BOOK BRIEF

The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, #4)

Terry Brooks
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The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, #4)

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

Book Brief

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Terry Brooks

The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, #4)

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

440

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Four Lands • Medieval Fantasy World

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

The Talismans of Shannara by Terry Brooks, the concluding novel in the Heritage of Shannara series, follows diverse characters on quests to wield ancient magical artifacts. Their aim is to battle oppressive forces and restore the Four Lands' freedom and order. Rich in adventure and fantasy, this book weaves together multiple storylines to resolve a broader conflict.

Reviews & Readership

4.3

41,740 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Talismans of Shannara by Terry Brooks receives a blend of praise and criticism. Readers appreciate its engaging plot, rich world-building, and satisfying conclusion to the series. However, some feel the pacing is uneven and character development is lacking in depth. Fans of the Shannara series will likely enjoy it, but it may not appeal to new readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Talismans of Shannara (Heritage of Shannara, #4)?

A reader who enjoys The Talismans of Shannara by Terry Brooks is likely a fan of high fantasy, intricate quests, and epic battles between good and evil. They would appreciate the richly developed world-building and character-driven narrative akin to J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire.

4.3

41,740 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Terry Brooks' The Talismans of Shannara concludes the four-book Heritage of Shannara series, which he had initially envisioned as a single, lengthy novel before deciding on a multi-book format for better depth and exploration.

The book, published in 1993, continues the rich tradition of Brooks' Shannara series in blending elements of magic and post-apocalyptic landscapes, which are signature traits distinguishing it from typical fantasy realms set in alternate universes.

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The series has been credited with further establishing Brooks as a pivotal figure in modern fantasy, owing to his skillful weaving of intricate plots and character arcs over the multiple books in Heritage of Shannara.

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Book Details
Pages

440

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Four Lands • Medieval Fantasy World

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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