The Wishsong of Shannara

The Mord Wraiths are once again on the move, with orders to destroy humankind. As the last Druid prepares to stand against them, he calls upon young Brin Ormsford and, despite their efforts to leave her younger brother behind, he also is drawn into the struggle and becomes essential to the outcome. Scott Brick makes this tale his own. He narrates with the air of a master storyteller who is convinced that this tale is not only of interest, but also important. As a narrator, he uses timing and pace to good effect, and his intensity never flags. Brick's characterizations and accents are memorable. J.E.M. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

In this exciting fantasy, Druids, elves, dwarves, and gnomes join forces with main characters Brin and Jair Olmsford to rid their world of evil Mord Wraiths. Brin and Jair make magic when they sing the Wishsong. Brin sets off with the Druids to destroy the evil Ildatch, encountering fantastical beasts, which are described in minute detail. Jair's adventure with the gnomes involves his efforts to meet up with Brin before the Ildatch does. Charles Keating takes this tale in hand and weaves all of Brooks's magic. Keating's deep voice rises and falls with the action, his intonation matching the characters' actions and emotions. THE WISHSONG, third in this series, is straightforward enough to follow in this abridgment. M.B.K. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

[Editor's note: The following is a combined review with THE SWORD OF SHANNARA and THE ELFSTONES OF SHANNARA.] -- Actor Theodore Bikel brings a strong authority to this fantasy series involving the aftermath of the wars of the ancient evil, featuring gnomes, elves, warlocks, Druids, and many other typical fantasy objects, scenes and characters. The Sword can only be used by a true heir of Shannara; elfstones guard against evil; and so does the magic wishsong, which can make plants bloom or turn green to autumn gold. Bikel's deep, slow, precise voice transitions into characterizations as he performs the various parts effortlessly, and with consummate skill. D.R.W. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine