The Wishsong of Shannara by Terry Brooks
Published April 12th 1985
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 498
Source: Bought it
Horror stalks the Four Lands. The Ildatch, immemorial book of evil spells, has stirred to eldritch life, sending its foul Mord Wraiths to accomplish at last Mankind’s destruction. Once again Allanon, ancient Druid Protector of the Races, must seek the help of a descendant of Jerle Shannara. Brin, daughter of Wil Ohmsford, born with the magic of the Wishsong which alone can open a way to the Ildatch, reluctantly joins him on his perilous journey east; meanwhile her younger brother Jair learns that Brin will fail and die, unless he can reach her in time. And as Brin walks into the trap the Ildatch has set, Jair must travel through the very heart of evil to reach her…
The Wishsong of Shannara is the third and last book of the Sword of Shannara trilogy.
The book follows the story of Brin and Jair Ohmsford, two sibling that possess the Elven magic of the Wishsong. Their parents, Wil and Eretra (protagonists of the last book, The Elfstones of Shannara) leave Shady Vale for a few weeks and, during that time, Allanon takes Brin on a journey to destroy the Ildatch, the book responsible for all evil, while Jair stays home. After Allanon leaves with Brin and Rone, the Prince of Leah, their home is attacked by a Mord Wraith, a creature of great evil, and Jair is hunted by a Gnome tracker, Slanter. They end up becoming friends and the Silver River King sends Jair on a journey of his own to save the Silver River and his sister, Brin, for the King sees that harm will come to her if he doesn’t.
I have to start the review by saying that this book, just like the first one of the series, feels like it was written using a “fantasy book formula” inspired by Tolkien’s Lord of The Rings. In the second book, Brooks was able to create something different but that didn’t happen in this one.
I loved the second book and was excited to read this one but it disappointed me. After reading The Wishsong of Shannara I don’t think I’ll continue the Shannara series. I had to force myself to read the book and finish it, something I hadn’t done with the other books of the series.
Still, the characters were good. Brin and Jair were interesting but I still didn’t like Allanon. I loved Slanter and enjoyed the unlikely companionship he created with Jair.
The plot was mediocre. It didn’t feel like an original story. Even setting aside the lack of originality, the plot was far from strong. Important plot points were easily predicted and it didn’t compel me into reading more.
It was a struggle to finish this book but, if you’re interested, check it out. Or just watch the series.
Rating: 2,5 stars
The Sword of Shannara REVIEW
The Elfstones of Shannara REVIEW
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