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The Sword Of Shannara: The Shannara Chronicles Hardcover – 5 Oct. 2006

by Terry Brooks (Author)
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Long ago, the world of the Four Lands was torn apart by the wars of ancient Evil. But in the Vale, the half-human, half- elfin Shea Ohmsford now lives in peace - until the mysterious, forbidding figure of the druid Allanon appears, to reveal that the supposedly long dead Warlock Lord lives again.

Shea must embark upon the elemental quest to find the only weapon powerful enough to keep the creatures of darkness at bay: the fabled Sword of Shannara.

THE SWORD OF SHANNARA is a classic tale of magic, danger and high fantasy, a masterful story from a master storyteller.

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  1. Book 1 of 3
    The Sword of Shannara
  2. Print length
    672 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Atom
  5. Publication date
    5 Oct. 2006
  6. Dimensions
    14 x 5.7 x 20.6 cm
  7. ISBN-10
    190423397X
  8. ISBN-13
    978-1904233978
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Product description

Review

A marvellous fantasy trip (Frank Herbert)

If Harry Potter has given you a thirst for fantasy and you have not discovered the magic of Terry Brooks, you are in for a treat (ROCKY MOUNTAIN NEWS)

Confirms Terry's place at the head of the fantasy world (Philip Pullman)

Book Description

THE SWORD OF SHANNARA is the first volume of the classic series that has become one of the most popular epic fantasy tales of all time.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Atom
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 5 Oct. 2006
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 672 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 190423397X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1904233978
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 699 g
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 14 x 5.7 x 20.6 cm
  • Book 1 of 3 ‏ : ‎ The Sword of Shannara

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  1. Tim Hildebrandt

    Tim Hildebrandt

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  2. Terry Brooks

    Terry Brooks

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    Terry Brooks is the New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty-five books, including the Genesis of Shannara novels Armageddon's Children and The Elves of Cintra; The Sword of Shannara; the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy: Ilse Witch, Antrax, and Morgawr; the High Druid of Shannara trilogy: Jarka Ruus, Tanequil, and Straken; the nonfiction book Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life; and the novel based upon the screenplay and story by George Lucas, Star Wars(R): Episode I The Phantom Menace.(tm) His novels Running with the Demon and A Knight of the Word were selected by the Rocky Mountain News as two of the best science fiction/fantasy novels of the twentieth century. The author was a practicing attorney for many years but now writes full-time. He lives with his wife, Judine, in the Pacific Northwest.

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
5,459 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book a captivating read. The writing quality receives mixed reviews, with some finding it well written while others describe it as terrible.

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ReadabilityWriting quality
114 customers mention ‘Readability’99 positive15 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as a captivating and fun adventure, with one customer noting it's better than the TV series adaptation.

"An amazing book and I'm looking forward to the next part of the series" Read more

"...The reader also sees that none of the story is stretched out to an unnecessary length, the pace keeps the story moving at a good sped and it doesn't..." Read more

"...A lot. But still, this book is a must...and there is a special pleasure read it in its original language...." Read more

"...This is a rich and full bodied epic fantasy. I was really impressed with the story telling, character development and detail...." Read more

32 customers mention ‘Writing quality’17 positive15 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book, with some finding it very well written and readable for the genre, while others describe it as terrible and note that the language can be annoying.

"...But still, this book is a must...and there is a special pleasure read it in its original language...." Read more

"...The language is oftentimes annoying: “he glared with sorrow and hatred”. That is not a direct quote, but certainly the gist of it...." Read more

"...but the characters are strong and the writing style is very enjoyable . thoroughly worth a read if you like a bit of fantasy" Read more

"...It does not however escape from some of the annoying writing flaws of the author - in particular the "hidden truth" mechanism and &#..." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Gareth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Shea's journey begins
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 November 2024
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    An amazing book and I'm looking forward to the next part of the series
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  • Alex
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Sword of Shannara
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 January 2012
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Let me first explain that the only reason that I didn't give this book the full five stars was because of the fact that the plot was pretty much that of Lord of the Rings. However, Brooks uses the traditional farm-boy to hero transition in a whole new way,where the protagonist isn't an all-out goody goody throughout, in a world filled with richly detailed characters who don't become steroetypes of their races. His world is described vividly, giving the tale a feel of a true fantasy epic. The reader also sees that none of the story is stretched out to an unnecessary length, the pace keeps the story moving at a good sped and it doesn't pad out the tale with unnecessary complications or distractions from the overall plot. It is also not too long whe compared to some other fantasy novels, which I see as a point in its favour. It contains all that the other novels do, epic landscapes, developed characters that develop themselves as the plot is driven forward, epic battle scenes, intriguing politics and well-constructed magic. I call it that because the system of magic used doesn't take the "silly" route where it all becomes a bit extreme, and Brooks doesn't use magic to remove plot holes as some writers are tempted to do, when asked, "How did this happen?" he doesn't shrug his shoulders and say, "Magic." It doesn't beat around the bush to boost its page count, either. Deaths of characters are never melodramatic and dragged out to a point where you think to yourself, "Well, to be honest I wasn't that keen on him..." but you still feel a sense of the characters' loss, just without them moping and moaning for a whole other chapter. Overall, a stonking good read, essential for any fans of fantasy, especially Tolkien fans. Nothing more remains to be said except this: READ IT.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Gianluca Memoli
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful in its original language...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 October 2023
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    I read this boof for the first time in Italian...almost 40 years ago. It was probably my first fantasy book. How much has fantasy changed in all these years?! A lot.

