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ultimatebisbee's review against another edition
4.0
I liked seeing more of Lirael and Nick, the best couple so far in the series, and learning more about the interaction between free magic and the Charter. Plus we finally learn what happened to Lirael’s mother. But the stakes never felt that high after the events in Abhorsen and it read more as a long epilogue than a continuation of the series.
larsdradrach's review against another edition
3.0
Not as good as Clariel, but a fitting conclusion to the series.
On the positive side, it’s well written and we revisit a lot of old friends.
On the negative side, the romance sub-plot feels out of place and rather forced, it borrows heavily from LOTR for the main storyline.
On the positive side, it’s well written and we revisit a lot of old friends.
On the negative side, the romance sub-plot feels out of place and rather forced, it borrows heavily from LOTR for the main storyline.
laceanddaggerbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Quick note: If you can try rereading The Creature in the Case before reading this.
This was a long awaited sequel and a very enjoyable one at that. Goldenhand tells the story of Nick, Lirael and a new character Ferin.
Nick is one of my favourite characters in the series and I'm glad he was great as ever. Maybe his romance with Lirael was a little fast but it was awkward and cute so I'll forgive it. I do wish we'd been able to see Sam and Nick interact more but maybe next time.
Ferin was a great new character but I wish we'd gotten more of her life growing up. The tribes seem fascinating and with Chlorr basically ruling them all I'd really like to read more on that. As it was the world building was good there and I really liked her. Not sure what I think about her possible future romance with Sam but we'll see.
Final thing I want to say is oh Clariel. I want them to find out more about her, I want to know more about her story after the end of her book. You get a glimpse here but I'm so fascinated by how she changed so much because of free magic. I'm glad she was important in this book but more please.
This was a long awaited sequel and a very enjoyable one at that. Goldenhand tells the story of Nick, Lirael and a new character Ferin.
Nick is one of my favourite characters in the series and I'm glad he was great as ever. Maybe his romance with Lirael was a little fast but it was awkward and cute so I'll forgive it. I do wish we'd been able to see Sam and Nick interact more but maybe next time.
Ferin was a great new character but I wish we'd gotten more of her life growing up. The tribes seem fascinating and with Chlorr basically ruling them all I'd really like to read more on that. As it was the world building was good there and I really liked her. Not sure what I think about her possible future romance with Sam but we'll see.
Final thing I want to say is oh Clariel. I want them to find out more about her, I want to know more about her story after the end of her book. You get a glimpse here but I'm so fascinated by how she changed so much because of free magic. I'm glad she was important in this book but more please.
natalattef's review against another edition
3.0
**SPOILER ALERT**
Garth Nix's writing is up not quite up to his usual high standard in Goldenhand. This is definitely my favourite of Nix's series, although I have to admit this is not my favourite book of the series.
My point of joy was definitely seeing the absolutely delightful Disreputable Dog again. I think I might have been even happier to see her than Lirael herself! It was just such a shame she had tiny cameo appearance at the end.
I did enjoy the new introduction of the character of feisty Ferin. I love it that Nix writes such strong female characters. I hope to see more of her in future books.
My main criticism for this book would be the romance. Personally I just feel characters are too tied off and coupled up, which feels rather artificial. The budding relationship between Sam and Ferin felt totally unnecessary. Also, the speed at which Lirael and Nick coupled up felt totally out of character for previously painfully shy Lirael. I felt like I'd missed a rather big chunk of her character development. Personally, I wouldn't mind at all even if Nix laid off the romance entirely as there was way too much romance in here and not enough Abhorsen action. Nix's real talent is in the myth and magic, and I'd happily read his books without any romance plots.
Nonetheless, I am still looking forward to Nix's next book in the series, in the hope we can get back to the Abhorsen's responsibilities and perhaps focus more on the new family ties, such as the relationship between Sabriel and Lirael.
Garth Nix's writing is up not quite up to his usual high standard in Goldenhand. This is definitely my favourite of Nix's series, although I have to admit this is not my favourite book of the series.
My point of joy was definitely seeing the absolutely delightful Disreputable Dog again. I think I might have been even happier to see her than Lirael herself! It was just such a shame she had tiny cameo appearance at the end.
I did enjoy the new introduction of the character of feisty Ferin. I love it that Nix writes such strong female characters. I hope to see more of her in future books.
My main criticism for this book would be the romance. Personally I just feel characters are too tied off and coupled up, which feels rather artificial. The budding relationship between Sam and Ferin felt totally unnecessary. Also, the speed at which Lirael and Nick coupled up felt totally out of character for previously painfully shy Lirael. I felt like I'd missed a rather big chunk of her character development. Personally, I wouldn't mind at all even if Nix laid off the romance entirely as there was way too much romance in here and not enough Abhorsen action. Nix's real talent is in the myth and magic, and I'd happily read his books without any romance plots.
Nonetheless, I am still looking forward to Nix's next book in the series, in the hope we can get back to the Abhorsen's responsibilities and perhaps focus more on the new family ties, such as the relationship between Sabriel and Lirael.
sarah_taleweaver's review against another edition
4.0
A good end to the series. Lirael and Nick work well together, I think, though Nick didn't seem as Nick-ish as I'd hoped. IDK, something seemed off about him beyond the obvious. In general, though, I enjoyed this.
jenell's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
lunarelk's review against another edition
3.0
Fast-paced, quick read. Initially disliked the split narrative but appreciated it later on, as enabled the cutting out of lots of fluff.
Wasn't a book for world building (Unlike Clariel), but more action, with just enough character development to lead to an interesting sequel discussing Loral's journey maturing her Abhorsen skills.
While I really enjoyed the book for what it was, if you're looking for something that delves into the Old Kingdom world and its lore, this isn't it. Goldenhand leaves the series open for lots of huge and exciting narrative developments.
Wasn't a book for world building (Unlike Clariel), but more action, with just enough character development to lead to an interesting sequel discussing
Spoiler
Nick's unique condition, Ferin's journey with Charter magic, andWhile I really enjoyed the book for what it was, if you're looking for something that delves into the Old Kingdom world and its lore, this isn't it. Goldenhand leaves the series open for lots of huge and exciting narrative developments.
sue_loves_to_read's review against another edition
5.0
Lirael is no longer a shy Second Assistant Librarian. She is the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, with dead creatures to battle and Free Magic entities to bind. She's also a Remembrancer, wielder of the Dark Mirror. Lirael lost one of her hands in the binding of Orannis, but now she has a new hand, one of gilded steel and Charter Magic. When Lirael finds Nicholas Sayre lying unconscious after being attacked by a hideous Free Magic creature, she uses her powers to save him. But Nicholas is deeply tainted with Free Magic. Fearing it will escape the Charter mark that seals it within his flesh and bone, Lirael seeks help for Nick at her childhood home, the Clayr's Glacier. Even as Lirael and Nick return to the Clayr, a young woman from the distant north braves the elements and many enemies in a desperate attempt to bring a message to Lirael from her long-dead mother, Arielle. Ferin brings a dire warning about the Witch With No Face. But who is the Witch, and what is she planning? Once more a great danger threatens the Old Kingdom, and it must be forestalled not only in the living world, but also in the cold, remorseless river of Death.
I love these Abhorsen books and was delighted when Garth Nix released another. Perhaps it's time to revisit the earlier books and enjoy them all over again.
I love these Abhorsen books and was delighted when Garth Nix released another. Perhaps it's time to revisit the earlier books and enjoy them all over again.
owl_eerie's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5