Customer Reviews (3)

Magic Kingdom of Landover series a MUST READ
I never thought I'd find a series of books that captivated me as much as Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Trilogy....But now I have...Terry Brook's Landover series is absolutely excellant..captivating plots, characters you can really get involved with....you pick up a book and cannot put it down....a piece of art for all fiction readers...MUST HAVE!!!!*******

Magic Kingdom
The Magic Kingdom set was one of the best fantasy series that I have read in a long time. Terry you have out done your self I can't wait to read more of your novels.

I LOVED IT!!!
I do not typically read fantasy. I read mystery and horror. I was captivated by this series!! It is well written and totally absorbing, even for a King fan. Brooks' Magic Kingdom series is a must read for all agesand tastes! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Elfstones of Shanara
Very fast shipping. Book was in excellent shape. Will look at this seller again for future purchases. ... Read more

Product Description
Lessons from a writing life In 1977, the NEW YORK TIMES Trade Paperback Bestseller list - back then the almost exclusive province of self-help guides - played host to its very first work of fiction: THE SWORD OF SHANNARA, an epic quest through a mythical land, by first-time author Terry Brooks. In the quarter of a century since, nineteen NEW YORK TIMES bestselling novels have followed. Now, Terry Brooks tells the story of how he got there - from beginner to bestselling author - and shares his secrets for creating unusual, memorable fiction. More than just a writing guide, SOMETIMES THE MAGIC WORKS is Terry Brooks' self-portrait of the artist. Here are sketches of his midwestern boyhood, when comic books, radio serials, and a vivid imagination launched a lifelong passion for weaving tales of wonder; recollections of the fateful collaboration with legendary editor Lester Del Rey - an event that changed not only the author's life but the course of publishing history; and an eye-opening look at the ups and downs of dealing with Hollywood, gleaned while Brooks was writing official novels based on major movies by both Steven Spielberg and George Lucas.This book offers a rare and wonderful opportunity to peer into the mind of (and learn from) one of fantasy fiction's pre-eminent magicians. ... Read more

Product Description
The Pyrotechnics of Lester del Rey

SF's most protean personality--writer, editor, critic, publisher--sets off an incomparable fireworks display in these tales of robots and humans, animals and aliens, ghosts and gods, science and the supernatural . . .

HELEN O'LOY
If you want an ideal mate, build her!

HEREAFTER, INC.
This is Heaven? The hell it is!

LITTLE JIMMY
The invisible kid was a ghost for sure. But whose?

INSTINCT
The robots labored to re-create the extinct human species--
but there was one element they somehow left out.

FOR I AM A JEALOUS PEOPLE
"In God We Trust" is a great motto--until you find you can't.

And much more!Amazon.com Review
Terry Brooks recalls Lester del Rey as being "not physically imposing, barely over 5 feet, rather hollow-cheeked and frail-looking." But "when Lester looked at you, he peered through his thick glasses in the same way a botanist might study an interesting specimen." A legendary editor whose exploits included scooping up untried unknowns like Stephen R. Donaldson, David Eddings, and Brooks himself (not to mention the coup of snagging the rights to Star Wars), the eccentric del Rey is one of SF's elite old guard, widely respected for years as a publisher and critic. But, as Brooks points out in this book's introduction, del Rey also slugged it out in the trenches, writing for John W. Campbell and others in the glory days of Unknown, Astounding Science Fiction, et al. ("In those days of long ago, any sale to John W. Campbell was something of a triumph," del Rey recalls.)

This collection pulls together del Rey's best short works from the '30s, '40s, and '50s, including many of his personal favorites and more than a couple that sprouted from ideas passed on by Campbell himself. Some of the 16 stories here show their age in places, but all reflect del Rey's inventive, often opinionated, top-shelf mind. Whether it's a classic tale of boy-builds-robot, boy-falls-in-love-with-robot, or a Rip Van Winkle-style riff on an elven tinker who's frustrated by modern alloys, del Rey always stuck to the big ideas that brought him--and us--to sci-fi in the first place. --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Vintage goodness
A very nice collection of stories. The true value of these works is in the freshness and naivete of the dawn of modern SF. Del Rey explores many different ideas, often being one of the first authors to touch upon them.
One thing that struck me about this collection is how memorable these stories are - they have characters and moods that stay with you for a long time. There are just too many good stories here to name them all, but "For I am a Jealous People" and "Vengeance is Mine" stand out. I also liked "Keepers of the House" (dog story that one of the previous reviewers did not like).

Good stuff for the era, but nothing really essential
This is a rather dated collection of science fiction tales from the 30's, 40's, and 50's, but still pretty good."Helen O'Loy" is the oldest tale in the book, and is considered something of a classic, more for its assessment of human nature than for its science, a caveat which is typical of Del Rey overall, who is not by any means a "hard" science writer.Many of these stories wrestle with philosophical issues, often from a robotic or other non-human perspective.The end of the human race is another common theme.There are a number of tales that strike this reviewer as anti-religion, which some may find borderline offensive, although the turning-against-God yarn "For I Am a Jealous People" is probably the most memorable story in the collection.

