Galaphile by Terry Brooks is a masterful addition to the fantasy genre, showcasing Brooks' exceptional storytelling and world-building skills. This novel transports readers to a richly imagined world filled with magic, adventure, and unforgettable characters.

The protagonist, Galaphile, is a compelling and multi-dimensional character whose journey is both thrilling and deeply emotional. Brooks expertly weaves together themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery, creating a narrative that resonates on many levels. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding depth and intrigue to the story.

Brooks' writing is vivid and immersive, bringing the fantastical world of Galaphile to life with stunning detail. The plot is well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers engaged from start to finish. The blend of action, magic, and character development makes for a truly captivating read.

Overall, Galaphile is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy. Terry Brooks has once again delivered a novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving readers eagerly anticipating his next work. Highly recommended!

GALAPHILE is an exciting addition to the Shannara saga. The Four Lands are in turmoil and in need of direction. A young idealist is fervent about accomplishing this and seeks help wherever he can get it. In a complicated and dangerous world, things don’t always go exactly as expected. But sometimes help comes in unexpected ways. Terry Brooks delights his readers with this new tale about the forming of the druid order.

Note: I recieved a copy of this book through Net Galley from Del Rey in exchange for an honest review.

Well, many fans of Shannara (myself included), have been hoping for a return to this world, particularly in this timeframe after the events of "The Measure of Magic" and before the events of "First King of Shannara". So I was delighted to see that not only did Terry Brooks return to this timeline, he told a terrific story.

Structurally, this book is a bit different than the average Shannara book. It has several time jumps for the characters, so our main character (Galaphile) grows up really fast, and as a resul the story moves a quite a fast pace (which I think really helps it out).

This is also a much smaller book than Brooks has been writing recently. The Dark Legacy of Shannara, the Defenders of Shannara, and The Fall of Shannara all were fairly big stories with multi-povs that felt fairly epic. This story pretty much has 1 POV for the lionshare of the book (Galaphile), and 2 other POVs (the love interest and the villain), whose sections are very few and far between. As such, it really does feel like a character study of Galaphile and we see a significant portion of his early life occcur.

The villain of this book is very good, and felt very much in place with Shannara ala the 80s and 90s, although I would argue he was more fleshed out than Brooks' villains back then.

Despite being so short, the book is packed with story, complete with all of the tropes and themes that Shannara fans will love. There are several scenes that reminded me of A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back, and The Two Towers (all the best influences). There are also quite a few references and Shannara connections that will have longtime readers squeeing with delight. One particular one near the end made me audibly say out loud "WHAT?!"

The whole love interest in this book was well developed, although I could easily see where it was going. I think this may have been a little too telegraphed early on.

If I do have a criticism, the book does move so fast that it feels less like a traditional book and more like a Cliff notes version. Perhaps if we had spent a little more time in the middle with the building of the citadel or perhaps had a little more time with the villain, it would have fit better.

Overall, I still loved reading this book. It made me feel the way the original Shannara trilogy and evoked early Shannara series emotions, which I consider to be a good thing. Terry's writing style just intrinsically felt like Classic Brooks, and I was delighted throughout. I breezed through this and cannot wait for the sequel. 9 out of 10.

(My Goodreads Written Review is up, but my Video Review will be up on my YouTube Channel (Jonathan Koan) on the book's release day (March 11th).

generally pretty good! the prose was a bit dry but that kinda makes sense for it. galaphile was a pretty good protag and the story was generally fine. 4 stars. tysm for thea rc.

I had my dad read this book and he throughly enjoyed it. He’s read all the other Shannara books and I wanted to see if I could get a copy for him to read early. He’ll definitely order the book because Terry Brooks is one of his favorite authors. I’m lucky that I got his because I tried Goodreads to get a physical copy and didn’t win. He can’t wait for more book from Terry.

I was granted the privilege of reading Galaphile before the release through NetGalley. I just finished this amazing story of the start of Paranor and the life of Galaphile. Get ready to meet old friends and make new ones!

This book is another amazing story by the legendary Terry Brooks.

