Review Detail

I didnt read my advance copy of Garth Nixs Abhorsen right away, as I received it in the middle of the holiday season. I had too many things to do and presents to buy, but it burned constantly in the back of my mind.

I finally made time to read it in between Thanksgiving and Christmas and I couldnt have given a better present to myself. The Abhorsen is a fitting continuation of the series started with Sabriel and a very nice follow-up to Lirael. If youve read my previous reviews, you know how much I enjoyed those two books.

Ill even reiterate here one of my main points from those previous books: Garth Nix is, in my mind, one of the best YA fantasy authors out there today. He tries to break new ground, rather than treading the same old path, and it shows.

The Abhorsen continues the story begun in Lirael. While Sabriel was the first book in the series, the latter two really tell the story of Lirael, the half-sister of Sabriel, and Sameth, Sabriels son. The story picks up pretty much exactly where Lirael left off, which will leave newcomers to the story a little dumbfounded and confused. My best advice to them is to read the other booksthey wont regret it anyway!

Lirael and Sameth must complete an epic journey, face many dangers, and come up against their greatest fears. While that sounds very much like a lot of other fantasy novels out there, Garth Nixs expansive and believable world of dark magic and necromancy saves it from becoming just another hero story.

The intricate history of this world and the intertwined lives of the main characters will hold you spellbound, as if caught in the hold of Ranna, the sleep bringer and the smallest of the Abhorsens powerful bells.

Fans of epic fantasy will enjoy all of these books, but are well advised to begin at the beginning before picking up this latest entry. Fans of this series will be overjoyed by the latest entry and they will finally learn the truth behind the disreputable dog and find some joy in Moggets true form.