Book Review: Ilse Witch

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Ilse Witch     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Terry Brooks
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Series: Voyage of the Jerle Shannara # 1
Ballantine, Sep 2000, $26.95, 464 pp.

Hunter Predd, on his Roc Obsidian, was patrolling near Wing House when he notices a man clinging to a piece of wood in the raging waters. He rescues the man who barely survives. He takes the man to a healer, but hides the map and bracelet the victim carried. He takes them to the Elf King Allordon Elessedil who recognizes the bracelet as that worn by his brother when last seen thirty years ago. Allordon’s sibling searched for valuable treasure using the now missing Elfstones of Shannara.

Allordon summons Walker, the last Druid, to visit him though they have not talked to one another in years. Upon learning what Allordon knows, Walker realizes the importance of the treasure as a powerful magical tool that could change the world order. They agree to form a team to find the treasure even as though Walker knows that his greatest enemy, the Witch Isle, watches them to gain possession for herself.

Twenty-three years have passed since the release of the exciting THE SWORD OF SHANNARA. That world and the environs of THE VOYAGE OF JERLE SHANNARA: ILSE WITCH are quite different. However, both books and the many in between share in common the writer’s ability to make that imaginary world seem real. This epic fantasy is filled with brilliant characters, an enthralling story line, and an urge that leaves the audience obsessing for the next two novels in the latest trilogy. Terry Brooks remains a master storyteller who makes the unbelieveable seem genuine.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner