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adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Really enjoyed the setting of the book. It's been a while since I read a YA fantasy and I enjoyed the world that was created, the ideas of the gates after life and the adventures you are taken on in the book. The author did a great job pulling two worlds on either side of the wall together and the time line fell so natural. I loved the ending.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I had this on my tbr after it had been suggested in a few lists of books I already loved, however, Tim Curry doing the narration made me instantly pick it up from the library.
The magic system, the world & the tone of this story were enchanting from the very first page. It felt simultaneously like an ancient myth and a surprisingly new and interesting premise. I liked how in spite of it being targeted to a younger audience they did not stray away from dark themes and depictions. The protagonist was mature despite her age and I enjoyed how the action really kept the plot moving. I was super inspired, surprised this book is not more wide spread and will certainly be picking up the next.
That being said, I did feel emotionally distant from the characters due to there being little time spent inside their thoughts or developing their relationships. Everything moved a little too quickly for the impact to really be felt. There was an element of telling instead of showing which leans more towards the story telling angle but made it hard for me to feel motivated at times to finish. I wish the writer too their time more and the whole work was longer in order to develop things further and more thoroughly.
The magic system, the world & the tone of this story were enchanting from the very first page. It felt simultaneously like an ancient myth and a surprisingly new and interesting premise. I liked how in spite of it being targeted to a younger audience they did not stray away from dark themes and depictions. The protagonist was mature despite her age and I enjoyed how the action really kept the plot moving. I was super inspired, surprised this book is not more wide spread and will certainly be picking up the next.
That being said, I did feel emotionally distant from the characters due to there being little time spent inside their thoughts or developing their relationships. Everything moved a little too quickly for the impact to really be felt. There was an element of telling instead of showing which leans more towards the story telling angle but made it hard for me to feel motivated at times to finish. I wish the writer too their time more and the whole work was longer in order to develop things further and more thoroughly.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Somehow I missed this when I was younger. I remember seeing it in the school library and being intrigued. I think I would have enjoyed it more as a teenager. Sabriel herself is cool, the dead creatures are creepy and the magic bells are a refreshing way to fight villains.
Mogget was probably my favourite part. We love a snarky talking cat that hides a terrifying and ancient power.
But the writing was super bland - lots of detail on stuff that doesn't really matter to the reader. And the characters too. I didn't feel like I knew much about Sabriel in the end. This first book could have been expanded into a multi-part adventure, which would have developed the relationships fully too. However I realise the world of publishing was very different in 1995.
Mogget was probably my favourite part. We love a snarky talking cat that hides a terrifying and ancient power.
But the writing was super bland - lots of detail on stuff that doesn't really matter to the reader. And the characters too. I didn't feel like I knew much about Sabriel in the end. This first book could have been expanded into a multi-part adventure, which would have developed the relationships fully too. However I realise the world of publishing was very different in 1995.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the combination of modern technology with magical elements, the magical powers that existed in this world, the fascinating explanation of Death with its many gates and necromancers who can walk between these worlds. I'm a little surprised this is categorized as young adult, maybe that's part of what made it so readable. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5. Not bad for a random 90s YA book recommended by my husband’s coworker bc he wants to play a D&D character based on the main character. I had literally zero expectations when we started listening to this on a road trip, but I found myself pretty invested. Not to mention it turns out it’s read by Tim Curry??
I liked our fmc’s struggle to fill her father’s shoes while also investigating his disappearance, but the story really thrives as she gains companions. Idk if I’ll continue the series cause I feel pretty content with the ending but mostly cause I don’t want to commit to another series rn lol
I liked our fmc’s struggle to fill her father’s shoes while also investigating his disappearance, but the story really thrives as she gains companions. Idk if I’ll continue the series cause I feel pretty content with the ending but mostly cause I don’t want to commit to another series rn lol
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
A proper, epic fantasy. Confusing to start, but definitely worth the time. I'm glad I read it as I will be confidently pushing this one on fantasy lovers with patience.
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No