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The Seventh Tower #1
The Fall
The Fall (The Seventh Tower, Book 1) [Paperback] Nix, Garth
218 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2000
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August 17, 2015
20 years ago, an unknown Australian writer named Garth Nix (yup, real name) made huge waves in the fantasy/sci-fi world with his novel SABRIEL. And what's the logical next step in a person's career? To be asked by George Lucas himself to write a series of fantasy books for children. DUH. And so The Seventh Tower was born.
I first read these maybe a dozen years ago, and I remember being absolutely infatuated with this incredible world Garth Nix had created. I'd never seen anything like it. AMAZING. But then, on Goodreads, I started reading reviews... about the steep learning curve, poor character development, lazy writing, etc. So I decided to, now that (I think) my taste in literature has evolved past that of a 12-year-old boy, give them another go. And guess what? The reviews are valid. But I still hold to my five-star review.
THE FALL: A fast-paced, full-tilt, literal "fall" into the world of the Castle and the Chosen, a society of privileged magic-bearers obsessed with social climbing, living beneath the Veil, the black void sheltering their world from the Sun and the spirit realm, Aenir... and then another, even faster, fall into the unknown world in the barren arctic snows outside the Castle, full of Icecarls and Shield Maidens in their ice-ships following the migrating patterns of Selski (GIGANTIC walruses, basically)--and among all of this are sprinkled hints of shady conspiracies unfolding.
Seem like a lot to fit in a book made for elementary school children? It is. And YET, Garth Nix handles it in a way that, while definitely fast, is understandable and entirely engaging. Not only that, but he manages to also keep the protagonist, Tal, central on his own journey to save his family--not to mention his new friend/enemy Milla, the headstrong Icecarl girl.
I do think his writing isn't that great. But dammit, the man had other things to worry about! And while I absolutely LOVE when writing for children is still complex and prosey and show-not-tell and vocabulary-istic, not all of these books SHOULD be like that. "Reluctant readers" are a real thing and are just as important, if not more so.
So... yup. Five stars. Still. After twelve (thirteen?) years.
I first read these maybe a dozen years ago, and I remember being absolutely infatuated with this incredible world Garth Nix had created. I'd never seen anything like it. AMAZING. But then, on Goodreads, I started reading reviews... about the steep learning curve, poor character development, lazy writing, etc. So I decided to, now that (I think) my taste in literature has evolved past that of a 12-year-old boy, give them another go. And guess what? The reviews are valid. But I still hold to my five-star review.
THE FALL: A fast-paced, full-tilt, literal "fall" into the world of the Castle and the Chosen, a society of privileged magic-bearers obsessed with social climbing, living beneath the Veil, the black void sheltering their world from the Sun and the spirit realm, Aenir... and then another, even faster, fall into the unknown world in the barren arctic snows outside the Castle, full of Icecarls and Shield Maidens in their ice-ships following the migrating patterns of Selski (GIGANTIC walruses, basically)--and among all of this are sprinkled hints of shady conspiracies unfolding.
Seem like a lot to fit in a book made for elementary school children? It is. And YET, Garth Nix handles it in a way that, while definitely fast, is understandable and entirely engaging. Not only that, but he manages to also keep the protagonist, Tal, central on his own journey to save his family--not to mention his new friend/enemy Milla, the headstrong Icecarl girl.
I do think his writing isn't that great. But dammit, the man had other things to worry about! And while I absolutely LOVE when writing for children is still complex and prosey and show-not-tell and vocabulary-istic, not all of these books SHOULD be like that. "Reluctant readers" are a real thing and are just as important, if not more so.
So... yup. Five stars. Still. After twelve (thirteen?) years.
February 12, 2019
از گارث نیکس، مجموعه ابهورسن رو قبلا خونده بودم و همین باعث شده بود انتظار نسبتا بالایی ازین مجموعه داشته باشم که خب، جلد اول یه شروع خیلی معمولی و نسبتا ضعیف داشت
لازم به ذکره که داستان برای گروه سنی نوجوان هستش بیشتر، ولی خب ما هم کودک درونمون به قدر کافی فعال هستش :دی ولی چندان پسندیده نشد
داستان درباره یه جامعه با نظام طبقاتی هستش که رنگها، جداکننده طبقات مختلف هستند و افراد بر حسب طبقه اجتماعی که قرار دارند از مزایای مختلفی بهرهمند میشن
این جامعه به صورت کامل توی یه دژ بسیار بسیار بزرگ زندگی میکنه وکسی بیرون از دژ نرفته هیچوقت
داستان درباره پسری هستش که پدرش به ناگهان گم میشه و مسئولیت خانواده و حفظ اون توی طبقه اجتماعیشون به دوشش میفته
اسامی و اصطلاحات، توصیف محیط، نحوه پیشبرد داستان عمدتا نامانوسه ولی خب این نیست که باعث بشه زده بشید از داستان ولی جذابیت چندانی هم ایجاد نمیکنه
لازم به ذکره که داستان برای گروه سنی نوجوان هستش بیشتر، ولی خب ما هم کودک درونمون به قدر کافی فعال هستش :دی ولی چندان پسندیده نشد
داستان درباره یه جامعه با نظام طبقاتی هستش که رنگها، جداکننده طبقات مختلف هستند و افراد بر حسب طبقه اجتماعی که قرار دارند از مزایای مختلفی بهرهمند میشن
این جامعه به صورت کامل توی یه دژ بسیار بسیار بزرگ زندگی میکنه وکسی بیرون از دژ نرفته هیچوقت
داستان درباره پسری هستش که پدرش به ناگهان گم میشه و مسئولیت خانواده و حفظ اون توی طبقه اجتماعیشون به دوشش میفته
اسامی و اصطلاحات، توصیف محیط، نحوه پیشبرد داستان عمدتا نامانوسه ولی خب این نیست که باعث بشه زده بشید از داستان ولی جذابیت چندانی هم ایجاد نمیکنه
October 22, 2011
First book for this readathon! I might be posting quite a lot of reviews over the next twenty-four hours, just as a heads up. If that bothers you, well, it's a one-off!