I dearly love the Shannara world, having read most of the books and spin offs since around the mid 90s. I was very excited about Galaphile, believing that there was to be no return to the Shannara universe from Terry Brooks. But here it is - and unfortunately it fell a little flat for me.

The trademark adventure and exciting battles are in here, but the writing was a little stiff and the first few chapters seemed almost pointless when considering the subsequent occurrences. Galaphile himself is likeable enough and has just enough depth to hold as the main protagonist, but the prose was so dry I really struggled to properly click and engage with any of the other characters at all. This book read like a checklist of an adventure vs taking me along for the ride. Towards the end the action kicks off and that was much more enjoyable - definitely TB’s strengths as a fantasy writer. And wow the very end. Mouth open. So on balance, a bit staid but redeemed with a couple of old favorites Shannara fans will eat up (including me).

Thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Del Rey provided an early galley for review.

I was a teenager when Brook's The Sword of Shannara was first published, and I picked up the mass market paperback sometime during my late high school or early college years when I started to get into Dungeons and Dragons and various other fantasy books. Since that time, the author has penned around three-dozen novels set in this literary realm. I was very curious to check out the latest which is a prequel to that first book.

The first chapter started things off strongly with the introduction to Galaphile and Starns. But in short order, we move through a half dozen years in just a few short chapters, being told a lot of what happened but not shown how. It happens again with four years of training with Cogline happening in half as many chapters. It felt very rushed to me. I get that Brooks is trying to spare the reader the boring bits as the main character acquires his abilities for the tasks he faces, but not seeing moments of growth make it all seem very hollow.

A little before the halfway mark, the narrative shifts for a couple chapters from Galaphile's viewpoint to that the villain of the piece. Again, Brook's is using this approach to convey important details to the reader, but it comes across as heavy-handed and overly expositional.

I need to check out more of his work at some point to determine if this is his stylistic approach. He's been at this game for a long time and, at age 81, has likely found an approach that works for him. There is definitely a moving, sweeping, epic story here (he's known for these kinds of large arcs in his fantasy work). He has gone on record stating he prefers to have hundreds upon hundreds of pages to play with when writing (as opposed to shorter works that have tighter focuses and are more character-driven than plot-driven). I just think the delivery tends to be very old-school and thus not as impactful as it could be.

Galaphile is a what I would call a long anticipated sequel to the Shannara Chronicles I can’t even tell you how excited I am to step back into this world I have been an avid fan since the probably early 2001 when I stumbled across the series and was captivated It is a story of Galaphile, the First druid in Shannara lore. this is his origin story. Of his childhood and how he started on the path to become the first Ard Rhys of the four lands. many characters from Shannara lore are present. Cogline and the King of the silver river. the story shows how Galaphile began to study the magic that would let him become a powerful druid. also, the beginning relationship between moor cats and druids is shown. all of the races that Mr. Brooks has written of, are all here. Dwarves Trolls Gnomes and Elves all are intertwined within the story. of course there is a villian and a dark magic artifact. Mr. Brooks style is quite evident and readers familiar with the Shannara books will find this story a great read

I’ve read every Shannara book so I was THRILLED to read “Galaphile.” I enjoyed learning more about the first Druid and creation of Paranor. It was fun to see a couple familiar characters again (Shannara fans can probably guess who!). Plus, I loved all the cats.

There were a few times the story dragged for me, mostly in the absence of dialogue. Other reviewers cited Nirianne’s struggle as a slower section. However, that part is where I was most engrossed! Just goes to show we all have our personal preferences :).

Welcome back to the world of Shannara. Finally, answers to questions I never thought I would receive. This is where the Warlock Lord originates—his beginning, the Druids, so many things are explained and I loved every second of it.

Terry Brooks is back! Going back to before the Sword of Shannara was perfect. The training and the alliances were so good. The fight scene though… oh.my.God, it could not be beat! The build up of what’s to come could not be better. Galaphile was definitely deserving of the title. This is a cliffhanger, no surprise there, and I can’t wait for more. There are so many possibilities, and it just makes me crave more. This author has to be the best at writing fantasy. Get blasted into a world of continuing wonder.

