Bearers Of The Black Staff (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
Bearers of the Black Staff by Terry Brooks is the first book in the Legends of Shannara series set in the Shannara universe. The book takes place about 500 years after the events which took place in the Genesis of Shannara series. The valley where the assorted followers of Hawk settled has been kept safe by the magical mists which surrounded it but now the mists are receding. The main hero in the story is Sider Ament who is the bearer of the black staff of the knights of the world. After he discovers monsters from the outside world in the valley he goes hunting for the monster that leaves while leaving the rangers Panterra Qu and Prue Liss to warn the rest of the valley. They warn their people who don't believe their warning but the elves are more willing to deal with the threat. Their princess Phryne goes on another exploratory journey where they discover a large army of trolls who now threaten the valley. The story introduces many interesting characters and a world where nothing is as it appears on the outside. All the authorities seem to have secrets that they are hiding. I enjoyed the suspense and felt it was well written and I can't wait to read the next book. I have read many of the Shannara books before, but none that preceded The First King of Shannara in the world's time frame. It was a joy to revisit Shannara! I found myself immersed in the story. I appreciate the ambiguity in some of the characters, leaving a sense of uncertainty of who may be friend or foe. And even knowing that Shannara continues beyond this Legend of Shannara stories from reading previously published works, I found myself uncertain of the outcome. Brooks has a storytelling ability that makes me plan to star the next book in this series as soon as I finish this review, and has caught the attention of my middle schooler, who is just starting The Sword of Shannara.
What do You think about Bearers Of The Black Staff (2010)?
Great book! I've always enjoyed his books and I'm glad I have the next one to start up right away!
—jimmieb
Better as an audio book. Then you don't notice the inconsistencies.
—indiana
