Straken (High Druid of Shannara Series #3) » (Reprint)

A phenomenally successful author thanks to his Shannara fantasy series, Terry Brooks is considered by some to be an heir to J.R.R. Tolkien. He creates characters and worlds that readers fall in love with, and can't wait to revisit.

The High Druid of Shannara trilogy draws to a thrilling close as a young hero nears completion of his trial by fire, a banished ruler fights for her life in a wilderness of dread, and forces of darkness and light square off in a battle unto death for the right to absolute rule. Prepare to be spellbound by the masterly hand of bestselling legend weaver Terry Brooks, conjuring at the peak of his skills.

For reasons known only to himself, the King of the Silver River has charged young Penderrin Ohmsford, barely more than a boy, with the daunting task of rescuing his aunt, Grianne, Ard Rhys of the Druid order, from her forced exile in the terrifying dimension of all things damned: the Forbidding. With the noble dwarf Tagwen and the prodigal elven princess Khyber Elessedil by his side–and with the outcome of the bloody war between the Federation and the Free-born at stake–Pen has accepted his mission without question. But not without risk . . . or sacrifice.

Because Shadea a’Ru, the ruthless Druid responsible for imprisoning the true Ard Rhys and usurping leadership at Paranor, has sent her agents and assassins in relentless pursuit of Pen and his comrades. And in securing the talisman he needs to breach the Forbidding, Pen has paid a devastating price. Now if the Free-born forces–already decimated by the Federation’s death-dealing new weapon–should fall, Shadea’s domination of the Four Lands will be assured. Nothing short of Pen’s success can turn the tide.

But Pen’s challenge grows greater when he learns that his parents, Bek Ohmsford and Rue Meridian, have fallen into Shadea’s hands. He must try to help them–but once within the walls of Druid’s Keep, where Shadea’s minions and dark magic lurk at every turn, Pen’s survival is far from assured. Yet it will all pale in comparison to the horrors that wait inside the Forbidding–horrors poised to break free upon the Four Lands when the time is right. . . .

David Goodale - VOYA

Brooks resumes his High Druid of Shannara trilogy where he left off in Tanequil (Ballantine, 2004/VOYA February 2005). Young Pen Ohmsford, now in possession of the darkwand that will free his aunt from the sinister realm known as The Forbidding, places himself in the hands of his enemies to gain access to their stronghold, Paranor. Once inside the walls of Paranor, Pen uses the darkwand to reach The Forbidding, rescue his aunt, and return her to Paranor where she can reclaim her rightful place as High Druid. While Pen's aunt deals with the traitors who usurped her power, Pen must track down and destroy a malicious demon intent on unleashing the terrors of The Forbidding. This novel is standard fantasy fodder, although the last two pages hold a touching surprise. This reviewer's fantasy clichT meter reached the critical level several times as Brooks relies heavily upon prison escapes and "overcoming the guards" scenes to fill the pages. The book is not badly written but certainly does not break the typical fantasy mold, which might be the reason that Brooks is so popular. His books are breezy fantasy, and the reader can rest assured that all will turn out well. This reviewer remembers reading Brooks's early works as a teen and imagining himself as the hero. Many teen boys may very well do the same, and there are several strong female characters for teen girls to admire. Purchase where fantasy is popular, but do not buy the finale without purchasing the first two books. VOYA CODES: 3Q 3P J S A/YA (Readable without serious defects; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult-marketed book recommended for Young Adults).2005, Del Rey, 368p., Ages 12 to Adult.