Bearers of the Black Staff

Pre-Shannara: Legends of Shannara, Book 1

By: Terry Brooks

Narrated by: Phil Gigante

For more than three decades, New York Times best-selling author Terry Brooks has ruled the epic fantasy realm with his legendary Shannara series. With each new novel the mythos has deepened, ever more fascinating characters have arisen, and increasingly breathtaking vistas of magical adventure have emerged. Now the evolution of one of imaginative fiction’s most beloved worlds continues in the first book of the new series Legends of Shannara: Bearers of the Black Staff.

Five hundred years have passed since the devastating demon-led war that tore apart the United States, leaving nothing but scorched and poisoned ruins, and nearly exterminating humankind. Those who escaped the carnage and blight were led to sanctuary by the boy savior known as the Hawk—the gypsy morph. In an idyllic valley, its borders warded by powerful magic against the horrors beyond, humans, elves, and mutants alike found a place they believed would be their home forever.

But after five centuries, the unimaginable has come to pass: The cocoon of protective magic surrounding the valley has vanished. When Sider Ament, the only surviving descendant of the Knights of the Word, detects unknown predators stalking the valley, he fears the worst. And when Panterra Qu and Prue Liss, expert Trackers from the human village of Glensk Wood, find two of their own gruesomely killed, there can be no doubt: The once safe haven of generations has been laid bare and made vulnerable to whatever still lurks in the wasteland of the outside world.

Together, Ament, the two young Trackers, and a daring Elf princess race to spread word of the encroaching danger—and spearhead plans to defend their ancestral home. But suspicion and hostility among their countrymen threaten to doom their efforts from within—while beyond the breached borders, a ruthless Troll army masses for invasion. And in the thick of it all, the last wielder of the black staff and its awesome magic must find a successor to carry on the fight against the cresting new wave of evil.

©2010 Terry Brooks (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Terry Brooks displays the sure hand of a master. Bearers of the Black Staff is filled with iconic characters and heroes not diminished but made human by their flaws. A finely-wrought tale of sacrifice, adventure, betrayal, magic, loss, and a world on the precipice." (Brent Weeks, author of The Way of Shadows)

Really deep storybuild

I love that the backdrop of the world is told i so much detail, without it being unnecessarily political or conveluted in nature.

there are lots of intersting themes in terms of parallel societies and subcultures and factions with their interplays which defeinetely is a boon. especially since it pinpoints how difficult union can be.

I enjoyed the coming of age arcs and the arcs of realisation, which is of course also the achillies heel. in this case it supports and drives the story, which is a huge relief.

the narration is crisp and to tye point

Elves Trolls & the Black Staff

Just another great story. Great characters. Elves subterfuge trolls & the black staff. On to number 3

the narrator is bland but story is good

the narrator got a boring with his style of reading. but his pacing picks up again later on in the book

Compelling Continuation of Knights of the Word

Maybe one of his best books. Great honest characters. Not perfect heroes, ones with integrity. Where evil is real.

well written book.

good book. above average narrator. could of used a girl/female voice for female voice overs.

Bearers

Terry Brooks is my favorite On to the next one in the series. Can’t get enough

Loved it! Wonderfully presented. Thrilling story.

Excellent narration. wonderful characters. Thrilling story. I loved everything about these books of Shannarra. More please...

Awesome story

Such an immersive story. The book hooks you early and keeps you wanting until the end. Narration seems so perfectly fitting and helps create an overall perfect feel.

Narrator r did a great job.. okay effort by Terry

long time Shannara reader here.. over 20 years. this book was definitely a 7 out of 10 for story. starts off pretty fast and furious.. bogs down a little but then picks up Midway through. definitely some memorable characters and will absolutely keep you guessing. just not as powerful as his other works. I am looking forward to finishing the next book. the narrator does a wonderful job capturing the emotion and individual characters.

Interesting

The story was good and kept my interest throughout. The biggest draw back was the awful voices the reader attempted. It was difficult to continue. I was ready to download to Kindle to remove his voice from the otherwise enjoyable experience.