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The Abhorsen Chronicles
This paperback collection contains the complete text of the first three beloved bestselling books in Garth's Nix's Old Kingdom series: Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen.
Sabriel
Every step brings Sabriel closer to a battle that will pit her against the true forces of life and death—and bring her face-to-face with her own destiny
Lirael
With only her faithful companion, the Disreputable Dog, Lirael must undertake a desperate mission under the growing shadow of an ancient evil, which threatens the fate of the Old Kingdom.
Abhorsen
The Abhorsen Sabriel and King Touchstone are missing, and Lirael must search in both Life and Death for some means to defeat the evil Destroyer—before it is too late
Sabriel
Every step brings Sabriel closer to a battle that will pit her against the true forces of life and death—and bring her face-to-face with her own destiny
Lirael
With only her faithful companion, the Disreputable Dog, Lirael must undertake a desperate mission under the growing shadow of an ancient evil, which threatens the fate of the Old Kingdom.
Abhorsen
The Abhorsen Sabriel and King Touchstone are missing, and Lirael must search in both Life and Death for some means to defeat the evil Destroyer—before it is too late
1232 pages, Paperback
Published December 30, 2008
55 people are currently reading
974 people want to read
About the author
Garth Nix
236 books14.9k followersGarth Nix was born in 1963 in Melbourne, Australia, to the sound of the Salvation Army band outside playing 'Hail the Conquering Hero Comes' or possibly 'Roll Out the Barrel'. Garth left Melbourne at an early age for Canberra (the federal capital) and stayed there till he was nineteen, when he left to drive around the UK in a beat-up Austin with a boot full of books and a Silver-Reed typewriter.
Despite a wheel literally falling off the Austin, Garth survived to return to Australia and study at the University of Canberra. After finishing his degree in 1986 he worked in a bookshop, then as a book publicist, a publisher's sales representative, and editor. Along the way he was also a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve, serving in an Assault Pioneer platoon for four years. Garth left publishing to work as a public relations and marketing consultant from 1994-1997, till he became a full-time writer in 1998. He did that for a year before joining Curtis Brown Australia as a part-time literary agent in 1999. In January 2002 Garth went back to dedicated writer again, despite his belief that full-time writing explains the strange behaviour of many authors.
He now lives in Sydney with his wife, two sons and lots of books.
Despite a wheel literally falling off the Austin, Garth survived to return to Australia and study at the University of Canberra. After finishing his degree in 1986 he worked in a bookshop, then as a book publicist, a publisher's sales representative, and editor. Along the way he was also a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve, serving in an Assault Pioneer platoon for four years. Garth left publishing to work as a public relations and marketing consultant from 1994-1997, till he became a full-time writer in 1998. He did that for a year before joining Curtis Brown Australia as a part-time literary agent in 1999. In January 2002 Garth went back to dedicated writer again, despite his belief that full-time writing explains the strange behaviour of many authors.
He now lives in Sydney with his wife, two sons and lots of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 3, 2012
The Abhorsen Trilogy started with Sabriel. Sabriel lives in Ancelstierre at the start of the story, a place where charter magic, Garth Nix's own form of spells, doesn't work. Sabriel is the daughter of the Abhorsen, a powerful necromancer who defends against the undead creations made by necromancers. When a shadowy creation appears and tells her that her father is missing, Sabriel goes to the old kingdom, and searches for her father amidst old enemies and older secrets. The story progresses into Lirael and the final part of the trilogy, Abhorsen.
In this story, Nix tries something that a lot of other authors have tried before. He tries to create a set of wizards, in this case necromancers, whose spells are more than bolts of light flying around. They have a different world, where you have to solve a sort of puzzle and pass a type of test to continue. I really enjoyed this interpretation of necromancy, especially after reading The Necromancer by Michael Scott. It made me stop and think,which is something that I really appreciate in a book.
Nix is a great author, and I love all of his books, but Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen, being the first of his writing that I've read. Since they were the first books of his that I read, they've always stuck with me a little more than other titles, like Shade's Children or The Ragwitch. The full series is significantly more than 1,000 pages long, but I don't recommend reading it broken into multiple sections like a lot of other people did. You have to read all of them relatively close together or else you'll start to forget the small details which are often important.
All in all, the Abhorsen Trilogy is a great read, and I'd recommend it to just about anyone, as long as you can take hefty doses of great writing. If you can't take large amounts of great writing, then you probably shouldn't be using GoodReads, but that's just my opinion. Try getting the boxed set, full book, or buying/checking them out today!
Note: I just noticed that there will be a FOURTH book. It is backstory on one of the villains. Clariel will be released (according the the GoodReads page) on 2013.
In this story, Nix tries something that a lot of other authors have tried before. He tries to create a set of wizards, in this case necromancers, whose spells are more than bolts of light flying around. They have a different world, where you have to solve a sort of puzzle and pass a type of test to continue. I really enjoyed this interpretation of necromancy, especially after reading The Necromancer by Michael Scott. It made me stop and think,which is something that I really appreciate in a book.
