The High Druid’s Blade (The Defenders of Shannara #1) is the new novel from acclaimed fantasy author Terry Brooks, and a new entry in his best-selling world of Shannara. A stand-alone novel in a themed series, The High Druid’s Blade is marketed as both a return to a familiar setting for fans, and an ideal starting point for those new to his works – like me. With cover quotes from authors such as Patrick Rothfuss, Peter V Brett, and Brent Weeks, I felt rather ashamed that I am only now venturing into Shannara to see what Brooks has to offer…
As a descendant from the Leah and Ohmsfords bloodlines, both royalty and magic are in Paxon Leah’s blood, though neither are part of his relatively rural life as a merchant. After his sister is abducted, Paxon gives chase and shooses to take with him an old sword handed down through the generations, one with legends surrounding its use. Tracking down the kidnapper Arcannen, the blade in Paxon’s possession comes to life with an ancient magic, assisting Paxon and setting him on a new path. With Druid training, Paxon learns much of the old ways and the use of magic, honing his skills to train as protector of the Druids. But Arcannen has not finished with Paxon, and he’s determined to get his hands on the sword at any cost…
One of the first things you’re hit with in The High Druid’s Blade is a history infodump. We learn the history of the Leahs and the Ohmsfords, with a little about our protagonist Paxon and his current situation. It’s not a great start, and this form of explanation-heavy text is more common in the first half of the novel than is ideally welcome. Not only do we have to read through extended sections, the narrative doesn’t move along at any sort of steady rate. The early chapters can cover weeks and months of time, giving detail on events and what Paxon is doing, but not letting us invest in the story or characters.
However, while the above is a common trait during the first half of The High Druid’s Blade, once all the setting up and explanations are done we’re left with a thoroughly readable and exciting second half. The characters come into their own, and the finer nuances of the plot really start to shine through: the pages can’t turn quickly enough.
The High Druid’s Blade is a relatively simple fantasy story with only a couple of small detours into something more substantial, which is much less than I expected. In truth, The High Druid’s Blade reads in a more YA vein than a typical epic fantasy, with the forces of good and bad relatively clear cut without much grey areas. I’m not sure if this is common with Brooks’ other novels, or if it’s simply a change in style for this stand-alone tale.
It’s obvious from the early pages of The High Druid’s Blade that this is a world rich in history, and one which Terry Brooks is intimately familiar with. Add to that his easy prose and you’ve got a novel that is enviably readable. However, not everything here hits the right notes. The High Druid’s Blade is an easy and enjoyable read, not too taxing, and as an entry point for Shannara I felt completely comfortable in the world despite the mentioning of events that clearly relate to previous novels. Will I read more of this rich setting? The jury’s out on that, but it’s not off the table by any means.
Publisher: www.orbitbooks.net
Author: http://terrybrooks.net
July 2014, 320 Pages
Hardcover, ISBN: 9780356502168
Review copy received from the publisher
© 2014 Mark Chitty
