Terry Brooks has been one of my favorite authors since the sixth grade, when I was first given a copy of "The Sword of Shannara" for Christmas. I've always enjoyed his books and been drawn in by his deep themes, dynamic characters, and unique way of looking at things. The Elves of Cintra was no different.

This is a continuation of Armageddon's Children, Brooks's post-apocalyptic story of a world destroyed by mankind's greed and inaction. But what makes it unique isn't the dystopian aspect, but the fact that this destruction is spurred on by a deeper evil, by demonic forces that mankind has given into and that is intent on destroying everything. The mix of science fiction and high fantasy is an unusual one that takes some adjustment, but I think Brooks pulls it off fantastically. And, although it's a sort of prequel to his first Shannara books and sequels to the Word & Void trilogy, it ties everything together magnificently as well.

My only complaint is that I would have liked to get deeper into the mind of the major antagonist, Findo Gask. As in the Shannara books Antrax and Morgawr, getting into the minds of inhuman bad guys is one of Brooks's fortes, but I found it somewhat lacking in this series. He has created many characters who are just plain evil with no motivation other than that's what they are, but it was hinted at that Findo Gask was a bit deeper and more complex, which I would have liked to explore some.

Overall, however, it was a great book, as always. I always expect great reads from Mr. Brooks and have yet to be disappointed.