Bearers Of The Black Staff (Legends Of Shannara #1) (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
For people like me who are testing the waters of the Fantasy Ocean, this was a very good read. What i liked most about the book were the parallels it drew with the modern world-wherein the voice of reason is disregarded by the powers that be-as these might threaten the belief systems that help them hold power over the majority. Good fantasy touches one's heart and mind by building parallels/ analogies that one can examine and learn lessons from-which in turn can be applied in our world.Just imagine- what would have happened if everyone in Glenskwood had embraced Sider and Pantera/ Prue's concerns and had acted upon them? Instead of plotting to put an end to them?There are 2 minor problems with this book:Problem 1:it seems to have been written with a sequel in mind (The Measure of Magic). Merging the two into one entity would have been a more plausible option- as it would have answered all the niggling queries that the book raises when Sider passes on the mantle to Panterra:- would Panterra again become a solitary soldier who is respected but not necessarily heeded to?- what happens to Prue?- does Panterra succeed in accomplishing what Sider could not- uniting the races against the Trolls?Problem 2: Good fantasy provides a nice kaleidoscopic peek into backstories of the myriad characters that make it up. This is a sore missing point in this book which houses so many unforgettable characters. I would have loved to read about Delanion Inch for instance- or about circumstances taht led Panterra and Prue to become trackers My return to the world of Shannara was a pleasant experience, thankfully I'm interested enough in the plot to have picked up the second book. Some of Brooks's tropes remain the same. He's not doing anything too different from when I left the series way back in High Druid of Shannara, but I guess consistency is good in it's own way. We'll see if I still will continue after this, maybe give HDoS another shot. A fun romp with young heroes coming into their own.
What do You think about Bearers Of The Black Staff (Legends Of Shannara #1) (2010)?
An action packed tale exactly what you expect from Terry Brooks
—Sydney
