Rating: 
Summary: Excellent
Review: In the league of his previous books such as the sword of shannara series. I phenomenal read.
Rating:
Summary: An Exciting Beginning to a New Series
Review: In this first installment of the High Druid of Shannara series, author Terry Brooks picks up where the events of the "Voyage" series ended. It is now twenty years after the survivors of the battle with the Morgawr have returned, and Grianne Ohmsford, the former Ilse Witch, is now the Ard Rhys, or High Druid. However, not everyone at the Druid's keep at Paranor is supportive of her. Shadea a'Ru, a rival druid, has devised a scheme to remove Grianne from Paranor and place her in another dimension. Using a potion called liquid night, Shadea manages to sneak into the Ard Rhys' chambers and administer it to her. When Grianne awakens, she is no longer at Paranor, but trapped inside the Forbidding.Tagwen, Grianne's faithful dwarf assistant, realizes she is missing and immediately suspects Shadea and her accomplices. Immediately, he decides to find Grianne's brother Bek Ohmsford, because his use of the wishsong may help in finding Grianne. Unfortunately upon arriving, Tagwen discovers that Bek has gone away on an expedition and Pen, Beck's son, is the only one home. However, the druids have also thought of it to search for Bek and arrive almost at the same time as Tagwen. Pen and Tagwen flee and begin a journey to Emberen in search of Ahren Elessedil, the Elven Druid who survived the battle against the Morgawr twenty years earlier. With information given to them by the King of the Silver River, the companions begin their journey to find the Tanequil, a tree which has branches that will enable Pen to cross over into the Forbidding and bring Grianne back to the Four Lands. Will the companions make it to the Tanequil? Will Grianne survive inside the Forbidding? Brooks has written another fine book which is surely to become a fantasy classic. As with each of Brooks' preceeding books, this one immediately draws the reader in with characters that the reader genuinely cares about and a plot that will definitely keep the pages turning. I'm only sorry that I'll have to wait until next year for book two to be released. I highly recommend this book. Its a great beginning to a new and exciting Brooks series.
Rating:
Summary: A fascinating and suspenseful story!
Review: In this first of the series, author Terry Brooks brings us back to his world of the Shannara series. Having fulfilled Walker Boh's dream of rebuilding the Druid Council, High Druid Grianne Ohmsford (erstwhile the Ilse Witch) finds that the Council has developed into a nest of vipers. When a cabal of power-seeking druids uses foul magic to banish Grianne to a different dimension, their attention turns to Bek Ohmsford and his son Penderrin, the only ones who might be able to bring her back. With Bek off on a voyage, Pen must run from the druids and towards a place where he is told that he can find the magic to return Grianne, and along the way he must do everything he can to keep himself alive. Even though this is the first book in a series, Terry Brooks succeeds in building a fascinating and suspenseful story. Unlike the first book of the The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara series, this one is much more than mere introduction and character development. I found this to be a gripping and fascinating story, one that I highly recommend to all fans of fantasy literature!
Rating: 
Summary: Any Questions? [spoiler warning]
Review: It would be unfair to grade _Jarka Ruus_ lower because the rest of the series has yet to be published, and mediocrity is often a setup for something better (keep wishing, Star Wars fans). And, while better than anything he put out in _The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara_, Brooks once again disappointed me. - The suspense is mild and the surprises minimal. I guessed (correctly) where the Druids would banish Grianne almost immediately. The ending of the book is hardly a cliffhanger of the variety that _Scions_ brought us, largely because - Brooks tells us too much. The only thing he hasn't revealed so far is the identity of the supervillian of this series. And while we know that our supervillian is surely quite powerful, the extent of the power necessary to transport Grianne really isn't well known or appreciated. - Once again, our investment is not in the *characters*, but in the *story*. Brooks' work has never been the most innovative (though he surely did some pretty neat stuff with magics), but he has always excelled at characterization, especially with his _Word and Void_ series. The character that we see in Pen is nothing compared to what Brooks brought us with Par. Everyone winds up feeling like stock protagonists or villians. The plot is fine (not wonderful, but fine for an intro book), but the characters simply don't measure up to par (pun sort of intended). Conflict is not just a part of the Conflict-Crisis-Resolution triad we're familiar with when planning out a plot; it's a major component of character. Let's face it: Pen doesn't seem like much of a fifteen-year-old, even an uncommonly mature one. - Brooks relies too much on past works to get himself where he is. That wasn't a problem for me when I was introduced to the Brooks through _Scions of Shannara_. I didn't have the best grasp of the preceding trilogy, but _Heritage_ was separated enough for me to get along without it. But Brooks relies heavily on the reader's knowledge--you can tell he is writing for fans rather than attempting to really stretch himself. SPOILERS AHEAD YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED There were some nice moments, though. - I particularly like the fact that Brooks is going to play around with the Forbidding, truly one of his better moments. It has a lot of potential. (My only beef with him revealing where Grianne was transported is that it removes a lot of suspense.) - Technology was better-integrated this time around, probably because it plays a less prominent role. - He invented some slang! (The part when Pen and Gar talk about speeding.) - Having Brona around, even briefly, was welcome. Summoning the Warlock Lord was the only spot where I got goosebumps (becoming an unfortunate rarity while reading Brooks' books these days). Of course, I guessed that Grianne would get him instead of the Druids she sought, but it was pleasing nonetheless. The bottom line is that Terry Brooks put together a mostly formulaic book with a little suspense. It's hardly a thriller, but better than previous effort. I'm crossing my fingers for better things ahead.
