The Sword of Shannara

[Editor's note: The following is a combined review with THE ELFSTONES OF SHANNARA and THE WISHSONG OF SHANNARA.] -- Actor Theodore Bikel brings a strong authority to this fantasy series involving the aftermath of the wars of the ancient evil, featuring gnomes, elves, warlocks, Druids, and many other typical fantasy objects, scenes and characters. The Sword can only be used by a true heir of Shannara; elfstones guard against evil; and so does the magic wishsong, which can make plants bloom or turn green to autumn gold. Bikel's deep, slow, precise voice transitions into characterizations as he performs the various parts effortlessly, and with consummate skill. D.R.W. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine