r/shannara • u/Ma7tt • 26d ago
Order
Just finished elf stones of Shannara, a couple days ago I found out trying to get the physical copies of the trilogy the universe is huge. which is cool, but at the same time stressful because am I reading the books in the correct way? I know there’s probably not a right way. But do you guys have a recommended order? I would like to finish the sword trilogy before I go to other books though.
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u/aceoswords2002 26d ago
I read Elfstones first as well. It is the most unique and powerful story in that setting. This made it the easiest to get hooked into. Then I back tracked to Sword to learn about Flick and Shea -- having not have read LOTR at the time, I had no reference of the journey quest trope and how similar the Warlock Lord was as an antagonist. But I enjoyed it thoroughly. Wishong was next, and I was fully engaged for the reason of a single supporting character - no spoilers. The onto the Scions series, which I barely recall honestly. First King was next, and it was a very surprising prequel. This is prob1ably my second favorite book. Voyage of the Jerle and Morgawr were interesting series but not that memorable. That's where I stopped, but I look forward to re-entering the world of Shannara someday.
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u/Ma7tt 24d ago
I read the first book sword first, but I really enjoyed it even with the LOTR similarities. Admittedly terry brooks is really the first author I’ve started reading out of a choice rather, and I enjoy his books a ton so I have no reference of other writing. I just really enjoy his stuff though. I was actually pretty bummed when I opened the 2nd book and shea and flick weren’t going to be characters because they were awesome in the first. And now it’s the same for the 3rd book. Wil became a cool character as-well, and ere was always cool. Kind of sucks having to start over again.
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u/Patchouli_Petrichor 26d ago
I read them in order of publication with First King coming after the Scions series. I haven't read the novella or graphic novels. Personally I really loved the Jerle Shannara trilogy; Antrax is still one of my faves. I just finished rereading that series.
Sword does borrow a lot from LOTR, but these days a lot of the popular romantasy series start with a familiar retelling (e.g. ACOTAR is a Beauty and the Beast retelling) but then the subsequent books move on from that. So I don't necessarily think that it's a bad thing to have stories borrow ideas to launch into more original ones. Just my two cents.
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u/christtiii 26d ago
yooo! love all the books ngl, am actually on high druids blade of my own first read through - i’m following the recommended for new readers list on terrys website (https://terrybrooks.online/new-readers) but i did skip some of the short stories like the ones in small magic which i plan on going back and reading :) hope this helps!!