I recently found Terry Brooks’ Sword of Shannara series, as one who enjoys fantasy and magical adventures I was excited. I have now read many of his books and am starting the High Druid of Shannara trilogy beginning with the first book Jarka Ruus.
Jarka Ruus begins twenty years after the return from the Old World by the remaining crew of the Jerrle Shannara.
Voyage of the Jerele
In the previous adventure the descendant of the original bearer of the Sword of Shannara, Bek Ohmsford, must find a way to save the world and his sister Grainne now known as the Isle Witch. This adventure is faced with many perils, not including the fact that the Isle Witch wishes to kill Bek and his companions. [Spoiler] In the end the Druid Walker charges Grainne, who has been rescued from the clutches of the Morgawr (her captor/mentor) to take up the Druid cause.
Jarka Ruus
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| Map of the World of Shannara [Brooks, 2017 Endpapers] |
Grainne has risen as the Ard Rhys of the new Druid order but not all is as good as it appears. She still has many enemies who she wronged while the Isle Witch. The dark path which those who hate her have chosen take them to an even darker place. A group led by Shadea plot to remove her from power and take over the order. The plan works and carries Grainne beyond the Forbidding (where evil is kept at bay, check out the other books in the world of Shannara to learn more). Hope seems lost except for one boy Penderrin (Pen), Grainne’s nephew. Grainne’s faithful servant Tagwen goes in search of her brother in hopes of saving her after all, Bek has magic too. When Bek is nowhere to be found, seeks Pen’s help. As they go they meet both friends and foes in their search to help Grainne. Each of the companions has their own strength and misgivings. The adventure is continued in the second book Tanequil following Pen and his companions to help Grainne.
Review
This book is for those who enjoy adventures and fantasy. I enjoyed the book because I had read the other books in the World of Shannara. I would recommend this book for those who like fantasy but only after reading at least The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy where Grainne and Bek are introduced. For a fuller understanding of the world began with Shannara then read The Heritage of Shannara followed by the Voyage and this book. [for a full list of reading order suggestion check out Brooks’ website]. The writing style moves the reader into the world. Each character can stand on their own. While the book is made better by understanding the world it can stand alone if you want to read this story alone. Another interesting point is the Steampunk/modern elements present in this world through the airships alongside the Druid magic. Each story has been more exciting than the previous.
References
Brooks, T. (2003). High Druid of Shannara: Jarka Ruus. New York: Del Rey.
Brooks, T. (2017). Reading orders. Retrieved from http://terrybrooks.net/books/reading-orders/
Goodreads. (2017). High Druid of Shannara: Jarka Ruus [Image]. Retrieved from
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