The electrifying first novel of an all-new fantasy series from the legendary author behind the Shannara saga, about a human girl struggling to find her place in a magical world she’s never known
At nineteen, Auris Afton Grieg has led an . . . unusual life. Since the age of fifteen, she has been trapped in a sinister prison. Why? She does not know. She has no memories of her past beyond the vaguest of impressions. All she knows is that she is about to age out of the children’s prison, and rumors say that the adult version is far, far worse. So she and some friends stage a desperate escape into the surrounding wastelands. And it is here that Auris’s journey of discovery begins, for she is rescued by an unusual stranger who claims to be Fae—a member of a magical race that Auris had thought to be no more than legend. Odder still, he seems to think that she is one as well, although the two look nothing alike. But strangest of all, when he brings her to his wondrous homeland, she begins to suspect that he is right. Yet how could a woman who looks entirely human be a magical being herself?
Told with a fresh, energetic voice, this fantasy puzzle box is perfect for fans of Terry Brooks and new readers alike, as one young woman slowly unlocks truths about herself and her world—and, in doing so, begins to heal both. - from NetGalley.com
What a wonderful thing to jump into a fresh new world from the creator of the Shannara universe! When I saw this one coming from Terry Brooks, I hoped that I would be able to have an early chance to read/review it, and thank to the publisher and NetGalley.com, I have been provided this chance.
This tale in a new world starts with our main character escaping from a prison with a group of like-aged teens. In the process of escape, Auris is 'ejected' from the vehicle they are in, and knocked unconscious. upon awakening, she discovers she is alone, the others dead or recaptured. She heads on alone and near the shores of a large body of water, she realizes she has been located but the Goblins, the guards of the prison. But before being recaptured, a lone figure near the water is spotted, and the guards turn away. This is where Auris meets Harrow, a Fae, that takes her to his village.
From there the story grows as Auris finds out though looking completely human, she may be a Fae, and trying to find out about her lack of memories prior to being fifteen and in that prison. The road to finding out the truth about oneself, growing up and doing what is right is prevalent in this story. Brooks truly has a fresh start in a what could be a new world, as Humans and some types of Fae interact, though usually to combat some other type of Fae. The story flowed forward in a good, easy-reading way, and didn't feel to slow or stagnate at all.
There were a couple things that brought a little disappointment to my attention. Though Brooks has written many books regarding Fae (of many types) and interactions with each other, and Humans, this story felt some sort of offshoot of the Shannara world, in particular the Genesis of Shannara series. Secluded 'good' Fae (Elves/Dryads/etc) with 'bad' Fae (Goblins) associated with some of the Humans all trying to capture and steal the 'magic' from the 'good' Fae. I just felt it was too similar to earlier works, and it somewhat distracted me from the reading with a fresh look.
Definitely a good read, regardless of small disappointments. I feel it was well written and easy for those of early teens years and up in age to fully enjoy and understand. I don't see anything being mentioned about any additional books to follow to make this part of a series, and definitely could be read as a stand alone novel. I didn't feel that there was an obvious option for a sequel, though, I am sure something could be created through maybe continued story for another sub-character, or some new threat that challenges the Main Character in some event that happens later.
Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher/author for providing a copy of this novel for me to read and allow my opinion to be shared.
#ChildofLight #TerryBrooks
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