Reading this book was truly a pleasant experience. Despite being classified as a YA book, its tone was dark and forbidding, which added an element of mystery and excitement. The lead character, Sabriel, is a necromancer and a practitioner of Charter Magic. She utilizes her newly acquired powers to ensure the Dead find their final resting place and to prevent the sinister beings from the land of the Dead from reentering the world of the living. Sabriel is not only the heir to a great power but also肩负着 a greater responsibility role.

Character depth might not have been a significant strength of this book, but I believe that's mainly because Garth Nix needed the space to introduce his unique system of magic and the strange world of the Old Kingdom. Nevertheless, the story progressed at a nice pace, making it easy to forget the YA label while reading. In fact, it reminded me of a Brian Lumley Necroscope story written by J.K. Rowling.

Interestingly, there was even a touch of humor in the form of Sabriel's familiar/sidekick, Moggett. He is a great Power trapped in the body of a little white talking cat. Moggett was my favorite character as he was snide, sarcastic, and often quite witty. He seemed to resent his position and long for freedom, yet at the same time, he appeared to cherish the simplicity of his current form. I would love to see this character explored further in the sequels.

All in all, this book was a very enjoyable and fast-paced read that kept me engaged from start to finish.

Years before I was even aware of the existence of the online bookish community, the YA genre was completely foreign to me. I mainly indulged in reading classics, fantasies, and thrillers for a bit of lighter relief. One day, my auntie suddenly deposited a stack of books right next to me and firmly ordered me to read them all. Some of the titles that caught my eye included The Hunger Games series, the Divergent series, and the first two or three books in the Abhorsen series. There were several others as well, but unfortunately, I have now forgotten their names. However, these three series are ones that I can vividly recall reading and, in fact, I would immediately return to page one to reread them again right after finishing. I was truly hooked on the YA drug.

Despite the fact that some older fantasy series, written around the same time as this one, have not stood the test of time for me, I was absolutely delighted to discover that returning to this series brought me the exact same amount of joy as it had previously. Garth Nix has masterfully constructed a fantasy world that somewhat echoes the one found in A Game of Thrones, albeit perhaps a simpler version that is more easily accessible for younger readers. His protagonist, Sabriel, is a character who is both fiercely independent and yet woefully vulnerable. The interaction between these two traits made her a character that I immediately rooted for and empathized with. Her journey, although following in the well-worn path of the heroine's journey to save the world from an imminent dark threat, still felt unique in its construction.

I am now eagerly looking forward to continuing on with this series and uncovering what more wonderful delights it has in store for me.

I buddy read this book with Maks and unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the mark for me. I'd rate it 2.5 stars.

At first, it was rather boring, and it wasn't until about 40% in when other characters were introduced that it started to pick up a little. However, there still weren't any great conflicts that really kept me on the edge of my seat.

I have to agree with other reviewers that the characters are quite flat and bland. Although, to be fair, they are relatively likable.

The world building was mediocre at best and quite confusing. It seemed to be a mish mash of medieval and contemporary settings, which was really strange to say the least.

The magic in the book was unusual but sadly uninteresting. It was unique, but in my opinion, it didn't have any feel of great power. Bells? Really?

Overall, I would not recommend this book, and I definitely don't plan to continue the series.

For those interested in romance, there are no triggers to worry about. There is no mention of the hero's past with women. There is a scene where the reader is led to believe the hero (Touchstone) is having sex with a maid, but it turns out it wasn't him. There is no sex, no cursing, no abuse, no rape, no torture, no OW/OM, and no cheating. This is not a romance driven book.

It’s truly a wonder that I managed to persevere and finish this book. From the very beginning to the very end, it bored me to tears. The average book rating for Sabriel is above 4, which makes me think that perhaps I must have overlooked something significant.

I had no inkling that Sabriel was written in the 90s, and maybe that's where the root of the problem lies. The YA fantasy genre has undergone remarkable evolution since then, especially after the phenomenon of Harry Potter. Sabriel simply gives the impression that it lacks... something. I can't quite put my finger on what exactly it is, but both the story and the characters fail to engage me deeply enough. What's worse, they come across as completely flat. The characters' motivations remain murky, and character development is at best rather sketchy. I completed the book, yet I felt as if I knew next to nothing about any of the characters. Neither the writing nor the world-building left a lasting impression on me, and despite being filled with action, the book felt agonizingly slow.

There is a great deal of telling in this book, but there is no real connection to the story or the characters. I suppose this book was simply not meant for me.

Warning there may be a few spoilers ahead but I'm not bothering to hide them. Just be careful with those eyes of yours.

3.5 Stars

I'm going to be honest and say that as an overall novel, there were parts where this felt like a three-star book and parts that felt four-star. For instance, upon reading the author's name (Garth Nix - a good writer and a fellow Australian), this initially felt like a four-star book. But after delving fifty pages into the world of Sabriel, I was less than impressed. However, upon completion, my initial expectations had come full circle, and I realized that this, while not the greatest fantasy ever, was still impressive and a solid novel.

The story focuses on the adventures of an eighteen-year-old girl with limited knowledge of Charter Magic and the use of Abhorsen bells. Despite these limited 'good' necromancer abilities, she has to contend with the most fearsome dead in the Old Kingdom and find a way to properly send them back where they belong.

Now, let's proceed to an examination of fantasy novels and why I enjoyed Sabriel compared to the many others I've read. The three topics I'd like to examine are: 1. Magic system 2. Characters and creatures and 3. Location and world-building.

1. Magic System
While refreshingly different from the run-of-the-mill fantasy pulp available, the magic system did not grab me. Compared to Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn (which I rate as one of the more interesting systems of magic use), the system seemed average. Basically, it runs like this: Various types of people called Charter Mages can use the bound magic. But only in the Old Kingdom or near to the wall because the wall weakens magic as a defense mechanism for those who live behind it. To control charter magic, charter marks (another word for runes basically) are signed (and then they gain power through the mage). Scattered throughout the Old Kingdom are Charter Stones with those runes flowing all over them, which strengthens the binding of magic as far as I understood it. And then on top of that, some magic remains Free Magic and unpredictable, but that wasn't really defined by the author.

2. Characters and creatures
Of course, we have the main female character, her wizardly father (who's often absent), the prince who's honor-bound to protect the princess - I mean main female character - and a strange creature which acts as a guide. Perhaps not so unique a mix of stock characters. Sabriel was an interesting protagonist. I always enjoy reading novels from the point of view of a female protagonist, and in this case, I enjoyed what she stood for. I did find the author's attempt to create her emotional feminine side rather weak. Particularly whenever he attempted to form any kind of romantic lead for her. Yet, on the whole, she remained a complex character, essentially a schoolgirl thrust into a world where she finds out that she's now the Abhorsen because her father's dead. Something about the whole dynamic of her character was fascinating. Plus, there was her 'guide' so to speak. Basically a cat (which reminded me of the boggart in Revenge of the Witch) which is actually a mystical creature. If you want to know what that really is, I'll leave you to read the book and find out. But as far as guides go, he was interesting. And then again, there's the swordsman bound by honor. And with hidden mysteries in his past. Although he was rather wooden as a character, and I guess his circumstances explained that. Now onto the creatures. They were great because unlike say Robert Jordan or Terry Brooks, they weren't taking The Lord of the Rings' Nazgul and Orcs and re-naming them. Instead, what Garth Nix does is make creatures based on the whole idea of his main character being a 'good' necromancer. That is someone who sends the dead back to the realm of death. So all the creatures were beings with bodies of ooze and slime, or corpses with different human souls implanted in them. Which all was rather macabre but made for interesting reading. Apparently, Death has a river with multiple gates throughout. Various creatures attempt to avoid total Death beyond the ninth gate by holding onto earlier gates. Over time in Death, these creatures mutate, and once they break free of Death, they must feast on the living to survive falling back into Death.

3. Worldbuilding
While not to the level of J.R.R Tolkien, Robert Jordan, or Brandon Sanderson, the world of Sabriel was solidly fleshed out. There were set laws for magic, technology, language, and the various cities that existed. There was information about how good and bad necromancers existed, and in particular, the various gates of Death were explained very well.

So...in conclusion: At times, the plotting dragged. Particularly nearer to the start. And the characters and settings were not so detailed as some of the truly great fantasy novels I've read. However, ultimately, Sabriel was enjoyable with its twists and turns. Even if some explanation was overly complicated or even lacking at times. To add to that, there were also several occasions where I felt that elements of the novel simply existed to try and provide a sound reason for elements of the plot. Which of course made the book that little more convoluted. Perhaps a little more freedom with expression and allowing this book to air out, and it could have really grabbed me. As it was, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.

Sabriel is an outstanding fantasy quest tale. It skillfully takes all the well-known tropes and transforms them, making them appear refreshing and novel. Although there isn't anything truly revolutionary in this novel, it manages to seem like a completely one-of-a-kind story.

Sabriel evokes in me the same youthful enthusiasm for reading that the Harry Potter books did, and yet it is significantly shorter. Nix has done an excellent job of constructing a highly vivid and magical world within a relatively small number of pages. This serves as evidence that a fantasy doesn't have to span ten 1000-page volumes to be fulfilling.

