VOYAGE OF THE JERLE SHANNARA Ilse Witch

This abridgment is a continuation of Brooks's Shannara epic, which began with The First King of Shannara in 1977. There have been a half dozen more Brooks novels set in the mythic realm of Shannara between then and now. That's a lot of territory, and the abridgment form throws names and places at the reader unrelentingly as this new story begins. Sam Fontana gives it a workmanlike reading that doesn't really help clear the cloud of confusion that will engulf anyone who starts the series here. The Jerle Shannara is an airship that is setting off on a quest to find a treasure, and the characters, including elves, druids, and witches, are colorful enough to overcome some of this off-putting confusion. Certainly for the Brooks follower--and such fans are legion--this entry enriches the lore of a well-established place they love to go. M.C. © AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 01]