Brooks's Books

It's a jumbo sized episode as we start our next set of Shannara books: The High Druid of Shannara! We've got a lot to say about poor druid recruitment practices, new Ohmsford vibes, the return of a beloved character, and the return of a not so beloved character.Next time we're reading chapters 15-30 of Jarka Ruus.Want us to answer your questions on the show? Email us at [email protected]! If you'd like to support the show financially, head over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 7 of Brooks's Books is here, and we're starting with something very different: Terry's first nonfiction book, combining stories from his life with writing advice. It's really short, but as you might guess, our discussion is not! We find a ton of stuff to dig into here, including Terry's rules of writing, all kinds of things about Lester Del Rey, and the dirt on what happened with Hook and The Phantom Menace.If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected]. If you'd like to support the show financially, head over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow.Next time we'll be reading chapters 1-14 of Jarka Ruus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a future destroyed by dragons, one man has taken all the personality in the world and hoarded it to himself: Matthew McConaughey. This week we watched Reign of Fire, and this one's a real doozy. With Dave out this week, we're instead joined by Josh's wife, Gracie! Listen along as we discuss how grey this movie is, some surprise appearances from other genre properties, and what Christian Bale should do with 1600 pounds of horseflesh.Email your questions in to the show at [email protected], and we might answer them on the show! If you'd like to support the show financially, head over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow.Next time, we're starting Season 7 of the show by reading Terry's nonfiction book Sometimes the Magic Works. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Avast, the end of another season of Brooks's Books do be upon us! But before we sight the land of our next season of books, we must watch another film. Join as we become pirates to palaver about Treasure Planet, go on about blending 2D and 3D animation, and, of course, talk about keelhauling the lot of ye.If ye'd like to impart yer questions upon us, send a message in a bottle to [email protected]. We'd also ask that ye consider sharin' some booty with us to help support the show by sailing over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow.Next time, we're watching Reign of Fire! The next time after that, we're reading all of Sometimes the Magic Works. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The end of the season is upon us, and it's time to deal with this Morgawr guy once and for all. We're in for a wild ride, and our enthusiasm for different parts of the book vary just as wildly. Join us as we discuss the return of book 1's pacing issues, the satisfying return of a sidelined character, and the bizarre decisions made about how this book treats women.If you'd like to hear us answer your questions on the show, email them to [email protected]. If you'd like to support the show financially, head over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow.Next time we're watching Treasure Planet! The time after that we're watching Reign of Fire! And the time after THAT we're starting Season 7 of Brooks's Books with Sometimes the Magic Works. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freed from the tyranny of fantasy reference books, we return to resolve those big cliffhangers from the end of Antrax! Morgawr may not have the breadth of horrifying concepts as Antrax did, but it sure has one really strong one. Join us as we get into how Terry starts to converge the separate story threads, the bold choice of reducing a character to a Macguffin, and dive deep into our feelings on the end of a character we love.Send us questions at [email protected] and we might answer them on the show! If you'd like to send us financial support, head over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow.Next time we're reading chapters 18-33 of Morgawr. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes on this show we get to read really excellent books. Sometimes there's really great writing and themes. Compelling character arcs. Interesting worldbuilding ideas. Maybe even some good horror.Sometimes, instead, we read The World of Shannara.If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected]. If you'd like to support the show financially, head over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow.Next time we're reading chapters 1-17 of Morgawr. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Brooks's Books, the show where we're tormented by an evil AI for all eternity! Join us this week as we discuss how Leah wants better for Ryer Ord Star, Dave dislikes Phoenix Stones, and Josh believes that Bek Rowe is the personification of the Sword of Shannara.If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected]. If you'd like to support the show financially, head to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow.Next time we're reading The World of Shannara. Buckle up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our schedules have been crazy lately, and Josh and Leah are stuck recording without Dave! We can't just finish Antrax without him on board, so instead the siblings got together to talk about some media we've enjoyed (or not enjoyed) recently. Next week we'll be back to our normal schedule, with the back half of Antrax. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for Antrax, and horror Terry is BACK IN FULL FORCE. I hope you're ready to be distressed! Join us as we explore the mysteries of Castledown, read one of the greatest chapters Terry has ever written, and also go "Eauauaghhhhhh!"If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected]. If you'd like to support the show financially, head over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow.Next time we're reading chapters 15-29 of Antrax. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The party has been assembled, and now it's time to set sail in the skies! This week we join the Jerle Shannara on its blitzkrieg tour of islands in the Blue Divide, and learn a lot more about... well, mostly Bek Rowe. Join us as we discuss the unusual structure of this book, its surprising increase in violence, and how much more compelling the mysteries of this book are than what we've had in the past.If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected]. If you'd like to support the show financially, head over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow.Next time we're reading chapters 1-14 of Antrax. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time to set out on a bold new adventure as Brooks's Books joins the Voyage of the Jerle Shannara! Join us as we settle in to our bunks on the ship and get to know the approximate 300 other people aboard. It's fun to be back in Shannara, getting to witness fancy new technology and catching up with the utter lack of progress our old friend Walker Boh has made. Also: we love a new creepy villain!If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected] you'd like to support the show financially, head over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow.Next time we're reading chapters 17-32 of Ilse Witch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're between seasons again, so movie time is upon us. This month our listeners chose Princess Mononoke, and it turns out that it's a very good movie! Join us as we discuss creepy worms, really tall sandals, and the coolest elk who ever lived.If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected] you'd like to support the show financially, head over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow.Next time we'll be reading chapters 1-16 of Ilse Witch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for our last outing with Nest Freemark and John Ross, and we're a little sad to see them go. This week we're discussing themes of addiction, trapped negative emotion and coping mechanisms, whether or not Findo Gask is really The Coolest Demon Who Ever Lived, and, of course, famed rapper Lil Jon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a brief detour to a galaxy far, far away, we're returning to Hopewell, Illinois and Nest Freemark. What's she been up to in the last ten years since we've seen her? Join us as we discuss Christmastime in the Midwest, which juices are good and bad, and how Terry writes about The Drugs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Star Wars time continues, and Terry is continuing to do his best to put his personal stamp on this story. We've got podracing, we've got the Duel of the Fates, and strangest of all, we've got Jar Jar asking questions about why god allows suffering. Apparently, no one believes in Jar Jar's potential more than Terry Brooks. If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected]. If you'd like to support the show financially, head over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow.Next time we're reading chapters 1-14 of Angel Fire East.Head over to r/brooksbooksshow or @brooksbooksshow on Bluesky to vote on which movie we should cover after this season! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time for Terry's second and final attempt at writing a film novelization. Fortunately for all of us, this one is dramatically better! We were really surprised by how much strong characterization Terry managed to sneak into this book, including some for... Jar Jar?Next time we're reading chapters 13-24 of The Phantom Menace.If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected]. If you'd like to support the show financially, head over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Things are coming to a head in Seattle! We discuss Terry's handling of the topic of homelessness in America, some really great uses of metaphor, and some... less great uses of secrets and reveals. Also, what's up with Terry and owls?If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected]. If you'd like to support the show financially, head over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Major technical problems and busy holiday schedules means no regular episode this week! Sorry folks. Instead, we spend a little time talking about some of our favorite media from this year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue our journey into the Word & Void series with a trip to Seattle! It's time to catch up with John Ross and Nest Freemark five years after the events of the last book, and learn how much of a bad time John has had! There's some really interesting ideas in this one, and we discuss Terry's forays into examining homelessness and what sort of events could push a Knight of the Word too far.If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected]. If you'd like to support the show financially, head to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're closing out Running with the Demon with one hell of a bang! Word & Void has made quite the early impression on us, and we have a great time discussing what turned out be a VERY eventful reading. If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season 5 of Brooks's Books is here, and with it comes the Word & Void series! It turns out we were REALLY excited to talk about Running with the Demon, and ended up with a giant size episode. Join us as we do a real deep dive on Hopewell, Illinois, Nest Freemark, and John Ross. What a cool book. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before we get to season 5 and the Word & Void series, we're taking a little break to watch 1994's The Crow. This is easily our most divisive movie yet, and we dig into the tragic history of the movie, hear some thoughts from the director's commentary, and learn all about how many actors in this also appeared on Homicide: Life on the Street. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time to finish up the first Shannara prequel, and see how well Terry handles some of the pitfalls that prequels can fall into. Hope you're ready for a whole bunch of battles! What happens when the fate of the Four Lands is entrusted to a jock?If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email them in to [email protected]. If you'd like to support the show financially, head on over to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow.Next time we're between seasons, so we're watching the movie you voted on: 1994's The Crow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We take one last dip into Shannara before spending next season away, and we're here to learn about the fall of the Druids. Look at all the familiar names and places! We dig into our thoughts on prequels, Terry's "tell, don't show" approach to character traits, and discover the coolest location that Terry has ever written. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When we got together to play a couple of hours of the Shannara video game, we put a mic in the room to capture our experience. If you want to know what that was like, here is some mostly unedited audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Brooks's Books, we read books. Occasionally we watch a movie. Today, it's... a video game? Did you know there was a Shannara point and click adventure game released in 1995? Did you know that it has some really wild stuff in it? Join us as we dive into this really bizarre thing.If you'd like to support the show, head to ko-fi.com/brooksbooksshow. If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected] time we're reading chapters 1-17 of THE FIRST KING OF SHANNARA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've identified our witches, and we've identified what the brew is. Unfortunately, now it's time for us to... drink it? I'm losing track of the metaphor. Despite this book not living up to the standard of our other Landover favorites, there's a few bright spots to be found. Terry, why you gotta be so mean?If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected]. Next time, we'll be discussing the 1995 video game Shannara. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've only got two Landover books left, and Witches' Brew is the last one for a long time! We'd better make the most of our stay. I sure hope that this is a great one! It's a great one, right?If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected] time we'll be reading chapters 12-21 of Witches' Brew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're prying our eyes away from our Mind's Eye Crystals just long enough to talk through the back half of the Tangle Box! Join us as we talk through more audiobook mishaps, find out Terry's real self-insert character, and discover the most unhinged scene we've covered on the show to date. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new season of Brooks's Books is upon us, and that means we're back in Landover! Join us as we podcast from the depths of the mystical Tangle Box. It's misty in here!If you'd like your questions answered on the show, send us an email at [email protected]. Next time we'll be reading chapters 11-23 of The Tangle Box. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That's a wrap on Season 3! Before we return to the Magic Kingdom of Landover, we're taking a detour to the magic kingdom of Sam Raimi's brain to watch Army of Darkness! Boy, this movie is wild and Dave and Leah were not prepared for it! Join us as we dive into just how Looney Tunes the Evil Dead franchise can get.Next time we'll be reading chapters 1-10 of The Tangle Box. If you'd like your questions answered on the show, email us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The finale of Heritage is upon us, and there's a lot for Terry to get done in this last reading. Join us as we discuss some of the cool maneuvers that the book makes, elements of the ending that didn't quite get there for us, and how we feel about the Heritage project as a whole. If you'd like your questions read on the show, email us at [email protected] time is our between-seasons break where we watch a fantasy movie that came out in the years we covered during this season, so this time we're watching 1992's Army of Darkness! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time to kick off the last book of Heritage! Will Terry be able to pay off all the mysteries he's laid out? What's going to happen when these story lines start crashing into each other? How many terrible plans can our heroes make?If you'd like your questions read on the show, email us at [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're finishing off Elf Queen, a book that has a chapter that is simultaneously one of the best and worst things we've covered on the show. Join us as we learn the answers to big questions like: Will Wren be able to complete her quest? What is the secret of the elven magic? And, most importantly: Which Ohmsford makes the most boneheaded decision? There's a lot to choose from! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a brief sojourn to Neverland, we're back in Shannara to continue the Heritage series. We're finally getting some real time with Wren Ohmsford and Garth as they travel to the the mysterious jungles of Morrowindl! We also discuss the worst name in these books to date.If you'd like us to answer your questions on the show, email us at [email protected]. You can also email us if you have suggestions for the movie we should cover at the end of the season! We're considering any fantasy movie that came out during the years 1990-1993. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're bringing you two readings for the price of one! First up is the short story IMAGINARY FRIENDS, the precursor to the Word & Void series. Next is the novelization of the film HOOK, a book that we read so that you don't have to! At least we had fun talking about it.If you'd like us to answer your questions, send them in to [email protected] and we might read them on the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This book is so good.Email us questions at [email protected]. We might read them on the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've finally arrived at the book all three of us agreed was our favorite way back at the start of this show. Does it meet expectations? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Brooks's Books, the only podcast about THE PIT. Join us this week as we descend into THE PIT. Meet new friends and reunite with old ones in THE PIT! Did I mention there's a PIT? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We share some impromptu thoughts on Terry's announcement that he is retiring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Season 3 of Brooks's Books! It's time to dive back into Shannara with the fan-favorite Heritage series. We're excited to explore what's happened to the Four Lands while we were away, get to know Terry's best cast of characters yet, and soak up the new darker tone that Scions is filled with. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're between seasons again, which means it's movie time! We've watched Willow, and boy do we have Feelings about it. Pros: Warwick Davis, Val Kilmer, and a bunch of other great performances! Cons: You can probably guess. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're closing out our inaugural season of Landover with a bang! Terry really lets loose in the back half of Wizard at Large, and Landover as an idea really hits its stride here. We've got heist movie plans, we've got lots of great comedy, and most importantly, we have the most astonishing ending of a chapter that Terry has written to date. It's a great time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're diving into Wizard at Large this week, and we're having a great time doing it. Questor's up to some new shenanigans, and it seems to be leading to exactly the type of Landover story we've been hoping for. World hopping antics, Questor being the absolute worst, a weird bottle with clowns on it -- It's all here, folks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The dark omen foretold by Dave has come to pass: we've hit our first book that we just don't especially care for. While there is still some fun to be had, we're pretty frustrated by the directions this book heads, and we get into some thorough discussions on what broke down for us here. At least Strabo is reliably great! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're continuing our journey into Landover with the mystery of the Black Unicorn. Our characters embark on some extremely short quests, we get to see Chicago again, and Ben makes some really unfortunate errors of judgement. Turns out some former foes might still be a threat!You may have gotten a version of this with the wrong audio! Sorry for the error. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have a great time with our continuing journey into Landover. This time there's evil witches, delightfully annoying gnomes, and we get very excited about a talking dragon. What's up with this Paladin guy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're embarking on the second season of the show by diving into the Magic Kingdom of Landover series! It turns out that it's a lot of fun. We've got terrible wizards, we've got dog men, we've got weird kobold guys. Most importantly: We've got an avalanche of delightfully dated pop culture references. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Now that we've finished Season 1 of the show, we're establishing a tradition of taking a break between seasons by watching a fantasy movie that released in the same time period as the books we just read. This season we've chosen 1985's Ladyhawke with Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Buckle up for some goofy action, ridiculous soundtrack choices, and some of the wildest effects sequences we've seen in a long time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.