Morgawr by Terry Brooks

Title:  Morgawr
Author:  Terry Brooks
Format:  PB
Pages:  414
Genre:  Fantasy
Publisher:  Del Rey, 2003
ISBN-13:  978-0345435750
Series:  Shannara, Book 14

Favorite Quote:  The dark figure crossed the surface of the lake to where Walker lay and reached for him.  His hand lifted automatically in response.  Allanon's dark countenance stared down, penetrating eyes fixing on him.  There was approval in those eyes.  There was a promise of peace. Walker smiled.

Synopsis (Amazon):  The quest at last draws to its climactic conclusion, as the forces of good and evil vying against each other to possess an ancient magic race towards an explosive clash—and whatever fate awaits the victor . . . and the vanquished. Harrowing confrontations with the merciless Ilse Witch and the monstrous Antrax have already taken their toll on the intrepid heroes of the Four Lands. But their darkest adversary now snaps at their heels, in the form of the Morgawr—master of the Ilse Witch, feeder upon the souls of his enemies, and centuries-old sorcerer of unimaginable might.

With a fleet of airships and a crew of walking dead men at his command, the Morgawr is in relentless pursuit of the Jerle Shannara and the crew that mans her. For the Morgawr, the goal is two fold: to find and control the fabled ancient books of magic, and to destroy the dark disciple who betrayed him—the Ilse Witch. But the Ilse Witch is already a prisoner . . . of herself. Exposed to the awesome power of the Sword of Shannara, and forced to confront the truth of her horrifying deeds, she has fled deep into her own mind. Now at the mercy of those who seek vengeance against her, her only protector is her long-lost brother, Bek Ohmsford, who is determined to redeem his beloved sister . . . and deliver her to the destiny predicted for her by the Druid Walker Boh.

Review:  This was a very satisfying book.  The Morgawr was another fine villain who, while he did not quite fill the large shoes of Antrax, was so vile and evil that I shuddered each time he entered a scene and I was quite relieved when he was defeated.  While some of my favorite characters died trying to complete this dangerous quest and the rest were changed by the death and destruction they witnessed, I still found I cared about them at the end.  In fact, I was sorry to see the end come.

A new Druid has perhaps arisen from the ashes of this seemingly failed quest and her story is documented in the next trilogy.  I really hate putting away a series before I'm done with it, but I still feel that I might be better served taking a break.  At this writing, I am undecided what to do.  A visit to my bookshelves is in order, to see if something else strikes my immediate fancy or if I will continue with the remainder of this series.

Rating:  4 / 5