The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara: Ilse Witch: The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Book 1

Although not the best Shanarra book, Ilse Witch is still an excelent novel. I think that the inclusion of technology in the series is an interesting twist, and although it was a bit of an awkward addition to the series, it is done in the context of the series.There has always been mention that the Old World technology was still alive somewhere in the world, from the very first appearance of a creeper, in what I believe was the first book, and there have been several small references since then, so this, although probably not executed in the best way, is not an entirely unexpected twist in the Shannara series.

This book, the first in another series of Shannara books, is well read by Sam Fontana, his creating different voices for the characters, lends a more exciting reading of the book, than just plain reading. His snake like, hissing, voice for the character of Truls Rohk is particularly good. I haven't finished it yet, but what I've heard so far makes it good. I look forward to the next part of the series Antrax. Charles Keating is good when he reads, but Fontana is a close second. Worth a listen.This erratum/addendum to a prior review I did for this was, in addition to Truls Rohk, which I said had a snake like hiss, to his voice, provided by Sam Fontana, in the reading of this, was Cree Bega, another character in this excellent title from Terry Brooks.

I've been reading Terry Brooks novelles for a long time and though I've read all of the original Shannara series and Ran with the Demon all the way to Angel Fire East (excuse the puns) I find this book his best. Generally, throughout all of the Sahnnara books the character development was slow and many times I have wanted to leave the books, the same with John Ross and Nest. Where the previous stories held your breathe in the last 3-5 chapters, this books gets going and doesn't stop.It's adventurous, humorous, and the reference to the orginal series is good/helpful but not laborious. Thanks Mr. B for coming back to the girl that brung ya.

Reading this book and it is extremely exciting Terry Brooks is a master of turns of plot. I haven't read better. He is good at what he does, That is if you love Great Fantasy as I do. Tolkien, Stephen Donaldson, Philip Pollman,Taylor Anderson and J. K. Rowling all write great adventures with twisting plots and exciting characters that you both love and hate. Terry Brooks keeps me up late at night with the best of them.

What can I say to get you to buy this novel? You like fantasy Books?.. Then this novel is a winner. Although this novel is a setup for sequels,it's plot is still incredibly interesting and exciting. At the end of the novel, I was begging for more (story).....I don't think I'm going to be able to wait until the sequel "..Antrax" comes out in paperback 8/02; In my opinion, that's what makes this novel a sure winner. See, sequels are not necessarily bad...unless you do not like to read.

I love Terry Brooks! I had this book in my collection, but I could not find it when I wanted to re-read it. I ordered another one, and of course I found my old copy as soon as I got my new book! Not this site's fault that I am an air head. The book was in excellent condition, and I will keep it in case I get featherheaded again and need it.

I think the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara series were wonderful. Full of character development and great plot. The only thing that really bothered me about the book are the girl characters. I don't understand why they are so annoying, the author portrays most of the girl characters as whiny, naggy, stubborn, obnoxious and overall just plain annoying. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being sexist because I'm a chick myself but these characters are the reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5. But for other readers, if you are not bothered by these character's traits, by all means read this series because it is very enjoyable.

Terry Brooks is back with a vengence! This novel is a great continuation of the Shannara series. The character development is perfect and its great seeing Walker again. If you are a fan of Terry Brooks, or just a fantasy fan in general, you have to buy this book!!

Not read it yet but look forward to reading it and hope it as good as others from series

Loved the fast pace of this book and all the unexpected twists and turns, was captivated by each characters progress in the storyline.

very enjoyable book great author amazing imagination

Re-read this book again from first year published and enjoyed just as much second time. Great adventure best fantasy writer ever.

This is the first book in The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy (before Antrax and Morgawr), set one hundred and thirty years after the events of The Heritage of Shannara tetralogy.Ilse Witch opens with Hunter Predd, a Wing Rider, patrolling the Blue Divide coast on his Roc Obsidian, and finding the half-drown body of an Elf, whose features are hideously mutilated. When Hunter discovers a silver bracelet and a map with strange writings on the barely alive creature, he knows the latter must be Kael Elessedil, the Elven King's brother, gone thirty years ago in search of a ancient, mysterious magic. Could the map lead to it? After bringing the body to the healer's, Hunter hurries off to warn Allardon Elessedil, the King of the Elves.But the healer's assistant is a spy, and soon his mistress the Ilse Witch learns of what has just been found: the directions to a magic which she too covets.In the meantime, Hunter Predd is sent to Paranor to ask Walker Boh for help, as the last of the Druids is the only one who can decipher the map. Back in the Elven city of Arborlon, Walker reluctantly agrees to follow the castaway's map in search of the magic, but not before striking a bargain with Allardon. In exchange for the his help and for sharing whatever he'll find on the way, the King will allow Walker to set up a Druid Council, something they've both been arguing about for ages.The first half of the book describes Walker going all around the Four Lands to assemble a crew of about thirty people for his quest. Among them, the young Highlander Quentin Leah, descendant of Morgan Leah and wielder of the supposedly magical Sword of Leah, if only he knew how to unleash its power. With his best friend Bek Rowe, an orphan adopted by Quentin's uncle, they are sent East, to Anar, to recruit Truls Rohk the shapeshifter, and Panax, a dwarf. As the story flows, Bek starts wondering about his past, about who is parents really were.Coming along are also Hunter Predd and Obsidian, a couple of other Wing Riders and their Rocs, and Ard Patrinell, the former Captain of the Elven King's Home Guard, who will be in command of a small party of Elven Hunters. Ahren Elessedil, one of Allardon's sons, Ryer Ord Star, a young seeress and empath, and a healer called Joad Rush will be joining them too.And to fly over the Blue Divide, Walker will also need an airship, a light-powered vessel now common in the Westland. The Rover Spanner Frew will build the Jerle Shannara, whereas Redden Alt Mer, a.k.a. Big Red, and his sister Rue Meridian, a.k.a. Little Red, will captain it. More Rovers will be necessary to man it.The second half of the book describes the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara and its crew, following the instructions on the castaway's map. Hopping from island to island, first Flay Creech, then Shatterstone, then Mephitic, they're supposed to retrieve three keys. After overcoming many obstacles and fighting the ghastly monsters that guard these keys, they'll finally land near Castledown on the Isle of Parkasia, to open the door behind which lies the legendary magic.As a whole, I'd say that Ilse Witch is entertaining, but not exceptional. The descriptions are enjoyable but not very poetic and rather straightforward, leaving little room for the reader's own imagination. The monsters are a bit grostesque, the characters a bit shallow. However, I must say I liked Bek's shy, unsure and awkward personality. The women seem interesting too, but maybe that's because I'm one too. I hope they'll hold water in the next installments, and that the story will become deeper and maybe, will live up to the previous Shannara books.