Ilse Witch (The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 1)

I have to say (as I am currently reading the 3rd book in this trilogy) that this is my favorite "series" by Terry Brooks. By far he has come a long way from his other Shannara books. The other series I read kind of out of lack for something better. However, book one of this series set me up, I plowed through book 2 and now I am stuffing my face with the third book. If you have read his other Shannara stuff and liked it you will be happy that he got even better. Also, if you have never read Shannara, this isn't the ideal place to start but it still stands alone as a great story.

In this first of the series, author Terry Brooks brings us back to his world of the Shannara series. When a blinded and muted elf washes up on the coast, carrying a mysterious map, the Druid Walker is summoned. Walker organizes a mission, peopled by an unusual collection of elves, humans, a dwarf, and a mysterious man of unknowable powers. But, an evil witch, the Ilse Witch, with powers to rival Walker shadows the party and dread prophecies bode ill for the mission. Undaunted, the party sets off in a new airship, into the unknown depths of the Blue Divide.Being the first book in a series, this book contains a good deal of character introduction and development. Through it all though, Terry Brooks keeps the story moving, with the pace of the story accelerating as the chapters roll along. His introduction of the magical/technological airships is a fascinating development. Overall, this is a great book, and well worth you time and money.

After a long while of nothing in the way of Shannara, Terry Brooks has revived the dearly loved series. His new series begins 130 years after "The Talismans of Shannara" left off with Coll and Par Ohmsford. Now a castaway from a previous voyage to discover lost magic has arrived in the mainland 30 years after his departure. With the castaway is a map chronicolling his journey. The druid, Walker Boh, now known just as Walker, undertakes the perilous journey with an elite few aboard the sleek airship named the "Jerle Shannara."This book is an excellent revival of the old series and I couldn't put it down for 2 days until finished. One problem is the author failes to make some of the main characters appealing but this is forgiven because of the outstanding storyline and mood throughout the book. You will be doing yourself a favor getting this, but make sure you have plenty of free time because you will call off previous engagements in favor of this book.The one true problem is that the book leaves the reader so badly hanging that he is afraid he will fall.

Amazing. There are few books that hold your interest throughout the entire story, but Terry has certainly accomplished that with THE ISLE WITCH. I could NOT put this book down! And when I had to put it down (one has to EAT, I suppose) I couldn't wait to get back to it. The story moves quickly and the characters are colorful and engaging, each with his own story to tell and problems to overcome. The plot is incredible ... it kept me guessing and wondering at every turn - the revelations and hidden agendas ... the mystery and the magic ... THE ISLE WITCH is a combination of murder mystery, drama, fantasy, sci-fi, and more! Mark my words, by the last page you will be desperate for more! Terry has pulled out all the stops with this new series in the Shannara universe. Until now, my favorite has always been the first book, SWORD OF SHANNARA. But THE ISLE WITCH (and the upcoming books in the VOYAGE series) will prove to be my new favorites by far.

Terry Brooks, author of the bestselling Shannara seires which began in 1977 with 'The Sword of Shannara', effects a compelling return to the Four Lands with his new novel 'The Voyage of the Jerle Shanarra'. The novel begins with the discovery of a ravaged and tortured elf, aboard a tiny raft drifting in the endless swells of the Blue Divide. Clues to the indentiy of the elf, and what may have befallen him, spawn a quest which eventually draws together a diverse cast of characters led by the enigmatic Walker Boh; last of the Druids and the keeper of Allanon's trust. Without giving anything away, I can honestly say I loved the story and it is, without a doubt, classic Terry Brooks. The Four Lands breathes again in this novel, and the mantle of the Druids which Walker must bear, is a weight which brings a gravity to the proceedings I felt was somewhat lacking in the 'Scions' series of Shannara books which preceeded this new cycle of novels. Great characters, rich story-telling, and very compelling bits and threads of a much larger story are cleverly revealed throughout the course of the novel.