(Originally reviewed on Otherwhere Gazette)

One of the saddest things I see in modern science fiction and fantasy is when an author, having created a world that sells books well, starts churning out books where the world doesn’t really change that much, and the characters keep doing the same thing over and over again. Many people will still buy these books, because of the familiarity of the author and the world, and maybe they reading about the same things over and over again, but they somehow fail to satisfy me.

However, Terry Brooks, in his Shannara series, seems to have avoided this trouble, at least up to the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy (to save typing, “Voyage” from this point forward), which honestly is as far as I’ve read in this series, not because I don’t want to, but it’s the old problem of lots of books in the reading pile, not a lot of time for them; something most readers should identify with. Fortunately, Voyage is available both as individual books, and as an omnibus edition, both in dead-tree and Kindle versions.

Voyage is the third series set in Shannara by publication date, and Brooks does a good job of injecting a large dose of science fiction into his fantasy world. There were hints of this in previous books, with items resembling modern flashlights, and people searching for the lost science of what they call the Old World, but it really comes to the fore in the Voyage trilogy, which firmly establishes Shannara as a post-apocalyptic world where magic has replaced science. In Voyage, an elf is found badly wounded, but with a mysterious map in his possession. The elves ask the current high druid, Walker, for his help. Based on the map, he puts together a team to follow where the map leads, using the “airship” Jerle Shannara as their base of operations. Along the way, Walker and his companions — including an Ohmsford, of course — encounter artifacts of the Old World, including computer chips and lasers. It’s not all science fiction, however, as the treasure thought to be at the end of the map’s route is also sought by the Ilse Witch, who has powerful magic of her own, and a burning desire to become powerful enough to defy her master, known only as the Morgawr.

Brooks is also not afraid to kill off old familiar characters, even powerful ones that made up a large part of the earlier stories. Most notable among these is Allanon, the druid who set the events of the original trilogy in motion. However, members of the Ohmsford family also appear, develop their various skills and talents, and then move aside for the next generation. While this may sound the repetition I decried above, the Ohmsford characters are different enough, both in skills and personality, that it doesn’t feel at all repetitive.

From the original Sword of Shannara trilogy, through the Heritage of Shannara tetralogy, and now into the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy, Brooks manages to keep telling new and fresh stories in a familiar world, adding to the world while keeping intact what he’s already written. By adding science fiction to his magical world, he opens a lot of new possibilities for storytelling, and I can’t wait to keep reading about Shannara.4 s Shadowdenizen829 39

The "Great Shanarra Re-Read" continues, albeit at a much slower pace than I anticipated. In this case, I generally agree with most of the , and the overall ratings for this trilogy.

IMO, one of the best of the series to date (keeping in mind I'm only half-way through the series at this point), with an interesting story and compelling characters, and firmly establishing [as hinted in previous books] the post-apocalyptic nature of the world of Shannara.

And? Walker Boh > Allanon!



terry-brooks3 s Mihir650 303


This is my favorite of all the Shannara series, focusing for the first and only time on a land which isn't Shannara. The series features Walker Boh the last druid who is still trying to form a council of druids. He receives a message from the elves that a past expedition has returned with some news about a new power. Walker soon decides on an expedition however faces a new enemy called Ilse witch who is also striving to similar ends.

Mixing magic, good characterization and the quintessential fantasy voyage, Terry Brooks gives the reader an excellent trilogy giving new characters to follow. favorites2 s Billy Maise219 2

I really d this particular Shannara trilogy. Instead of having the story based in the actual Shannara continent, the characters - who were all very memorable - embarked on this crazy journey across the sea in an airship. On the way they encountered all kinds of dangerous setbacks. I think it's cool how Morgawr ended with the Ilse Witch giving up her evil ways, and how she went on to play a huge part in the High Druid trilogy. Anyway, there was a lot of magic, action, and suspense. And there was a little bit of quasi-forbidden romance thrown in for kicks. 2 s Mick166