Anyway, The Fall was a very short, easy read to start off with. Like all of Garth Nix's books, it's very easy to get into. I'd say this is aimed at a younger age than the rest of his books -- it's quite simplistic in many ways -- but I enjoyed the world-building anyway. The characters are promising, though there isn't much to them yet. That's the main problem, really, with this: there isn't much to it yet. I'm sure that more will build up over the course of the six books, and I'm intrigued by the world we see glimpses of, but there's not enough to lay hold of yet.
It ends very abruptly, and makes me wonder if the ends of the books are all going to be quite arbitrary. That could get a little irritating.
Still. Intriguing world! Awesome female characters -- with female-led societies in the background, too, with an Empress in the Castle and an older woman, the Crone, leading the people of the ice! Promising.
Anyway, The Fall was a very short, easy read to start off with. Like all of Garth Nix's books, it's very easy to get into. I'd say this is aimed at a younger age than the rest of his books -- it's quite simplistic in many ways -- but I enjoyed the world-building anyway. The characters are promising, though there isn't much to them yet. That's the main problem, really, with this: there isn't much to it yet. I'm sure that more will build up over the course of the six books, and I'm intrigued by the world we see glimpses of, but there's not enough to lay hold of yet.
It ends very abruptly, and makes me wonder if the ends of the books are all going to be quite arbitrary. That could get a little irritating.
Still. Intriguing world! Awesome female characters -- with female-led societies in the background, too, with an Empress in the Castle and an older woman, the Crone, leading the people of the ice! Promising.
November 14, 2023
An enthralling fantasy work.
December 19, 2016
Garth Nix was one of my favourite authors as a teenager. Sabriel still stands out as one of the best books I read growing up. So despite this book being aimed at a much younger audience, I decided to give it a go and I very much enjoyed it.
Nix has real skill at world buidling, and he again excels here. Although the characterisations are understandably juvenile, this sun starved world that had me gripped from the beginning. A favourite scene of mine depicted a board game, which involved creating a monster and watching it battle the opposition. It's touches like this which make Garth Nix head and shoulders above the rest of the young adult crowd.
I can't wait to read the next one!
Nix has real skill at world buidling, and he again excels here. Although the characterisations are understandably juvenile, this sun starved world that had me gripped from the beginning. A favourite scene of mine depicted a board game, which involved creating a monster and watching it battle the opposition. It's touches like this which make Garth Nix head and shoulders above the rest of the young adult crowd.
I can't wait to read the next one!
April 12, 2009
One of the elements of writing in this genre that Nix is particularly gifted at is creating original fantasies and worlds. This series is no exception. However, in comparison to some of his other works, especially The Abhorsen Trilogy, the exploration of this world and the characters within is weak at best. The story is interesting because Nix presents the audience with a new mythology, but he rushes through the plot, circumnavigating what could be some really amazing explorations of the world he’s created. As a result, it’s more difficult to imagine this parallel universe and its characters and creatures, and it doesn’t draw the reader in nearly as much as it could.
This series breaks one large story into several books, and since each of these is easily around the high 100s and low 200s in page length, Nix could have spent more time giving description, metaphors, and poetic/aesthetic language to flush this world out. This would make everything significantly more engaging for the readers, and ultimately, foster growth and interest in the books, the fantasy, the world, and the characters therein. Ultimately, there’s just nothing to bite into.
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com
This series breaks one large story into several books, and since each of these is easily around the high 100s and low 200s in page length, Nix could have spent more time giving description, metaphors, and poetic/aesthetic language to flush this world out. This would make everything significantly more engaging for the readers, and ultimately, foster growth and interest in the books, the fantasy, the world, and the characters therein. Ultimately, there’s just nothing to bite into.
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com
December 16, 2021
Tal's a little bitch who thinks girls are icky and doesn't realize yet how hot it is to eat off the same spoon.
