We talked a few weeks back about Shannara and the TV show and how it was the series that got me into epic fantasy, and how the series is complete now so I could, if so inclined, go back and read the series in chronological order.
I thought very hard about this.
The first story, chronologically, is a short story called “Imaginary Friends,” originally published in 1991 and re-published in 2013.
So I hunted down the anthology from 2013, and not only is it included, but it’s the first story. Mission accomplished!
(I am, now, however, faced with a decision. This is a very large book. Do I read the whole thing? There’s not really any reason not to, except that I had to go through the library loan program to get it, which means I am limited in the amount of times I can renew it.)
(The other thing is there is another Shannara short story, later in the book, which is 25th in the chronology. Do I read it now and then read it again when I get to it? Do I skip it? I am aware that this is a stupid problem, yet here we are.)
It was a cute little story, more urban fantasy than anything. I don’t quite see how it connects in, and even in the intro Terry Brooks notes that it was written before he’d really solidified the ideas that would become the Word and the Void trilogy, which comes next chronologically. The first book of those is Running with the Demon, which I am 90% sure I own somewhere. Just got to find it now.
Anyway, apparently I’m doing this. I imagine it will not be fast, but I’ll check in with you guys from time to time.
Now, to go find that book.