This series of books is terrific. Terry Brooks is as good as it gets in the fantasy realm and The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara is further proof. I read all three, The Ilse with, Antrax and Morgawr in two weeks mostly because I could not put it down at night and ended up losing a lot of sleep. The series has it all, compelling well drawn characters, pacing that leaves you breathless, unpredictable story lines, and wonderfully vivid writing to hold it all together. Highly recommended. fantasy2 s Dellene Maraccini1 review

Awesome

I didn't want to put it down. A great read for these cold days. Will tell my friends to read it too.2 s Buchdrache318 16

In der so facettenreichen Fantasy tun sich hin und wieder einzelne Autoren und Reihen besonders hervor. So auch die Welt der Shannaras von Terry Brooks, welche einst als Schatten Mittelerdes begann, doch längst daraus hervorgetreten ist. The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara ist eine Trilogie, die die gefährliche Expedition des Druiden Walkers in unbekannte Länder begleitet.

Als ein halb toter Elf an der Küste angespült wird, beginnt eine Zeit des Umbruchs. Denn dieser Elf ist der verschollene und totgeglaubte Bruder des Elfenkönigs Ahren Elessedil, der bei sich die Karte zu einem wertvollen Schatz trägt: die ebenso verloren geglaubten Elfensteine, die zu suchen er vor dreißig Jahren aufgebrochen war. Der Druide Walker Boh ersucht Ahren, um eine Expedition zu finanzieren, die die Elfensteine in einem fernen und fremden Land zu suchen. Doch schon kurz darauf treten ihre Feinde in Aktion und ermorden Ahren, um diese Expedition gar nicht erst zustande kommen zu lassen. Mit seinem letzten Atemzug leitet Ahren jedoch alles in die Wege, damit Walker dennoch aufbrechen kann. Er und seine Mannschaft werden dabei von tödlichen Gegenspielern verfolgt: Der Ilse Witch und ihrem Meister, dem Morgawr.

Das war mein erster Ausflug in die Welt von Shannara, im Nachhinein stellte sich jedoch heraus, dass diese Reihe innerhalb des Zyklus zwar unabhängig von den anderen Reihen gelesen werden kann, sie jedoch einige frühere Ereignisse spoilert (so unter anderem die Serie), was ein wenig ärgerlich war.

Das Worldbuilding sticht hier definitiv sehr heraus. Wir befinden uns in einer postapokalyptischen Welt, genauer gesagt: unserer Welt. Verheerende Kriege haben alle Länder gravierend verändert und die Menschheit nahezu ausgelöscht. Aus den Resten der Menschen sind Gnome, Zwerge und Trolle hervorgegangen, doch auch Wege zwischen den Dimensionen haben sich aufgetan, durch die Magie sowie Elfen und Dämonen in die Welt gelangen konnten. Noch immer finden sich Reste der alten Zivilisation der Menschen und letzte technische Relikte. Darunter ist zum Beispiel auch der Supercomputer Antrax, der die Ruinen von Casteldown bewacht, wohin Walkers Expedition ihn und seine Begleiter führt, um die Elfensteine und magische Bücher mit Wissen aus der alten Welt zu suchen. Dazu gibt es dann auch noch Steampunkelemente wie zum Beispiel Luftschiffe.

Brooks vermischt damit klassische High Fantasy, die diese Bücher immer noch vornehmlich sind, mit Elementen der Science Fiction, was wirklich sehr, sehr cool ist und auch ebenso gut umgesetzt wurde. Da gilt es dann zum Beispiel auf einmal, mit Magie und Schwertern gegen Cyborgs und durchdrehende Computer zu kämpfen. So ein Kontrast kommt einem definitiv selten unter die Finger, was eine sehr angenehme Abwechslung zum Einheitsbrei ist.

Ein wenig schmunzeln wird vielleicht der eine oder andere, wenn er gewisse Eigennamen wiedererkennt: Elessedil (was an Elessar erinnert), Faerie (aus Tolkiens Essay On Fairy-stories), Morrowindl (das Spiel The Elder Scorlls III: Morrowind), Alt Mer (Altmer, die Hochelfen aus den Elder Scrolls Spielen) und noch einige mehr. Mag natürlich Zufall sein, vielleicht aber auch nicht.