    But still, this book is a must...and there is a special pleasure read it in its original language. The careful choice of adjectives to follow the evolution of the characters and places is uprecedented...and very difficult to be captured in other languages.
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  • Mr N J Skoyles
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sensational Shannara
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 June 2016
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    I am a big fan of fantasy but had somehow managed to never read any Terry Brooks. I recently watched the Shannara chronicles on tv and really enjoyed it. Working on the premise the books are usually better than their screen adaptations due to there being so much detail and quite often more story in the books I decided to give the series ago. The tv series was based on the elfstones of Shannara book 2 of the chronicles. I however wanted to start at the beginning of the series. I am so glad I did. This is a rich and full bodied epic fantasy. I was really impressed with the story telling, character development and detail. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I think I have been introduced to an author and series of books which is going to happily occupy my time for the foreseeable future.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Mark
    3.0 out of 5 stars Simple Action-Adventure Fantasy
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 March 2023
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Bad: A shallow fantasy world - often nonsensical and with little grounding - bloated with unnecessary adjectives that mostly act as filler.

    Good: Dungeons and Dragons-esque, swords and spells fantasy action. There is always some event happening next that compels the reader to investigate. Not much - if any - thought required. The mind can be put in neutral gear.

    Summary:

    Very much and American take on a fantasy novel, and of its era - it could easily be the script for an 80’s movie, complete with prosthetic monsters and the like.

    It doesn’t demand much attention or philosophical input, which is actually nice for a change - just keep turning the pages.

    The language is oftentimes annoying: “he glared with sorrow and hatred”. That is not a direct quote, but certainly the gist of it.

    The plots rely heavily and convenient timing and cliff hangers. Very Hollywood-style.

    The world feels like an afterthought with little grounding. Even though Tolkien’s Middle Earth isn’t real, it feels unfathomably deep and alive. I don’t think this is a fair comparison.

    Also, Dwarfs (Dwarves!) live in trees now. Sad times.

    This would be the best novel ever for a 14 year-old.

    However, I am enjoying it for what it is. It is in no way challenging to the reader, but the author isn’t trying to be some pretentiously philosophical smarty-pants.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Clive Gullam
    5.0 out of 5 stars First Class
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 December 2023
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    First read this book over thirty years ago .
    Still one of the best books written in the fantasy fiction class
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  • Alan Montana
    4.0 out of 5 stars Sword and sorcery masterpiece
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 April 2016
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    The book would get 5 stars if at times I didn't feel as if I was reading a mirror image of the lord of the rings . but the characters are strong and the writing style is very enjoyable . thoroughly worth a read if you like a bit of fantasy
    One person found this helpful
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  • Denise Browne
    5.0 out of 5 stars memories
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 August 2023
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    As good today as the first time I read it in 1982.
    The land, it’s people all come to life.
    You have time to get to know the characters and care what becomes of them.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • LadyRoci
    3.0 out of 5 stars I couldn't finish them. No los he podido terminar.
    Reviewed in Spain on 23 May 2019
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    I am an avid reader and I love fantasy but this book was just boring and the quality of the writing was disappointing. I tried to read them several times but it was so dull I always ended up putting it away. Sorry, just not for me.

    Soy una lectora entusiasta y me encanta la fantasía pero este libro es simplemente demasiado aburrido y la calidad de la escritura es decepcionante. Lo he intentado leer y retomar en varias ocasiones pero siempre acabo dejándolo a un lado y escogiendo otras lecturas.
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  • Chris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the Story
    Reviewed in Canada on 27 January 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I can see LotR influence but its still one of my favorite books of all time.
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  • Kelly Hardt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Maravilhoso
    Reviewed in Brazil on 2 September 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Muito bom!
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  • Client d'Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars belle découverte !
    Reviewed in France on 7 December 2020
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Je n'avais pas pris autant de plaisir depuis longtemps!
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  • Ritu
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!
    Reviewed in India on 8 December 2015
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Amazing story, you will get lost in the wonderful world the writer has created. Recommended for all epic fantasy lover.
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