The Darkling Child: The Defenders of Shannara Mass Market Paperback – April 26, 2016

Just as good as the first book in this trilogy that gives high hopes for the third. Part of a larger series that only continues to get better.

I'm not a fan of this trilogy book series in the larger Shannara series. Some of the "scenes" have never ever been in any Shannara book Terry Brooks has written. The torture scenes were a bit too much for me. Not that I haven't read worse in other books. I have. I have read many Horror, Zombie Apocalypse, etc genre books, but what happens in those books as one thing, but this type doesn't fit in the overall Shannara series. I just wasn't prepared to read it in this type of book. Overall I did like the book and the trilogy, I have to agree with other reviews, it doesn't read like a Terry Brooks book. I'm reading this trilogy so I can move on to the final four books in the Shannara series. I have read every book he has written so far and I don't want to miss the finale to such a wonderful world Terry Brooks has created. I will be sad when it ends, as I was a teenager when I was introduced to the wonderful world of Shannara. I gobbled each book, as they were released, and could hardly wait for the next book to hit the book store shelf. I have been a fan since the beginning and will always read every Terry Brooks story he writes. Well folks that was my opinion. Take it or leave it, but I hope it helps you decide to read it anyway. Read this trilogy, then move on to the Fall off Shannara's final four books. So far they are very good. Almost back to his older writing style, but still worth reading.

Fun to read, but similar to his other books.

Writers definitely age like wine. If you look at Brooks' writing style from his first novel and compare it to this it's night and day. Sword of Shannara is clumsy by comparison. This one is polished steel. Great job.

Five years after facing off against the dark sorcerer Arcannen, Paxon Leah, sworn protector of the druids and now known as the High Druid's Blade, faces his greatest challenge.Aphenglow Elessedil, Ard Rhys of the druid order, has passed away. But Paxon has no time to mourn, for in a distant corner of the Four Lands, the magic of the wishsong has been detected. Now, Paxon and his druid companion Avelene have set off to find the source of the magic.The source turns out to be Reyn Frosch, a young traveling minstrel who plays music in taverns and inns. One evening, a stranger happens to hear Reyn's music. The stranger is none other but Arcannen. He promises Reyn that he will help him control the wishsong. Enlisting the help of Lariana, a young, attractive and persuasive girl, they set to the task of training Reyn.But the training is just a cover for a much larger scheme that will involve many others. And by now, Paxon and Avelene have discovered that Reyn is the source of the magic and are coming for him as well. What is about to ensue is a dramatic showdown where many will fight and die.I'm a big fan of Terry Brooks, and I've read all of his books. I especially liked this one. The story of the wishsong has appeared in many of his other books, and it serves as a good backdrop for this story. The character development is very good and the story slowly builds throughout until the final battle at the end. If you enjoy epic fantasy, then make sure to read this newest installment from the master of the genre. Highly recommended.

I might be just a bit generous on this rating, but I have been reading Brooks since the 1977 Sword of Shannara, and I absolutely love this universe, the history, the detail. Terry Brooks novels are never like a wild ride through the rapids, with excitement at every turn, but rather more like a hike, with beautiful vistas and a slowly unfolding story (at least until you meet the bear in the woods :)). This story was no different, although a bit less complex than others in the past.Paxon Leah, who we met in the last book, continues on in his role as protector, and we still have Arcannen, the evil sorcerer who escaped. The wishsong is the focal point of the story, and the intent is to find the source of the magic before it can fall into the wrong hands (obviously that is Arcannen). The story is a bit slower, and feels sometimes a bit more awkward than other past novels. Perhaps after reading so many books, the formula is showing a bit of its age at this point.But this is still a great story, perfect for taking on vacation and losing yourself in. But while this story would be able to be read standalone, there is a lot of history and character affinity that you will miss out on. If you have a nice summer vacation ahead of you, I would highly recommend grabbing some of the other books, starting with the amazing first, and getting lost in this universe. You can find the author's page at: http://www.amazon.com/Terry-Brooks/e/B000APZAHI/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1433865231&sr=8-2-ent, and in fact, the first trilogy, Sword, Elfstones, and Wishong of Shannara, is only $8.99!

The conclusion to the defenders of the sword was more "fun", if u will than the first book. But oh my God all of the grammar errors were a bit distracting. Who edits these books to make sure that the story is told like Tery Brooks wrote it. I bet if he knew Kindle Books was making so many grammar errors he might not authorize the retelling of his stories. I hope the next book in the series is better.

I have been a fan of Terry brooks since I read 'The Sword of Shannara' many years ago . I eagerly await each new book, which I can devour within a couple of days. I have however been less impressed with his more recent books and in particular this latest one ' The Darkling Child' . Terry brooks strength has been his ability to transport the reader to a world of magic, myth and sword play, with strong characters who you care about and themes which captivate the reader. This latest book felt as if it was one chapter stretched out into a book and it took me two weeks to read, at the end of which I still don't know who the Darkling child is !!. Please bring back the old Druid styles, ellesedils and the excitement and magic we have come to love from the world of Shannara

Good startGreat middleNo endNo recommendations to find the next bookRubbish marketingPoor proof reading no checked in English

As an avid Terry Brooks Fan, I eagerly awaited the new book, and was not disappointed in the slightest, but for the best enjoyment, I'd thoroughly suggest reading all his word & demon and shannara books then you will enjoy the book even more.Terry has the art to be able to bring characters to life, making them more than two dimensional characters. Just as you think you know where its going, then there is a wrinkle and off at another angle you go.

The storyline that was introduced and built upon was very good, it for once showed heroes and heroins do make errors whilst learning their ways

It was really good to read another Terry Brooks novel. He is a master of the genre and if you've read his other books then it's like putting on a comfortable garment, as the background and family histories are all familiar. I look forward to the next in the series.