Das Buch nimmt sich Zeit und stellt die wichtigsten Charaktere neben Walker ausführlich vor. Auf der anderen Seite werden einige andere Expeditionsteilnehmer nur kurz angerissen oder gar nicht groß vorgestellt, was den Eindruck vermittelt, dass sie eher Kanonenfutter sind, die im Laufe der Expedition hops gehen, damit es die Hauptprotagonisten mit Plot armor nicht treffen muss. Das hat einen schalen Beigeschmack.

Eben weil manche Charaktere bei der Vorstellung gegenüber anderen etwas hinten über fallen gelassen wurden, kommt man manchmal etwas durcheinander, wer denn nun bei der Fülle an Charakteren wer war. Dadurch stolpert man auch manchmal über die Handlung und läuft Gefahr, etwas zu überblättern und nicht mehr ganz mitzukommen. Der rote Faden bleibt jedoch klar, außerdem gibt es immer wieder Stellen, bei denen man plötzlich wieder völlig am Ball bleibt und gar nicht mehr aufhören kann zu lesen, sodass ein paar Durststrecken dann doch in Vergessenheit geraten.

Und es gibt einige Plottwists, die einen teils ziemlich vom Hocker reißen. Wer ist denn nun der Junge Bek und wer ist eigentlich die Ilse Witch? Das waren Dinge, die durchaus einen »Woah, wie cool!«-Ausruf auslösen können.

The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara besticht in erster Linie durch ihr phantastisches Worlbuilding. Bei den Charakteren stolpert sie manchmal, sodass man nicht immer ganz folgen kann, hat aber auch wieder Momente, wo sie einen völlig in der Hand hat. Insgesamt also auf jeden Fall eine Empfehlung, die sich aus dem Einheitsbrei der High Fantasy löst und gleichzeitig doch zu den Klassikern des Genres gehört.1 Milena Siermi?ska273

Te best fantasy book EVER!!!1 Dietrich86 7

I consider Brooks’ Sword series and his Heritage series as “classic” Shannara. Though I don’t think the first series is nearly as good as the second-only Elfstones from the first series stands in the company of the Heritage series, and the first “series” is really only 3 loosely connected stand-alone tales-these two series are both “classic” in the sense that they articulate what most readers expect from a Brooks fantasy effort. The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara is not really a “classic” Shannara series in this sense. Of course, I would not deny the many similarities between Voyage and earlier Shannara work. The types of characters and the various talismans are all very familiar. However, Brooks’ alterations in this series give it a somewhat distinctive feel. So, if you are are new to Brooks and wish to experience Shannara, I would not start with Voyage. There is definitely more representative work. Also, though Voyage can be read with no prior Shannara experience, I think readers of Voyage who have already tackled Heritage will appreciate it more. Walker Boh figures prominently in both tales, and learning of Walker’s path to Druid status in Heritage helps one to understand and appreciate this character in Voyage. In fact, Voyage might most naturally appeal to fans of Walker from Heritage who are curious as to how his career as a Druid proceeds. Prospective readers of this trilogy might also want to consider that Voyage serves as the foundation/bridge to The High Druid trilogy. Though Voyage functions on some level as a complete story, it also initiates but does fully develop certain major plotlines which receive treatment in High Druid. In some sense, then, it makes sense to read Voyage if you are not averse to reading yet another Shannara trilogy after that. But enough qualifications. It should be said that Voyage is an enjoyable, accomplished addition to the world of Shannara, and is closer in quality to the Heritage series than to the lesser Sword series.


