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netsirk35's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
sagabroome's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
squidlord23's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
aidanmoher's review
5.0
A return of form of sorts for Brooks, who is back to writing large, sweeping epic fantasy after spending a decade or more focusing on smaller stories. The Black Elfstones is vast in its scope and implications, and brings to mind the best of Brooks' last big epic, The Heritage of Shannara series.
As much as I've enjoyed some of the recent Shannara novels (after not enjoying several in a row over), this one is far and away Brooks' best work in a long time. Brooks is promising an end to the Shannara series with this new four-book set, and things are off to a very promising start with The Black Elfstone.
Full review: http://www.tor.com/2017/06/09/book-reviews-the-black-elfstone-by-terry-brooks/
As much as I've enjoyed some of the recent Shannara novels (after not enjoying several in a row over), this one is far and away Brooks' best work in a long time. Brooks is promising an end to the Shannara series with this new four-book set, and things are off to a very promising start with The Black Elfstone.
Full review: http://www.tor.com/2017/06/09/book-reviews-the-black-elfstone-by-terry-brooks/
andydcaf2d's review
4.0
Getting close to the end, loved the cliffhangar ending. Can't wait for the next one!!!
righter_of_words's review
4.0
3.5 stars
Much, much better than Brooks' previous trilogy (the decidedly flawed though honestly attempted Defenders of Shannara books). With the Shannara series winding down, there is a lot of nostalgia attached to this book, so fans of Brooks will appreciate it - perhaps more than recent fans.
Still, this story is engaging, the main three characters (though very archetypal) are sympathetic and have good dynamics with one another. Parts I was able to see coming, though that could be coming from my knowledge of the world of Shannara rather than Brooks making obvious narrative choices, so this is not a bad thing. The things I did not see coming (such as Tavo, a character I was utterly unprepared for) made up for it.
Speaking of characters, while Dar Leah is a near-exact replica of his predecessor Paxon Leah, fulfills the role the narrative requires of him. The same goes for Drisker Arc, whom fans surely cannot avoid comparing to Allanon - the Druid all Druids aspire to be. Still, it was Drisker's bond with Dar and Tarsha that made me invested in his story more than anything else about him and his Allanon-iness. I wish Brooks could write more than the same three characters, but I can't do much about that.
The best character to me, however, is neither of these men. After the disappointing female characters of the Defenders trilogy (Chrysallin and Leofur), seeing the headstrong, talented, yet still not fully grown into herself Tarsha Kaynin was a refreshing experience. She recalls previous Shannara women like Amberle, Wren, and even Nest Freemark, without being an exact copy. I could see how some might find her a bit annoying, but as I see it, she knows what she wants and is determined and resourceful in her attempts to achieve those ambitions, even if her decisions are perhaps not the most wise. I also appreciate that she is not confident and opinionated all the time, but rather still has doubts and concerns about her magic and her life.
This is a must-read for fans of Brooks, and I would not be surprised if it creates many new fans as well. Now if only I didn't have to wait for next June to read the next book...
Much, much better than Brooks' previous trilogy (the decidedly flawed though honestly attempted Defenders of Shannara books). With the Shannara series winding down, there is a lot of nostalgia attached to this book, so fans of Brooks will appreciate it - perhaps more than recent fans.
Still, this story is engaging, the main three characters (though very archetypal) are sympathetic and have good dynamics with one another. Parts I was able to see coming, though that could be coming from my knowledge of the world of Shannara rather than Brooks making obvious narrative choices, so this is not a bad thing. The things I did not see coming (such as Tavo, a character I was utterly unprepared for) made up for it.
Speaking of characters, while Dar Leah is a near-exact replica of his predecessor Paxon Leah, fulfills the role the narrative requires of him. The same goes for Drisker Arc, whom fans surely cannot avoid comparing to Allanon - the Druid all Druids aspire to be. Still, it was Drisker's bond with Dar and Tarsha that made me invested in his story more than anything else about him and his Allanon-iness. I wish Brooks could write more than the same three characters, but I can't do much about that.
The best character to me, however, is neither of these men. After the disappointing female characters of the Defenders trilogy (Chrysallin and Leofur), seeing the headstrong, talented, yet still not fully grown into herself Tarsha Kaynin was a refreshing experience. She recalls previous Shannara women like Amberle, Wren, and even Nest Freemark, without being an exact copy. I could see how some might find her a bit annoying, but as I see it, she knows what she wants and is determined and resourceful in her attempts to achieve those ambitions, even if her decisions are perhaps not the most wise. I also appreciate that she is not confident and opinionated all the time, but rather still has doubts and concerns about her magic and her life.
This is a must-read for fans of Brooks, and I would not be surprised if it creates many new fans as well. Now if only I didn't have to wait for next June to read the next book...
saf7d8c9's review
4.0
Much better than the previous book in the series, which is should be skipped. This books has the elements made previous books in the series much better.
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