Nix is a great author, and I love all of his books, but Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen, being the first of his writing that I've read. Since they were the first books of his that I read, they've always stuck with me a little more than other titles, like Shade's Children or The Ragwitch. The full series is significantly more than 1,000 pages long, but I don't recommend reading it broken into multiple sections like a lot of other people did. You have to read all of them relatively close together or else you'll start to forget the small details which are often important.
All in all, the Abhorsen Trilogy is a great read, and I'd recommend it to just about anyone, as long as you can take hefty doses of great writing. If you can't take large amounts of great writing, then you probably shouldn't be using GoodReads, but that's just my opinion. Try getting the boxed set, full book, or buying/checking them out today!
Note: I just noticed that there will be a FOURTH book. It is backstory on one of the villains. Clariel will be released (according the the GoodReads page) on 2013.
May 14, 2019
5 stars because it is one of the very few trilogies I have ever read twice and that is definitely saying something.
November 2, 2020
This is and i believe will always be my favourite series/trilogy. I cannot wait for the new Old Kingdom installment to come out next year!
April 10, 2014
This is one of my favorite series. The world building is amazing, especially the rules of magic that exist in the Old Kingdom, from charter versus free magic to whistle-based weather magic to nine watery levels of death. All the leads, Sabriel, Lirael, Sam, and Nick, are appealing, and the mysteries--in Sabriel, the whole Old Kingdom is something of a mystery and Touchstone's past becomes a key point, and in Lirael, her parentage and true purpose--keep the story engaging. These stories have a wonderfully reflective and soulful tone that elevates them and makes them feel really worthwhile.
And perhaps my favorite thing about this series is that it so effortlessly sidesteps conventions of the genre at every turn. Sure, some of the staples are there--girl with unusual magical heritage, magical animal companion, traveling and bickering with the hero--but it never goes quite how you expect it to and manages to avoid anything resembling cutesy or twee. And there are so many elements that seem completely unique to this series. Instead of self-consciously trying to subvert all the tried and often trite tropes of the fantasy genre, the distinctive nature of these stories seems natural, a product of the imaginative world they take place in.
That said, the series wasn't perfect, especially Sabriel. I was hooked on Sabriel from the first chapter, but I did find that her long, solitary journey at the beginning of the story dragged a little. It gave a nice slow-burn introduction to the Old Kingdom and necromancy, but I kept wishing she had some human interaction, both to help along her character development and to show that the Old Kingdom was a real if broken-down place rather than a barren wasteland--the post-apocalyptic tone was interesting but made it a little harder to get invested in rebuilding the Kingdom.
In contrast, I really liked the slow build up of Lirael's often isolated life with the Clayr. I thought the Clayr were a very interestingly drawn group, well-meaning and yet they neglect Lirael almost to the point of abuse. Even though less happens during this section than during the beginning of Sabriel's journey, it is rife with tension, Lirael's internal conflict between her desperation to finally be a true Clayr versus her desire to escape driving the story forward. Sam has similar struggles and character development.
I guess I just wish Sabriel, as progenitor of this series, had been better developed. She isn't a stock character, she doesn't fall into cliches, but I kept expecting there to be a little more to her, and I never really got to see what that was. Perhaps if we had seen more of her life in at her boarding school in Ancelstierre, the world without magic, before she rushed off to the magical Old Kingdom, to give more of a sense of contrast between the worlds and increase the tension of her being out of her element...
But these are just nitpicks, really. It was a great series, and one I will come back to again and again.
And perhaps my favorite thing about this series is that it so effortlessly sidesteps conventions of the genre at every turn. Sure, some of the staples are there--girl with unusual magical heritage, magical animal companion, traveling and bickering with the hero--but it never goes quite how you expect it to and manages to avoid anything resembling cutesy or twee. And there are so many elements that seem completely unique to this series. Instead of self-consciously trying to subvert all the tried and often trite tropes of the fantasy genre, the distinctive nature of these stories seems natural, a product of the imaginative world they take place in.
That said, the series wasn't perfect, especially Sabriel. I was hooked on Sabriel from the first chapter, but I did find that her long, solitary journey at the beginning of the story dragged a little. It gave a nice slow-burn introduction to the Old Kingdom and necromancy, but I kept wishing she had some human interaction, both to help along her character development and to show that the Old Kingdom was a real if broken-down place rather than a barren wasteland--the post-apocalyptic tone was interesting but made it a little harder to get invested in rebuilding the Kingdom.
In contrast, I really liked the slow build up of Lirael's often isolated life with the Clayr. I thought the Clayr were a very interestingly drawn group, well-meaning and yet they neglect Lirael almost to the point of abuse. Even though less happens during this section than during the beginning of Sabriel's journey, it is rife with tension, Lirael's internal conflict between her desperation to finally be a true Clayr versus her desire to escape driving the story forward. Sam has similar struggles and character development.
I guess I just wish Sabriel, as progenitor of this series, had been better developed. She isn't a stock character, she doesn't fall into cliches, but I kept expecting there to be a little more to her, and I never really got to see what that was. Perhaps if we had seen more of her life in at her boarding school in Ancelstierre, the world without magic, before she rushed off to the magical Old Kingdom, to give more of a sense of contrast between the worlds and increase the tension of her being out of her element...
