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A review by mollymortensen
Lirael by Garth Nix
5.0
I read Sabriel in 2017, and I didn't have time for a reread, but it wasn't necessary because this book takes place 14 years later and stands alone.
I loved the beginning with Lirael and her dog! I was afraid at first that because she didn't have the Sight that she didn't have magic, but she's actually exceptionally talented. (Not that anyone knows it.) Luckily she isn't depressed or friendless for long. She "made" her friend, dog, magically. I loved dog! What a great, funny character. I'd have been happy if the story stayed low stakes with those two in the library.
Sameth is the prince, and Sabriel and Touchstone's son. (Book one's protagonists) We don't get to know him particularly well, because his introduction is mostly a battle scene. On the way back from a sporting event on the non magical side of the wall, his team is attacked by a necromancer and the dead.
Then we're back to Lirael. She is a rather odd girl. She mentions that she hasn't spoken to anyone in weeks, instead she writes notes.
Sameth had promise in his first section but after that, he was traumatized by the experience and turned into a real coward. I was sick of his whining and not doing anything to make himself stronger. Reading a book could save his life but he can't do it. I understand, but then don't run off to save your friend with no clue what you're doing.
It got both better and worse once Lirael and Sam met. Better because I didn't have to slog through Sam's POV, worse because it constantly head hopped between the two characters. Seeing Dog and Mogget meet was fun though.
I enjoyed the world building for free magic creatures and how the covenant was made. The magic system in these books is fantastic!
The ending was a little underwhelming because it is really only the first half of the story. There's no climax or conclusion.
I'm reading Abhorsen now.
I loved the beginning with Lirael and her dog! I was afraid at first that because she didn't have the Sight that she didn't have magic, but she's actually exceptionally talented. (Not that anyone knows it.) Luckily she isn't depressed or friendless for long. She "made" her friend, dog, magically. I loved dog! What a great, funny character. I'd have been happy if the story stayed low stakes with those two in the library.
Sameth is the prince, and Sabriel and Touchstone's son. (Book one's protagonists) We don't get to know him particularly well, because his introduction is mostly a battle scene. On the way back from a sporting event on the non magical side of the wall, his team is attacked by a necromancer and the dead.
Then we're back to Lirael. She is a rather odd girl. She mentions that she hasn't spoken to anyone in weeks, instead she writes notes.
Sameth had promise in his first section but after that, he was traumatized by the experience and turned into a real coward. I was sick of his whining and not doing anything to make himself stronger. Reading a book could save his life but he can't do it. I understand, but then don't run off to save your friend with no clue what you're doing.
It got both better and worse once Lirael and Sam met. Better because I didn't have to slog through Sam's POV, worse because it constantly head hopped between the two characters. Seeing Dog and Mogget meet was fun though.
I enjoyed the world building for free magic creatures and how the covenant was made. The magic system in these books is fantastic!
The ending was a little underwhelming because it is really only the first half of the story. There's no climax or conclusion.
I'm reading Abhorsen now.