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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good, but very familiar., 8 Feb 2004
THE STORY: The oppressive Federation rules the Four Lands with an iron fist and evil Shadowen seek to devour all life and magic. It is in this time that the shade of Allanon sends out the reluctant former Druid Cogline to find the heirs of Shannara; Par Ohmsford, wielder of the Wishsong, Walker Boh, the Dark Uncle, and Wren Ohmsford a tracker with the Rovers. Each is given a task upon which the future of mankind depends.WHAT'S GOOD: This is a very enjoyable story and overcomes many of Brooks' previous problems with rehashing 'Lord of the Rings', you become involved with both the characters and their quests on a strong emotional level. Walker Boh is a very welcome addition to the series, bringing both the power and fearlessness of a Druid as well as the uncertainty of the Ohmsfords. Padishar Creel is another very good character with precisely the right mix of charming gentleman, irrascible rogue and ruthless revolutionary. Personally, though, it is Cogline who makes the book complete. He has the evasiveness and wisdom of Allanon, but it's mixed in with excentricity and a wry sense of humour, making him the perfect answer to Allanon's overly stern role in the previous books. WHAT'S BAD: Unfortunately, you will have read most of this before if you've read the previous Shannara novels. Par, Coll and Morgan are carbon-copies of Shea, Flick and Menion from 'The Sword of Shannara', with the one difference being that Par's personal struggle, with the Wishsong, is a carbon-copy of Jair's from 'The Wishsong of Shannara'. Walker Boh, whilst being an excellent character is introduced and plays out his first few scenes exactly as Cogline does in 'First King of Shannara'. Basically, it seems that Brooks, rather than create a whole new story, has decided to splice various bits of his other ones together and this will leave followers of the series feeling like they've read it all before. New to the series? Start reading here (be sure to go back and read the fantastic 'The Elfstones of Shannara' though!). Read it, but don't be surprised if it doesn't surprise you!
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