But these are just nitpicks, really. It was a great series, and one I will come back to again and again.
January 29, 2015
This is a huge book even by my standards, and to add to the confusion it is one of those that, by some strange reason is known under a different title depending on where in the world you live; for example in the Authors native Australia this book is entitled The Old Kingdom Chronicles. It is also a trilogy that not many fantasy readers appear to know about. As for me it took me some time to actually finish reading this, and that was not due to its size.
The characters in all three of the books, in my opinion, could have benefitted from a lot more time spent in their development. None of them really gripped me and made me want to invest more of my time in getting to know them. I really was expecting to like the characters, but they were flat and very one dimensional people who seemed to enjoy a lot of walking. You would have to read the books to understand that reference. Having said this, the character of Sabriel in the first book of the three was, by far, the most interesting of any in the Chronicles; she is a determined young woman with a definite plan for her life. When curve balls are thrown at her she is able to adapt and think on her feet making her the most impressionable of all the characters in these books. What really would have helped the characters come into their own in these books would have been more background and explanation into how they learned their skills and came to be in the place they are when the books open.
The world in which these books are set could have been so much more. It was a wonderful concept but I felt that the Author really did not do it justice and, like his character development, it would have benefitted from more time being spent in the descriptive aspects. At no time did I feel as if I had actually been transported into this world and was experiencing the events occurring; in a good fantasy novel a reader should feel themselves transported to the alternate world, as that is part of the pull of this genre.
After buying this trilogy on the recommendation of a friend, I now wish that I had kept my money in my pocket and will be donating my copy to the local library. If long and plodding fantasy books are something you enjoy, this is probably the book series for you; if not I would recommend you give this a miss.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2015/01/26...
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
The characters in all three of the books, in my opinion, could have benefitted from a lot more time spent in their development. None of them really gripped me and made me want to invest more of my time in getting to know them. I really was expecting to like the characters, but they were flat and very one dimensional people who seemed to enjoy a lot of walking. You would have to read the books to understand that reference. Having said this, the character of Sabriel in the first book of the three was, by far, the most interesting of any in the Chronicles; she is a determined young woman with a definite plan for her life. When curve balls are thrown at her she is able to adapt and think on her feet making her the most impressionable of all the characters in these books. What really would have helped the characters come into their own in these books would have been more background and explanation into how they learned their skills and came to be in the place they are when the books open.
The world in which these books are set could have been so much more. It was a wonderful concept but I felt that the Author really did not do it justice and, like his character development, it would have benefitted from more time being spent in the descriptive aspects. At no time did I feel as if I had actually been transported into this world and was experiencing the events occurring; in a good fantasy novel a reader should feel themselves transported to the alternate world, as that is part of the pull of this genre.
After buying this trilogy on the recommendation of a friend, I now wish that I had kept my money in my pocket and will be donating my copy to the local library. If long and plodding fantasy books are something you enjoy, this is probably the book series for you; if not I would recommend you give this a miss.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2015/01/26...
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
May 4, 2009
A trilogy set in a fantasy realm separated by a wall from a WWI-era England-ish country demonstrates that no wall can truly stop the dead from their goal. The Abhorsen Chronicles republish the three books with an added short story at the end. The stories are entertaining, with enough quirks and eccentricities to make it unique, and the characters are fleshed out, particularly the second and third books. Everything is not given out at once, though many answers are predictable, but the discovery is part of the appeal.
However, the books are not perfect. They suffer a bit from convenience and a lack of background or explaining how the characters learned what they did - the second book less so. Also you know when a book is written by a man when the female characters fall in love so quickly and for no reason other than having met the male character. I also wish I knew more about Mogget. All the build up for his character and not only was his revelation not that surprising, we don't know what happened to him after (other than his taste for fish and naps in the sunshine). For that matter, we are never quite sure how powerful or what the two "pets" are capable of.
However, the books are not perfect. They suffer a bit from convenience and a lack of background or explaining how the characters learned what they did - the second book less so. Also you know when a book is written by a man when the female characters fall in love so quickly and for no reason other than having met the male character. I also wish I knew more about Mogget. All the build up for his character and not only was his revelation not that surprising, we don't know what happened to him after (other than his taste for fish and naps in the sunshine). For that matter, we are never quite sure how powerful or what the two "pets" are capable of.
October 29, 2014
I don't actually own this copy, I just like grouping series into one heap. I loved this trilogy. I loved the characters (even the ones I hated) and was utterly mesmerised by the strangeness of the storyline. I highly disliked the idea of the Old Kingdom as it was portrayed (I mean I loved it in the series, it worked really well and was excellently written - I just always imagined it as a bit dark and dreary and somewhat joyless, and found myself reaching for happier fiction when I was done), and continue to associate it with cold, dank places, despite there being bits throughout it which I would have loved to be able to travel to (the Abhorsen's house was pretty fantastic). But it worked so well with the overall plotline, and some of the ideas are almost painfully imaginative, and if you don't read them you are really missing out on a breathtaking experience.