Voyage has very good plotting. The story seems straightforward at first (a castaway, a treasure map, competing rivals for the magical treasure, an attempt by the lone Druid Walker to find the treasure and thus salvage his dream of creating a Druid Council), but gets more complicated as various pieces of information are slowly revealed. The focus of the quest changes over time, and Brooks vividly illustrates a valuable and humane lesson about learning to discern one’s role in the present amidst crumbling aspirations. Brooks also does a good job coordinating the numerous plot threads in a highly readable manner. The story flows well, and there is a good balance between action and introspection. If you generally appreciate Brooks’ characterization, you will not be disappointed here. And Brooks puts a highly interesting twist on the relationship between the Ohmsfords in this series that works very well. Further, Brooks smoothly incorporates new elements into his Shannara universe. I must admit I was a little skeptical when I first heard this series involved flying ships, but Brooks does a fine job relating this new technology to the traditional Rover lifestyle and outlook.There is also a big focus on Artificial Intelligence in Voyage. This series incorporates “science” more than previous Shannara entries, but once again Brooks provides continuity as well as novelty. Brooks’ Shannara is post-apocalyptic, and he has always provided warnings concerning the misuse of modern science. The Artificial Intelligence horror show and nightmarish man/machine interface highlighted in Voyage is thus thematically consistent with Brooks’ earlier work. Another relative novelty in Voyage is how little of the story actually occurs in The Four Lands. Much of this novel takes place over the ocean, on little islands, and in the land of Parkasia. The series did not suffer because of the changed locale.

Voyage is a well crafted, creative and rewarding fantasy series. I’m tempted to give it a 5 star rating, especially considering how well it holds up to many new fantasy entries that frankly don’t live up to the marketing hype. However, I’m docking it a bit. The first two books do not function as self-contained tales, which is not necessarily a problem provided book 3 wraps everything up. However, book 3’s semi- “to be continued” feel leaves the reader (at least this reader) wanting a bit more closure than he gets after so many pages. Also, I’ll warn the potential reader that in my opinion, the High Druid trilogy that continues the story after the Voyage trilogy is a big drop in quality. Even so, Voyage is a solid effort with plenty of intrinsic pay-off.

4.5 stars 1 Charles Harrison319 1 follower

A long book deserves a long review. This one had to wait until I went on holiday because it is far too large to take on the train. I will reflect on the size first, reading these combined editions is always a bit of a challenge but I am glad I did with these. More so than the original trilogy (or 4) this is one story, there is little satisfaction in the endings of the first two books so I was glad I could seamlessly carry on. This said I will review the tale as an entire rather than three books even if it harms my yearly challenge.
Overall there is a marked improvement since the original trilogy (I skipped the middle set) which is kind of expected as it represents thousands of hours of honing his craft. The world is used particularly well with a rewarding number of references for those who know the lore without becoming bogged down with explanations. The post apocalyptic world was also used directly in the form of Antrax for the first time and done well. A good concept well executed which explained well some of the at first glance contrived elements of the story (Voyage of the Dawn Treader anyone?).
Un previous books I feel I knew the majority of the characters quite well. Sure there were a few expendable elven hunters and rovers to make up the numbers but everyone else was rich and had their own motivations.
My final point and what really makes Brooks' work stand out for me is how he kills off his characters. No one is safe from death but they all die well. That is not to say they all die heroically (although many do) but every death fits the character and advances the plot.
So in summary its a bit of a tome but a complete story which fits well into the easy reading exciting fantasy novel. I will probably read more of his works having read this one.1 Luis Bourdon7 1 follower

Renewed Admiration

Lately, I hadn't been into the Shannara saga very much. I'd read the first six books a couple of times, but they were familiar friends, and not much had changed over the years. Then I read The First King of Shannara, and the vulnerability of the characters and the scope of the worlds that Brooks had created inspired a renewed interest in the series.

I decided to pick up the next trilogy, and found myself captivated by the array of new characters with all the familiar names. It was a new beginning, and the intensity of this new Ohmsford-Leah quest was hard to stop reading.

