A dangerous new world!

 Child of Light by Terry Brooks

⭐️⭐️⭐️

A young woman escapes from a prison with fourteen others. A prison in the middle of a desert area where humans are enslaved by beings termed goblins. A place where humans can be killed and eaten by the guards, or sent to baby farms for forced reproduction, ensuring a continuing population for the goblins use. All totally grotesque. And that’s only the beginning. I’m not a big fan of storylines with humans being eaten so that part grossed me out big time. 

Nineteen years old Auris Acton Grieg manages to survive the escape and is rescued by a being Harrow, a Fae Watcher. Transported across the water to the magical fae stronghold, Viridian Deep, in the middle of a lush mountainous jungle. These surroundings bring to mind the lushness of areas met in the Voyage of Jerle Shannara. The first fae city is a place of wonderment but not all fae are as welcoming as Harrow. His mother Ancrow is of that ilk.

Auris begins a quest to reclaim her memory, to find out who she is. She cannot remember anything except for a vagueness around her parents, prior to when she was taken at fifteen. Harrow is convinced she’s half fae.  Auris however decides she “ must live as best [she]can with the knowledge that everything is ephemeral and subject to change.” To my way of thinking this will become her mantra.

There are real questions. Dark in nature. What are the connections between the goblins and humans? What is the significance of this for all races?

Then there’s Auris’ interest in Harrow. Way too sudden! A by product of being rescued or something more? As Auris reflects, “ Yes, he rescued me, but that hardly seems reason enough for the sort of attachment I find myself yearning for.” Auris seems to berate herself for being self-delusional.

There’s much to ponder on various levels. I’m fascinated to see where all this might lead.

A Random House - Ballantine ARC via NetGalley 

Please note: Quotes taken from an advanced reading copy maybe subject to change

(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)