annieb123's Review of Daughter of Darkness (Child of Light, #2)

by Terry Brooks

The thrilling second novel of an all-new fantasy series from the legendary author behind the Shannara saga, about a human girl adapting to her place in a magical world she’s only recently discovered

It’s been two years since Auris escaped from the sinister Goblin prison and learned of her heritage as one of the Fae. She is now happily partnered with her Fae lover, Harrow, and deeply bonded with her new family. All seems to be going perfectly—until, surprisingly, the Goblin attacks begin again. Someone, it seems, has not forgotten that Auris exists and seems determined to retrieve her . . . but who? And why?

As Auris begins to dig deeper into the mystery, old friends and new enemies appear, and she starts to realize that her still-shrouded past must contain the answers she needs. But even Auris does not suspect how far down the rabbit hole she is about to go, until Harrow is taken and an impossible ransom demand is issued. With two new companions at her side, Auris must attempt to unlock the remaining secrets of her past. For if she cannot, she will never see Harrow alive again.

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Daughter of Darkness is the second Viridian Deep epic fantasy by speculative fiction master Terry Brooks. Released 4th Oct 2022 by Random House on their Del Rey imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook format. Paperback due out in early 3rd quarter 2023 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats.

As always, the author is doing what he does so well, weaving an immersive and exciting epic fantasy world, peopled by creatures and characters (sometimes both at the same time) who challenge readers and enrapture them. This is part two of an overarching and complex story and as such, it doesn't work well as a standalone entry point; readers would be better served starting with the first volume, Child of Light .

Brooks' writing style is unvarnished and often direct. It's not flowery in the slightest and fans who enjoyed the more direct style in the Landover series will see it used to equally good effect here.

Four stars. With two solid books extant and a third due out in 4th quarter 2023, it would be a good choice as a book club selection, buddy read, or binge read on a long weekend.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Reading updates

4 April, 2023: Started reading

4 April, 2023: Finished reading

4 April, 2023: Reviewed