Daughter of Darkness by Terry Brooks | #BookReview #Fantasy #Fae #EpicFantasy #Thriller

What’s it about (in a nutshell):

Daughter of Darkness is the second book in Terry Brook’s series, Viridian Deep. This series installment explores Auris in much more detail than the first book – what her powers are and what happened in those years that she has no memory of. It’s a harrowing adventure – one where Auris must overcome the worst evil the world has ever seen – fae or human – to survive and keep as many of her loved ones safe as possible.

Initial Expectations (before beginning the book):

I enjoyed the first book, Child of Light, but I thought it was a standalone as it ended with a satisfying conclusion. Imagine my surprise to learn that there was a second one that picked up two years after the first one left off. I am excited to read more about Auris and this fae world.

Actual Reading Experience:

I enjoyed catching up with Auris and Harrow in this new installment of Brooks’ latest series. It is written in such a way as to help the reader remember the first book without spending too much time on it and forgoing a remarkable new story in the process. The two books can almost be read as standalones, since both have satisfying conclusions, but I don’t know why you would want to do that. I could see, however, reading book 2 before book 1 and that being almost as okay as reading them in order.

Significantly few writers can build a fae world with the amount of love and creativity Brooks brings to his creations. I love the beauty that exists in every nuance and detail. I had no trouble immersing myself in this story and seeing it as if it was right in front of me and could be experienced with all my senses. I was transported to Viridian Deep and the other areas explored in the story from page one. I was thrilled to be there with the unique cast of characters and the imaginative details and creatures.

I especially loved how there are so many powerful women in this story, from the main character to most of the support characters. Women are arguably the movers and shakers in this world, and I enjoyed every minute of that. I also loved that it isn’t done at the expense of the male characters in the story. There are some terrible men, without a doubt, but there are also some exceptional ones.

Characters:

All the characters are wonderfully detailed and represented, each with their own distinctive personalities and quirks. The main character, though, is my favorite.

Auris thought she was a human, and she only remembered her life imprisoned by the Goblins – that is, until she escaped. An elf named Harrow rescues her and brings her back to the hidden fae world of Viridian Deep. There she learns many secrets about herself, though there are big blocks of her life that remain a mystery. In this story, Auris shows so much strength – inner and outer – as she confronts demons from her past that have come to ruin her future.

Narration & Pacing:

The narration is in the first person through the main character’s perspective (Auris). Since most of the story is about her trying to remember her past, the first person works nicely to allow the reader to know as much as Auris can remember. It also helps keep the plot very tight, focused, and character-driven.

Setting:

The setting is an alternate US where fae creatures are known to humans, some fae of which are exploited and some captured and studied. Goblins are out in the open and work with certain humans to imprison other humans, particularly children, and to infiltrate the hidden fae world of Viridian Deep. The US is much as it is currently, except the reader also gets to explore a secret world within our own world. 

Read it if you like:

• a unique portrayal of fae creatures, beings, and locals
• amazing world-building
• magic and dragons
• character-driven stories
• strong female characters (many of them!)

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8)

• Originality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Writing Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Pace: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Character Development: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• ‘Couldn’t Put It Down’-ness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• World-Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