This series continues the epic tale in a very thoughtful way. There is a puzzle that unravels slowly throughout the entire trilogy, and I was a sucker for it. I found myself reading at every opportunity I could contrive, and enjoyed this Shannara series it was new and fresh, yet still a familiar friend. 1 Major Havoc134 1 follower

Though this series starts out in a somewhat paint-by-numbers fashion, it veers into a bit of uncharted territory as it moves along. There is a significant amount of death and dying for a Shannara book (which is not a complaint), as well as some fairly grisly slaughter and even torture through bodily control (unable to command your limbs, yet still "awake" in your mind and forced to do horrible things). All in all, The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy is a darker Shannara tale, but that darkness does provide a welcome shift in the narrative once it gets going. Were it not for the drag through the first book in the series, I might have given this one 4 stars instead of 3.

I should note that this series does set up some key characters for later books in the Shannara world, so it is must reading for fans.1 John PepeAuthor 1 book9

This trilogy was wonderful. I was throuhgly immeresed in this series. Next to The Sword and Elfsones this seires of books was probably my favorite from Brooks. 1 Cat128 11

Omgosh. I love this book. I love it so much. Out of all the Shannara books, this is hands down my favourite. It just puts a different spin on the progress of technology and how things change but somethings always stay the same. About the futility of perfection or expectations but never giving up trying and striving. About love, in all it's forms. Hope. This is feel-good fantasy at it's best. You lose yourself and have your heart in your mouth, willing the characters to be ok! The characters were also some of the best Terry Brooks has written: their strengths, their flaws, hopes and dreams - some only featured for a brief space but were so drawn that you loved them too. I can't pick a favourite. They were all special in different ways. elves fantasy favorites ...more Chip Hunter576 6

While this trilogy at first seems to be something new for Brooks, with no major world-threatening Dark Lord or cataclysm looming, no massive battles between elvish and demon-inspired armies, and a new and world-altering technology in the Four Lands, in the end, we still get the same old Brooks here (which isn't really a bad thing). The characters are exactly the same as in previous books, just with new names (with the exception of the excellent and original Truhls Rohk and Ryer Ord Star). We have the Druid, the highlander, the dwarf, and the reluctant and confused young hero that can't figure out his place. The Druid still finds it necessary to conceal and deceive, and hates himself for it. The heroic brothers (er.. cousins here) promise to take care of each other while you just know something will come between them. And there are plenty of other parallels between this one and past Brooks books. So while this book describes a quest to find some powerful magic from the "Old World", and not a battle with an evil force bent on world domination, the story reads much the same as the previous Shannara works.

The majority of the first book, Ilse Witch, is spent introducing the rather large company that goes on the voyage. In fact, so much time was spent in early character development that most of the book felt slow, while the end felt rushed and ill-timed. After spending close to 300 pages assembling the company and describing the huge adventure to undertake, the actual journey and the excitement therein happens in the blink of an eye. Still, the ending is VERY good, and continues on in the next book. [4-stars]

Antrax is actually one of my very favorite Shannara books of all. With the character introductions, world-building, and plot set-up mostly taken care of in the first book, Brooks is able to jump right into the excitement here. And that excitement is intense and non-stop throughout the book. Perhaps the most action-packed of any Shannara book, this one is tough to put down. The same excellent characters continue to develop here as well. Each of the primary characters go through some intense physical and emotional trials, as they fight to complete their purposes or simply to stay alive. The secrets behind the unique and much-loved Truls Rohk continue to be revealed, as well as those behind Ryer Ord Star and the semi-sentient Antrax. Walker, Bek, Rue, Quentin and the Ilse Witch all approach their destinies, and each of their stories are completely captivating. [5-stars]

Unfortunately, the third and final book in the trilogy, Morgawr, was somewhat of a let-down. After the dramatic and twist-filled ANTRAX, this book just seemed slower and predictable. Nearly everything that happened was fully expected, turning out almost exactly you just knew it would. Besides that, all of the characters are going through personal crises, where they doubt themselves and beat themselves up mercilessly for past mistakes/regrets. I'm sorry, but reading about all of your favorite characters being depressed just doesn't make for an enjoyable experience. Sadly, this last book in the trilogy was quite a disappointment. [3-stars]