January 24, 2024
I adore this entire series. The world Garth Nix creates is mesmerizing and his descriptive narrative allows you to visualize with ease. I love his style, pace, and plot. But my favorite aspect of his writing is his characters. I long to leap into the pages, meet these interesting people and participate in their adventures. Isn't that the hallmark of a perfect series?
April 16, 2025
This is my favorite trilogy of ever, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve reread it throughout the years and yet the story always pulls me in just as voraciously
January 11, 2023
Necromancers are usually the bad guys in fantasy. When you can control dead bodies, it’s a given that people might not like you.
But Garth Nix turned that little trope on its head with “The Old Kingdom” trilogy, three interconnected fantasies about a family of necromancers who lay the dead — and forces of evil — to rest. His richly-realized world, elaborate magicks and brilliantly detailed writing give this wry, horrific high-fantasy a special quality that few other fantasy books have. Each of the three books about the Abhorsens is definitely a deserving classic.
“Sabriel” is the story of a teenage girl living happily at a girl’s school, while her necromancer father (the Abhorsen) roams around putting the dead to rest. All that changes when a sending brings her father’s sword and bells, meaning that he is dead or incapacitated. So Sabriel takes on her father’s duties, accompanied by a Free Magic cat and a mysterious young prince, and battles the specter of a horrible evil creature that is reaching out from death to snare her.
“Lirael” takes us to the cold citadel of the Clayr, a race of seers to whom the Sight is everything. Young Lirael is depressed because she doesn’t have the gift of Sight yet, even though everybody else her age does. But things take a sinister turn when she sets a horrifying, bloodthirsty creature loose, and must work — with the help of the mysterious Disreputable Dog — to get rid of it. But what Lirael doesn’t know is that the outside world is in danger too, from a sinister new enemy — and her destiny may take her out of the Clayr glacier, to where Sabriel’s family is struggling to keep their kingdom safe.
“Abhorsen” brings the series to an explosive conclusion. Lirael and her nephew Sameth — along with “cat” Mogget and the Disreputable Dog — are in danger from the invading Dead, and the Destroyer Orannis has escaped from his prison and is being assisted by an evil necromancer and the Dead called Chlorr — and an unfortunate pal of Sameth’s, who was mistaken for the young prince and his now be bespelled. Now Lirael must face her true destiny — not as a Clayr, but as the future Abhorsen.
Garth Nix had only written a couple of books, one of which was an “X-Files” novelization, when the first Old Kingdom book burst onto the fantasy scene. Now he’s one of the most respected, prolific and well-liked fantasy writers in years — and his tales of the Old Kingdom are undoubtedly his best work. They are a perfect example of dark fantasy, with its grotesque dead zombies that occasionally lurch out to attack the heroes, magical bells, and shadowy beasties that can (sometimes) be restrained.
Nix’s invented world is a seamless blend of the modern and the medieval, each ruling one side of the Wall — and he handles this complex world and its magical Charter with the deftness of a master storyteller. He draws everything in exquisite detail, whether it’s the labyrinthine Clayr glacier or the slightly eerie house of the Abhorsen, a bombed-out bunker or a sunny boarding school. And his command of atmosphere is great enough that his depiction of Death’s grey river is enough to chill.
And he comes up with the brilliant concept of the Abhorsen necromancers — who have power over dead and/or magical creatures, manipulate magic with little effort, and bind malignant creatures with Charter marks and a series of magical bells. Got it — binding, not raising.
Virtually all of Nix’s characters are likable, especially the gutsy Sabriel, the strong-willed Touchstone and their nervous teenage son Sameth. Even the annoying Ellimere elicits some smiles. It takes a bit longer to warm up to Lirael, since she spends several chapters in the same-named book moping about her differentness, but once she gets moving she’s unstoppable — and quite likable, once she figures out who she is. And the animal characters are the most brilliant — Mogget and the Disreputable Dog steal the show with their sharp wit and humorous quirks, although we’re constantly reminded that these are magical beings.
Dark fantasy was redefined and reimagined in “The Old Kingdom” trilogy, and these first three books of Garth Nix’s series are a clever, action-packed, magical journey through the Old Kingdom. Definitely a must-read.
But Garth Nix turned that little trope on its head with “The Old Kingdom” trilogy, three interconnected fantasies about a family of necromancers who lay the dead — and forces of evil — to rest. His richly-realized world, elaborate magicks and brilliantly detailed writing give this wry, horrific high-fantasy a special quality that few other fantasy books have. Each of the three books about the Abhorsens is definitely a deserving classic.
“Sabriel” is the story of a teenage girl living happily at a girl’s school, while her necromancer father (the Abhorsen) roams around putting the dead to rest. All that changes when a sending brings her father’s sword and bells, meaning that he is dead or incapacitated. So Sabriel takes on her father’s duties, accompanied by a Free Magic cat and a mysterious young prince, and battles the specter of a horrible evil creature that is reaching out from death to snare her.
“Lirael” takes us to the cold citadel of the Clayr, a race of seers to whom the Sight is everything. Young Lirael is depressed because she doesn’t have the gift of Sight yet, even though everybody else her age does. But things take a sinister turn when she sets a horrifying, bloodthirsty creature loose, and must work — with the help of the mysterious Disreputable Dog — to get rid of it. But what Lirael doesn’t know is that the outside world is in danger too, from a sinister new enemy — and her destiny may take her out of the Clayr glacier, to where Sabriel’s family is struggling to keep their kingdom safe.
