[Zsinj16]

As I've told a lot of people on this forum, I'm planning on reading the Shannara series by Terry Brooks after I finish reading the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn Trilogy by Tad Williams. I've heard from some people that this series is really cool, but from other people, I've heard that it's almost a carbon copy of Tolkien's LOTR Trilogy. Could someone please give me some examples of the blatant similarities some readers have claimed to have seen?

[Impact24]

Actually, only Brook's first book (namely The Sword of Shannara)contains the similarities you referred to with Tolkien's Trilogy. It's almost like a compact form of Lord of the Rings. The rest of the Shannara books are relatively original, albeit with themes that are repeated several times. Its been several years since I read either series but I think I can still point out some similarities I remember:

-The stories start when Gandalf and Allanon approach an obscure backwater village, and tells an unlikely here that he is the key to save the world.

-The plots basically move the same: a party consisting of a dwarf, elves, tough human(s) try to reach a particular destination that represents 'the heart of all evil' and the like.

-while the party proceeds, the authors narrate battles between the forces of good and evil.

The Shannara series was the first fantasy series I ever read, and like everybody else's first series, this one holds sentimental value to me for getting me into the genre as a whole. Seeing that you've read Williams, I suggest you shouldn't expect something as deep and intricate as him and....maybe Jordan and the like. However, I do like the fact that Brook's books (hehe) are fast-paced, easy to read and a bit more exciting in the action aspect than your average fantasy novel. Btw, I consider The Elfstones of Shannara my personal favourite STANDALONE fantasy novel of all time.

p.s. this is my first post in this board, ...wonder if I know anybody here.

[Zsinj16]

Welcome to the board, Impact24. I think I would really like to read the Shannara Series. See, I don't really mind whether a fantasy novel is deeply detailed or not, just as long as it's a good fantasy novel, and not a bunch dull slop such as David Eddings writes. (No offense intended if you are an Eddings fan) http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif
Also, I read that Brooks said himself that the Tolkien similarities were not intended to be deliberate, such as some agitated readers make them out to be.

[Rob B]

The Sword of Shannara wasn't a bad read, but it really is a cut-and-paste (CR dennizm 2001) job of LOTR.

Flick/Shea and Frodo/Sam as the hero/sidekick (Even the first initials are the same!)

The actual Sword of Shannara has just about all the same characteristics as the ONE ring, they may have been forged by the same metalsmith.

Allanon and Gandalf were probably seperated at birth, and the words they use and manner they speak are virtually exact.

Nonetheless not a bad read. Elfstones of Shannara the second book is better. What I do find intriguing about the books is that it takes place hundreds (thousands?) of years on Earth after nuclear war. I have been debating continuing my read of Shannara for a while. It's kinda cool to see when the old technology pops up.

Welcome Impact24!

[Impact24]

Thanks people,

No problem here Zsinj16, you see I'm anything BUT an Eddings fan http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif . His books seem to be aimed more at a younger audience, but still...it didn't have to be THAT dull and corny. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Cadfael]

Although I have been scathing of Brook's similarities to Tolkien, The Sword of Shannara is a good read. Personally I like the second series The Heritage of Shannara better, Brook's style in these books is more his own, although some of the ideas are still 'tolkinesque', i.e. the elves have gone into exile in 'the west'.

FitzFlagg's comment about the post nuclear world bring me to a gripe... Brook's destroys the fantasy nature of the series in the lastest book The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara: Isle Witch...
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At the end of this book, Walker Boh is dodging lazer beams and fighting of robots... pure Sci/fi.



[This message has been edited by dennizm (edited April 27, 2001).]