''TERRY''S PLACE IS AT THE HEAD OF THE FANTASY WORLD'' Philip Pullman

Following The Black Elfstone and The Skaar Invasion comes the third book in the triumphant four-part conclusion to the Shannara series, from one of the all-time masters of fantasy.

The Skaar have arrived in the Four Lands, determined to stop at nothing less than all-out conquest. They badly need a new home, but peaceful coexistence is not a concept they understand. An advance force under the command of princess Ajin has already established a foothold, but now the full Skaar army is on the march - and woe betide any who stands in its way.

But perhaps the Skaar victory is not a foregone conclusion. The Druid Drisker Arc has freed both himself and Paranor from exile. Drisker''s student, Tarsha Kaynin, has been reunited with the chief defender of the Druid order, and is learning to control her powerful Wishsong magic. If they can only survive Tarsha''s brother and the Druid who betrayed Drisker Arc, they might stand a chance of defeating the Skaar. But that is a very big if . . . as Tarsha''s brother now carries the Stiehl - one of the most powerful weapons in all the Four Lands - and is determined to take his revenge on everyone who has wronged him.

Praise for Terry Brooks:

''I can''t even begin to count how many of Terry Brooks''s books I''ve read (and re-read) over the years'' Patrick Rothfuss

''I would not be writing epic fantasy today if not for Shannara'' Peter V. Brett

''A master of the craft . . . required reading'' Brent Weeks