“Abhorsen” brings the series to an explosive conclusion. Lirael and her nephew Sameth — along with “cat” Mogget and the Disreputable Dog — are in danger from the invading Dead, and the Destroyer Orannis has escaped from his prison and is being assisted by an evil necromancer and the Dead called Chlorr — and an unfortunate pal of Sameth’s, who was mistaken for the young prince and his now be bespelled. Now Lirael must face her true destiny — not as a Clayr, but as the future Abhorsen.
Garth Nix had only written a couple of books, one of which was an “X-Files” novelization, when the first Old Kingdom book burst onto the fantasy scene. Now he’s one of the most respected, prolific and well-liked fantasy writers in years — and his tales of the Old Kingdom are undoubtedly his best work. They are a perfect example of dark fantasy, with its grotesque dead zombies that occasionally lurch out to attack the heroes, magical bells, and shadowy beasties that can (sometimes) be restrained.
Nix’s invented world is a seamless blend of the modern and the medieval, each ruling one side of the Wall — and he handles this complex world and its magical Charter with the deftness of a master storyteller. He draws everything in exquisite detail, whether it’s the labyrinthine Clayr glacier or the slightly eerie house of the Abhorsen, a bombed-out bunker or a sunny boarding school. And his command of atmosphere is great enough that his depiction of Death’s grey river is enough to chill.
And he comes up with the brilliant concept of the Abhorsen necromancers — who have power over dead and/or magical creatures, manipulate magic with little effort, and bind malignant creatures with Charter marks and a series of magical bells. Got it — binding, not raising.
Virtually all of Nix’s characters are likable, especially the gutsy Sabriel, the strong-willed Touchstone and their nervous teenage son Sameth. Even the annoying Ellimere elicits some smiles. It takes a bit longer to warm up to Lirael, since she spends several chapters in the same-named book moping about her differentness, but once she gets moving she’s unstoppable — and quite likable, once she figures out who she is. And the animal characters are the most brilliant — Mogget and the Disreputable Dog steal the show with their sharp wit and humorous quirks, although we’re constantly reminded that these are magical beings.
Dark fantasy was redefined and reimagined in “The Old Kingdom” trilogy, and these first three books of Garth Nix’s series are a clever, action-packed, magical journey through the Old Kingdom. Definitely a must-read.
August 22, 2020
First off, let me start by saying that this series is fantastic. I personally was hooked just by reading the prologue. Sabriel, started off as (what I believe to be) a slow burn in the beginning but gradually picked up pace as her story progressed, which I don't mind. Seeing her being forced to grow up and accept the fact that she's an Abhorsen with a task of defeating a great evil, all while trying to find her father was an interesting ride. Not to mention her companions, her cat named Mogget and a man named Touchstone she has by her side. Not only that, but the world building/magic system of the Old Kingdom is one that'll definitely stick with me. Throughout Sabriel's journey, my heart was tugged every which way and by the end of it, it felt so bittersweet, but I still wanted more.
Lirael was a whole story, all while staying intertwined with the Old Kingdom and Sabriel. Unlike Sabriel, many years later, we join Lirael at a younger age (14) and learn all about her side of the world in the Glacier: The Clayrs. Unfortunately, she's unlike her family no matter how much she'd hoped and tried to be. Soon however, after finding what she feels like a new start away from the Clayrs, she finds out she's gifted in magic and soon creates her best friend/faithful companion the Dog, and things only branch out from there. We also learn more about things by the point of view of Sam in terms of how the Old Kingdom has changed over the years and the destiny he's afraid to inherit, all while realizing he has to rescue his best friend friend Nick, (we also read from his point of view as well) who was used to create something deadly. Once Lirael discovers Sam and they team up, she soon and what she truly is, the story goes even further with its surprises, and I was left in shock.
The story continues in Abhorsen with Lariel and Sam faced with more swarms of the dead and necromancers hell-bent on ending their lives as they try to rescue Nick all while trying to figure out how to stop the distruction of their world. This story had my emotions all over the place as the story continued on. I felt bad that the characters didn't have a chance to breathe without getting attacked, and annoyed with a few others who were stupidly stubborn. There were even moments that had me saying: "No. No..... that didn't happen, right? They're okay?" I even teared up at the last few pages. Needless to say I was most emotionally invested in this story the most.
Finally we get to book 3.5 which involves Nick a year or so after the battle took place. As expected, he's still traumatized and suffering from the effects of what he was put through. Soon however, he realizes that he belongs in the Old Kingdom and wants to learn more about the powers he gained. My favorite part was that we get to see him reunite with Lirael which I am all 110% for, and hope to see more of.
All in all? I recommend this series two anyone who'd like to read Garth Nix and also I recommend this paperback if you don't mind having large paperbacks because it has everything in one, as well as the story with Nick. If not you can simply buy each novel and the short story individually!
