The Elfstones of Shannara

Terry Brooks is a master of the fantasy epic, sustaining suspense as he builds layer upon layer of intertwined relationships between his unusual characters. Long before The ELFSTONES OF SHANNARA, the elves' "spell of forbidding" and their enchanted tree imprisoned all demons in "the nothingness." Now most believe it to be only a fable. BIG mistake. Narrator Scott Brick carries the multitude in Brooks's complex saga admirably well, with one glaring exception. Apparently, Wil Ohmsford, wielder of the Elfstones, as well as tons of dialogue, has stepped directly off the rugby fields of Eton sporting a snotty upper-class accent and an annoying whine. Luckily, the strong plot pulls the listener along regardless of the off-putting character of Ohmsford's speeches. P.H.M. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine


The second volume of Terry Brooks's Shannara trilogy tells the tale of Wil Ohmsford, who, with his magical and powerful Elfstones, must protect an elf named Amberle as she takes a seed from a magical tree to a place where it can grow. Malevolent forces bar the way. Charles Keating lends his voice to this Tolkienesque fantasy, an excellent match between reader and material. At six hours in length, this abridgment is satisfying--with a fast-moving story and clear delivery. S.D. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine