A review by zgonzale
Clariel: The Lost Abhorsen by Garth Nix

4.0

I really enjoyed Clariel. The dawning realization that Clariel is Chlorr of the Mask, the glimpse into a long-ago time in the Old Kingdom, the focus on Free Magic threats and politics rather than the Dead... It all adds up to a gripping novel about Clariel, a girl who serves as a fantastic foil to the heroines of the previous books, Sabriel & Lirael. All three are thrust into new and dangerous environments with tremendous courage but limited knowledge and resources. However, where Sabriel & Lirael are able to find support and use their own talents to come out victorious, Clariel's determination and talent acts as a double-edged sword which eventually ends in her own downfall and failure. This book ultimately lays the foundation for the reader to understand how and why Clariel becomes Chlorr of the Mask and on that level, it is tremendously successful. On the other hand, there are two gripes I have about the novel. Firstly, due to the fact that this novel also acts as a window into the Old Kingdom prior to Touchstone's family, there is a lot of exposition and world-building that clarifies the major differences in the Old Kingdom during this time period. While much of this exposition and world-building is handled with Garth Nix's usual talent and tact, it is still a rather hefty part of the novel and some plot and pacing is sacrificed for a better reader's perspective of the Kingdom. Secondly, I wish that there was a final, more dramatic note in the conclusion that really hammers home the turning point for Clariel to take up her new identity as Chlorr of the Mask. Without it, the novel's conclusion feels less focused and the author's note could be a bit jarring. All that said, I really enjoyed this book and I'm really excited to move on to the next installment (and forward in time back to Nicholas & Lirael)!