(also i'm sad that some ppl have such little exposure to reading that they think this is awesome but also it doesn't really matter i guess)
(also i'm sad that some ppl have such little exposure to reading that they think this is awesome but also it doesn't really matter i guess)
January 10, 2010
I. Am. So. Lost. I’ve never read a book and come out this disoriented before. Holy crap. Right from the beginning you’re shoved into this world with weird names being thrown at you, many without any kind of explanation so you’re left to try and figure out just what this something’s supposed to look like but you have no idea because it could rightly be anything. That . . . was a huge turn off for me. Immediately I’m supposed to know what all of this stuff is, what’s going on, why it’s so important to get into Aenir. And I don’t. I’m just told that’s how it is. Therein lies the major flaw.
It doesn’t say why it’s so important to get a Sunstone and be able to get into Aenir. The book just says you have to and it becomes Tal’s life journey from the moment he finds out his father’s missing. He has relatives and this Sushin guy that treat him like a steaming pile of crap without any real reason. Apparently there was some shenanigans between Sushin and someone in Tal’s family and he’s taking it out on him. Mature. As for the female relatives, I have no idea why they’re bitches, but they are. I did feel a little pang of anger at how they were treating him but that was pretty fleeting.
It also seems that young Tal has a bit of a superiority complex, not to mention a huge amount of selfishness. The complex could rightly be a product of his surroundings. It seems that’s just how this world lives. But damn is this kid selfish. He considers leaving behind his guide, a warrior girl that’s really no older than he is (about 13) to die in the cold but decided not to not because he thinks it’d be wrong and she should be saved, but because of what other people would think of him. Commendable, I tell you. O_o The thing is, he seems like a really bright kid who should know better. But he doesn’t. He doesn’t want to get her a Sunstone so he considers leaving her behind all the while attempting to convince himself that she’s part of the Underfolk, despite the evidence to the contrary, and she should be treated as such. And he’s the head of the family? I just don’t find this likable in a character. I’m hoping for some sort of redemption in the next two.
I’m still trying to figure out how, after the fall, Tal ended up so far away. I understand his shadowguard (which acted like a deus ex machina) glided him down to safety but from what it reads like, it’s like he was hundreds of miles away. And what the *^%^*& is a stretch? Saying it’s almost the length of Tal’s arm doesn’t do me any good because I have no idea how big the kid is. Some 13 year-olds are enormous. So when the tower was 100 stretches away . . . no idea. I could guess but is that really where my energy should be focused when reading a book? Or trying to decipher their units of measure because it’s constantly brought up but never really explained?
If this weren’t one of those three books in one deals, I wouldn’t be reading on. The end of the book ends on what is rightly a chapter mid-book, not the end of the first story which I find kind of annoying. Like how Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3 were filmed together and the end of the second looked like someone in the editing room with a pair of scissors picked a place and snipped on the reel. That’s how this one ended. Ick. And the thing is, if the book has to come out and force the idea that Tal has grown, he really hasn’t. I didn’t see it although I was told he did.
Sure, it was a really fast read. Really fast. But it’s empty. There’s a fair amount going on but like I said, I’m expected to understand the context of this world without any kind of basis for comparison and that really has me thrown. I understand you can’t take the time to go into great detail about your world in order for readers to get it but for the love of god, just give me something. Anything! It’s a 14 point font with 2 inch margins and 196 pages. I’m sure there’s some wiggle room there. Sure, I get it. I get what a Sunstone is. I get those testing things Tal has to take but it’s like walking into a tribe in Africa and just expecting to know and understand what’s going on. Sure, you’ll get it eventually but on your first day, it’s not going to mean much. And that’s what happened here. It’s consistently my first day in the tribe.
The writing was kind of eh as well. It was kind of high falutin and it reminded me of my own work, the beginning of it anyway, when I was aiming for something that the story shouldn’t have been. Are the stilts really necessary? I’ll read the next two but only because they’re attached to the first. I don’t see any other reason to keep going.
It doesn’t say why it’s so important to get a Sunstone and be able to get into Aenir. The book just says you have to and it becomes Tal’s life journey from the moment he finds out his father’s missing. He has relatives and this Sushin guy that treat him like a steaming pile of crap without any real reason. Apparently there was some shenanigans between Sushin and someone in Tal’s family and he’s taking it out on him. Mature. As for the female relatives, I have no idea why they’re bitches, but they are. I did feel a little pang of anger at how they were treating him but that was pretty fleeting.
It also seems that young Tal has a bit of a superiority complex, not to mention a huge amount of selfishness. The complex could rightly be a product of his surroundings. It seems that’s just how this world lives. But damn is this kid selfish. He considers leaving behind his guide, a warrior girl that’s really no older than he is (about 13) to die in the cold but decided not to not because he thinks it’d be wrong and she should be saved, but because of what other people would think of him. Commendable, I tell you. O_o The thing is, he seems like a really bright kid who should know better. But he doesn’t. He doesn’t want to get her a Sunstone so he considers leaving her behind all the while attempting to convince himself that she’s part of the Underfolk, despite the evidence to the contrary, and she should be treated as such. And he’s the head of the family? I just don’t find this likable in a character. I’m hoping for some sort of redemption in the next two.