Rating:
Summary: Another strong addition to the wonderful world of Shannara
Review: It's been 20 years since the events described in 'Morgawr' and Grianne Ohmsford now finds herself in the less than desirable position of being the High Druid of the Four Lands. Too many of her opponents either cannot or will not forget her life as the Ilse Witch and actively plan on banishing her to a place from which she cannot return. I MUST admit that when I discovered where it was she was sent, I instantly knew this series had received a major jolt of adrenaline. I won't spoil the surprise by telling you where she ends up, but suffice it to say if you are a long-time fan of this series, you've heard of it before. I have been somewhat annoyed over the course of these Shannara novels to see how Mr. Brooks has left behind some of my favorite characters and created entirely new ones -- many of which I have enjoyed just as much, but when I noticed Grianne as one of the central characters of this new series, I believed that Bek would also make a major appearance as well -- not so. But once again, this in no way distracts from the pure enjoyment of the story. Bek's son, Penderrin (Pen) believes he is without the use of magic, but of course he is incorrect, and his particularly unique powers are critical in finding a way to get TO his aunt, and more importantly, getting her BACK into the world of the Four Lands. He is assisted by Grianne's right hand man, Tagwen the Dwarf who is absolutely obsessed with his failure to protect the Ard Rhys and is just as driven to see her found and returned to where she rightfully belongs. On the other side, you have the power struggle inside the walls of Paranor as to who will take the place of the Ard Rhys and slowly but surely, suspicion mounts as to the motives of Shadea a'Ru, the one Druid who seemed to assume this roll almost immediately upon the discovery that Grianne had disappeared. Equally obsessed with keeping her banished forever, Shadea organizes a search party who is sent out to assure that anyone who even might have the slightest chance of returning the Ard Rhys back will fail. Lucky for Tagwen and Pen, Shadea believes that to be Grianne's brother, Bek, who is off hunting with his wife. This offers Pen and Tagwen the chance to escape (barely) and receive a visit from the fabled King of the Silver River (I've always wished that Terry would write more about this character, but I guess I'll have to continue to wait...). All in all a great start to what promises to be another fantastic Shannara Trilogy. I am also fervently waiting for the time when Terry writes another stand-alone Shannara Epic as with his first 3 novels and the 'First King', but until then, I shall wait patiently, because I have come to know that the author can only write what they have a passion for, and nothing else -- no matter HOW much I wish them to. Oh well. Another winner for Mr. Brooks and another thrill ride for us Shannara fans.
Rating:
Summary: well written, action-packed and exciting
Review: It's been twenty years since the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara and the Ilse Witch was transformed back into Grianne Ohmsford. Now she is the Ard Rhys of the Third Druid Council, the High Druid of Paranor who seeks peace in the Four Lands. She is not very well liked or trusted in the halls of Paranor because of her past evil deeds and there are those who plot against her, hungry for the power she has. A small but powerful Cabal of Druids are able to take Grianne by surprise and send her into the Forbidding, an alternate universe where all the dark creatures of fairie were banished eons ago. Her nephew Pen is made aware of her predicament and he sets out with a trusted group of allies to rescue her but the new Ard Rhys and her allies are determined to stop them. Fans of the various Shannara series will find this first installment in a new trilogy well written, action-packed and exciting. The scenes of Grianne in the Forbidding are very imaginative and colorful and engage the reader's sympathy for the Ard Rhys's plight. Terry Brooks has created an interesting protagonist in Pen, an untested young man who grows stronger with each attempt made on his life. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Formulaistic Yet Enchanting
Review: Jarka Ruus is the first novel in the High Druid of Shannara series. A decade after the events of The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, Grianne Ohmsford has fulfilled the wishes of Walker Boh and the other Druid shades by founding the Third Druid Council with herself as Ard Rhys. Ignoring some heated objections, she has welcomed people of all races into the Council. Many persons with magical talents have come to learn and to disseminate such learning among the Four Lands. In this novel, despite these accomplishments, the High Druid has some heavy problems. Many on the council and elsewhere cannot forget that she was once the Ilse Witch. Conspiracies are forming within the Council itself. Moreover, the leader of the Federation fears her and plans her downfall and the Elf King blames her for the deaths of his grandfather and father. Grianne refuses to listen to advice from her closest associates regarding the conspirators, for she is afraid that she will revert to the persona of the Ilse Witch. She has turned her back on her previous behavior to the extent of denial of even reasonable suspicions and precautions. As a result, she is caught in a magical trap that transfers her to Jarka Ruus. When she disappears, the conspirators move to take over the Council. Tagwen, the High Druid's administrative associate, leaves to find her brother, Bek Ohmsford, but instead gains the help of Pen Ohmsford, the teenage son of Bek and Rue Meridian. As Tagwen and Pen flee the conspirators, their airboat is blown into the land of the King of the Silver River, who saves them from their pursuers and sets them