Books › The First King of Shannara (Prequel to the Shannara Series)
The First King of Shannara (Prequel to the Shannara Series)
544 pages
A sweeping, traditional epic fantasy that builds a desperate alliance against an encroaching tide of dark magic.
What it feels like
Reading this prequel feels like returning to the comforting, grand roots of classic high fantasy. The narrative unfolds at a steady, deliberate pace, building a sweeping and ominous atmosphere as a lone outcast races to unite fractured lands against an overwhelming evil. The prose is descriptive and earnest, carrying a mythic weight that perfectly suits the tale of forging legendary weapons and desperate alliances. It is a story steeped in the burden of destiny and the heavy cost of wielding magic. Fans of traditional, quest-driven epics will devour this heroic journey, finding deep satisfaction in its clear-cut stakes, sweeping battles, and the timeless struggle of light standing firm against the encroaching dark.
- Mood
- sweeping
- ominous
- heroic
- adventurous
- Tone
- earnest
- mythic
- dramatic
- traditional
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- burden of destiny · unity against evil · the cost of magic · forging alliances · sacrifice
- The writing
- Descriptive and slightly formal, echoing the grand, sweeping tradition of classic high fantasy.
- The arc
- Moves from isolated foreboding and desperate preparation to a triumphant but costly stand against overwhelming darkness.
- Who it's for
- Readers who crave classic, quest-driven epic fantasy with clear-cut battles between good and evil and legendary magical artifacts.
Content notes
- fantasy violence
- war themes
- dark magic
About the book
Horrified by the misuse of magic they had witnessed during the First War of the Races, the Druids at Paranor devoted themselves to the study of the old sciences, from the period before the collapse of civilization a thousand years before. Only the Bremen and a few trusted associates still studied the arcane arts. And for his persistence, Bremen found himself outcast, avoided by all but the few free-thinkers among the Druids.But his removal from Paranor was not altogether a terrible thing, for Bremen learned that dark forces were on the move from the Northlands. That seemingly invincible armies of trolls were fast conquering all that lay to their south. That the scouts for the army--and its principal assassins--were Skull Bearers, disfigured and transformed Druids who had fallen prey to the seductions of the magic arts. And that at the heart of the evil tide was an archmage and former Druid named Brona!Using the special skills he had acquired through his own study of Magic, Bremen was able to penetrate the huge camp of the Troll army and learn many of its secrets. And he immediately understood that if the peoples of the Four Lands were to escape eternal subjugation they would need to unite. But, even united, they would need a weapon, something so powerful that the evil magic of Brona, the Warlock Lord, would fail before its might...
Description from Open Library.
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