I’m still trying to figure out how, after the fall, Tal ended up so far away. I understand his shadowguard (which acted like a deus ex machina) glided him down to safety but from what it reads like, it’s like he was hundreds of miles away. And what the *^%^*& is a stretch? Saying it’s almost the length of Tal’s arm doesn’t do me any good because I have no idea how big the kid is. Some 13 year-olds are enormous. So when the tower was 100 stretches away . . . no idea. I could guess but is that really where my energy should be focused when reading a book? Or trying to decipher their units of measure because it’s constantly brought up but never really explained?
If this weren’t one of those three books in one deals, I wouldn’t be reading on. The end of the book ends on what is rightly a chapter mid-book, not the end of the first story which I find kind of annoying. Like how Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3 were filmed together and the end of the second looked like someone in the editing room with a pair of scissors picked a place and snipped on the reel. That’s how this one ended. Ick. And the thing is, if the book has to come out and force the idea that Tal has grown, he really hasn’t. I didn’t see it although I was told he did.
Sure, it was a really fast read. Really fast. But it’s empty. There’s a fair amount going on but like I said, I’m expected to understand the context of this world without any kind of basis for comparison and that really has me thrown. I understand you can’t take the time to go into great detail about your world in order for readers to get it but for the love of god, just give me something. Anything! It’s a 14 point font with 2 inch margins and 196 pages. I’m sure there’s some wiggle room there. Sure, I get it. I get what a Sunstone is. I get those testing things Tal has to take but it’s like walking into a tribe in Africa and just expecting to know and understand what’s going on. Sure, you’ll get it eventually but on your first day, it’s not going to mean much. And that’s what happened here. It’s consistently my first day in the tribe.
The writing was kind of eh as well. It was kind of high falutin and it reminded me of my own work, the beginning of it anyway, when I was aiming for something that the story shouldn’t have been. Are the stilts really necessary? I’ll read the next two but only because they’re attached to the first. I don’t see any other reason to keep going.
July 15, 2012
Tal, a 13 year old boy, Is a chosen, he lives in a world where each chosen has a shadowguard who will be replaced with a more powerful one to a trip to Aenir a spirit world.But he needs a primary sunstone for that, and the only one his family had got lost as his father disappeared, Tal tries to get one in every way he can, because with his mother sick he is the only one able to take care of his family, he will have to face terrible dangers to get a sun stone and this will lead him to a strange world, will he be able to get back to the castle in time to enter Aenir?
Personal opinion
*****
I loved this book so much, it is very short so I read it quickly, it is a beautiful and original fiction story, I had never read anything quite like it, if you are just starting to become a reader, I recommend this book, it is a fast reading and very interesting.I was so angry with my bookshop because they only had the first one,so I haven't been able to read n 2 yet.
Please visit my blog for more reviews, interviews, downloads and videos!
http://thebookfinder.blogspot.com
Personal opinion
*****
I loved this book so much, it is very short so I read it quickly, it is a beautiful and original fiction story, I had never read anything quite like it, if you are just starting to become a reader, I recommend this book, it is a fast reading and very interesting.I was so angry with my bookshop because they only had the first one,so I haven't been able to read n 2 yet.
Please visit my blog for more reviews, interviews, downloads and videos!
http://thebookfinder.blogspot.com
July 24, 2023
برای دیدن و شنیدن ریویوی این مجموعه شما را به لینک زیر دعوت میکنم 😉
https://youtu.be/GJtOFeVerQo
https://youtu.be/GJtOFeVerQo
July 3, 2022
I have loved Garth Nix since first discovering the Abhorsen series in college, but I have been attempting to catch up on some of his lesser-known works, and I’m beginning to see that his mediocre work may outweigh his flashes of brilliance.
Perhaps that is condemning too quickly considering I have only finished one of six children’s novels in this series (Six? Really, Nix? In a series called “The Seventh Tower?), but I remembered the excruciatingly slow trainwreck that was The Keys to the Kingdom series, and I can see the pattern beginning to emerge here as well. As usual, Nix is unparalleled in his creative worldbuilding, but like many of his novels he does not really leave himself enough room to properly explore the worlds he has created. In this story, we are not only left with no time to formulate answers to questions about the magic system or the rules of the society, we are often not given time to even think of questions before Nix is whisking our heroes off to a completely new setting. There are so many creative ideas and interesting set pieces that are used for five pages and then completely forgotten about that I was bewildered before getting even halfway through a children’s novel.
This could have been saved by an interesting protagonist with a strong character arc, but unfortunately Tal is given little to do. He is young woobie constantly put upon by everyone he meets and having to swallow his pride so often I was surprised he was still able to draw breath. Unfortunately, this just made everyone in the world seem like huge jerks for being willing to snub, trample on, and kill a thirteen-year-old for no reason and made our hero seem like a bit of a weakling, so really the worst of both worlds. I became increasingly disconnected to every character because they portrayed so little compunction or common courtesy. I began to see that every character was really just a piece of exposition included to shove more information down our throats in the form of rudeness to our MC before exiting stage left to never be seen again.
