It is the second book in the Defenders of Shannara series, three loosely tied-together novels featuring Paxon Leah, the High Druid’s Blade and wielder of the Sword of Leah.
Here is more about the book:
From New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks comes a thrilling stand-alone novel in his legendary Shannara series—the perfect place for new readers to begin.
After taking up his enchanted sword against the dark sorcerer Arcannen, Paxon Leah has become the sworn protector of the Druid order. Now a critical hour is at hand, as a beloved High Druid nears the end of her reign and prepares to pass from the mortal world to the one beyond. There is little time for Paxon to mourn his friend and benefactor before duty summons him. For in a distant corner of the Four Lands, the magic of the wishsong has been detected. Paxon must accompany a Druid emissary to find its source—and ensure the formidable power is not wielded by the wrong hands.
But danger is already afoot in the village of Portlow. Gentle traveling minstrel Reyn Frosch possesses the uncanny gift, and curse, of the wishsong. And now his coveted abilities have captured the malevolent interest of none other than Arcannen—whose quest for power is exceeded only by his thirst for vengeance. The lone survivor of a brutal assault on a notorious pirate city, the sorcerer is determined to retaliate against the Federation’s elite military guard—and use the devastating power of the wishsong as his ultimate weapon.
Over the next month, I will release three excerpts from the new Shannara novel! Right now? Click on the first page below to open up the PDF of Chapter One!
The Darkling Child by Terry Brooks publishes on June 9th! If a signed copy is of interest to you, click HERE!
Oh, and share this excerpt on your social media! #ShareShannara!
Happy reading!
6 responses to “Chapter One: THE DARKLING CHILD”
Great news, can’t wait til it’s out. Not gonna read it though. Don’t want to spoil it. What an awesome time to be a Shannara fan. Reading Dark Thorn right now and loving it! Shawn, will you be coming to SLC comicon? I’d love to meet you.
I’ll be there. Will be fun to meet ya! Glad you are loving The Dark Thorn!
I agree with kinsler tae, If I read it now I know I will want to read it all the way so I am going to wait, as hard as it is, til the book comes into full being! Thank you for writing it as I want to know how these dear friends end up.
Oh I can’t wait until this comes out!!! I will have to go back and read the first one again. I always do when a new installment comes out.
Awesome teaser! I can’t believe that Aphen is dying! I am ready to see how this story turns out. I want to go back and read High Druid’s Blade before this comes out to refresh my memory of the story line.
That is what I usually do as well. Even going so far as to re-read the whole series, especially if it has been a long time between books!