This is a book that I have been waiting several years for as a fan of the author’s Shannara series. This is the first in a new series that takes us back to the beginning of the Druids of Shannara and how they developed into the familiar characters in the continuing Shannara series. A familiar figure is present (the King of the Silver River) along with a host of new ones. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book courtesy of publisher with the understanding that I would post a review on Goodreads, Net Galley, Amazon and my nonfiction book review blog.

Man, it's good to read a new Shannara novel again. I wasn't sure if Brooks would return to the Four Lands after the "Fall of Shannara" series, but I'm so glad he has.

"Galaphile" resolves some mysteries and introduces others. When Brooks allows himself to write straightforward dialogue or action sequences, the novel ranks with his best. But oddly, much of "Galaphile" is languidly paced, slipping into lengthy stretches of expository prose that—while interesting—don't quite build the tension one might expect (and that, indeed, featured in the similar "First King of Shannara").

That being said, the last word of this book radically reframed everything I'd previously read. I can't wait for the sequel.

It had a slow start where Galaphile was learning his skills but it picked up speed when he started to build his citadel. That's when the skirmishes and the war began.

The characters were well developed. I was able to picture the main characters perfectly in my minds eye, right down to the way the skin looked.

The different lands that Galaphile went to were fascinating. From lush islands to arid deserts, each one was explained well enough that I could see the plants or rivers and lakes. Or, for the deserts, the sun and sun beating down on the tops of the heads.

I would like to read more in this series, as I think the series will continue to get better. So, please bring the next one.

Having never read The Sword of Shannara, but hearing great things about it, I was hoping for a lot more. I thought Galaphile was relatively boring; there was no development of characters, it seemed like certain facts needed to occur and the reader was just told about them. There was little detail or exposition about any of the going-ons; the reader was told what this meant to the characters, there was no work to be done on the reader's side. Was the story good though? Yes. I wanted to like this book a lot more and hope that future volumes are better, because it has the potential for great storytelling.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in return for my honest review.

Terry Brooks returns triumphantly to the world of Shannara, offering readers a captivating exploration of the origin story behind the legendary Druid Order and its enigmatic founder, Galaphile Joss. For both longtime fans of the Shannara series and newcomers, Galaphile: The First Druids of Shannara provides a fresh look into the mythos of the Four Lands.

The narrative takes us on a journey with Galaphile, from his humble beginnings as a friendless orphan in the Human world to his emergence as a master mage and visionary leader. Brooks does an admirable job detailing Galaphile’s transformation, highlighting the pivotal relationships, losses, and challenges that shaped his ideals and goals. The introduction of Cogline as Galaphile's reclusive mentor and the King of the Silver River as an ally adds depth to the story, providing a blend of familiar elements and new insights.

However, what truly sets this novel apart is its exploration of the duality between creation and destruction. As Galaphile works tirelessly to establish Paranor as a beacon of hope and knowledge, the emergence of a malevolent adversary corrupted by an ancient evil adds tension and stakes to the narrative. This conflict not only impacts Galaphile’s personal journey but also sets the stage for the darker legacies that ripple throughout the Shannara series.

For readers familiar with Brooks’ other works, the tone and style will feel comfortably familiar, though the pacing can be a challenge at times. The early sections, in particular, may feel dense, as Brooks delivers a wealth of historical and magical context. While this depth enriches the lore of the Four Lands, it can come across as “dry” to some, requiring patience to fully appreciate.
That said, the richness of the storytelling and the fascinating portrayal of Galaphile make it a worthwhile read. It bridges the gap between the accessible standalone appeal of Brooks’ pre-Shannara works, such as Running with the Demon and A Knight of the Word, and the expansive mythology of the Shannara saga.

Overall, Galaphile: The First Druids of Shannara is a compelling origin story that will resonate with longtime fans while providing an inviting entry point for newcomers. If you’re willing to navigate its slower moments, the book rewards with a richly imagined tale of heroism, legacy, and the enduring struggle between light and dark in the Four Lands.