I could be wrong, of course. As an introductory novel, there is probably time for Nix to reverse his course and make Tal (and Milla) out to be more sympathetic and interesting than they appear at first, but I’m not sure that this first book was really dazzling enough to keep me reading for the rest of the series. Admittedly, this is a novel designed for a younger audience, but I think it would be worse from that perspective. It is so rushed and overstuffed with ideas and weird names that I think it would be difficult for a middle schooler to relate to. If through some twist of fate the sequels to this series fall into my hands, I might continue with it, but the chances are slim that I will seek them out otherwise.
Perhaps that is condemning too quickly considering I have only finished one of six children’s novels in this series (Six? Really, Nix? In a series called “The Seventh Tower?), but I remembered the excruciatingly slow trainwreck that was The Keys to the Kingdom series, and I can see the pattern beginning to emerge here as well. As usual, Nix is unparalleled in his creative worldbuilding, but like many of his novels he does not really leave himself enough room to properly explore the worlds he has created. In this story, we are not only left with no time to formulate answers to questions about the magic system or the rules of the society, we are often not given time to even think of questions before Nix is whisking our heroes off to a completely new setting. There are so many creative ideas and interesting set pieces that are used for five pages and then completely forgotten about that I was bewildered before getting even halfway through a children’s novel.
This could have been saved by an interesting protagonist with a strong character arc, but unfortunately Tal is given little to do. He is young woobie constantly put upon by everyone he meets and having to swallow his pride so often I was surprised he was still able to draw breath. Unfortunately, this just made everyone in the world seem like huge jerks for being willing to snub, trample on, and kill a thirteen-year-old for no reason and made our hero seem like a bit of a weakling, so really the worst of both worlds. I became increasingly disconnected to every character because they portrayed so little compunction or common courtesy. I began to see that every character was really just a piece of exposition included to shove more information down our throats in the form of rudeness to our MC before exiting stage left to never be seen again.
I could be wrong, of course. As an introductory novel, there is probably time for Nix to reverse his course and make Tal (and Milla) out to be more sympathetic and interesting than they appear at first, but I’m not sure that this first book was really dazzling enough to keep me reading for the rest of the series. Admittedly, this is a novel designed for a younger audience, but I think it would be worse from that perspective. It is so rushed and overstuffed with ideas and weird names that I think it would be difficult for a middle schooler to relate to. If through some twist of fate the sequels to this series fall into my hands, I might continue with it, but the chances are slim that I will seek them out otherwise.
March 15, 2020
It was a good book, i'd have given it 4 or 5 stars....well, ten years ago i would.
Characters were nice,some exaggerated, like the evil cousins, or other mean characters that were extremely stereotypical and boring.
The story's setting and world making was good. The parts i can't understand and picture are ,according to my experience with the writer's other series, my problem and weakness.
I'd really like to enjoy the book but everything was so mundane and unoriginal that unfortunately i couldn't.
Characters were nice,some exaggerated, like the evil cousins, or other mean characters that were extremely stereotypical and boring.
The story's setting and world making was good. The parts i can't understand and picture are ,according to my experience with the writer's other series, my problem and weakness.
I'd really like to enjoy the book but everything was so mundane and unoriginal that unfortunately i couldn't.
December 23, 2008
IT sucked so badly. i wouldnt even give it 1 star. they give ou this information about whats going on and they talk about these creature that you cant even get a picture of it in you mind! for example, tell me, whats a Borzog... see? thats what i mean. i didnt even give youa discription of it!!! and whata h*** is a Jarghoul???? this book sucks. the series nprbably sucks. and as a conclusion: Garth Nix! this book sux!!!!!
December 22, 2020
With a missing father and ailing mother, Tal knows he must retrieve a sunstone if he hopes to get his family help - but with higherups pitted against him, and a failed attempt sending him into the wilderness, it will take the sudden aid of seeming savages to get home in time to save them. Nix offers young readers a creative tale brimming with mystery and the promise of enchanting lore. Not even his living shadow may be strong enough to protect him from the unknown...
April 23, 2024
The concepts of light and culture were fun to read about. In one scene he uses beams of colored light to play crystal trees. It creates a beautiful scene along with a beautiful moving sound.
This was a quick read. I think that it could have benefitted from being longer to explain more if the magic system, but it is geared towards younger audiences. And I think he did an adequate job explaining in the short time.
This was a quick read. I think that it could have benefitted from being longer to explain more if the magic system, but it is geared towards younger audiences. And I think he did an adequate job explaining in the short time.
October 28, 2024
Tal’s father went on a mission for the Empress, and has been pronounced dead. Tal, however, believes his father is only missing, along with the family’s Sunstone. Without the family Sunstone, they will not be able to participate in the Day of Ascension, so it is up to Tal as the young man of the family to find them a new Sunstone until his father returns. Yet everywhere he turns, he is met with rejections and obstacles, as though someone does not want his family to participate. Desperate, he climbs one of the Towers to go above the Veil which protects the Castle from the powerful sun and retrieve a Sunstone to help his family. But the Sunstones are guarded, and a powerful shadow creature chases him to fall below the Veil and down to the dark and icy world far below.
