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Sick days are good for catching up on reading.
An overall more interesting story arc than the other books, but (or because?) it's much darker and more violent. It fills out the world a bit by giving more insight into the free magic side of things, as well as giving us a pretty good look into the non-magical aspects and residents of the Old Kingdom.
For all that it is the same world, Clariel has a different feeling than the world of Sabriel and Lirael. But then, 600 years will do that. The beginning felt rough and Clariel herself is an odd character, definitely not one of those that the reader can insert themselves. It will be interesting to see if this affects my rereading of Sabriel.
adventurous
fast-paced
A fun return to the Old Kingdom that is made better by the long absence, even though it isn't Nix' best work. Still totally worthwhile!
*spoiler alert* While enjoyable and a good way to tide me over until Goldenhand is released, it was all too clear that the story was the origin of Chlorr, making the chain of events feel predictable.
I didn't much like this one. Not because the protagonist is stubborn, selfish, and thoughtless, though she is. But because I can relate to her having a dream, and wanting it whole heartedly, and each and every person (to varying degrees of well-meaning) who tells her she's too young to know better, and ought to follow their plans irked me. It feels like we're meant to think she should have adapted, but the story doesn't give her a chance, rushing her along, bouncing her through white-water politics and rough rocks. I wanted a happier ending than she got.
I loved this book. Clariel is a minor figure in the Old Kingdom trilogy, but her story gives it a depth that I appreciate. We don't often see protagonists that ultimately go bad. Here, the unhappy Clariel receives suspect information and makes poor decisions that will affect her for the rest of her life, AND AFTER. I found the story so sad because she began as a bright girl with a dream, but ultimately is corrupted by forces that she doesn't understand and can't control. If you haven't read the Old Kingdom stories, please do. This story, and the others will remain with you long after. As a side note, though these books were meant for teen readers, adults will find them very satisfying too.
A passion thwarted will often go astray...
Clariel, like so many other protagonists in YA books, has her own desires which are being subsumed by the plan her parents have for her. But in her case, their plans lead Clariel directly into a plot against the king and into the worst temptation she will ever know.
I didn't even know that Garth Nix was writing another Abhorsen novel until my friend posted to Tumblr about it. Sabriel was one of my favorite books as a teenager, and I'm happy to own the trilogy as well as Nix's book of short stories. But I figured stories of the Old Kingdom were done - so I was ecstatic when I found out about Clariel! Ordered it Wednesday, it arrived Saturday, and I finished it just before midnight.
It has it's problems - like Lirael it is slow to get going, with a lot of world building slowing down the action. But Clariel, stubborn, impatient, and occasionally childish as she is, is someone you can't help but root for. Who hasn't felt smothered and trapped by their family's desires for them? But overall, Clariel desires to do and be good. And despite her missteps and foolishness, the book ends on hope.
Of course, we all know what lies ahead...
Clariel, like so many other protagonists in YA books, has her own desires which are being subsumed by the plan her parents have for her. But in her case, their plans lead Clariel directly into a plot against the king and into the worst temptation she will ever know.
I didn't even know that Garth Nix was writing another Abhorsen novel until my friend posted to Tumblr about it. Sabriel was one of my favorite books as a teenager, and I'm happy to own the trilogy as well as Nix's book of short stories. But I figured stories of the Old Kingdom were done - so I was ecstatic when I found out about Clariel! Ordered it Wednesday, it arrived Saturday, and I finished it just before midnight.
It has it's problems - like Lirael it is slow to get going, with a lot of world building slowing down the action. But Clariel, stubborn, impatient, and occasionally childish as she is, is someone you can't help but root for. Who hasn't felt smothered and trapped by their family's desires for them? But overall, Clariel desires to do and be good. And despite her missteps and foolishness, the book ends on hope.
Of course, we all know what lies ahead...
I ga-gaed a bit seeing Clariel on the order list and shivered goosebumps unpacking it from the box. I cannot wait to delve in! I hope it's as unique and wonderful as the other Abhorsen books.
Love love love. I hope they never make a movie.
Love love love. I hope they never make a movie.