I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Child of Light by Terry Brooks
Published by Random House Worlds on June 28, 2022
Genres: Fiction / Action & Adventure, Fiction / Fantasy / Epic, Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
Pages: 400
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
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NATIONAL BESTSELLER • 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

“Enticing . . . Brooks’s fans will be thrilled to have a new series to savor.”—Publishers Weekly

At nineteen, Auris Afton Grieg has led an . . . unusual life. Since the age of fourteen, she has been trapped in a Goblin 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 a handsome yet alien stranger.

Harrow 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 Fae 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 Terry Brooks as you have never seen him before, as one young woman slowly unlocks truths about herself and her world—and, in doing so, begins to heal both.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Child of Light

Series: Viridian Deep, Book 1

Author: Terry Brooks

Genre: Fantasy, Coming-of-Age, Magical Realism

Publisher: Del Rey

Release Date: October 12, 2021

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THE STORY

Child of Light introduces us to a richly imagined world filled with danger, elemental magic, and forgotten identity. Auris, a young woman with no memory of her past, escapes from a grim prison and finds herself thrust into the heart of Viridian Deep—a mystical land filled with Fae, secrets, and prophecy.

Her journey of discovery brings her face-to-face with long-buried truths, hints of elven heritage, and the looming threat of war. The narrative leans heavily on fantasy staples: lost memory, chosen destiny, and unlikely companionship.

THE CHARACTERS

• Auris is a relatable, if slightly underdeveloped, protagonist whose journey is more reactive than proactive. Her moments of clarity and resilience shine, but her arc can feel muddled at times.
• Harrow, her Fae companion, provides balance and a hint of whimsy.
• Supporting characters serve the plot well, though they sometimes fade into the background rather than deepen the emotional stakes.

While the cast is promising, some characters felt more like archetypes than individuals by the end of the book.

STEAMOMETER

🔥 Low

This book is clean and appropriate for a wide audience, with no explicit content or mature romance.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 out of 5 stars

Child of Light is an excellent read that will appeal to fans of traditional fantasy and slow-burn adventure. It’s beautifully written with vivid world-building, but at times, the pacing drags and the plot leans too heavily on well-worn tropes. The amnesia storyline and “chosen one” arc are familiar ground, and while Terry Brooks crafts them with skill, readers seeking something fresh or fast-paced may find themselves wanting more.

That said, the magic system and setting are captivating, and there’s enough mystery to leave readers curious about what’s to come in future installments. If you’re a fan of Brooks or just enjoy richly crafted fantasy worlds, this is worth a read—just go in with tempered expectations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Terry Brooks is a beloved figure in fantasy literature, best known for his Shannara Chronicles and Landover series. With Child of Light, he ventures into new territory with a fresh world while staying true to the epic tone and classic fantasy feel that longtime fans have come to expect.