Overall, the trilogy fits in nicely with the rest of the Shannara universe, and shouldn't disappoint fans of Brooks. It also eases you right into the next trilogy, The High Druid of Shannara, which hasn't yet been published in this format. I do recommend getting VotJS in this version. Save yourself some money and some shelf space and have a nice-looking and high-quality book. Gurpreet K. Cheema260

Wonderful story about adventure

All for books in this Shannara book were wonderful read. I enjoyed them very much. It starts with the witch who is bad because of a bad person got hold of her as a child and ends with her being reborn into a good person with the help of a druid and her brother who she believes to be dead. Read on for more what happens in between how they help her what become of her after she is reborn. DOROTHY SILLS382

Airships! What a surprise, but a nice touch. I had felt bad about everyone walking thousands of miles and taking days/weeks to get to where ever they were going.
I that the Leah’s, Ohmsfords and Elessedils are still together. All three of the books are exciting and will keep you in a trance until the end. The voyage aboard the Jerle Shannara was intense and exciting.
I recommend this book to everyone who Sci-Fi. And especially Terry Brooks fans.
fantasy John Mackey143 7

Excellent Trilogy which once again proves Terry Brookd is a master story teller. In this triology a party of about 30 set out to a far away land to obtain Unknown magics for the four lands. But all is not as it seems. As time goes on and the goup of 30 become friends over the long voyage they end up face good, bad love and loss. And in the end one for which they thought to be their enemy turns out not to be. Octavia73 2

Fate, Right, and luck.

This book was a roller coaster. The characters were strong and well established. The plot line clear and understandable, yet interesting. The story was a metaphor for life in general. We all have to make our own way in the world but yet we aren't alone. There are obligations in life that have to be dealt with but how we do it is our choice. I recommend this book. Looking forward to what others glean from it. guy6

I think this book is one of Brooks' best (really the whole Jerle Shannara series is), right up there with The Elfstones of Shannara and the Wishong. Great book, kept me captivated from beginning to end. Trey Weller239 2

This trilogy might be my favorite of the Shannara series I've read thus far. Renn Daniels37 5

Terry Brooks is my escape for light hearted fantasy entertainment of the same genre as "Lord of the Rings." Wonderful and thrilling at the same time. Bende Zsuzsanna21

I started with this and I am still mesmerized my it:) Lisa6

Loved it!

Could not stop reading! It was completely page turning! I did not expect Walker to die so soon. Cannot wait to read the next book. Peter37

I enjoyed this but after taking more than 2 days off I would completely forget everything about it. Needs to be read consistently every single night. Did not finish. give-another-shot Elizabeth6 1 follower

Great read

I have enjoyed all of these books so far and I would recommend them to everyone that enjoys fantasy books Ruth L15

Another awesome adventure within The Four Lands. Alisha374 20

All three books in this Trilogy are excellent additions to the epic. The introduction of the airships and taking the journey outside of the Four Lands was an excellent way to keep things fresh. Plus the new types of ... "beings" which we have not yet met in the Shannara universe and how they interact with the ones we have add to the novelty.

The external challenges that are heroes face and their internal struggles to are, as always in this series, compelling and believable. (The only reason it took me so long to read was I was waiting for the library but i finally just bought the Shannara collection. Totally worth it.) Daniel4 Read

These books to me were a moment that really changed things, at least as far as I can recall. It's violent, and romantic, and adult (not in the x-rated sense), oh yeah. Different from anything I had seen up to that point, and while I can't vouch for its actual quality now, I do not remember being disappointed at all, with any of the three books. The ending left quite an impact on me, sort of melancholy instead of totally triumphant, I that. Mirrors the subtlty of real emotions, real experiences, I guess. Plus, it has robots. ROBOTS. And ELVES. How could you say no? Anyway, I really enjoyed this, some novel concepts and not completely standard fantasy, some cool ideas and quirks. Now that I think about it, this guy did it right, starting with the absolute basic and only once having a firm grasp of the standard, tentatively twisting the rules a bit. I'm referring to other books of his though. If you don't have respect for the basics, you won't get anywhere, yep. Melody Savage189 1 follower

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