Listened to the abridged audiobook read by Charles Keating. Antrax (the computer) was super cool and I love how this book integrates the technologies of the past into the Shannara world.

another thrilling book by this tried and true author

I liked it better than the first in the series (Ilse Witch) ... the plot lines were more consistent with what I'd expected of the characters, and the story itself read more like a single volume than like part 2 of a 3-part series (except for the very end, of course: something has to lead into the final part).

There were definitely some surprises, both things that happened and things that didn't happen. Looking forward to reading the final book.

Cucù da Castledown

Gira e rigira, Brooks va a sbattere sulle medesime dinamiche e gli stessi oggetti con cui abbiamo avuto il piacere di confrontarci per otto volumi (più un prequel).
Eccetto tutte le banalità del caso, una menzione speciale va fatta per Antrax, imperscrutabile intelligenza artificiale delle Grandi Guerre, nonché freddo accumulatore di dati con il pericoloso compito di proteggerli e ripreparare il mondo all'avvento della tecnologia.
Un ottimo antagonista che avrebbe meritato una scrittura più matura.
Lettura gradevole, ma con il rischio di annoiarsi per lo schema pedissequo della quest riproposto in ogni romanzo.

Idk, I thought it was pretty great! I like these characters and its less formulaic than previous Shannara books. Excited to round out the trilogy.

Antrax was much better than Isle Witch. While it still has the problems of a middle book, it leaves the reader with a sense that something was accomplished--oddly enough the very thing I felt was lacking in Isle Witch.

For Brooks fans who have struggled through Isle Witch Antrax is a breath of fresh air in this trilogy. The action is much better, though still not on par with his other, earlier novels, but the phrasing and vocabulary still seem out of place for his usual writing style.

The characters--namely Bek, Ahren, and Quentin--really evolve in this novel. Without revealing anything: difficult choices are made, maturity is revealed, and some hard realities are faced.

The story itself is a great combination of fantasy and science-fiction. It has enough twists to keep you guessing (though some were pretty easy to guess) and enough mystery to make you want to buy Morgawr (book three).

Why you should pick it up: You've read Isle Witch, it's a good sequel, strong action, good character development, interesting story elements.

Why you should leave it: Not his best writing, not his best storyline, some pretty cheesy characters/"dramatic scenes", the ending points in a very obvious direction (I hope I have to eat my words after reading Morgawr, but at the rate this trilogy is going I doubt that I will).

Star Rating: 5 stars

Note: This is the 2nd book in the Voyage of Jerle Shannara series and the 13th in the overarching Shannara epic so this will not be an in-depth review.

If you have been following my reviews, you will already know that I LOVE classic, traditional, epic science fiction and fantasy. I have steadily been working my way through 5 series: Steven Erikson’s Malazan, Robin Hobb’s Realm of the Elderlings, Frank Herbert’s Dune, Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time, and Terry Brooks’s Shannara, the latter of which I just finished Antrax, the second book in the voyage of Jerle Shannara and the 13th book in the overarching Shannara epic. This book continues the story of the crew of the Jerle Shannara as they strive to find a long-lost treasure guarded by an unlikely enemy.

First off, this needs to be said, although this may be glaringly obvious at this point. My all-time favorite troupe, in both fantasy and science fiction, is when a world has history, multi-layered and complex history, history that is explored and fleshed out, especially in the way it effects the modern version of the world. All the series that I mentioned I was making my way through deal with this troupe in some form or fashion if you needed any more proof, it is my favorite troupe. Also, if you enjoy this troupe too and need recommendations, feel free to sample any of them, they’re all extremely good and favorites of mine.

However, when it comes to this book in particular, my favorite part was the themes addressed, especially the consequences of magic, power, and heroism and the power and influence of identity. One of the things that irritates me in fantasy is when characters are allowed to do whatever they want with no consequences, maybe they are the most powerful sorcerer to exist in generations and needed to save the world, so they are allowed to do whatever they want to achieve that end, even at the expense of others. This book doesn’t hold our characters to an unrealistic scenario, realizing that even heroes should be held responsible for their actions, as no one, not even heroes, are infallible. Also, there is also a lot about identity in this installment as almost all our characters are trying to find their place in this world and are being further challenged by their experiences on this quest.

All in all, when it comes to my preferences, this book hits all the nails on the head. I greatly enjoy it and will keep reading it and other series like it. 5 stars!!!!!!