Lirael (Abhorsen Trilogy/Old Kingdom, #2)
Author: Garth Nix
Publisher: HarperCollins
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Note: Trigger warnings are provided for those who need them at the bottom of this page. If you don’t need them and don’t want to risk spoilers, don’t scroll past the full review.
Cover Description
In this sequel to the critically acclaimed Sabriel, Garth Nix draws readers deeper into the magical landscape of the Old Kingdom.
Lirael has never felt like a true daughter of the Clayr. Abandoned by her mother, ignorant of her father's identity, Lirael resembles no one else in her large extended family living in the Clayr's glacier. She doesn't even have the Sight—the ability to see into possible futures—that is the very birthright of the Clayr. Nevertheless she must undertake a desperate mission under the growing shadow of an ancient evil—one that opposes the Royal Family, blocks the Sight of the Clayr, and threatens to break the very boundary between Life and Death itself. With only her faithful companion, the Disreputable Dog, to help her, Lirael must find the courage to seek her own hidden destiny.
TL;DR Review
Lirael is a great sequel to Sabriel. It had two lovable characters, an intriguing mystery, and (bonus!) another amazing pet.
For you if: You like adult fantasy novels told in a classic style.
Full Review
First of all, I know it’s sort of a crime that I’ve gotten this far in life without having read Garth Nix. But I am now! You can check out my review of the first book, Sabriel, here.
Sabriel itself is an unexpected first book in that there’s no cliffhanger at the end. It could easily have been a standalone novel. So I wasn’t sure where Lirael was going to pick up or how it was going to connect. Turns out we have a whole new cast of characters, with the old ones in the background of the story. This book broke the mold again though, ending more like a typical book two that needs a book three to finish off the plot.
I’m not going to say too much here because I’ll have lots of thoughts on the whole trilogy when I finish Abhorsen, but I did love Lirael (despite her slight whininess in the beginning, which I can forgive her for), I was rooting for Sam the whole time, and I am completely in love with the Disreputable Dog. The fact that each of these books so far has had a snarky magical pet is THE BEST.
Trigger Warnings
Suicidal thoughts
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