Scan barcode
A review by spacerkip
Sabriel by Garth Nix
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
A shame I didn't discover this when I was younger - if I read this as a teenager, I think it would have become part of my personality.
The worldbuilding immediately drew me in. The magic system wasn't ever really explained, but it clearly operated on a concrete set of rules - both narratively and in-universe - that made me curious. Sabriel herself is a wonderful character, emotionally mature and yet sheltered to the world of Old Kingdom. She struck a wonderful balance between being competent and still out of her depth.
I didn't realize this was part of a series, but even though this first book can stand on its own, I'm definitely picking up the next one. I wanna know more about Old Kingdom! And Charter magic! And I definitely want to see what happens to Sabriel as she steps into her role as Abhorsen.
The worldbuilding immediately drew me in. The magic system wasn't ever really explained, but it clearly operated on a concrete set of rules - both narratively and in-universe - that made me curious. Sabriel herself is a wonderful character, emotionally mature and yet sheltered to the world of Old Kingdom. She struck a wonderful balance between being competent and still out of her depth.
I didn't realize this was part of a series, but even though this first book can stand on its own, I'm definitely picking up the next one. I wanna know more about Old Kingdom! And Charter magic! And I definitely want to see what happens to Sabriel as she steps into her role as Abhorsen.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Death, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Animal death and Sexual content