by Terry Brooks
First published 2014
Paxon Leah runs a small shipping business in the Highlands, content with his quiet life despite family legends of royal ancestors who wielded enchanted weapons. That peace shatters when a menacing stranger abducts his sister. Paxon grabs the old sword hanging above his fireplace and races after them. During a desperate fight to save her, the blade awakens with ancient magic, and Paxon discovers he possesses powers he never knew existed. The dark sorcerer Arcannen escapes, but this won't be their final encounter. Realizing his untrained abilities could prove deadly, Paxon travels to the Druid stronghold to learn control over his newfound magic and earn the right to serve as their protector. Yet corruption festers within the Druid order itself. Someone is using forbidden sorcery to transform an innocent person into a weapon of destruction. Paxon must master both his inherited magic and the courage of his legendary bloodline to stop a conspiracy that threatens the entire Four Lands.
Genres: adventure, fantasy, action, high-fantasy
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: chosen-one, found-family, reluctant-hero
Setting: Druid Stronghold, Four Lands, Highlands
Period: Ancient
305 pages · Hardcover · Del Rey