Straken

Paul Boehmer's dramatic narration picks up this story with the young Penderrin continuing his quest to release his aunt from the Forbidding. Meanwhile his aunt, trying to survive while she awaits his coming (which was foretold), makes some important decisions about her future, and the Druids are attempting to protect their world from the forces unleashed at the time of her imprisonment there. Suspense and intrigue are fuel for Boehmer's earnest and steadfast presentation. He uses timing and tonality to good advantage in bringing alive the range of characters of many species that populate these worlds. Boehmer's engagement creates an energy and clarity that will guide newcomers to the series and welcome back followers. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

September 1, 2005
In bestseller Brooks's satisfactory conclusion to his High Druid of Shannara trilogy (after 2004's Tanequil ), young Pen Ohmsford retrieves the "darkwand," whose magic will allow him to enter the Forbidding and find his aunt Grianne Ohmsford, the Ard Rhys of the lawful Druids and the Straken queen. Meanwhile, though the elven army has been defeated, Pied Sanderling leads a desperate (and well-depicted) commando-style operation to destroy a secret superweapon of the Federation. Pen's parents are simply trying to find their son. While the author may not equal the wit of his earlier Magic Kingdom of Landover series, his characterization has grown substantially more sophisticated over the years, and both his optimism about the triumph of virtue and his avoidance of graphic sex and slaughter make this series an excellent starting place for younger readers wishing to explore high fantasy. Agent, Anne Sibbald at Janklow & Nesbit .

June 1, 2006
Straken is the finale to this epic fantasy of high adventure. Grianne Ohmsford, Ard Rhys of the Druid order, is rescued from her entrapment in the Forbidding by her steadfast nephew Pendarrin. He was forced to overcome danger and make sacrifices at every turn while Grianne had her hands full just staying alive in a land overpopulated with the evil minions of Faerie. She is freed just in time to win her final confrontation with the traitor druid Shadea aRu. War between the Federation and the Freeborn, diabolic weapons of destruction, a demon loose and threatening to release all the creatures of the Forbidding make for enough mischief to occupy trolls, elves, dwarves, and humans in a classic struggle of good vs. evil. Magic, always useful in a pinch, helps the heroes only when accompanied by true motives and nimble thought. Brooks includes appealing characters, exotic settings, and a fast-paced plot filled with plenty of suspense. Paul Boehmers mellow tone and perfect pace create a fine listening experience. Recommended for any library that holds or plans to acquire the other parts of the trilogy.Janet Martin, FirstHealth of the Carolinas, Pinehurst, NC

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