Customer Reviews

Armageddon's Children (Genesis of Shannara Series)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This new novel by Terry Brooks, is, I think, his best yet.
Set on earth several years in to the future, it describes a world far removed from our own, ravaged by nuclear attacks and climate change. It's population devastated by the effects of chemical poisonings and radiation. The demons that also populate this world make it a gripping fantasy novel, but the likelihood that some elements of this world may well become a reality in a not-too-distant future certainly gives the reader pause for thought. Let's hope it has the same effect on other people too.
In this world, where survival of the fittest really does determine who lives and who dies, a group of characters struggle to stay alive.
Terry Brooks has created many memorable characters over his long career, but I think he may have outdone himself this time. In Armageddon's children, he has created a deep and complex cast of characters that the reader can identify with and relate to right away.
From Logan and Angel, the last of a dying breed fighting a losing battle to protect human kind from the demons who would eliminate them, to Hawk. Leader of a street gang trying to survive in a city where enemies and danger could lie round every corner, and orphans of the streets are regarded as people not important enough to concern anyone.
The strong bond between this unlikely family, thrown together by circumstances and held together by loyalty and friendship is beautifully captured.
As well as having a moving love story as a sub plot between Hawk and a girl from one of the compounds who are forbidden to mix with people of the streets, Terry also continues to champion disabilities in his books which is wonderful to see.
He has had characters both deaf and blind, who, far from being helpless and dependant on others, are strong characters in their own right. His latest, Owl, is no exception. Confined to a wheelchair, she is nevertheless a strong wise character and a decisive leader.
This was a deep, thought-provoking read, and as is typical of Terry, leaves the reader begging for the next instalment. I really don't know how I'll survive the weight for this one!

It takes a while to get into this one, largely because it's one of those dark, dreary future fiction things. Eventually the plot and characters become interesting enough to make you want to buy the sequel.

I've not previously read any books in this series or by Terry Brooks. This story is compelling from the first line and read really well in a moody fashion that enabled me to really visualize the scenes and get deeply involved with the characters. No previous understanding of the story line was needed for me to enjoy this book.
Dick Hill the reader, did such a good job that I have found myself looking for other books read by him. Also another really great aspect of this particular book is the 'MP3 CD' format. After having downloaded a few books from Audible with DRM restrictions on how many devices and an authorization process that I find a real pain in the rear end I will go out of my way to only buy audio books in this 'MP3 CD'. Because the 'MP3 CD' has no restrictions I was able to share the book with my family all of whom are now hooked on the series.

I had never read anything by Terry Brooks, so I thought I would try listening to Armageddon's Children because I thought the premise sounded interesting. I guess the story is interesting, but I found it extremely slow and boring. The narrator has a dreary boring voice that drove me crazy. I couldn't even finish listening to the whole thing because it became torture.