Garth Nix was coming to town for a book signing for his latest book (We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord), so naturally I had to select a couple of his books I already own to bring to get signed. And this one was one of the shortest which would allow me a chance to read it before meeting him, and which I hadn’t read since probably middle school. While I may not have finished it before his event, it was a blast from the past from the first page. I was surprised by how many scenes/images came right to my minds’ eye as though I had just read the book last week, not twenty-plus years ago. That is staying power, and the power of a good book. I “fell” right into it, and felt transported right to the world of the Castle with its Sunstones, the Veil, the Aenir, and even the Icecarls. I’m looking forward to rereading the next of the series, and am energized about visiting Nix’s new and newer books which I haven’t read yet.
Garth Nix was coming to town for a book signing for his latest book (We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord), so naturally I had to select a couple of his books I already own to bring to get signed. And this one was one of the shortest which would allow me a chance to read it before meeting him, and which I hadn’t read since probably middle school. While I may not have finished it before his event, it was a blast from the past from the first page. I was surprised by how many scenes/images came right to my minds’ eye as though I had just read the book last week, not twenty-plus years ago. That is staying power, and the power of a good book. I “fell” right into it, and felt transported right to the world of the Castle with its Sunstones, the Veil, the Aenir, and even the Icecarls. I’m looking forward to rereading the next of the series, and am energized about visiting Nix’s new and newer books which I haven’t read yet.
June 30, 2022
4 stars: above average
While I was reading this book I am amazed that this is written for children. I think its for children because the story is simple and clean, easy to read, and short but the magic system is in depth, like most Garth Nix stories. So basically since the magic system is well thought out I think this series are for slightly older readers.
The one complaint I have it by the end of the book I wanted more. There wasn't a climax to the book the story just ends and will continue on in the next one.
We follow Tal, who's father is missing with the family sunstone. Tal, the oldest in the family, is about to be tested to be one of the chosen and without a powerful sunstone he will fail his tests. With no help from the community he sets out to find his own.
tags: Clean, Sci-Fi, fantasy
While I was reading this book I am amazed that this is written for children. I think its for children because the story is simple and clean, easy to read, and short but the magic system is in depth, like most Garth Nix stories. So basically since the magic system is well thought out I think this series are for slightly older readers.
The one complaint I have it by the end of the book I wanted more. There wasn't a climax to the book the story just ends and will continue on in the next one.
We follow Tal, who's father is missing with the family sunstone. Tal, the oldest in the family, is about to be tested to be one of the chosen and without a powerful sunstone he will fail his tests. With no help from the community he sets out to find his own.
tags: Clean, Sci-Fi, fantasy
September 25, 2024
Solid children's fantasy/action book.
October 16, 2017
اون قشنگی و جذابیت بقیه مجموعههای گارت نیکس رو نداشت
حتی کلیدهای مادشاهی با اون بچگونه بودنش کمی هیجان انگیز تر بود
حتی کلیدهای مادشاهی با اون بچگونه بودنش کمی هیجان انگیز تر بود
October 17, 2025
A very creative world from Garth Nix. The imagination of light and shadows, the mystery of the people maneuvering against Tal, the tiered levels of society, an unknown separate culture of people outside the towers. There is a lot to really enjoy. There is a lot of setup happening here so it's a book with a lot of build up, but the imagination and pace of events keep it moving along. This is a very fun read. I'm looking forward to the rest of the story. The creature-creation board game did not live up to the excitement it brought me when I was younger, but the rest held up remarkably well.
September 22, 2022
I really love the world that Garth Nix created and am excited to see where the story and characters go!
October 30, 2025
Tal has recently learned his father is missing in action, leaving their family in a predicament. With his mother being ill, Tal does what he can to obtain a Sunstone, a special rock that provides light to their world of darkness, begging the council, dueling against the royal guards, attempt to win an Achievement, etc. As a last resort, he attempts to use his shadowguard to sneak into the Red Tower to steal a Sunstone, but its defenses results him getting kicked off the Castle. Literally hitting rock bottom, Tal must seek a path that would lead him back to the Castle, but it won't be easy.
I come into this series with no idea what to expect. As such when it comes to the first book in a fantasy series, there tends to be some similar tropes shared among others: a protagonist with a gift, but is outcasted; social hierarchy being the norm, early world-building on the universe, & exploration of the worlds beyond domestic realm. Tal comes off as relatable in that he is forced to step up as being the caretaker for his family when his parents are either handicapped or MIA. So far, the world-building is relatively light in describing two notable locations so far, and the small exposition of some notable creatures that inhabit around. But I do not feel enticed, as the second half felt more on exposition than it was on Tal's goal of obtaining a Sunstone. Of course, the ending implies things are going to be different for Tal, so I will give the next book a try to see if it improves on the storyline.
