Peace returns to the Four Lands!

Jun 25, 2010

by cpw1952
posted in Friends and Fans of Fantasy

Rating:

JARKA RUUS announced Terry Brooks' re-emergence as a master of the fantasy genre. Then TANEQUIL pushed that envelope further and showcased his skills as a writer that could add realism, extended character development and thoughtful, probing philosophical discussion to an exciting, perfectly-paced action filled plot! Straken is the icing on the cake - the exciting conclusion to a trilogy weaves together the myriad plotlines and allows the reader to turn the final page and sit back with a smile and a satisfied sigh of contentment!

The threads of each of the story lines are gathered up, woven together and brought to a stunning conclusion. Young Pen Ohmsford's quest to enter the Forbidding, discover the magic of the "darkwand" and release his aunt Grianne Ohmsford, Ard Rhys of the lawful Druids and the Straken queen is completed. Grianne, in turn, must face her usurper and arch-foe, Shadea a'Ru in a final cataclysmic confrontation at Paranor, the ancient Druid's keep. The Free Born's struggle against Sen Dunsidan and the forces of the Federation with their unstoppable fire weapon is concluded and peace returns to the Four Lands.

Frankly, I don't think it's a spoiler to let potential readers know all's well that ends well! Most readers of the Shannara universe and this particular trilogy would probably be devastated to discover otherwise. But, you will find the ending to be a superb unexpected twist nonetheless that proves Terry Brooks can still keep a hidden ace up his sleeve to play at an opportune moment. I've only got one question left, Mr Brooks! Where in the world is Weka Dart?

Highly recommended!

Paul Weiss

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About the reviewer

Paul Weiss (cpw1952)
Ranked #8

A modern day dilettante with widely varied eclectic interests. A dabbler in muchbut grandmaster of none - wilderness camping in all four seasons, hiking, canoeing, world travel,philately, … more