Didn't enjoy this one as much as Sabriel, for a few reasons.
One, lack of humor. This is actual something that Sabriel suffered from as well, but it isDidn't enjoy this one as much as Sabriel, for a few reasons.
One, lack of humor. This is actual something that Sabriel suffered from as well, but it is even more apparent here. I get that this is a serious story, but even the most serious tales can make room for light-heartedness to break up the gloom. Harry Potter had Ron, LotR had Merry and Pippin. The Old Kingdom has two characters that, in my opinion, are perfect candidates to provide some much-needed levity - Mogget and the Disreputable Dog. It just never happens though. Everyone is SO SERIOUS.
Unlike Sabriel, the plot of Lirael was also super slow. I get that this is a transition book. We have moved ahead 20 years and there are new heroes (Lirael and Sameth) in this book that the readers have to get to know. But it took 75% of the book, which was already 200 pages longer than Sabriel, for anything to really happen. Not good.
That said, there are still two MAJOR strengths to this book (and series): The world of the Old Kingdom, and Garth Nix's writing.
The world of the Old Kingdom is just so, so unique and fascinating. In many ways, reading this series reminds me of when I read Harry Potter for the first time. It seemed that JK Rowling's imagination would just never dry up. Every book, every CHAPTER, had some new and exciting addition to her magical world. So it is with this series as well. Nix continues to leave me spellbound with his inventiveness.
His writing, too, is top notch. His descriptive and beautiful prose do not seem like they deserve to be classified as 'Young Adult', though this series often is. For my money, Nix is one of the Top 5 prose-writers I have read, which is lofty company.
Overall, I give this one a 3.5; absolutely worth reading, but be prepared to slog through the beginning. ...more
Absolutely loved this. I understand why it's labeled Young Adult (18 yr old heroine as the protagonist), but this book was dark, and DEEP. Some reallyAbsolutely loved this. I understand why it's labeled Young Adult (18 yr old heroine as the protagonist), but this book was dark, and DEEP. Some really interesting themes regarding fate and death and taking responsibility for your own life. I was reminded very much of Harry Potter in that sense.
Nix is also a very talented writer. The plot moves quickly and his descriptive prose is really a joy to read. The world-building and magic also walk a very fine line between the familiar and something totally unique and new. Discovering new aspects of the Old Kingdom as we journey with Sabriel was fun, and a bit spooky.
Overall, I rank this book 4.5/5 stars. The only thing holding it back from a 5 was the distinct lack of humor. I understand that the story is dealing with serious themes, but I would love to have seen at least a bit of light-heartedness.
Still, Sabriel is very highly recommended and I look forward to Book 2!
**Re-Read 07/2019**
Read this again to remind myself of the story before I read Abhorsen. Feel pretty much the same way I did back in 2016 - Nix's writing (both pacing and prose) are excellent, and the world-building is highly imaginative.
Also, Tim Curry's audiobook narration is probably a Top 5 performance for me. So, so good....more
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