MTV has cast Poppy Drayton (When Calls the Heart) in the lead of its upcoming fantasy adventure series Shannara, based on the massive book series of the same name by Terry Brooks.

Smallville creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar are writing the 10 episode TV show. The story centers on the Shannara family, whose descendants are empowered with ancient magic. Their shared adventures continuously reshape the future of the world. Season 1 will be based on the novel The Elfstones Of Shannara, which is actually the second book in the series.

Poppy Drayton is set to play Elven Princess Amberle, described as agile, fit and capable. She is the first female to be declared one of the Chosen, a group of Elves who must protect and care for the ancient Ellcrys tree. The series will track Amberle's dangerous and heroic journey, which is just beginning.

Jonathan Liebesman, the director behind this summer's hit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reboot, will helm the first two episodes. Alfred Gough and Miles Millar are executive producing, along with Dan Farah and Jon Favreau. The series will air on MTV sometime in 2015.