Shannara
From the ashes of the Old World rose the Four Lands — a realm of Elves, Dwarves, and Men, guarded by the magic of the Druids and threatened by the demons of the Void.
The Four Lands
Epic fantasy born from apocalypse
Thousands of years after nuclear war destroyed human civilization, the world has rebuilt into the Four Lands — a realm where Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, and Trolls coexist with Men. Magic has returned, wielded by the Druids of Paranor and the bloodline of the Ohmsfords.
Word & Void
The war before the fall
In modern-day America, a secret war rages between the forces of the Word and the demons of the Void. The Knights of the Word are the last defenders of humanity, armed with magic and prophetic dreams. This is the prequel to Shannara — the story of how the Old World ended.
Pillars of the World
The forces that shape the Four Lands
The Druids
Keepers of knowledge and magic, guardians of Paranor, protectors of the Four Lands.
The Sword of Shannara
The legendary blade that reveals truth — the only weapon that can defeat the Warlock Lord.
The Elfstones
Ancient Elven talismans of immense power — Blue for seeking, Black for summoning.
The Wishsong
Magic born of the Elfstones' influence — a power that shapes reality through song.
The Ohmsfords
A bloodline carrying Elven magic through generations, forever tied to the fate of the Four Lands.
The Demons
Creatures of the Void, sealed away by the Forbidding, ever seeking to break free.
Where to Start
The Shannara series spans over 30 books across thousands of years of history. There's no single "right" way to read them — here are the two main approaches: