Abhorsen [Paperback]

The plot continues from Lirael, about the necromancer Orannis who's goal is to destroy the world. The people chosen by destiny to foil Orannis' plots are few; Lirael, Sabriel, Touchstone, the representatives of the Clayr, and Prince Sameth. Orannis has controlled a lesser necromancer called Hedge to force (by finding people in death and binding them to a necromancers will) spirits to work for him. Unfortunately, Nick, unwittingly walked into Hedge, was bound to the necromancers will, and was unwittingly about to cause the destruction of the world.

Abhorsen ends the 'old kingdom' series stunningly. The previous two books, Sabriel and Lirael were very interesting and very well written, and Abhorsen only outdoes it predecesor, Lirael. The only problem about Abhorsen is that it is the continuation of Lirael, which ended on a cliffhanger. Abhorsen picks up almost exactly where Lirael left off so it is essential to read Lirael before you read this.

Abhorsen has finished the series so that Garth Nix still has space to write a sequel (or another story related to Abhorsen), thank goodness, as many people especially the people who enjoyed the 'old kingdom' series, will want to read more.

It is quite rare to have a series that has a great first book, second book, and third book. Usually the first book will be the best, the second very disappointing, and the third slightly better, though no-where near matching the quality and style of the first. The fact that the 'old kingdom' series is a trilogy that has a great 1st book, 2nd book and 3rd book makes it so outstanding, because no book in the series is very disappointing or boring. That is why this series is such a huge hit on the best seller list (look at the amazon.co.uk science ficiton section and fantasy, young adult section, childrens books section and you will see that Sabriel, Lirael, Abhorsen never is out of the top 25).

The best thing about this book is that some parts (the prologue: at least until you find out the truth, and the ending) are so sad and touching that it could make you cry.
This is written in a very gripping and sad way, though not in a very heavy and blunt pessimist way.

This is a great end to a series that doesn't seem entirely finished yet: What happens to Lirael and Sam? What happens to Mogget? What does the Disriputable dog do in death? What does Sabriel do? What does.........What does..........
The only way to find about these is to wait.

A must buy for people who have read Sabriel and Lirael. For people who haven't buy all three and enjoy!

The only reservation I have, is Nix's tendency to continually pit his young and inexperienced central characters against overwhelmingly powerful adversaries, and then use some kind of "deus ex machina" to have them succeed. This repeated pattern throughout the three books so far begins to feel formulaic at times.

That said, the prologue will have your heart in your mouth, and the pace rarely lets up from then on (I read the book in a single evening, simply unable to put it down). The characters are well drawn - Sabriel and Sameth continue to struggle with their respective identities, whilst Mogget is ever enigmatic (or perhaps merely capricious) in word and deed. The disreputable dog remains a ludicrously invulnerable, but faithful servant (but at least we get to understand why come the final denouement).

Finally, most convincing of all, is Nix's depiction of his world - this interface between a pre-electronic (1950's?) Britain and a world of magic where the dead walk and machinery fails is convincingly drawn. The magic is internally consistent and lucidly described, and the detailed and well thought out 'Nine Precincts of Death' add a tangible sense of realism that is often lacking in this genre.

In the end Nix skilfully places his characters in reach of further books, tidying up most of the important questions, whilst leaving just enough unanswered so the reader is left with a satisfying sense of completion but not closure.

More please!