The Gypsy Morph by Terry Brooks (2008, Hardcover)

I will try not to sound too much like an enamored fan but I have to admit that Terry Brooks is one of my all time favorite authors. When I think of well written epic fantasy, Terry Brooks immediately comes to mind. I have good reason. I continue to pick up and read his books because I know that the story will be memorable, that the characters will be well developed and within a few chapters I will care what happens to them, that the action scenes are going to be spectacular, and that no character is ever completely safe.

The Gypsy Morph and the entire Genesis of Shannara is no expectation. In this series, we learn of the post-apocalyptic beginnings of Shannara. We meet great characters like Hawk, a seemingly average boy who finds out that he is actually the gypsy morph, a mystical entity whose destiny is to save humanity or be consumed by it. We also meet Knights of the Word, Angel Perez and Logan Tom, two modern warriors that you’d hate to meet in a dark alley.

Of course, like any Shannara series there are Elves. Unbeknownst to humans, the Elves have continued to exist completely hidden from the human world. However, what is about to unfold is so big that even the Elves aren’t safe.

The Gypsy Morph is the final installation of the Genesis series. In this book, we find out who is up to the task and who isn’t, those who survive and those who don’t, and the sacrifices individuals are willing to make for their friends. The big showdown.