The earlier stories are generally the more precise, and feature clear moral lessons: the work ethic of "The Coppersmith", the hope for the future evoked in "Into Thy Hands", the release from ignorance in "Superstition".Overall, not a bad collection.Only the plotless dog story, "The Keepers of the House" is a complete failure.Of course many of the ideas in these stories have since been used by other writers in better stories, and while this isn't Lester's fault, it does somewhat undercut this book for modern readers.A sound enough choice for fans of the speculative fiction of this era, but because it's so old-fashioned in style and approach, and because there aren't any stories that are just essential, three stars seems enough.

Great!
This conglomeration of Lester Del Rey's stories was wonderful.I had never him before, but after this book, I was hooked.I couldn't put it down.A must have! ... Read more

Product Description
Twenty years have passed since the events told in The Voyage Of The Jerle Shannara trilogy.Grianne Ohmsford, rescued from oblivion by her brother Bek, has renounced her former life as the evil Ilse Witch, and now serves as the head of a new Druid Council.Her purpose is to defend the Four Lands from anarchy and warfare.Such was the destiny foretold for her by the Druid, Walker Boh.But there are those who cannot easily forgive her past actions, and are loathe to follow her leadership.When Grianne's enemies cause her to disappear, only a few loyal friends can help her. The dwarf Tagwen; Grianne's nephew, Pen Ohmsford; and the Elf Prince, Ahren Elessedil, begin a desperate journey to find Grianne and return her to the Druids' keep at Paranor. Their quest is urgent, their way uncertain and perilous, for the darkest of magics have been used to spirit Grianne away. Pen Ohmsford is descended from the line of Jerle Shannara, the first of the Elven Kings, but his own magic seems small and inadequate when measured against that of his aunt's enemies, who will stop at nothing to thwart Pen's efforts to rescue his aunt and restore the nascent Druid Council. And there is another danger.An ancient and deadly power has found its way out into the world.If things are not put to rights, the danger to the Four Kingdoms will be immeasurable... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Good writers make good books
This is an excellent book of short novels by some of the best fantasy writers of their time.

If you're a fan of even one of the authors in this volume, you have to own this book.The stories are tied to many of their series and available nowhere else.

For me, the Terry Brooks story, which is a direct sequel to "Wishsong of Shannara," is the selling point, but all of them more than worth the price of the book.

This book was a sales trick.
I have been stuck in the mud with too many serial authors.I feel trapped by books with cliff hangers which require you to read the next book to have any closure.I was finally looking for a book of short fantasy stories when I bought this book and what I got was a book whose only intention was to sell you on even more serial authors.Without checking, I'm almost certain that every short story in this book is a glimpse at a larger serial universe, and only a couple of the stories were any good.For anyone not weighed down by the burder of undending sequential stories, this book will serve its purpose to sell you on a few really good authors.

Not Free SF Reader
The second Legends anthology isn't as good as the first, and doesn't have the one outstanding piece like Martin's Hedge Knight in the first book, but there is still a handful of good stories.

Another look at Orlando Gardiner from Otherworld was appreciated, and Gabaldon and Haydon were new - one ok, one bad, it seems.

Legends II : Homecoming [Elderlings] - Robin Hobb
Legends II : The Sworn Sword [Song of Ice and Fire] - George R. R. Martin
Legends II : The Yazoo Queen [Alvin Maker] - Orson Scott Card
Legends II : Lord John and the Succubus [Outworlder] - Diana Gabaldon
Legends II : The Book of Changes [Majipoor] - Robert Silverberg
Legends II : The Happiest Dead Boy in the World [Otherland] - Tad Williams
Legends II : Beyond Between [Pern] - Anne McCaffrey
Legends II : The Messenger [Riftwar] - Raymond E. Feist
Legends II : Threshold [Symphony] - Elizabeth Haydon
Legends II : The Monarch of the Glen [American Gods] - Neil Gaiman
Legends II : Indomitable [Shannara] - Terry Brooks


Rain Wild changes.

3 out of 5


Short people got no reason to slap me just for being a hick knight.

3.5 out of 5


Bowie knifeless.

2.5 out of 5


Opium seduction strategy.

3.5 out of 5


Historical poetry captive inspiration.

4 out of 5


Network reproduction strategy.

4 out of 5


Transporter accident haunting.

4 out of 5


Freezing cold, both ways, and people trying to kill you still gets little respect.

4 out of 5


Rescue ship.

2 out of 5


Huldersave.

3 out of 5


Missing page problem.

3 out of 5




3 out of 5

A great introduction to the masters of fantasy.
I originally bought this collection simply for G.R.R. Martin's story.I was pleasantly surprised to find that I really enjoyed all of the stories included.Robin Hobb, whom I have not previously read was especially good.And the Raymond E. Feist story of the messenger was great.Basically, this collection does a great job of introducing the reader to a wide and varied number of fantasy authors.I found it at Barnes & Noble in the bargin section.It was a great deal!Get it if you can find it!

