Reviews

Goldenhand by Garth Nix

Only show reviews with written explanations

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

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

lunarelk's review against another edition

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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

Spoiler

Nick's unique condition, Ferin's journey with Charter magic, and

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.

sue_loves_to_read's review against another edition

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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.