The detailed descriptions and engaging plot keep the reader hooked from start to finish. The characters are well-developed and their adventures are both thrilling and heartwarming. Sabriel herself is a strong and courageous protagonist, and her journey is one that readers will enjoy following. Overall, Sabriel is a must-read for any fan of fantasy literature.

**Expanded Review of "Sabriel"**

I recently completed a reread of "Sabriel" via audiobook on September 17th. I wanted to share my thoughts in a more detailed review.

This book truly lives up to my memory. What's great is that I had forgotten many of the plot twists, making it feel like a first-time read. The combination of horror and fantasy elements is excellent. There are several chilling moments, and the villain is truly despicable.

I love the story of Sabriel, a young woman coming into her own and realizing her capabilities. However, I do wish there were more scenes showing her interacting with her father. The themes of family legacy and emerging from the shadow of one's parents are important and could have been explored further.

The magic in the book is interesting, and the world-building is intricate, with magic integrated into every aspect of the story. The consequences of magic gone bad and the corruption that can result from an evil magic wielder are also well-portrayed.

Although I'm not a big zombie fan, the way they are used in this book is well done. The emphasis on the dark spiritual aspects rather than the gory details makes them even more frightening. The concept of the Abhorsen, which turns the necromancer trope around, is also a great addition.

The narrator did a good job, especially making the villain's part very scary. I'm glad my library had this on audiobook, and I plan to read the other two books in the series.

I would still give "Sabriel" five stars, despite my wish for more father-daughter moments. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy with a touch of horror.

As I read this book, I also noted some of my initial thoughts. I like the juxtaposition of the 20th Century (early) Ancelstierre and the medieval-esque Old Kingdom. The prologue, which is very medieval, and the first chapter, which is more modern, initially threw me off, but further reading cleared things up.

The magic system in this book, based on the Charter concept, stands out to me. The idea of sketching symbols with magical power or whistling or singing them if bells are not available is fascinating.

There are some genuinely creepy elements in the story that make it borderline horrific. The use of zombies, with their emphasis on the dark spiritual aspects, is especially effective. The author's ability to describe and propel the narrative without being too dense is also a plus.

The welcome elements of subtle humor, such as Mogget the spirit in the form of a cat, add to the enjoyment of the read. Overall, I'm really enjoying "Sabriel" and can't wait to see where the story takes me.

Update on 4/25/10: I finished this book after 1 am this morning, and I loved it. It was intense, moving, and beautifully written. The magic was fascinating, and the story flowed well with rich detail. I absolutely adored Sabriel, and the relationship between her and her father, although not shown much, was still a highlight. This book has reignited my love for fantasy and has made me eager to read more by Garth Nix.

You know, sometimes when you pick up a book, it just has this indescribable magic. It's so good that it completely overwhelms you. And when you finally reach the end, you feel this urge to just cry and let out all those pent-up emotions. Well, that's exactly what this fucking book did to me. I read it several times as a teenager, but it's been at least ten years since then. Let me tell you, all these years later, it still holds up as an amazing read.

The summary of Sabriel is as follows. Sabriel, a schoolgirl in Ancelstierre, is the heir to the role of the anti-necromancer, known as the Abhorsen. When her father sends her the magical bells and sword of the position, she embarks on a quest to rescue him. This takes her across the Wall into the Old Kingdom, where the dead rise with Free Magic and it's her job to send them back into death. All she has to guide her is a sarcastic talking cat and a mysterious boy she saved who can't even tell her his real name.

The plot of Sabriel is a classic coming-of-age high fantasy adventure. Despite being born in the Old Kingdom, Sabriel grew up safely across the Wall. Although she's a powerful Charter Mage with a gift and instinct for magic to fight the dead, she knows nothing about Old Kingdom politics or culture, or even what's happened in the 200 years since the last royal was slain. We follow Sabriel as she learns as fast as she can and does what she can to help the people plagued by the rising dead. Her main quest is to rescue her father, but the novel's plot is really about her adventure in awakening and inheriting the role of Abhorsen.

The characters in Sabriel are truly wonderful. Sabriel herself is quick-witted, brave, and resourceful. She doesn't let her emotions cloud her judgment when it comes to achieving her goals. However, she's still an eighteen-year-old girl who grew up in a sheltered all-girls' school, so she has a lot to learn about the world, the Old Kingdom, and magic itself.

