The Darkling Child (Defenders of Shannara, #2)

by Terry Brooks

[Beth C.]

I started reading Terry Brooks' Shannara series many, many years ago. I never actually finished - I believe I succumbed to the "long series/long wait" syndrome - though I remember really liking them. So when I saw this book and it was mentioned as a sort of review of the Shannara books, I decided I wanted to read it. Basically, did I want to be drawn back into the Shannara world after this much time had passed? How much did I remember about that world?

In answer to the second question - not much. While the book is written as a stand-alone, there were several parts where past events were discussed. Instead of making me feel like I had just been filled in, I felt sort of lost. Basically, reading the prior series isn't REQUIRED, but some things would certainly make more sense that way.

In answer to the first question - I'm unsure. It wasn't really compelling enough of an overall story for me to feel an urgent pull back into the world. Yes, it was interesting and somewhat decent on its own. But it really never clicked with me as the ending of a series other than the blank spots when I felt like I was missing something.

Overall, I was...OK. I wouldn't make room on my bookshelf for it, nor will be make it a point to tell all my reading friends how amazing it was. It's just another book under the bridge, really.