I’ve heard good things about the Shannara books, but up until this point I hadn’t read any. Galaphile is my first. I really enjoyed learning about this new fantasy world and seeing how the magic works. The book itself didn’t seem to have a particular plot; rather, it follows Galaphile as he grows up and as he travels.
The writing itself felt lacking to me and the characters were rather flat. But there were also some very exciting and intriguing moments throughout as well. Overall, I enjoyed it and thought it was an entertaining read. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Terry Brooks returns to the Four Lands with Galaphile: The First Druids of Shannara, a sweeping prequel that’s part character study, part origin story, and all the epic fantasy we’ve come to love from this world. For fans of Shannara, this book is a treasure trove of lore, shedding light on one of the series’ most enigmatic figures while weaving a tale that’s rich with magic, danger, and heartbreak.

The story of Galaphile Joss is equal parts inspiring and tragic, a journey from humble, lonely beginnings to legendary greatness. As a teenage orphan navigating a world that doesn’t seem to want him, Galaphile’s resilience and determination make him instantly sympathetic. His apprenticeship under the eccentric and brilliant Cogline is both a fascinating mentorship dynamic and a highlight of the book, filled with magical experimentation, hard-learned lessons, and more than a few moments of humor.

Galaphile’s vision of a world where knowledge and magic can bring order to chaos feels noble yet fragile. Watching him begin to construct Paranor—a place that will one day stand as a beacon of wisdom—offers a mix of hope and bittersweet inevitability, knowing what lies in its future. The King of the Silver River’s involvement in this grand endeavor adds a mythical touch, and the descriptions of their collaboration are lush and evocative, capturing the wonder and weight of creating something meant to endure for ages.

But every great hero needs a great adversary, and Brooks delivers with an antagonist corrupted by an ancient evil. The tension between Galaphile’s virtuous goals and his foe’s sinister ambitions escalates beautifully, creating high stakes not just for Galaphile’s world but also for his personal relationships. The cost of his dream becomes painfully clear as the ancient evil strikes close to home, shattering his inner circle in ways that are gut-wrenching yet pivotal to his development.

Favorite moments? The climactic battle where Galaphile’s ideals are tested against the harsh realities of power and sacrifice had me on the edge of my seat. And the quieter moments, like his exchanges with the King of the Silver River or his reflections on the weight of leadership, added depth and gravitas. The contrast between his youthful idealism and the seasoned wisdom he gains by the book’s end is one of Brooks’ most compelling character arcs.

While this book excels as a character-driven epic, it’s not without its challenges. At times, the pacing can feel uneven, with some sections delving a bit too deeply into world-building at the expense of forward momentum. That said, for fans of the series, these details are a feature, not a bug—they add richness to a world that already feels vast and alive.

Themes of legacy, sacrifice, and the delicate balance between power and morality resonate throughout, making Galaphile more than just an origin story—it’s a poignant meditation on what it means to lead and the costs of striving for a better world.

Final verdict? Galaphile: The First Druids of Shannara is a must-read for Shannara fans and a rewarding dive for anyone who loves character-driven fantasy steeped in history and myth. Terry Brooks delivers a tale that’s both epic and intimate, cementing Galaphile’s place as one of the most intriguing figures in the Four Lands’ storied history.

Want to start with thanking NetGalley and Random House for the ARC to read for my honest review.

I’ll start with saying I’m a big Terry Brooks fan. Read the original trilogy decades ago and have since decided to read the series from start to finish. I just happened to finish Legends of Magic series when I saw he was coming out with this series.

As for this book, it’s a ok read. Most the book is forgettable with the few things happening to advance the story. If you are a Brooks/shannara fan it’s worth the read to Prince stuff together. But aside from that, it’s no where near his greatest work.

I’ve been reading Terry Brooks for 25 years, since I was a teenager and found a first edition paperback of The Sword of Shannara at a used bookstore. I have been waiting for the story of Galaphile and how the Druids came to be for at least 15 of those 25 years…

And I’m disappointed. Galaphile felt so rushed and almost disjointed at points. It didn’t create the emotion I have to come to expect when I read a Terry Brooks novel. I hope the subsequent books in this series improve upon it, considering this is a story most Brooks fans have been waiting for a long time.

Thank you for Del Rey, Terry Brooks, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.