Lirael was a whole story, all while staying intertwined with the Old Kingdom and Sabriel. Unlike Sabriel, many years later, we join Lirael at a younger age (14) and learn all about her side of the world in the Glacier: The Clayrs. Unfortunately, she's unlike her family no matter how much she'd hoped and tried to be. Soon however, after finding what she feels like a new start away from the Clayrs, she finds out she's gifted in magic and soon creates her best friend/faithful companion the Dog, and things only branch out from there. We also learn more about things by the point of view of Sam in terms of how the Old Kingdom has changed over the years and the destiny he's afraid to inherit, all while realizing he has to rescue his best friend friend Nick, (we also read from his point of view as well) who was used to create something deadly. Once Lirael discovers Sam and they team up, she soon and what she truly is, the story goes even further with its surprises, and I was left in shock.
The story continues in Abhorsen with Lariel and Sam faced with more swarms of the dead and necromancers hell-bent on ending their lives as they try to rescue Nick all while trying to figure out how to stop the distruction of their world. This story had my emotions all over the place as the story continued on. I felt bad that the characters didn't have a chance to breathe without getting attacked, and annoyed with a few others who were stupidly stubborn. There were even moments that had me saying: "No. No..... that didn't happen, right? They're okay?" I even teared up at the last few pages. Needless to say I was most emotionally invested in this story the most.
Finally we get to book 3.5 which involves Nick a year or so after the battle took place. As expected, he's still traumatized and suffering from the effects of what he was put through. Soon however, he realizes that he belongs in the Old Kingdom and wants to learn more about the powers he gained. My favorite part was that we get to see him reunite with Lirael which I am all 110% for, and hope to see more of.
All in all? I recommend this series two anyone who'd like to read Garth Nix and also I recommend this paperback if you don't mind having large paperbacks because it has everything in one, as well as the story with Nick. If not you can simply buy each novel and the short story individually!
October 17, 2009
Finished book 1 Sabriel. Absolutely loved the book. fascinated by the character Mogget, wanted to know more about who/what this character is/was and why it is connected with the Abhorsen. Loved Sabreil, loved Touchstone, and love Sabriel's father (some nice, touching father/daughter moments in this book). Liked the magic system and the way the magic world sits right next to the non-magical world. sad that it had to end, but now onto...
Book 2, Lirael. I was a little worried that I wasn't going to like Lireal point of view after loving Sabriel's so much, but so far I totally love Lireal too! still reading. :)
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Finished book 2, Lireal. I was a little discouraged by the point of view switching back and forth from Lireal to Sameth, mostly because I didn't like reading about Sameth very much. Bring on more about Lireal and the Disreputable Dog! I LOOOOOVED all the adventures that took place in the library. It was a relief when both Lireal and Sameth discovered their paths in life. MORE questions are raised (some answered) about who/what both Mogget and the Disreputable Dog are (though I have a pretty good idea who/what the Dog is/was)
Book 3, Abhorsen. Started right where Lirael left off and WHAM! Right into action! Loving this series! I'll post more once I've finished.
Book 2, Lirael. I was a little worried that I wasn't going to like Lireal point of view after loving Sabriel's so much, but so far I totally love Lireal too! still reading. :)
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Finished book 2, Lireal. I was a little discouraged by the point of view switching back and forth from Lireal to Sameth, mostly because I didn't like reading about Sameth very much. Bring on more about Lireal and the Disreputable Dog! I LOOOOOVED all the adventures that took place in the library. It was a relief when both Lireal and Sameth discovered their paths in life. MORE questions are raised (some answered) about who/what both Mogget and the Disreputable Dog are (though I have a pretty good idea who/what the Dog is/was)
Book 3, Abhorsen. Started right where Lirael left off and WHAM! Right into action! Loving this series! I'll post more once I've finished.
August 20, 2014
From the moment the Abhorsen entered Death--about five pages into Sabriel--I was hooked. Here was a place I'd never been in a book. And I think that's why Sabriel has a spot in my top ten list of favorite books. Garth Nix has opened a door into a world that's so fully realized and so unique, you can't help but want to go back, even if that world is not always pleasant.
Early in the story, Sabriel discovers that her father, the Abhorsen, is missing. When she first sets out to find him, her mission is personal, but she soon realizes just how much his services mean to the Old Kingdom. The Abhorsen keeps the Dead in check, keeps them banished to Death where they should be. Without him, the Dead are at the beck and call of others who would use them. And so Sabriel sets off on a dangerous journey, through the kingdom, and also through Death.
Normally, I might not enjoy a book where the undead walk, their fleshlesh joints grinding and clacking as they go. But this story also has many of the things I love--characters who become friends, a fascinating world with magic that feels real, heart-pumping action, and even a bit of romance.
I also love it when a good book has sequels. Lirael and Ahorsen are excellent follow-ups. I'm so looking forward to the newest in the sequence, Clariel.
Early in the story, Sabriel discovers that her father, the Abhorsen, is missing. When she first sets out to find him, her mission is personal, but she soon realizes just how much his services mean to the Old Kingdom. The Abhorsen keeps the Dead in check, keeps them banished to Death where they should be. Without him, the Dead are at the beck and call of others who would use them. And so Sabriel sets off on a dangerous journey, through the kingdom, and also through Death.