I come into this series with no idea what to expect. As such when it comes to the first book in a fantasy series, there tends to be some similar tropes shared among others: a protagonist with a gift, but is outcasted; social hierarchy being the norm, early world-building on the universe, & exploration of the worlds beyond domestic realm. Tal comes off as relatable in that he is forced to step up as being the caretaker for his family when his parents are either handicapped or MIA. So far, the world-building is relatively light in describing two notable locations so far, and the small exposition of some notable creatures that inhabit around. But I do not feel enticed, as the second half felt more on exposition than it was on Tal's goal of obtaining a Sunstone. Of course, the ending implies things are going to be different for Tal, so I will give the next book a try to see if it improves on the storyline.
January 12, 2011
The Fall is a very interesting children's book and is pretty unique. Unfortunately, it's extremely short and not much really happens in book one of this series. The magic system in The Fall is based on light. The hierarchy within the society is basically the visible light spectrum, and I applaud Garth Nix for coming up with it. The main character, Tal, is on a mission to find a sunstone to save his family. It's not an outrageous plot, and in the grand scheme of things it's pretty believable. Tal's quest for the sunstone was outlined in the first part of the novel. After "the fall" the story changes to a difference setting, and is a little less interesting. There isn't much progression in the plot, and the book feels like the opening two chapters of an interesting story, instead of a complete book. I would have enjoyed this more if it was edited back a bit and three or four more books were added to it to make a complete story. It wasn't all bad though. The main character is likable and not overly childish. He is determined and acts his age. One of my favorite parts was the monster battle card game which sounds like it would be really fun if it were real. You'll have to read to find out more. I eagerly await reading the rest of the series and I hope they are as good as this one. I may have to get a few at a time so I'm not disappointed if nothing is solved. Good introduction to what I hope will be a decent series.
May 17, 2010
Let me start off by saying that I really enjoy series by Garth Nix. I always find it refreshing to read his books because his ideas and the fantasy worlds that he builds, are always extremely creative, much more so than many young adult and children's fantasy adventure series that now glut up the market due to the massive success of Harry Potter. Garth Nix's fantasy novels also always contain at least a hint of "darkness," I suppose I would say, some sort of complexity or abstract ideas about human nature and/or society that I think elevate them above mere fantasy fluff.
Anyhow, I enjoyed Nix's Seventh Tower series, but not nearly so much as his later works Sabriel and The Keys to the Kingdom series, both of which are more developed and more elegant in their writing style. Due to the fact that the Seventh Tower series was one of Nix's earlier works, and because they're geared toward younger children (I would guess 3rd-5th grade), they seemed more simplistic, especially in the characterization near the beginning. However, the polarization (no light pun intended) of the characters' personalities did provide room for them to grow throughout the series. Also, Nix again succeeded in creating a fantasy society, and "magic" that were refreshingly different from the Tolkein-esque.
Anyhow, I enjoyed Nix's Seventh Tower series, but not nearly so much as his later works Sabriel and The Keys to the Kingdom series, both of which are more developed and more elegant in their writing style. Due to the fact that the Seventh Tower series was one of Nix's earlier works, and because they're geared toward younger children (I would guess 3rd-5th grade), they seemed more simplistic, especially in the characterization near the beginning. However, the polarization (no light pun intended) of the characters' personalities did provide room for them to grow throughout the series. Also, Nix again succeeded in creating a fantasy society, and "magic" that were refreshingly different from the Tolkein-esque.
February 14, 2012
I have been a fan of Garth Nix ever since I read the Abhorsen books, and while I have enjoyed the other books he's written, I have to admit that none of them have the same spark as the Abhorsen books. At least, not for me. I haven't read all of his books yet, but I'm working my way through them steadily!
The Fall introduces us to a young boy named Tal, on the verge of graduating to the next phase of his life, but things go horribly wrong. His Dad is missing, presumed dead, and with him was the families only Primary Sunstone. Without a Sunstone of that power Tal won't be able to access the other realm, won't get to moved to a higher level (and actually will be demoted drastically), and they won't be able to access the cure to save his mothers life.
Tal tries several different methods of getting a Primary Sunstone to save his family, but when they all fail, he decides to steal one. Unfortunately that goes wrong as well, and he finds himself outside the Castle that is all he's ever known and with a people he's never heard of.
This was a great book, and I think the only thing that keeps me from loving it as much as Nix's Abhorsen books is that it's written to a younger audience. It still shows his incredible imagination that allows you to follow along with Tal, even though his world is vastly different from anything you or I has ever known.
The Fall introduces us to a young boy named Tal, on the verge of graduating to the next phase of his life, but things go horribly wrong. His Dad is missing, presumed dead, and with him was the families only Primary Sunstone. Without a Sunstone of that power Tal won't be able to access the other realm, won't get to moved to a higher level (and actually will be demoted drastically), and they won't be able to access the cure to save his mothers life.
Tal tries several different methods of getting a Primary Sunstone to save his family, but when they all fail, he decides to steal one. Unfortunately that goes wrong as well, and he finds himself outside the Castle that is all he's ever known and with a people he's never heard of.
This was a great book, and I think the only thing that keeps me from loving it as much as Nix's Abhorsen books is that it's written to a younger audience. It still shows his incredible imagination that allows you to follow along with Tal, even though his world is vastly different from anything you or I has ever known.
