Brooks's Books
by Publication Order Productions
Welcome to Brooks's Books, the show where we read all the works of Terry Brooks in publication order. Josh, Dave, and Leah are here to dig into Terry's nearly five decade long career. Most notably, this includes the Shannara series, one of the longest-running and most influential works in fantasy fiction. We'll also be discussing his other work: The Magic Kingdom of Landover series, The Word & Void series, and all the other smaller projects from the last 50 years. We're welcoming to long-term Shannara fans, lapsed readers, and total newcomers. If you'd like to read along, we'll be announcing our reading schedule as we go. However, you can feel free to just listen to our summaries and discussion if that suits you better.
Episodes
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Episode 58: Tanequil (Ch. 16-30)
It's a Cat-tastrophe on Brooks's Books as we explore the back half of Tanequil. All of Terry's Star Wars experience is paying off in this reading in a big way, and it's giving us the coolest chapter Terry has ever written. We also dig into trolls being cool, our villains still kinda sucking, and...
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Episode 57: Tanequil (Ch. 1-15)
It's time to continue our journey to the magic tree of the Four Lands! No, not that magic tree. Along the way we'll meet some old friends and maybe get annoyed by some newer villains. Join us as we talk about a new strong entry for the Coolest Man Who Ever Lived, Terry's deepening Star Wars...
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Episode 56: Indomitable
This week we're going waaaaay back to visit some old friends from Wishsong as Terry does his second foray into short fiction with Indomitable. Did you know that an Ildatch page survived the end of Wishsong? Neither did I! Jair Ohmsford's going to have to do something about it, but not before he...
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Episode 55: Jarka Ruus (Ch. 15-30)
Welcome to the Swampcast, where we talk about all your favorite swamps. Have you heard about mist? Perhaps mud? Vines? We got 'em all, and so does the back half of Jarka Ruus. Join us as we talk about more airship nonsense, catastrophically bad druidic hiring practices, and whether or not Ahren...
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Episode 54: Jarka Ruus (Ch. 1-14)
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...
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Episode 53: Sometimes the Magic Works
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...
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Episode 52: Reign of Fire
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…
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Episode 51: Treasure Planet
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...
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Episode 50: Morgawr (Ch. 18-33)
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...
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Episode 49: Morgawr (Ch. 1-17)
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…
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Episode 48: The World of Shannara
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...
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Episode 47: Antrax (Ch. 15-29)
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...
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Episode 46.5: Siblingcast!
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…
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Episode 46: Antrax (Ch. 1-14)
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...
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Episode 45: Ilse Witch (Ch. 17-32)
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…
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Episode 44: Ilse Witch (Ch. 1-16)
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...
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Episode 43: Princess Mononoke
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,...
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Episode 42: Angel Fire East (Ch. 15-28)
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...
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Episode 41: Angel Fire East (Ch. 1-14)
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.
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Episode 40: Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (Ch. 13-24)
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…
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Episode 39: Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace (Ch. 1-12)
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...
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Episode 38: A Knight of the Word (Ch. 14-25)
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...
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New Year's Day
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.
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Episode 37: A Knight of the Word (Ch. 1-13)
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...
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Episode 36: Running with the Demon (Ch. 17-32)
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].
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Episode 35: Running with the Demon (Ch. 1-16)
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.
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Episode 34: The Crow
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...
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Episode 33: The First King of Shannara (Ch. 18-34)
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…
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Episode 32: The First King of Shannara (Ch. 1-17)
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…
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Bonus Episode: We Play the Shannara Video Game
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.
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Episode 31: Shannara Video Game (1995)
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…
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Episode 30: Witches' Brew (Ch. 12-21)
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…
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Episode 29: Witches' Brew (Ch. 1-11)
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]. Next time…
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Episode 28: The Tangle Box (Ch. 11-23)
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.
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Episode 27: The Tangle Box (Ch. 1-10)
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...
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Episode 26: Army of Darkness
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...
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Episode 25: The Talismans of Shannara (Ch. 20-37)
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…
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Episode 24: The Talismans of Shannara (Ch. 1-19)
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...
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Episode 23: The Elf Queen of Shannara (Ch. 15-29)
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...
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Episode 22: The Elf Queen of Shannara (Ch. 1-14)
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…
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Episode 21: Imaginary Friends and Hook
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…
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Episode 20: The Druid of Shannara (Ch. 17-33)
This book is so good. Email us questions at [email protected]. We might read them on the show!
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Episode 19: The Druid of Shannara (Ch. 1-16)
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?
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Episode 18: The Scions of Shannara (Ch. 19-34)
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?
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Mini Episode: Congratulations Terry!
We share some impromptu thoughts on Terry's announcement that he is retiring.
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Episode 17: The Scions of Shannara (Ch. 1-18)
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...
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Episode 16: Willow
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.
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Episode 15: Wizard at Large (Ch. 12-22)
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…
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Episode 14: Wizard at Large (Ch. 1-11)
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…
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Episode 13: The Black Unicorn (Ch. 11-21)
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...
About this show
Welcome to Brooks's Books, the show where we read all the works of Terry Brooks in publication order. Josh, Dave, and Leah are here to dig into Terry's nearly five decade long career. Most notably, this includes the Shannara series, one of the longest-running and most influential works in fantasy fiction. We'll also be discussing his other work: The Magic Kingdom of Landover series, The Word & Void series, and all the other smaller projects from the last 50 years.
We're welcoming to long-term Shannara fans, lapsed readers, and total newcomers. If you'd like to read along, we'll be announcing our reading schedule as we go. However, you can feel free to just listen to our summaries and discussion if that suits you better.
Hosted by
Publication Order Productions