The Word/Void series is a trilogy of dark, urban fantasy novels primarily set in Illinois in the late 20th and early 21st century. The series focuses on John Ross and Nest Freemark, forced acquaintances who use magic given to them from the Word (the embodiment of good in the world) to prevent mankind from being overcome by the demonic forces of the Void. The Genesis of Shannara trilogy retroactively bridges the Word/Void series with the Shannara novels.