High Druid of Shannara #1
Del Rey
September 2004
On Sale: August 31, 2004
416 pages ISBN: 0345435761 EAN: 9780345435767 Paperback (reprint) Add to Wish List
More than a quarter of a century after The Sword of
Shannara carved out its place in the pantheon of great epic
fantasy, the magic of Terry Brooks's New York Times
bestselling saga burns as brightly as ever. Three complete
series have chronicled the ever-unfolding history of
Shannara. But more stories are still to be told—and new
adventures have yet to be undertaken. Book One of High
Druid of Shannara invites both the faithful longtime reader
and the curious newcomer to take the first step on the next
extraordinary quest.
Twenty years have passed since Grianne Ohmsford denounced
her former life as the dreaded Ilse Witch—saved by the love
of her brother, the magic of the Sword of Shannara, and the
destruction of her evil mentor, the Morgawr. Now,
fulfilling the destiny predicted for her, she has
established the Third Druid Council, and dedicated herself
to its goals of peace, harmony among the races, and defense
of the Four Lands. But the political intrigue, secret
treachery, and sinister deeds that have haunted Druid
history for generations continue to thrive. And despite her
devotion to the greater good as Ard Rhys—the High Druid of
Paranor, Grianne still has bitter enemies.
Among the highest ranks of the Council she leads lurk those
who cannot forget her reign of terror as the Ilse Witch,
who covet her seat of power, and who will stop at nothing
to see her deposed . . . or destroyed. Even Grianne's few
allies—chief among them her trusted servant Tagwen—know of
the plots against her. But they could never anticipate the
sudden, ominous disappearance of the Ard Rhys, in the dead
of night and without a trace. Now, barely astep ahead of
the dark forces bent on stopping him, Tagwen joins
Grianne's brave young nephew, Pen Ohmsford, and the wise,
powerful elf Ahren Elessedil on a desperate and dangerous
mission of search and rescue—to deliver the High Druid of
Shannara from an unspeakable fate.
Expect no end of wonders, no shortage of adventure,
exhilaration, suspense, and enchantment, as Terry Brooks
demonstrates, once again, that there is no end to his magic
of invention and mastery of storytelling.