Quick Take

Twenty years ago, Terry Brooks turned fantasy fiction on its head with The Sword of Shannara, the first fantasy novel to make the mainstream bestseller lists, and the first in an unbroken string of thirteen bestselling books. Now, in Running with the Demon, Brooks does nothing less than revitalize fantasy fiction again, inventing the complex and powerful new mythos of the Word and the Void, good versus evil still, but played out in the theater-in-the-round of the "real world" of our present. On the hottest Fourth of July weekend in decades, two men have come to Hopewell, Illinois, site of a lengthy, bitter steel strike. One is a demon, dark servant of the Void, who will use the anger and frustration of the community to attain a terrible secret goal. The other is John Ross, a Knight of the Word, a man who, while he sleeps, lives in the hell the world will become if he fails to change its course on waking. Ross has been given the ability to see the future. But does he have the power to change it?At stake is the soul of a fourteen-year-old girl mysteriously linked to both men. And the lives of the people of Hopewell. And the future of the country. This Fourth of July, while friends and families picnic in Sinnissippi Park and fireworks explode in celebration of freedom and independence, the fate of Humanity will be decided . . .A novel that weaves together family drama, fading innocence, cataclysm, and enlightenment, Running with the Demon will forever change the way you think about the fantasy novel. As believable as it is imaginative, as wondrous as it is frightening, it is a rich, exquisitely-written tale to be savored long after the last page is turned.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Running with the Demon (Word & Void, #1)

Introduction

Terry Brooks, the renowned fantasy author, has once again captivated readers with his latest novel, "Running with the Demon." Twenty years after the release of "The Sword of Shannara," Brooks has created a new mythos with the Word and the Void, exploring the complex and powerful struggle between good and evil. Set in the real world of today, this novel weaves together family drama, fading innocence, cataclysm, and enlightenment. In this article, we will delve into the book's analysis, reasons for recommendation, and reasons for not recommending it.

About Terry Brooks

Terry Brooks is an accomplished author known for his Shannara series, which has garnered widespread acclaim. Born in Illinois in 1944, Brooks spent much of his childhood dreaming up stories in and around Sinnissippi Park. His love for storytelling led him to pursue a degree in English Literature from Hamilton College, followed by a graduate degree from the School of Law at Washington & Lee University. After writing many stories across different genres, Brooks finally found his true calling with "The Sword of Shannara," which became the first work of fiction to appear on the New York Times trade paperback bestseller list.

Analysis of Views

Believable and Imaginative: Readers praise Brooks' ability to combine believable characters with imaginative elements. The blending of magic and reality creates a unique and captivating world that draws readers in.
Wondrous and Frightening: The novel's ability to be both wondrous and frightening is highly appreciated. The exploration of good and evil, along with the cataclysmic events unfolding, keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Family Drama: The family drama element adds depth to the story, making it relatable and engaging. The relationships between characters and their struggles resonate with readers.
Cataclysm and Enlightenment: The themes of cataclysm and enlightenment resonate with readers. The exploration of the consequences of human actions and the potential for transformation creates a thought-provoking reading experience.
Real-World Setting: The decision to set the story in the real world adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative. The blending of fantasy elements with contemporary society creates a fresh and immersive reading experience.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Storytelling: Brooks' storytelling skills are highly praised, drawing readers into the world he has created. The plot is well-paced, keeping readers invested in the characters and their journey.
Believable Characters: The characters in the novel are relatable and well-developed. Readers appreciate their struggles and growth throughout the story, making them feel connected to the characters and their journey.
Unique Mythos: The Word and the Void mythos is a unique creation that sets this novel apart from other fantasy novels. The exploration of good and evil in a real-world setting adds a fresh perspective to the genre.
Thought-Provoking Themes: The themes of cataclysm, enlightenment, and the consequences of human actions resonate with readers. The exploration of these themes adds depth to the story and leaves readers contemplating their own beliefs.
Engaging Read: Overall, readers find "Running with the Demon" to be an engaging read that combines elements of fantasy, family drama, and cataclysmic events. The novel's ability to captivate readers from start to finish makes it a highly recommended read for fans of Terry Brooks and fantasy fiction alike.

Reasons for Not Recommending

Lack of Connection: Some readers feel disconnected from certain characters or find their motivations unclear. This lack of connection can hinder their enjoyment of the story.
Slow Pace: A few readers find certain sections of the novel to be slow-paced or dragging, which can affect their overall enjoyment of the book.
Overuse of Descriptions: Some readers feel that there are too many descriptions in the novel, which can bog down the pacing and detract from the overall reading experience. They prefer a more concise narrative style.
Secrets Held Back: A few readers find it frustrating that certain characters hold back information from others, particularly when it comes to important decisions or revelations. This lack of transparency can detract from the story's impact and leave readers feeling dissatisfied.

Conclusion

"Running with the Demon" by Terry Brooks is a captivating novel that combines elements of fantasy, family drama, and cataclysmic events in a real-world setting. With its engaging storytelling, believable characters, unique mythos, thought-provoking themes, and immersive reading experience, this novel has garnered praise from both longtime fans and newcomers to Terry Brooks' work. While some readers may encounter challenges with certain aspects of the story, such as lack of connection or slow pacing, overall "Running with the Demon" is highly recommended for those seeking a fresh take on fantasy fiction that explores both light and darkness within humanity.