Dark Wraith of Shannara

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The Dark Wraith of Shannara is a graphic novel produced by Terry Brooks in his Shannara series. It was released on March 25th of 2008. The book is approximately 208 pages, however, much of the book is behind the scenes material such as the creation of the story, preliminary sketches, and so on. The story was created by Terry Brooks, written by Robert Place Napton, and illustrated by Edwin David.

The story is set several years after the events of Wishsong of Shannara and Indomitable. The story begins with Jair Ohmsford having a recurring dream in which he relives the section of Indomitable where he manages to become the slain Weapons Master Garet Jax. After talking to his sister Brin Ohmsford about how he used the wishsong to not simply create illusion, but something real, Brin, who is now married to Rone Leah, and has a child named Jair, asks Jair to promise not to use the wishsong again, for fear that he may lose himself in the magic, and not be able to return to who he is if he becomes Garet Jax again. Jair promises to not use the wishsong again, and Brin describes how her family is all the happiness she needs, and she does not need the wishsong anymore. Jair leaves, but that night, is visited by the shade of Allanon, who tells him that Kimber Boh and Cogline have been captured by the Mwellrets, and their master, the Croton Witch, who seek to gain information about how to return Paranor to the world from Cogline, who was a former Druid. Upon restoring Paranor, they aim to learn the secrets of the power of the Druids. Jair reluctantly decides that he must rescue Kimber and Cogline. After meeting Slanter, and having the Gnome agree to accompany him, he leaves for Darklin Reach. Upon arriving, Jair and Slanter discover the tracks made by the Mwellrets and their prisoners, and are also found by Whisper, who tracks Kimber to the cave in which she is trapped, with a broken leg and unable to travel. Jair and Slanter take her back to Hearthstone, where they leave her to recover. Jair and Kimber share a kiss, the first sign of the romance between them. Jair learns from Kimber that the Croton Witch has tortured Cogline until he told her how to restore Paranor, and that she has gone with him to work the magic. Slanter and Jair are confronted by a Koden, and as Slanter is struck against a rock and knocked half-blind and dazed, Jair is forced to break his promise to Brin, and use the wishsong to become Garet Jax, who promptly slays the Koden. Eventually, Jair and Slanter find the Mwellrets and the Croton Witch, who are forcing Cogline to use magic to bring back Paranor. The magic involves calling out to Galaphile, the first High Druid of the Druid Order, and although Jair and Slanter attempt to stop them, it is too late, and Paranor is restored. Jair is once more forced to become Garet Jax, and this time, is unable to find himself again. Jair, as Garet, destroys the Mwellrets, and attempts to engage the Croton Witch in combat to the death. However, the protective mist of Paranor, that is shown in the Heritage of Shannara series to be the power of all the Druids that have ever been quickly destroys the Croton Witch. As the mist attempts to destroy Jair and Slanter as well, they are forced to take Cogline and run. Jair, with the speed and power of Garet Jax, is able to lead them to safety, and manages to transform back to Jair Ohmsford. After Kimber and Cogline's reunion, although Kimber asks him to stay with her, he leaves with Slanter, saying that he has to find out about himself first. The end of the story does not feel quite finished, and implies possible sequels.