April 14, 2014
Teenage Tal lives within a sprawling castle in a world of constant darkness. Tal has a lot of problems: his father is missing, his mother is sick, and unknown enemies are trying to destroy his family. Solving these problems will require Tal to venture to the unknown outside world, and his survival will depend on a blood-pact with a girl who wants to kill him. Wacky hijinks ensue.
I really liked Nix's Old Kingdom trilogy, which featured courageous heroines, swashbuckling adventures, and zombies. (I am a sucker for the undead.) So when I found the full set of his Seventh Tower series at my Favorite Used Bookstore, I swooped down on the lot. Unfortunately, The Seventh Tower is obviously written for a very young audience. The writing is deliberately pedestrian; every subtlety is carefully explained in simple sentences and single-syllable words. There's some interesting ideas, especially in service to the light/dark motif -- the Castle's hierarchy is organized into seven levels, from lordly Violet to lowly Red (get it?); the Chosen have magical shape-shifting shadowguards -- and Tal's reluctant Icecarl ally, Milla, is an interesting character ("Tal saw it coming down and closed his eyes. Milla saw, too, but she kept her eyes open. Icecarls believed in facing death." [172]), but it all gets bogged down by the "no nuance left unturned" approach to writing for kids.
I really liked Nix's Old Kingdom trilogy, which featured courageous heroines, swashbuckling adventures, and zombies. (I am a sucker for the undead.) So when I found the full set of his Seventh Tower series at my Favorite Used Bookstore, I swooped down on the lot. Unfortunately, The Seventh Tower is obviously written for a very young audience. The writing is deliberately pedestrian; every subtlety is carefully explained in simple sentences and single-syllable words. There's some interesting ideas, especially in service to the light/dark motif -- the Castle's hierarchy is organized into seven levels, from lordly Violet to lowly Red (get it?); the Chosen have magical shape-shifting shadowguards -- and Tal's reluctant Icecarl ally, Milla, is an interesting character ("Tal saw it coming down and closed his eyes. Milla saw, too, but she kept her eyes open. Icecarls believed in facing death." [172]), but it all gets bogged down by the "no nuance left unturned" approach to writing for kids.
March 1, 2017
Garth Nix's "The Fall" book is not only an interesting start to a long tale but a start off that leaves much to be expected by its successor. The story starts off with a boy named Tal, going into a scene that may confuse readers at first but then reels back in a short little trip down memory lane as it explains his story and how he got there. Moving on, the story revolves around this interesting civilization filled with magic and rules that it goes onto explain. These little details in the story are are not only original, but beyond imaginative as they drag the reader into an entirely new world that captivates its explorers. Later on in the story, after finally getting back to the main scene, the book goes on further to show an entirely new world and explain it, and introducing some interesting new characters. One of these interesting characters is named Milla, who can only be described as this stories main heroine, a fierce warrior and character devoted to a cause, giving readers yet another character they might be able to relate to and maybe find liking later on. The story further goes on to create and deepen a plot by sending our two heroes on a quest that involves so many twists and turn you can help but be glued to the page. Not only is this book worth a read, but its entire series is.
April 11, 2011
Já havia lido este volume de A Sétima Torre há uns seis anos, mas, na época, não encontrei os volumes seguintes. Agora, todo este tempo depois, resolvi começar a ler a série novamente, já que um amigo adquiriu os livros durante uma visita a um sebo em São Paulo. Como da primeira vez, a jornada de Tal me cativou, Garth Nix no Submarinotem um texto agradável e de fácil leitura, perfeito para o público infanto-juvenil e que eu também gostei, mesmo já tendo 25 :P Além disso, a busca por um objetivo além de todas as forças me faz lembrar da trilogia do anel – sem comparações, claro! – e do recém lido A Torre Negra Vol. 01 – O Pistoleiro, com seus personagens focados em seus ideais, mocinhos aqui e bandido lá, para que se alcance o que tanto almejam.
http://www.pontolivro.com/2011/03/set...
http://www.pontolivro.com/2011/03/set...
January 20, 2009
This was one of my favorite book series when I was younger, and it introduced me to fan fiction. It is also one of my (nearly) complete series. The concept of a world without the sun is very interesting and refreshing. The main characters act as they, in their established backgrounds/societies, should. They also have very good character development. Though a little dark for a children's/middle grade book series, the vocabulary used and the qualities of the characters are still appropriate. The pace of the books is quite fast and they usually end in cliffhangers, and I think this series should be joined into one volume or, at most, two.
November 17, 2013
To my immense shame and displeasure, my boyfriend doesn't really like to read. BUT once upon a time in 5th grade he actually read a book (this book!) and was really mad when he realized it was a seven book series and not a stand alone title. Fastforward about 23 years and the magic of the internet and he has procured the series and actually went ahead and read the whole thing and now he's sharing it with me.
This is less a review and more sappy gushing about my stupid boyfriend. The book was good tho.
This is less a review and more sappy gushing about my stupid boyfriend. The book was good tho.
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