Abhorsen (Abhorsen Trilogy/Old Kingdom, #3)
Author: Garth Nix
Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books
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Note: Trigger warnings are provided for those who need them at the bottom of this page. If you don’t need them and don’t want to risk spoilers, don’t scroll past the full review.
Cover Description
***Description is spoiler for Sabriel and Lirael, books 1 and 2 in the series***
When the ninth gate calls, who can resist its summons?
An old evil has arisen — freed from its subterranean prison and seeking to escape the binding silver hemispheres which prevent it from finally unleashing its terrible powers.
Lirael, newly come into her inheritance as the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, knows that the fate of the world is in her hands. With only a vision from the Clayr to guide her, and the uncertain help of her companions — Sam, the Disreputable Dog, and Mogget — Lirael sets out on her perilous mission.
Then answer must be found somewhere in Life or Death — but can a former Second Assistant Librarian possibly discover the means to defeat the Destroyer ... before it is too late?
TL;DR Review
Abhorsen is the conclusion of the epic story started in Sabriel. It was one of the best endings I’ve read in a while, resonating with all the things people love about with classic fantasy. I’m so glad I read this trilogy!
For you if: You’re looking for the feeling of epic fantasy but without having to read like six 800-page books, lol.
Full Review
“For everyone and everything, there is a time to die. Some do not know it, or would delay it, but its truth cannot be denied. Not when you look into the stars of the ninth gate.”
After finishing this trilogy, I still can’t believe that I’d never read it before. This is classic fantasy at its best, and Abhorsen is the ultimate conclusion. The trilogy is divided up interestingly — Sabriel could almost be a standalone, and then Lirael and Abhorsen feel like parts one and two of the follow-up story.
It’s been awhile since I read an epic ending like this one. It was an exciting final confrontation that got your heart pounding without feeling drawn out. There was a twist / reveal that had been building over the past three books. You were never sure exactly how it was all going to work out until it was over. It was just such good writing.
I’m in love with all of these characters. Sam, oh Sam. My heart. Lirael, you brave girl. Mogget, the Disreputable Dog, Sabriel, Touchstone — I love them all.
If you’re looking for a fantasy trilogy that gives you all the classic fantasy feels, this is a great place to look.
“I have never known what to tell anybody. Except that it is better to do something than nothing, even if the cost is great.”
Trigger Warnings
Death / grief
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