on a quest to rescue Grianne from her exile. Pen worries about his role in this quest, for he has only a minor magical talent, but apparently his abilities are the key to the release of his aunt. The cast in this story includes Ahren Elessedil, now a fully trained druid, and his niece Khyber, who is learning druid lore from Ahren. During their journey, they also meet Cinnaminson Hatch, a blind Rover girl with mysterious powers; Pen first becomes infatuated with Cinnaminson and then falls in love. However, her father is not about to let an outsider take his girl away from him. Pen provides a degree of humor in this story as he goes through the typical stages of teenage love. He has trouble concentrating on anything else for very long. One moment he feels that he can do anything and the next he feels ineffectual. He makes excuses to himself in order to be near her. However, he also begins to feel that he is part of a duality with Cinnaminson. This story contains many of the familiar trappings of the Shannara series, including the wishsong and the Elfstones. There is even a cameo appearance by the shade of the Warlock Lord. However, the realm of Jarka Ruus is new scenery to the reader, with dangers only mentioned in old legends. With the High Druid stranded amidst these dangers, many of us will be anxiously awaiting Tanequil, the next installment in this saga. Highly recommended for Brooks fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of high adventure and magic, with a touch of romance. -Arthur W. Jordin
Rating:
Summary: Almost Like Watching A Movie
Review: Jarka Ruus was at times a cinematic experience. In one part, an assassin who for pages and pages has been vaunted as the most deadly of all, who never misses, from whom targets never escape suddenly becomes inept when the time comes to kill a main character. Not only that, he hits an extra(anonymous burly dockworker) instead, just like in the movies. It reminds me of how the superhumanly adept agents in the Matrix Reloaded can't so much as blow the tires out on the good guys' car, or shoot the driver when they have a shot a normal person could make with relative ease. Books don't have to make excuses because there is all the space the author could want in which to explain and justify events properly. In this book Paranor though revived, is as usual about to succumb to the subtle poison of the forces of darkness. I'm not sure I buy into Shadea, the villainess. When I try to envision her, maybe I see a tall, bulky(stronger than most men), stern woman in loose black druid robes. She's also supposed to be good looking. I just have trouble putting this all together. If she wasn't a super model on the side it would all be fine. Just think! Her arms would be bigger Venus Williams' and her shoulders too! Perhaps the most rewarding parts of this book involve the continuation of the story of Ahren Elessidil and the revelation to the reader of what lies within Ellcrys tree. I had always wondered a bit what it was actually like in there after a few vague descriptions in Elfstones. To most diehard fans this will come as a treat and keep them engrossed. Otherwise, some of the happenings in this novel simply have that Hollywood quality to them, such as the supposedly competent evil dwarf Druid who the callow good guys defeat every time through sheer guts and resourcefulness. Not to mention that their pursuer is himself terrifyingly dimwitted for a practitioner of the magical and scholarly arts. Ahren keeps waving his hands and exclaiming "Waaah! I could never beat him. My powers are wimpy and he's a battle druid." I bet that dwarf excelled at everything he ever did until it came time to hunt down an Ohmsford and his companions.
Rating: 
Summary: good book but was slightly dissapointed
Review: jarka ruus was very good but it was not excellent like brooks other books. I was slightly dissapointed
Rating:
Summary: A welcome return to the Four Lands
Review: Jarka Ruus, Book One of the High Druid of Shannara Trilogy, is our latest invitation from Terry Brooks to return to the Four Lands.
This time round, we find ourselves rooting for Penderrin Ohmsford who is charged with the mission of finding the missing High Druid, Grianne, the Ilse Witch from the previous trilogy who also happens to be his aunt. Aiding him are the Elven prince Ahren Ellessedil and his niece Khyber and a cantankerous dwarf named Tagwen.
We have the usual group of villains who would stop at nothing to prevent Pen and his friends from accomplishing their goal. But be warned, the lead villain is not who you think it is as Pen discovers that something more sinister than traitorous and power-hungry druids are behind his aunt's disappearance.
Pen does not inherit any of the "usual" magical powers bestowed on the Shannara descendents in the previous books. He does not wield the Sword, have use of the Elfstones, or call on the magic of the Wishsong. Instead, he has the power to communicate with plants and animals, an ability he is quick to dismiss but one which will prove very handy before the book ends.
The uniqueness of Pen's power is the only trait that separates him from the previous Shannara heroes. In all other aspects, he is a carbon copy of Shea (Sword of Shannara), Par (Heritage of Shannara), or Bek (Voyage of the Jerle Shannara). Like his predecessors, Pen is plucked from his quiet life by fate to go on a perilous quest to save the world. He is reluctant, lacks confidence and feels sure that others are more suited to such an important job.
After more than 10 books set in the same fantasy world, be prepared for a sense of déjà vu in several places. However, the familiar characters in familiar situations do not prevent Jarka Ruus from being an enjoyable book as Brooks still manages to astound with fresh wonders, developments, and intrigues. I'll be queuing for the next books in the series.
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