Garth Nix has made a name for himself with the "Keys to the Kingdom" series (Mister Monday, etc.) but before he wrote those books he wrote the Abhorsen trilogy. "Sabriel" is the first of the trilogy, and enough good things cannot be said about it. One of the challenges of fantasy is the creation of a credible world, and Nix has shaped a place that can hold its own against the best fantasy trilogies, including Tolkein's LOTR and Middle Earth, Philip Pullman's "His Dark Materials", Mervyn Peake's Ghormenghast, and Ursula LeGuin's Earthsea. Forget Harry Potter. These are great books written by great authors steeped in literary tradition, and you will find your imagination stretched by the prose that Nix uses to describe a world in which Sabriel comes to terms with her heritage and her family legacy. This is not one of those typical David Eddings 'quest' type books. Sabriel is a girl about to graduate from boarding school - a school dangerously close to what is known as the Old Kingdom, a place of magic and mysticism. During her final days at the school she defeats a mysterious sending which leads her to believe that her father is in danger. She crosses over to the Old Kingdom, a place she knows little about, and goes in search of her father at the same time she discovers her past and uncovers her future. I don't wish to spoil the book, but once you read it you will never hear the ringing of a bell in quite the same way again. This would be great for a tween who loves fantasy, a teenager, or even an adult. I'm forty-something and came across this on my daughter's bookshelf, and I got hooked. There are no objectionable words or scenes or depictions (unlike much Young Adult writing these days) so I would recommend this for any age group. Garth Nix is a fantastic writer, and one of the best in this genre. The sequels to this book are Lirael and Abhorsen - all are worthy. Bid on a copy and you won't be disappointed.Read full review
This is a great book. Read it years ago, and it's still one of my favorites. It's got a wonderfully integrated, unique magic system, combining musical notes, runes, and raw willpower. The plot incorporates just the right mix of fantasy tropes and fresh concepts. It's all packed well; I never got bored, staying immersed throughout.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
One of the best fantasy novels I've ever read. I read this as a teen, then went back and re-read it as an adult, and I have to say, I loved it more as an adult. The characters are genuine, the action is so real, and even though it's a well-worn genre, it's a really fresh take on it. Takes the old and makes it new again. The bells on the bandolier of death, the talking cat, the statue boy, they are all amazing plot points. But it's the sense of adventure that I truly love about this story. The only thing I ought to mention is that the sequels are a bit drawn out. So if you like this one, just know there is more, but both sequels pale in comparison to this one.
Verified purchase: No
no cons. a good book.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The first of the Abhorsen trilogy, and a title i highly recommend for anyone interested in adventure/fantasy/magic books. It easily stands alone, but i also highly recommend reading the two sequels, Lirael and Abhorsen.
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