Normally, I might not enjoy a book where the undead walk, their fleshlesh joints grinding and clacking as they go. But this story also has many of the things I love--characters who become friends, a fascinating world with magic that feels real, heart-pumping action, and even a bit of romance.
I also love it when a good book has sequels. Lirael and Ahorsen are excellent follow-ups. I'm so looking forward to the newest in the sequence, Clariel.
May 10, 2019
I've been meaning to read this trilogy ages ago, ever since a friend recommended the second book, Lirael, to me. Having now read it, I can see why she recommended it so much and counted it as one of her favorites, though I can't quite put it on my own favorites list. A few thoughts:
-Out of the three books, Sabriel is definitely my favorite, followed by Abhorsen, then by Lirael. I think I would've liked Lirael better if the main characters hadn't spent so much of it feeling sorry for themselves, but there you have it.
-I very much enjoyed the interplay between magic and technology and the fact that the whole world isn't stuck in the medieval era. That was pretty cool.
-Not gonna lie; Nick annoyed me when he was first introduced. But by the end, I thought he was pretty cool, and he definitely deserved to have his own short story.
-Also the whole thing is kind of a fantasy zombie series, in a way? So that's interesting and different. It also made me a little uncomfortable at times, but not too much.
-I very much appreciate Sabriel as a protagonist, ok? She may not always know what she's doing, but she gets stuff done and doesn't waste time.
-And the Disreputable Dog and Mogget are both wonderful and I love them. Period, exclamation mark.
So, yeah. Definitely glad I read these, and I'll probably reread them at some point.
-Out of the three books, Sabriel is definitely my favorite, followed by Abhorsen, then by Lirael. I think I would've liked Lirael better if the main characters hadn't spent so much of it feeling sorry for themselves, but there you have it.
-I very much enjoyed the interplay between magic and technology and the fact that the whole world isn't stuck in the medieval era. That was pretty cool.
-Not gonna lie; Nick annoyed me when he was first introduced. But by the end, I thought he was pretty cool, and he definitely deserved to have his own short story.
-Also the whole thing is kind of a fantasy zombie series, in a way? So that's interesting and different. It also made me a little uncomfortable at times, but not too much.
-I very much appreciate Sabriel as a protagonist, ok? She may not always know what she's doing, but she gets stuff done and doesn't waste time.
-And the Disreputable Dog and Mogget are both wonderful and I love them. Period, exclamation mark.
So, yeah. Definitely glad I read these, and I'll probably reread them at some point.
April 5, 2013
The Old kingdom chronicles is a trilogy - a series of books. I decided to read this trilogy because first, I had nothing else to read, and later on, because I found out it was a really entertaining - a book where the modern ( sort of) world lived side by side with a world of magic. The book creates an exciting conflict that goes on within the realm of magic where a force of evil plots to use the modern world to gain its terrible goal.
A character I found interesting was, naturally, the main character, Sabriel. Sabriel is a young women whom lives in the modern world, and lives out her life at Wyverly college. But soon she must cross the Wall over to the old kingdom, where she must face her destiny...
Sabriel is determined and strong, and she controls vast powers. She is also a sort of necromancer, one that uses the fabled seven bells to not raise, but banish the dead, whom are a looming danger of the old kingdom and play a large part to play in the story.
Overall, the book is interesting with a twisting plot that makes you think, though there ar'nt many quotes that the characters say. Overall times two, this is a really great trilogy and You should read it!
A character I found interesting was, naturally, the main character, Sabriel. Sabriel is a young women whom lives in the modern world, and lives out her life at Wyverly college. But soon she must cross the Wall over to the old kingdom, where she must face her destiny...
Sabriel is determined and strong, and she controls vast powers. She is also a sort of necromancer, one that uses the fabled seven bells to not raise, but banish the dead, whom are a looming danger of the old kingdom and play a large part to play in the story.
Overall, the book is interesting with a twisting plot that makes you think, though there ar'nt many quotes that the characters say. Overall times two, this is a really great trilogy and You should read it!
May 28, 2017
I read and reviewed all three books in this trilogy separately, so this is really just for my own records. Both Sabriel and Abhorsen I rated as three stars, and for much the same reason. I liked the world building - I found the whole thing with the bells particularly interesting - but I couldn't seem to connect emotionally with either book, and that was largely because of the characters, I think. Sabriel, Touchstone, and their children do nothing for me.
As far as I'm concerned, book number two, Lirael, was the absolute stand-out of the series. I really enjoyed it, and it earned four stars from me. I love Lirael, I love the Disresputable Dog, and I especially loved the Clayr library (I could read a whole book about that library! was sorry when she left it). I did not love Sam, not one bit, but even his presence didn't drag down everything that made the book so much fun.
Averaging out, it's three stars for the series.
As far as I'm concerned, book number two, Lirael, was the absolute stand-out of the series. I really enjoyed it, and it earned four stars from me. I love Lirael, I love the Disresputable Dog, and I especially loved the Clayr library (I could read a whole book about that library! was sorry when she left it). I did not love Sam, not one bit, but even his presence didn't drag down everything that made the book so much fun.
