Shannara Series

[PRearden]

I know this series takes an anti Christian turn somewhere along the line. Brooks himself admits it.

Interviewer: [A] reviewer accused you of using the Children of the Hawk as a way of attacking real world religions, particularly Christianity. What do you have to say about this accusation?

Terry Brooks replies: Hey, if the shoe fits…

So far I have read the Sword of Shannara trilogy, the Heritage of Shannara tetralogy, and am now enjoying the The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara Trilogy.

Where should I stop to avoid the anti-christian bias?

 

[Viki63]

Do you notice an anti-Christian bias?
/if you do, you might want to stop and try some other, more Christian-friendly literature. There are many, for example Charles Williams books (The Place of the Lion), of course C.S. Lewis’ space trilogy, and others.
I was reading a series that was well written and was really enjoying it, then learned that the final volume was anti-God - not just anti-Christian. Had to stop – I refuse to read garbage that attacks the one true friend we have in the world.
I remember starting one of the Shannara books, but quit because they seemed so poorly written. I’m sure you can find fantasy that’s much better, and at least neutral if not pro-Christian.

 

[PRearden]

Thank you for the advice. I have not noticed any anti-christian bias to any of the stories. However, as the above quote from Mr. Brooks indicates, the series takes a turn somewhere.

I was hoping to hear from another Shannara reading Catholic, so I could stop before reaching the turning point.

 

[Viki63]

It doesn’t sound as if Mr Brooks was really claiming his books are anti-religion. He’s more saying, if you think so, then they are.
I suspect you will notice if they take an anti-Christian turn.

 

[SMHW]

I know this series takes an anti Christian turn somewhere along the line. Brooks himself admits it.

So far I have read the Sword of Shannara trilogy, the Heritage of Shannara tetralogy, and am now enjoying the The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara Trilogy.

Where should I stop to avoid the anti-christian bias?

 

[SMHW]

I read the first few books. I think most of the same ones you did. I started reading the High Druid of Shannara series but I’ve never managed to finish it. It just didn’t interest me enough to get me through all the books. Maybe some day.

I haven’t noticed anything blatantly anti-Christian. But like a lot of fantasy stories they are rather atheistic in the sense that there doesn’t seem to be any deity. There is just science. There is magic but it seems to be just another “natural” property possessed by certain creatures and beings.

There might be some references to sexual activity (nothing explicit—just in contrast to earlier books that really didn’t say anything ) in some of the later books.

 

[Dandelion_Wine]

PRearden,

I started reading the Shannara series several years ago based upon a buddy’s recommendation. The first one I read seem to be nothing more than a cheap LOTR rip-off. I kept reading though because I valued his opinion. I read them in the order Brooks wrote them (google Terry Brooks suggested reading order).

I have to say I’ve really grown to enjoy them. I have just finished his latest in the series so I’ve “read them all”.

I don’t specifically recall the Children of the Hawk causing me angst. I am getting old and forgetful though - just to warn you. Generally speaking, from what I recall, it’s your typical good group gone blind following a charismatic leader. Maybe I equated it more to a Jim Jones cult type thing.

Religion, per se, doesn’t seem to enter prominentally until later in the series. And it’s more of a duality of good verses evil - The Word versus the Void.

There were some things that troubled me but it was more along the lines of horror type stuff - Stephen King-ish.

There have been books I really enjoyed and others that have been meh.

There have been books that I’ve been blown away by the new ideas and others that made me feel like he was recycling some ideas and creating a pot-boiler.

The cycle with the Children of the Hawk was really a post-apocalyptic type writing. It easily left me feeling down. But tell me one post-apocalyptic story that’s sunny.

 

[PRearden]

Thanks for all your thoughts. I too was am tiring of the more horror-like elements. I think I will put the series down for a while.