Measure Of The Magic, The: Legends Of Shannara (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
This novel is the second book of a duology. The first book must be read before this novel. In this book, we continue the story of Pan, Prue and Phryne. This book is about young people having to grow up and accept responsibility.This novel was a decent read but there are better novels in this universe. Usually when I read a Terry Brooks' novel I expect the tension to be built up and when we get to the ending it all comes together and explodes. I never had that anxiety of tension from this novel. There were times when the exposition was a little too long. There are some scenes that are fantastic and I did enjoy the ending. As of the characters, there was nothing special here. I liked them but they were never reached the level as something special in my eyes. Actually I enjoyed the villain in this novel and to me he is the most memorable. Terry Brooks has his formula with these books and most of the time it works with great results. In this duology it is just average.If you are a fan of the Shannara series I would recommend reading this section of the series. If you are new to this world I would suggest a different starting point. Great read!!! As for the critique that Brooks' plots are formulas, I've only read two, so I can't speAk to that yet. I thought the opening of the two books, 'The Bearer of the Black Staff' interesting to compare with 'The Measure of Magic.' Both books start with a descriptive passage of a traveling isolated figure. There is mystery surrounding this solitary character which compels the reader's attention. When I started the second book, I thought yeah that seems very similar. Then I was very surprised when the characters turned out to be so different. One you would like to know.the other to run away from. Brooks excels in his descriptive prose. The characters are mostly delightful and believable in the fantasy world of believability. I learned that Brooks was previously an attorney, an unlikely career for such a marvelous writer of fantasy. There is a scenario in 'The Measure of Magic' that is about how crowds react....the psychology of a crowd if you will. I wanted more personal details about the crowd, something that would make it seem more realistic. I'm not crazy about the ending but it rings true.
What do You think about Measure Of The Magic, The: Legends Of Shannara (2011)?
This was a joy to read. A good stand along that reflect on tradition of Shannara.
—Neilly
