Galaphile - (The First Druids of Shannara) by Terry Brooks (Hardcover)

About the Book

Terry Brooks makes his triumphant return to the world of Shannara, delving deep into the origin story of the druid order and its enigmatic creator that will change the face of the Four Lands forever.

Book Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks makes his triumphant return to the world of Shannara, delving deep into the origin story of the druid order and its enigmatic creator that will change the face of the Four Lands forever.

One of the most iconic structures in the Four Lands is Paranor, the fortress home of the Druid Order. Legend holds that it was erected by an Elven leader known as Galaphile Joss. But who was this Galaphile, and how and why did he choose to establish this center of magic and learning?

Within these pages we meet the real Galaphile, following him from a friendless teenage orphan stranded in the Human world to a powerful adult and master mage, studying under the infamous recluse, Cogline. We learn of the forces that shaped him--those he loved, and those he lost; those who aided him, and those who stood against him.

Throughout it all, Galaphile's goal is a noble one: to bring order to a chaotic world, and to make life better for those trying to survive it. To this end, he commences building the citadel which will one day be known as Paranor with the aid of the King of the Silver River. But there is one other who seeks dominion over the Four Lands--and for far less virtuous ends.

For this foe has been corrupted by an ancient evil--one that will not only reach out and touch Galaphile's nearest and dearest, but also echo down through the centuries, sowing the seeds for some of the darkest times the Four Lands will ever face.

Review Quotes

Praise for Terry Brooks and Shannara

"Terry Brooks's place is at the head of the fantasy world."--Philip Pullman

"One of my favorite fictional worlds growing up."--Karen Russell

"I can't even begin to count how many of Terry Brooks's books I've read (and reread) over the years. From Shannara to Landover, his work was a huge part of my childhood."--Patrick Rothfuss

"A great storyteller, Terry Brooks creates rich epics filled with mystery, magic, and memorable characters. If you haven't read Terry Brooks, you haven't read fantasy."--Christopher Paolini

"Terry Brooks has been my constant companion over a lifetime of exploring my beloved fantasy genre. I say with all honesty I would not be writing epic fantasy today if not for Shannara. If Tolkien is the grandfather of modern fantasy, Terry Brooks is its favorite uncle."--Peter V. Brett

"Terry Brooks is a master of the craft and a trailblazer who established fantasy as a viable genre. Not only do I owe him for many hours of reading pleasure, I owe him my job. This is required reading."--Brent Weeks

"The Shannara books were among the first to really capture my imagination. I didn't just enjoy reading the novels--the world became so real that I would spend hours creating Shannara fan fiction in my mind. My daydreams and therefore my stories will always owe a debt to Terry Brooks."--Brandon Mull

About the Author

Terry Brooks has thrilled readers for decades with his powers of imagination and storytelling. He is the author of more than forty books, most of which have been New York Times bestsellers. He lives with his wife, Judine, in the Pacific Northwest.