Jarka Ruus by Terry Brooks

Title:  Jarka Ruus
Author:  Terry Brooks
Format:  PB
Pages:  390
Genre:  Fantasy
Publisher:  Del Rey, 2004
ISBN-13:  978-0345435767
Series:  Shannara, Book 15

Favorite Quote:  Become who you were meant to be, Ilse Witch.  Your magic can make you powerful, even here.  Your skills can give you domination.  Use both.  Wield them as weapons and destroy any who challenge you.  If not, you will be destroyed, in turn.

Synopsis (Amazon):  Twenty years have passed since Grianne Ohmsford denounced her former life as the dreaded Ilse Witch—saved by the love of her brother, the magic of the Sword of Shannara, and the destruction of her evil mentor, the Morgawr. Now, fulfilling the destiny predicted for her, she has established the Third Druid Council, and dedicated herself to its goals of peace, harmony among the races, and defense of the Four Lands. But the political intrigue, secret treachery, and sinister deeds that have haunted Druid history for generations continue to thrive. And despite her devotion to the greater good as Ard Rhys—the High Druid of Paranor, Grianne still has bitter enemies.

Among the highest ranks of the Council she leads lurk those who cannot forget her reign of terror as the Ilse Witch, who covet her seat of power, and who will stop at nothing to see her deposed . . . or destroyed. Even Grianne’s few allies—chief among them her trusted servant Tagwen—know of the plots against her. But they could never anticipate the sudden, ominous disappearance of the Ard Rhys, in the dead of night and without a trace. Now, barely a step ahead of the dark forces bent on stopping him, Tagwen joins Grianne’s brave young nephew, Pen Ohmsford, and the wise, powerful elf Ahren Elessedil on a desperate and dangerous mission of search and rescue—to deliver the High Druid of Shannara from an unspeakable fate.

Review:  After taking a very short break, I've continued on with the Shannara series.  I couldn't leave it alone without finding out what happened, which says something positive about the stories themselves.  This novel is quite good.  As only twenty years have passed since the last novel ended, many of the characters I enjoyed are in this novel as well.  Ahren dies during the story, which was unexpected and sad.  His niece, Khyber, is a nice addition to the story.  But, my favorite character by far is Cinnaminson, the blind daughter of a Rover airship captain.  Her name may be pretty awful, but she has a story I hope to learn more of in the next book.

All in all, a good, fast read.  With only 5 more Shannara books left to read, I'm sure I'll finish this series quickly if they are all this good.

Rating:  4 / 5