This book, the first in another series of Shannara books, is well read by Sam Fontana, his creating different voices for the characters, lends a more exciting reading of the book, than just plain reading. His snake like, hissing, voice for the character of Truls Rohk is particularly good. I haven't finished it yet, but what I've heard so far makes it good. I look forward to the next part of the series Antrax. Charles Keating is good when he reads, but Fontana is a close second. Worth a listen.
This erratum/addendum to a prior review I did for this was, in addition to Truls Rohk, which I said had a snake like hiss, to his voice, provided by Sam Fontana, in the reading of this, was Cree Bega, another character in this excellent title from Terry Brooks.

I think the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara series were wonderful. Full of character development and great plot. The only thing that really bothered me about the book are the girl characters. I don't understand why they are so annoying, the author portrays most of the girl characters as whiny, naggy, stubborn, obnoxious and overall just plain annoying. Don't get me wrong, I'm not being sexist because I'm a chick myself but these characters are the reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5. But for other readers, if you are not bothered by these character's traits, by all means read this series because it is very enjoyable.

In this first of the series, author Terry Brooks brings us back to his world of the Shannara series. When a blinded and muted elf washes up on the coast, carrying a mysterious map, the Druid Walker is summoned. Walker organizes a mission, peopled by an unusual collection of elves, humans, a dwarf, and a mysterious man of unknowable powers. But, an evil witch, the Ilse Witch, with powers to rival Walker shadows the party and dread prophecies bode ill for the mission. Undaunted, the party sets off in a new airship, into the unknown depths of the Blue Divide.

Being the first book in a series, this book contains a good deal of character introduction and development. Through it all though, Terry Brooks keeps the story moving, with the pace of the story accelerating as the chapters roll along. His introduction of the magical/technological airships is a fascinating development. Overall, this is a great book, and well worth you time and money.

Having read the High Druid of Shannara series prior to reading this series, the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara, I knew I was going to be cheated of some of the revelations, since the High Druid borrows a lot of background from the Voyage. And, in hindsight, it really kills me to have read them in the order I chose. How could I enjoy this series knowing the connection between the characters? But I was really surprised. Despite this potentially lethal fact, I still loved Isle Witch, this start of what promises to be a wonderful series!

The Isle Witch begins a premise which is entirely new to Brooks, where the focus is a voyage and a quest, rather than simply saving the world, or some part of it from imminent danger. Compounding this new idea for Brooks is the having two parties competing for the same goal, with the parties sharing an adversarial history. And, even further compounding this plot, we add multiple main characters with mysterious connections and only partially revealed histories. Add in the setting of the scantily revealed Old World and you have a recipe for intrigue and adventure of the highest order.

Wing Riders, Rovers, Highlanders, a Druid, Elves and Dwarves all come together in interesting ways to make this book stand out from typical fantasy. Really, this has been one of my favorite visits to Shannara, with wonderful build ups to the clash between technology and magic, and between sci-fi and fantasy. The characters are interesting, and well developed and the setting is at its best. I would HIGHLY recommend it to anyone looking for a change from the ordinary...

I have read everything in the Shannara epic leading up to this novel, and while not blown away, the previous books were entertaining enough to keep me reading. However, this latest installment makes is apparent that Brooks is out of good ideas (flying ships doesn't quite cut it) and continues to repackage even his own stuff. After reading this book, I draw a line in the sand and refuse to spend any more time with Brooks' writing. I can only recommend this with the disclaimer to expect nothing fresh from Brooks here.