Here is a list of Terry Brooks’ Suggested Reading Order for the Shannara Books. He specifically says this is a good reading order of the Shannara books for new readers.
Alternatively, you can read these books in these orders:
Terry Brooks’ Suggested Reading Order for the Shannara Books
The Sword of Shannara
From the blurb:
The Sword of Shannara is the first volume of the classic series that has becomeone of the most popular fantasy tales of all time.
Long ago, the wars of the ancient Evil ruined the world. In peaceful Shady Vale, half-elfin Shea Ohmsford knows little of such troubles. But the supposedly dead Warlock Lord is plotting to destroy everything in his wake.The sole weapon against this Power of Darkness is the Sword of Shannara, which can be used only by a trueheir of Shannara. On Shea, last of the bloodline,rests the hope of all the races.
Thus begins the enthralling Shannara epic,a spellbinding tale of adventure, magic, and myth . .
The Elfstones of Shannara
The Wishsong of Shannara
Indomitable
Dark Wraith of Shannara
The Scions of Shannara
The Druid of Shannara
The Elf Queen of Shannara
The Talismans of Shannara
First King of Shannara
Running with the Demon
A Knight of the Word
Angel Fire East
Ilse Witch
Antrax
Morgawr
Jarka Ruus
Tanequil
Straken
Armageddon’s Children
The Elves of Cintra
The Gypsy Morph
Bearers of the Black Staff
The Measure of the Magic
Wards of Faerie
Bloodfire Quest
Witch Wraith
Allanon’s Quest
The Weapon Master’s Choice
The Black Irix
The High Druid’s Blade
The Darkling Child
The Sorcerer’s Daughter
The Black Elfstone
The Skaar Invasion
The Stiehl Assassin
The Last Druid
