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The most rewarding aspect to writing for Brooks is “when someone who never read a book reads [one of mine] and says that the experience changed everything and got them reading.” Because of his very engaging, quick-flowing writing style, countless numbers of young people have been introduced to the wonderful world of reading through Brooks’s adventures. The miraculous thing, however, is that these same fans – whether they’re now 20, 30, or 40 years old – still devour each new release like a starving man would a steak dinner. Credit Brooks’s boundless imagination, endearing characters, fresh storylines and underlying complexities for keeping his older, more discerning audience hooked.
Brooks began writing when he was just ten years old, but he did not discover fantasy until much later. As a high school student he jumped from writing science fiction to westerns to adventure to nonfiction, unable to settle on one form. That changed when, at the age of 21, Brooks was introduced to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien provided Brooks with a forum “that would allow him to release onto paper his own ideas about life, love, and the wonder that fills his world," according to his web site.
In 1977, after six trying years, Brooks published novel his first novel, The Sword of Shannara. And quickly it gave him – and his publisher (the newly created Ballantine imprint, Del Rey) – quite a thrill; the fantasy adventure featuring the young Halfling, Shea Ohmsford; the mysterious wizard Allanon; Flick, the trusty companion; and the demonic Warlock Lord, was not only well received -- it was a smash, spending over five months on The New York Times bestseller list. In 1982 Brooks released the follow-up, The Elfstones of Shannara (which Brooks says may be his favorite), to equal success. He closed out the initial trilogy in 1985 with The Wishsong of Shannara, and has since completed two more Shannara sets, The Heritage of Shannara books and the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara books.
As fans of Brooks know, the man doesn’t like to stay put. “I lived in Illinois for the first 42 years of my life, and I told myself when I left in 1986 that I would never live any one place again,” Brooks said. He now spends his time between his homes in Seattle and Hawaii; he and his wife also spend a great deal of time on the road each year connecting with the fans. These same nomadic tendencies are also apparent in his writing. Instead of staying comfortably within his proven, bestselling Shannara series, Terry frequently takes chances, steps outside, and tries something new. His marvelous Landover and Word & Void series are the results. While both are vastly different from Shannara, they are equally compelling. Word & Void – a contemporary, dark urban fantasy series set in a fantasy-touched Illinois – is quite possibly Brooks’s most acclaimed series. The Rocky Mountain News called the series’ first two books (Running with the Demon and The Knight of the Word “two of the finest science fiction/fantasy novels of the 20th century.”
The Sword of Shannara was also the first work of fiction to ever hit The New York Times trade paperback bestseller list. Thanks to a faithful and growing fan base, the books continue to reach the list.
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace was not Terry's first novelization. He also novelized Steven Spielberg's 1991 movie, Hook.
Brooks’s The Phantom Menace novelization is also not his only connection to George Lucas. Both The Sword of Shannara and the original Star Wars novel, A New Hope, were edited by Judy Lynn del Rey and published in the same year (1977) to blockbuster success.
The Sword of Shannara was initially turned down by DAW Books. Instead, DAW sent Terry to Lester del Rey, who recognized Terry’s blockbuster potential and bought it. And the rest, they say, is history.
Brooks’s influences include: J.R.R. Tolkien, Alexander Dumas, James Fenimore Cooper, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Louis Stevenson, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and Mallory's Morte d'Arthur.
The_Speakman
Posted July 9, 2012
I Also Recommend:
The Druid Allanon has long been one of my favorite fantasy characters. The original Shannara novels -- The Sword of Shannara, The Elfstones of Shannara: 2 (The Sword of Shannara), and The Wishsong of Shannara: 3 (The Sword of Shannara) -- are some of the best epic fantasy available and it is largely due to Allanon. He is dark, powerful, and mysterious, a great combination that has led many fans like myself wanting to know more.
Terry Brooks has finally given us more. ALLANON'S QUEST takes place before The Sword of Shannara, when Allanon has the same responsibilities but he's a bit younger -- a bit untried. I loved the twists that Terry threw into the story, and getting an entire short story from Allanon's Point of View was fantastic. Anyone who loves the original trilogy and the Druid in particular will want to read this! And at $.99, it is completely worth it and much more. It even makes me want to re-read the original trilogy! I have no doubt I won't be the only one who wants to do that after reading this!
7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 10, 2012
Well writen and leaves you wanting more! I recommend reading this if you want to know what happens prior to the start of the sword of shannara and if you have not read it start here makes me want to reread the classic! Probably will ! Allanon is by far my favorite druid and I know the rest of you fantasy readers will love him. Great job Terry keep the stories coming!!!!!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 9, 2012
Allanon is a great character in the World of Shannara. He is a powerful druid that has the weight of the world on his shoulders. This short story is a prequel to Terry's first novel the Sword of Shannara and the author never disappoints.
If you haven't read Terry Brooks Shannara novels you are missing out on wonderful stories set in a magical world. I highly recommend this and all of Terry's novels. Great stuff!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 12, 2012
This short story is awesome. Is a great addition to the Shannara timeline, if you like Terry Brooks then you will love this.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 12, 2012
The most compelling character of all Brooks novels... at least I think so. Great little snippet and can't wait for more!
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 25, 2012
Im bias. Theres nothing of his i dont like. The kingdom series is his best!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 20, 2012
The search for Shea Ohmsford by Allanon was given additional depth by Terry Brooks in the form of a short story, and I found it enjoyable, and easily read in one sitting. It reminds me of recollections by past generations of the reading habits of a different time, when their reading material, especially fictions, was given in small doses in the various newpapers and periodicals of the time. It was prudent to supply only a chapter at a time to the public, and keep them coming back for more of a popular author. The short story helped me read something new and fresh by Terry Brooks, and inform me of a new series being written presently by him.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 4, 2012
wish it had been much longer
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted September 3, 2012
Great short prelude to Sword of Shannara. Typical Terry Brooks. Great story from a great storyteller.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 24, 2012
Nice short story,my first intro to Terry Brooks
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 29, 2012
I loved this little snippet. I want more.
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.A lot of fun. Makes a great prologue to The Sword of Shannara.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 18, 2012
this is great i always had questions about things and this answered them i had to re read sword after words thank you for all your great trips i have taken in yout books
i recommend this to anyone who follows the series
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.It is very short, but well worth the read if you are a fan of the series.
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Posted February 13, 2013
Terry Brooks is always a great read. This is just a taste that makes you want for more.
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Posted February 11, 2013
It was nice to read some of the preliminary history running up to the Sword of Shannara. It was a little too short; would have liked a little more in depth story, but it was a fun little read. I'm a fan of all the Shannara books, so I am slightly bias. It does have an interesting turn at the end which was not expected. Good job Terry!
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Posted November 26, 2012
Rip-off.
0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted August 27, 2012
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Posted August 15, 2012
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Posted April 11, 2013
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Overview
The history is thus: The once-Druid Brona, seduced by his pursuit of dark magic, was forever transformed into the Warlock Lord—whose evil would be the downfall of the Four Lands and the death of the ...