Going back for more
Both Legends I and II are must haves for any SF/Fantasy fan.I orginally purchased Legends I for Robert Jordan's and Tad William's short stories.I then promptly put it up on my shelf for a few years.I picked up Legends II for the Robin Hobb short.I then also filed it on my shelf.Somehow I have made it through tons of fantasy while dodging some of the most "advertised" names.I recently ran out of books to read.In my search for new authors, I scowered the net, and asked several friends for recommendations.One of my friends suggested I pick up Terry Pratchett, my net search said try George R.R. Martin... I had a fleeting thought that "hey they are popular, wonder if they are in Legends".Sure enough they are and then some.I pulled both Legends I and II off of my shelf and devoured several of the stories that I had previously ignored.It made a perfect way of deciding which authors I would like to read more of and which ones I could probably pass on.Both Legends I and II are treasures which should not be overlooked.I sincerly hope there is a Legends III. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Absorbing
In this sequel to his wonderful Ilse Witch, author Terry Brooks continues the adventures of the crew of the Jerle Shannara. With the party sundered, each member must fend for him or herself. The seemingly all-powerful opponent that they face is given a name: Antrax. A creation of the Old World, it exists everywhere and nowhere at all; how can Walker defeat it? Bek confronts his sister, but she has long been wrapped in lies for so long, how can he reach her?

This book is even better than the first book of the series. Where that one laid the groundwork, this one built on it. The story is gripping, screaming along to the final page. Getting more and more enthralling with each page, it left me truly frustrated that I have to wait another year for the next chapter!

This is a great book, absorbing, with a fascinating storyline. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Enter a new Age
I have been along time reader of the Shannara series. I have moved onto More in depth/ complicated works, however, I always come back to these for the fun factor. The kids love it when these are read aloud. Here our soon to be heroes are on a flying ship headed for uncharted territory with brand new dangers.OK I am not going to give it you like that. This book is one of the better thought out books Brooks has written in a few years, though it gets little dark. That is not a bad thing just different. All in all I thoroughly enjoyed the book as I usually do in the Shannara series. ... Read more

Product Description
The Sword of Shannara))The Elfstones of Shannara))The Wishsong of Shannara))3 ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Terry brooks books
When i started reading Terry Brook's books, I thought them to be boring, then you get caught up in the story.That was 4 years ago, now I own every book he has ever writen, except the screenplay for ''HOOK''. If I'd have to suggest a certain book to someone(and I have had to do so often), I would absolutely suggest to anybody to read his books.He's a brilliant writer,and has a way to captivate his ''audience''.

The best since tolkien.
I have read almost all of the brooks books. They have a way of enthralling you and not letting you put it down until you find out what happens to brin ,wil ,allanon ,or whoever. I read Tolkien before these and thought I would never find another series that caught me up so completely. I was wonderfully suprised to find myself needing to buy all of the other books to see where the tales led. This is definitely some of the best fantasy writing I have ever read. These are for you if fantasy is your thing.

A FantasyClassic
I have read the entire series several times and still find myself inawe...It was Terry Brooks that got me interested in fantasy books andremains one of my fave authors. I would highly recomend the Shannara seriesto anyone. A new continuation of the Shannara series has just started and ilook forward to the thrills that they hold. Terry Brooks is amazing and itis not only his Shannara series that has destinguished him, i have alsoread "Running with the Deamon", "A Knight Of The Word"and Angel Fire East" and although they are not the conventionalfantasy form set in a magic kingdom worlds away it brings it home and isexcellent in it its own right. Well done Terry Brooks and keep wrightingfor us. Anyone who wishes to talk about his books or related books iswelcome to e-mail me...

TERRY BROOKS ROCKS
Over Christmas Vacation I decided to read the first book in the Heritage Of Shannara, The Scions Of Shannara. I got hooked and read that one along with, the Druid of Shannara, The Elf Queen Of Shannara, And The TalismansOf Shannara in a total of 3 days. After reading these I quickl went to thestore and bought the Sword Of Shannara, The First King Of Shannara, and TheWishsong of Shannara. I can't stop reading them and I highly recommend themto anyone who loves good books. Anyone who wants to talk to me about thesebooks or others can IM me on aol @msweetheart18

I have the copies in a SAFE box
I won the book "elfstones of shannara" in 7th grade during a book reading contest. As the runner up -- I was asked to reach into the carton full of books and select one. The books were on varied subjects buta good portion were on epic fantasy.

The book's title "elfstones ofshannara" along with the cover of Will Ohmsford holding the"seeking stones of shannara" guarding the elven girl amberle --caught my eye. Till today I believe fate played a hand in my selection ofthis book.

over the summer, I got hooked and the purchased the remainingtwo (before I learned of the heritage series).

Now I have all 8(including the King of shannara) and the other 4 or 5 books of the landover series. I look forward to the return of the Shannara series (orcontinuation).

The copies that I do have are locked in my metal safe,labeled--"the books of magius" along with my tolkiencollection.

Terry Brooks remains my most favorite epic fantasy/sword andsorcery author.

rombios@excite.com ... Read more