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Original Shannara

by Terry Brooks

5 books Started 1977 Latest 2003
Publication Reading Order

The Original Shannara is a Science Fiction / Fantasy series by Terry Brooks, made up of 5 books published between 1977 and 2003. It begins with The Sword of Shannara (1977), and is best read in publication order. The most recent entry is Indomitable (Short Story) (2003), spanning 26 years of storytelling.

5books
26years active
4decades
~6.5yrs between books
2003latest release
# Title Year Buy
1970s
1 The Sword of Shannara 1977 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
1980s
2 The Elfstones of Shannara 1982 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
3 The Wishsong of Shannara 1985 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
1990s
4 First King of Shannara 1996 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
2000s
5 Indomitable (Short Story)Latest 2003 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia

Original Shannara series: frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Original Shannara series?

Start with The Sword of Shannara (1977), the first book in the Original Shannara series by Terry Brooks. Follow the books in publication order for the best reading experience.

How many books are in the Original Shannara series?

There are 5 books in the Original Shannara series by Terry Brooks, published between 1977 and 2003.

What is the first book in the Original Shannara series?

The first book in the Original Shannara series is The Sword of Shannara, published in 1977 by Terry Brooks.

What is the latest book in the Original Shannara series?

The most recent book in the Original Shannara series is Indomitable (Short Story) (2003) by Terry Brooks.

More books by Terry Brooks View all series and reading orders →
More series by Terry Brooks
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About Terry Brooks

Terry Brooks is a celebrated American fantasy and science fiction author best known for his monumental Shannara series. Born in 1944 in Sterling, Illinois, he earned a law degree from the University of Washington. However, his passion for storytelling led him to pursue writing full-time. Brooks's breakout novel, "The Sword of Shannara" (1977), introduced readers to the magical world of Shannara and its unforgettable characters. The series became a global phenomenon, spawning numerous sequels and prequels. Other notable works include the "Genesis of Shannara" trilogy, the "Word & Void" series, and his standalone novel "Running with the Demon" (1997). Brooks has garnered widespread recognition for his storytelling prowess. He has won the Hugo Award, Nebula Award, and the Bram Stoker Award, among others. His books have consistently topped bestseller lists and captivated millions of readers worldwide. Terry Brooks remains a towering figure in the fantasy genre, enriching it with his imaginative worlds and compelling narratives.

View all Terry Brooks series →

About the Original Shannara series

Terry Brooks's original Shannara trilogy is a foundational work of modern commercial fantasy — one of the first epic fantasies to become a major bestseller after Tolkien. In a far-future world where magic has returned after the fall of civilisation, ordinary heroes of the Ohmsford line must take up the legendary Sword of Shannara against a returning evil.

The original trilogy ("The Sword of Shannara," "The Elfstones of Shannara," "The Wishsong of Shannara") delivers grand quests, ancient magic and a richly built world that launched a decades-long publishing empire. "Elfstones" in particular is a fan favourite.

Read the original three in order; they anchor an enormous interconnected series spanning many later trilogies.