Elfstones Of Shannara (Paperback)

The only real character carried over from SOS is Alanon. Eventine and Flick have cameos of a sort but are not main charaters in this story. Instead we have a great lead character in Wil Ohmsford. He unlike virtually every other Ohmsford in the various Shannara stories has a carrer. He is a self made man who has worked hard to get where he is in life. He is young adult, not a teen as most other Ohmsfords when they are wisked away on a journey. I think many readers can identify with Wil as he is a young person just starting out in life with all the uncertainities that come with that age. Next we have a great supporting cast. Ander, Amberle, Allanon and Eretria are all given good character development. The Rovers were also fun to read about. Obviously the Rovers are the Brooks equivelent of Gypsies and I found their lifestlye and practices to be a nice additon to the story.

Oddly, when compared to his other Shannara writings, Brooks seems to have been able to describe a love story that really works. Unlike the relationship between Menion & Shirl that was under deveoped in SOS, the relationship between Brin and Rone in THE WISHSONG OF SHANNARA(WOS) that was over developed or the relationship between Bek and Little Red in THE VOYAGE OF THE JERELE SHANNARA trilogy that was somehow never really explained but more graphic than any of the other relationships mentioned the relationship between Amberele & Wil is a treat to watch unfold. Eretria adds to the story by making the love story a love triangle so that the reader is never quite sure how it will end.

I thought the demons made for great villans. Unlike the Skull Bearers in SOS and the Mord Wraiths in WOS which had no individual personality the demons in EOS had individual personalities and that made them a lot more interesting to read about.

I have read this book many times. I agree with the other reviewers that it is an original story. When I first read the book I began to suspect the fate of Amberle but even so the ending was so saddening that it may well bring tears to the eyes of the reader. During subsequent readings I think it was pretty clear early on where this books ending was headed. However, I think that depends on what type of reader you are. Are you the type that reads and tries to anticipate what will happen or do you allow yourself to be swept along with the story not giving a lot of thought to what will happen. I am second type. There is actually a slight pick me to the sad ending on the final two pages of the book that may uplift the readers disposition.

Lastly, this is a great blend of fantasy, action and romance. While Brooks other works are for the most part good this is his best work!