Abhorsen (Abhorsen #3)

Lirael definitely prepared us very well for this story, because since we had the preparation for Abhorsen during Lirael, in Abhorsen we can plunge straight into the action.

Lirael has accepted her fate as the Abhorsen in Waiting. She has thrown away her previous dreams of being a Clayr, and is now ready to take on her title as Abhorsen. Sameth, on the other hand, will never be an Abhorsen or anything like it. He is destined to be a Wallmaker, a creator.

There is a big problem. Nicholas Sayre, Sameth's friend, has been sort-of possessed by a fragment of a thing called the Destroyer. He is taken by a single-minded determination to join these two hemispheres of metal, even though he doesn't know what they are. Obviously, Lirael and Sameth have to stop it.

The setting growth was amazing. Garth Nix has very successfully built and expanded on the world we were introduced to in Sabriel. I love Death because it is dangerous and unpredictable, and we were discovering it with Lirael. It was unknown to her to, which made her notice everything there, and made the reader picture it better. I especially loved the Ninth Gate, it sounds simply... wow.

I loved the final battle. Wow again. I stayed up so late to finish it.

Why do my two favourite characters have to DISAPPEAR!!

(SPOILER ALERT) I was so sad over the Disreputable Dog. I actually cried over her. Mogget too, although I only came close to tears then, I didn't actually cry over him like I did for the Dog. At the end, I was like SERIOUSLY?! That's how you end? What happened to them! You can't just end the series with the Disreputable Dog wandering off, basically never to be seen again. *sniffle*. I am so sad over that dog.(END SPOILER)

This was a fantastic book. Definitely recommended!!!

Reader reviewed by RapidReader

Have You Read Sabriel? Or even Lirael? Then you don't want to miss Abhorsen, the stunning conclusion to Lirael by Garth Nix.

In this stunning novel we get to know a little more (okay, a LOT more) about the Seven Bright Shiners, and how they live on. We also fing out who Mogget really is. Ready for a story packed with Zombies, Dead, Necromancers, Magic, Swords, and Sorcery? Then you don't want to miss Abhorsen!!!!

Reader reviewed by Sara

"The Abhorsen Sabriel and King Touchstone are missing, leaving only Lirael - newly come into her inheritance as the Abhorsen-in-Waiting - to stop the Destroyer. If Orannis's unspeakable powers are unleashed, it will mean the end of all Life. With only a vision from the Clayr to guid e her, and the help of her companions, Sam, the Disreputable Dog, and Mogget, Lirael must search in both Life and Death for some means to defeat the evil destructor - before it is too late..."

Garth Nix is one of the best writers of science fiction/fantasy and anyone who says they are readers of this genre MUST read this trilogy.

Reader reviewed by Arly

this is a great story. It is really well-written.
Nix is a great writer. Its a classic story told in a fresh new way. It's been fun watching Lirael grow and mature from the sorta meek girl she was to the powerful, more self-assured woman she is. Her interactions with Dog and Sam add just the right touch. The friendship and possibility of romance changes this story from the archetypical ostracized kid overcomes adversity, claims his/her birthright and becomes the best and most powerful. Of couse her powers are cool too.

Reader reviewed by Kody Boye

The ending of the three book trilogy is truely a wonderful ending, making it both a powerful book of the millenia and years to come. I congradulate Garth Nix for the conclusion of the Old Kingdom Trilogy.

Reader reviewed by Katya

This is most definitely a novel written to conclude a trilogy, and it works well as that. It is not, however, the sort of book which you could pick up and read on its own. Well, I guess you could, but it would probably leave you pretty confused.

It's a suitable ending to the series; all the knots are tied off, Sabriel and Touchstone feature (something I missed in 'Lirael') and Lirael finds out exactly why she was never chosen to be a true Clayr. It's just not as good as 'Sabriel' - possibly because, as sadly often happens with book sequences, by the time the conclusion is out, your enthusiasm has waned rather.

If you can, read 'Sabriel' and 'Lireal' first - re-read them if you've read them once. Trust me, you'll get far more out of the novel.

Reader reviewed by Kody Boye

Abhorsen, the final book in the old kingdom trilogy was excellent, continuing Sam and liraels tale. The events in it were greatly described and I could perfectly picture them in my mind as I was reading. It saddened me that this was the final book, but I know that I will always be able to read it again if I want to.

Reader reviewed by Saba

Abhorsen, the brilliant conclusion of the "Old Kingdom Trilogy", basically sums up the events that take place as Lirael and Sameth leave the Abhorsen's House.

Desparate to defy the Dead (note capital letter) who have reawakened against nature's laws, Lirael and Sameth travel down to Ancelstirre in hope to find Sameth's friend Nicholas, gone missing, and to capture and bind into death the necromancer and sorcerer Hedge, who is awakening the Dead.

However, that is not all they have to confront. With a sudden discovery about a ninth Great Spirit, somehow linked with Sameth's frind Nichloas, things may as well be written in a death book... so, we ask that common question: will they (Lirael and Sameth) be enough to face this monster? And what of Sabriel?

Reader reviewed by Zoë Marriott

Abhorsen is a triumph for Garth Nix, and final proof that the law of decreasing sequels does not apply to this man.

In this brilliant novel, Lirael, Sam, Moggett and the Disreputable Dog (I love that name!) are on a quest to escape from the massing forces of the Dead and to discover the name of the ultimate evil that is orchestrating events and how to defeat it.

Using her skills as remembrancer and Abhorsen-in-training, Lirael must travel into Death to find the answers in the past, and it's Prince Sameth's job not only to keep her alive but also to enlist as much help as possible in their quest. But the clock is ticking faster than even they know...

I really love this book. It has everything that makes a novel great, and all the elements that make a good fantasy too. The characters are beautifully drawn, from unpredictable Mogget to noble Sabriel and in particular matter-of-fact, romantic, brave Lirael. The pace is cracking, leaving the reader almost breathless and certainly unable to put the book down. The magical systems - the formation of Death, the spells, the use of the bells and the remembrancer's tools - are unique, well thought-out and terribly well realised. And best of all, every theme and story arch comes together here in a climax that is one of the best I've ever come across. There's even a hint of romance...

Nix has come a long way since he wrote Sabriel ten years ago. This book showcases his talents at their very peak, and as such should be an essential on every fantasy fan's shelf.

Reader reviewed by Jessica

Abhorsen is a terrific book to read if you the kind of person who hates it when the next book in a series doesn't pick up right where it left off.

I really enjoyed Lirel's dog companion. He seemed like a good advasary for the cat.