Review: Bearers of the Black Staff: Terry Brooks

Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Del Rey (August 24, 2010)
English
ISBN-10: 0345484177
ISBN-13: 978-0345484178
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Characters:

Phryne Amarantyne – Elven Princess
Panterra Xu – Human Tracker
Sider Ament – Knight of the Word

Synopsis:

It’s been 500 Years since The Children of the Hawk were led into the new world. The barrier that once protected it is now breaking down. Creatures from the old world are getting through and bent on destruction. Panterra and Prue, two human trackers, find this out when the bodies of two other trackers are found near the barrier.

They find that the killers of their friends were two creatures they’d never encountered before. Meeting Sider Ament, someone they’d heard rumors of from childhood, they are told about the border breaking down, and given the task to warn the people. However, that task isn’t as easy as it seems.

Review:

I’m a big Terry Brooks fan. I have to run out each time a new book is released and purchase a copy. This was no exception. Like most of his books though, it’s not a complete series. That being said, it sometimes leaves you wanting more. I did want more after the story. There was a big buildup, and now I have to wait until the next book to find out how things are resolved. However, I can’t complain about that. I had it happen in a previous book, the character felt something grab his hand, and then I didn’t find out until a year later what happened. So Cliffhangers are pretty much a staple for Mr. Brooks.

There was a lot you expect from the Fantasy genre such as this. There were betrayals, those who didn’t appear to be what they seem, those who refuse to believe there’s a problem, etc. A lot of obstacles for the chacters to overcome. There are also a lot of relationship development with the characters. That is one of my favorite aspects. I feel the closeness of these characters, and can feel the genuine caring between them.

If you like Fantasy and have read all of Mr. Brook’s other Shannara novels, I think you’d enjoy this one. If you haven’t read any of his books before, I’d suggest starting with either Sword of Shannara or Running with the Demon and building up to this book. Otherwise you might be left feelin a bit flat.

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