio di lei per rigenerare la sua spada…e l’accettazione di Walker del suo ruolo, dopo la morte di Cogline: eccola, la rigenerazione che Viridiana gli aveva promesso; non quella del braccio, ma quella dello spirito…
Avevamo lasciato Walker nella Cripta dei Re in preda al veleno dell'Asphinx, Par nella disperazione più nera per la consapevolezza di aver ucciso il fratello Coll, ma in possesso della Spada di Shannara, e Morgan con Padishar in procinto di abbandonare la Sporgenza.
A Culhaven, dove Morgan si è recato per prestare soccorso a Nonna Elise e Zia Jilt, le due nane che gestivano l'orfanotrofio e rischiavano di essere state tradite da Teel come lo era stato il Movimento, giunge una bellissima ragazza che afferma di essere la figlia del Fiume Argento. Ha grandi poteri magici, tanto da restituire ai Nani i perduti Giardini di Meade, che la Federazione ha bruciato dopo la fine della guerra.
Ha un compito da svolgere: cercare un talismano, la Pietra Nera che Walker credeva di ritrovare nella tomba dei Quattro Re, l'unico oggetto col potere di restituire al mondo la perduta Paranor.
Viridiana si mette dunque sotto la protezione di Pe Ell, letale assassino che in realtà è stato mandato da Rimmer Dall ad ucciderla, e gli chiede di partire con lei e altri due compagni senza la cui presenza la pietra non potrà essere recuperata: Morgan Leah, rinchiuso nel carcere della Federazione per aver liberato le due Nane dai campi di lavoro, e Walker Boh, che oltre ad aver perso un braccio è ancora afflitto dal veleno che presto lo muterà in pietra, e che i Guaritori di Stor, presso cui Cogline l'aveva portato, non sono stati in grado di guarire.
Pe Ell gioca con Viridiana come un gatto con il topo imprigionato: soggiogato dalla bellezza della fanciulla, non la uccide ancora perchè spera che lei lo conduca dal talismano con cui potrà ricattare Rimmer Dall...
Walker la segue perché la magia è forte in entrambi, e si sente a lei molto simile.
Morgan Leah, dal canto suo, ne rimane perdutamente innamorato.
Questo secondo libro tarda a decollare (infatti sarebbe più da due stellette e mezzo che non da tre): la descrizione di ciò che i personaggi provano per Viridiana è continua e ripetitiva; il viaggio dei quattro verso Rampling Steep è lungo e abbastanza noioso, se si eccettua l’incontro con gli Gnomi e il tenero Carismano.
Ma il libro si risolleva notevolmente nelle ultime 100/150 pagine, ovvero dall’arrivo dei protagonisti a Eldwist. Le fughe continue da Rastrello, il Maw Grint, la lotta col Re di Pietra per il possesso della pietra. Appassionante la breve ma intensa storia d’amore tra Morgan e Viridiana, così come il sacrificio di lei per rigenerare la sua spada…e l’accettazione di Walker del suo ruolo, dopo la morte di Cogline: eccola, la rigenerazione che Viridiana gli aveva promesso; non quella del braccio, ma quella dello spirito…
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