Averaging out, it's three stars for the series.
August 20, 2014
I have read this trilogy several times since I first picked up Sabriel and each time has been as good as the first.
The characters are great, and it's particularly awesome to have such a variety of female characters, none of whom exist just as a romantic plot point. I also really enjoy the magic - it's a different kind of magic to most other fantasy books I've read, which is really refreshing and always interesting. Death, which plays a pivotal part, is also done quite differently, but done extremely well.
All in all, this is a great trilogy, and I'm extremely excited about the forthcoming prequel, Clariel
The characters are great, and it's particularly awesome to have such a variety of female characters, none of whom exist just as a romantic plot point. I also really enjoy the magic - it's a different kind of magic to most other fantasy books I've read, which is really refreshing and always interesting. Death, which plays a pivotal part, is also done quite differently, but done extremely well.
All in all, this is a great trilogy, and I'm extremely excited about the forthcoming prequel, Clariel
Read
November 9, 2019The first book felt like someone was writing for fun, for themselves and didn't intend to have other people read it. The other two had a bit of that feel as well, but were more polished. All were entertaining and fast paced. There were a lot of new words for me, but then again English is my second language, and even I could grasp the general meaning and the flow of reading was smooth regardless of whether I stopped to look up a word or not. My favorite quote:
"The Library, " repeated Sanar, looking troubled. "That can be dangerous to a girl of fourteen. Or a woman of forty, for that matter."
Out of context, I like it just the same or even more. :)
"The Library, " repeated Sanar, looking troubled. "That can be dangerous to a girl of fourteen. Or a woman of forty, for that matter."
Out of context, I like it just the same or even more. :)
August 31, 2012
All I can say is this: WOAH. Original, fast-paced and filled with unexpected twists, The Abhorsen Chronicles are absolute must reads, if you truly want to know what the Fiction genre is all about. Garth Nix portrays the characters and scenes flawlessly (as always) and with the perfect amount of detail: you don't feel like it's dragging on pointlessly but at the same time you're not clueless. The perfect amount.
I loved this trilogy.
I loved this trilogy.
February 19, 2025
Loved this series - it's always a treat to encounter a book that doesn't make being messed up a character trait, confuse a dark setting for a narrative, or think that adding graphic violence makes something mature. The character development is fantastic, the world and magic system are just fuzzy enough that there's space for wonder and mystery, without being so vague that problems can be hand-waved away. Satisfying resolution, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Want to read
August 20, 2010I've only just read Sabriel thus far, but I can already see why this trilogy has received praise from readers and reviewers. Excellent world building, a unique premise and a strong female protagonist make this an enjoyable, fast read. Although labeled "young adult" adult fans of fantasy will find this equally enjoyable.
April 24, 2015
This is the copy I have, and I've always been a little uncomfortable marking all three books as "I has it" and "college" when in truth they're all in one volume.
(One volume, btw, that I found at a bookstore in New Jersey for $20 during a music trip. Honestly it was the only good thing that came out of that trip.)
(One volume, btw, that I found at a bookstore in New Jersey for $20 during a music trip. Honestly it was the only good thing that came out of that trip.)
December 15, 2015
I enjoyed the different magic system and the fusion of WWI era Europe with the fantasy Old Kingdom. The characters are all interesting and appealing with a sense of humour although this was a bit uneven at the start of the third book. To me this managed to be an interesting fantasy about stopping the Bad Guy without falling into too many of the classic fantasy tropes. Recommended.
October 30, 2016
I loved this book and the exciting journey it took you on as you turned every page. I was waiting with anticipated breath for the release of Goldenhand (the sequel) and have eagerly read the series again in the lead up to Goldenhand's release. In my eyes it is a must read and a series that never gets old.
January 16, 2009
An amazing series, with characters I am sorry to leave behind (especially Lirael). The only weakness I can see is the story's sense of place; there aren't many details that really tie the reader to the world. The characters, however, are amazingingly built.
October 1, 2011
Loved this series. Although YA, I really loved the characters, the world creation and the magic used in the book. A very interesting take on necromancy, an intriguing story, and at towards the end I stayed up until 3 in the morning because I had to see how it ended.
January 18, 2020
I really like the world Garth Nix created and the way the magic works.
Sabriel is quite short compared to the other books and it is a good introduction to this world.
But to be honest, after reading Lirael and Abhorsen, we learn so much more in book 2 and 3 I find them better than the first one.
Sabriel is quite short compared to the other books and it is a good introduction to this world.
But to be honest, after reading Lirael and Abhorsen, we learn so much more in book 2 and 3 I find them better than the first one.
April 26, 2023
I really enjoy Mr. Nix's take on necromancy with the Abhorsen's and their bells. These first few books were great and I can't wait to read the other books in the Abhorsen world. I also really loved Mogget.
August 8, 2023
I used this to read Lirael, Abhorsen, and marking this for the short story within it. No one can stop me from marking the omnibus book separately 🤪 I read all three, all three deserve their own marks.
Good short story. Not sure still how I feel on Nick though.
Good short story. Not sure still how I feel on Nick though.
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