Publisher, Brilliance Audio (August 2010)

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Five hundred years have passed since the devastating demon-led war that tore apart the United States, leaving nothing but scorched and poisoned ruins, and nearly exterminating humankind. Those who escaped the carnage and blight were led to sanctuary by the boy savior known as the Hawk — the gypsy morph. In an idyllic valley, its borders warded by powerful magic against the horrors beyond, humans, Elves, and mutants alike found a place they believed would be their home forever.

But after five centuries, the unimaginable has come to pass: The cocoon of protective magic surrounding the valley has vanished. When Sider Ament, the only surviving descendant of the Knights of the Word, detects unknown predators stalking the valley, he fears the worst. And when Panterra Qu and Prue Liss, expert Trackers from the human village of Glensk Wood, find two of their own gruesomely killed, there can be no doubt: The once safe haven of generations has been laid bare and made vulnerable to whatever still lurks in the wasteland of the outside world.

Together, Ament, the two young Trackers, and a daring Elf princess race to spread word of the encroaching danger — and spearhead plans to defend their ancestral home. But suspicion and hostility among their countrymen threaten to doom their efforts from within — while beyond the breached borders, a ruthless Troll army masses for invasion. And in the thick of it all, the last wielder of the black staff and its awesome magic must find a successor to carry on the fight against the cresting new wave of evil.

About the Author: Terry Brooks published his first novel, The Sword of Shannara, in 1977. It was a New York Times bestseller for more than six months. He has published twenty-four New York Times bestsellers since. Two of those – the novels Running with the Demon and A Knight of the Word – were chosen by the Denver Rocky Mountain News as among the best fantasy novels of the 20th century. Brooks lives in Seattle with his wife, Judine.

About the Performer: Phil Gigante has narrated over 70 audiobooks, including Audie Award winner The Dark Highlander. An actor, director and producer with over 20 years experience in theatre, film, television, and radio, he is currently the artistic director of Gigantic Productions and Little Giant Children’s Theatre. He makes his home in the Midwest.