Ilse Witch
"Ilse Witch" marks the beginning of Terry Brooks' Voyage of the Jerle Shannara trilogy, launching readers into a bold new era of exploration and magic. The story follows Walker Boh—now the last true Druid—who assembles a diverse and reluctant crew aboard the airship Jerle Shannara to search for ancient magic hidden on the distant continent of Parkasia. Among his companions is Bek Rowe, a young man with a mysterious past and a link to the mission’s most dangerous adversary: the enigmatic Ilse Witch, a powerful sorceress whose identity and motivations are tied to long-buried secrets of the Ohmsford bloodline.
Brooks blends familiar Shannara lore with fresh elements like steampunk-influenced airships and uncharted territories, giving this installment a feeling of both continuity and innovation. The pacing is swift, driven by intense action, cryptic puzzles, and the ever-present danger posed by the Ilse Witch, whose tragic complexity slowly unfolds. With well-developed characters, strong emotional undercurrents, and a sense of discovery that evokes the earliest Shannara novels, "Ilse Witch" is an engaging and satisfying return to the Four Lands. Fans of classic fantasy and newcomers alike will find this an exciting entry point into a new phase of the saga. It’s a strong recommendation for anyone looking for adventure, mystery, and richly imagined magic.