Mogget is one of the stars of the book. He's a talking white cat and a sort of servant of the Abhorsen's. He's incredibly sarcastic and constantly amused by Sabriel's lack of knowledge. You can never quite tell if he actually cares for his masters or if he wants them dead and gone. Maybe it's both at the same time. While talking animals aren't exactly uncommon in YA fantasy, Mogget does have the unique distinction of being completely on his own. He's both a help and a hindrance, and a potential threat if he were ever freed. I find a similarity to Spike from Season 4 of Buffy The Vampire Slayer when he's been 'neutered' - still a savage beast, but unable to actively harm anyone.

Touchstone makes up the final member of this ragtag adventuring trio. He has too many secrets that he can't even share, but Sabriel finds him attractive. He has a strong sense of honor and duty, and he's also a berserker, which comes in handy. He's skilled with the double sword and is completely dedicated to Sabriel. For a long time, he sees her simply as the Abhorsen and not as a young woman.

The writing in Sabriel is truly remarkable. Nix has this uncanny ability to make his writing seem timeless. This book was published in the 90s, but it's still just as relevant today as it was back then. It would even fit in seamlessly with fantasy books published in the 70s or 80s. The writing is beautiful, yet it doesn't shy away from the harsh realities that Sabriel faces. It's almost lyrical and poetic at the same time. I love how it manages to seem both old-fashioned and modern simultaneously. I really can't figure out how Nix does it. I think it has something to do with the politeness of the language used in the dialogue, combined with the way the magic system works and how Nix uses language to describe the magic, which is largely a visual medium.

The pacing of the book is also excellent. Everything Sabriel does has a reaction that propels the story forward. She continues to face and overcome obstacles throughout the plot, not without great difficulty. The story builds up to a very satisfying climax.

Overall, Sabriel is what should now be considered a classic Australian Young Adult high fantasy. It's set in an incredibly detailed and immersive world, with a touch of horror. The magic system is well thought out, the characters are wonderful and believable, and the plot is strong and tight, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. I highly recommend this book not only to teens and adults but also to readers of any genre.

Sabriel is an incredibly brave and strong heroine.

What I really liked about this novel is that it is centered around a heroine.

The description of the place in the Ancient Kingdom was truly magical.

I absolutely adored the Abhorsen's house on the river island.

How I wish I could live in such a place!

The names of the magical creatures were simple and didn't require the use of a dictionary.

However, I felt that the ending was a bit rushed.

This could be because I liked the book so much that I didn't want it to end.

Overall, it was a magical read that kept me engaged from start to finish.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy and adventure.

The story is filled with excitement, mystery, and a touch of magic that will leave you spellbound.

Sabriel's journey is one that you won't forget easily.

So, if you're looking for a good book to escape into, give this one a try.

You won't be disappointed!

The Good:

I must say that when I was 13, I would have adored this. It is brimming with fascinating ideas. The standard fantasy setting is menaced by an undead wizard and its hordes. Moreover, it borders (through a magical wall) a setting similar to early 20th century Britain, all safeguarded by a line of hereditary necromancers. The action scenes are masterfully written, especially the ending. And there is the coolest cat I've ever encountered in a book. It adds an extra layer of charm and excitement to the story.

The Bad:

I'm aware that this is targeted at a YA audience, but the prose seemed rather rough in many areas, particularly the dialogue. This made the characters feel somewhat one-dimensional. Additionally, there was the problem of the magical solutions to various problems seemingly materializing out of thin air whenever needed. It lacked a certain sense of plausibility and made the story feel a bit too contrived at times.

'Friends' character the protagonist is most like:

Like many YA heroines, Sabriel is akin to Monica Geller. Despite being a novice necromancer raised in the fantasy equivalent of a pre-WWI English finishing school, she is highly relatable. Her struggles and growth throughout the story mirror those of Monica, making her a character that readers can easily identify with and root for.

[4.5 Stars] Sabriel is truly such a remarkable and wonderful story. I found myself completely and utterly adoring it! The only minor criticism I have is that at times, the magic within the story was a bit confusing, and there wasn't an extensive amount of character development. However, that being said, I was able to easily overlook most of these aspects because Sabriel herself was just so fabulous. The magic, despite its moments of confusion, was actually really cool and added an element of mystery and excitement to the plot. And let's not forget about Mogget, who was simply great. I'm not entirely sure what else there is to say. This book truly surprised me. I had no anticipation of loving it as much as I did, but here I am, completely and absolutely in love with it. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy and seeing where the story takes Sabriel and her companions.

Sabriel is a truly captivating and original tale that delves deep into the concept of destiny. The question "Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker?" sets the stage for an enthralling adventure. I was drawn to this book after Brandon Sanderson's glowing recommendation in his review for Goldenhand. He described it as one of the fundamental experiences that shaped his philosophy on magic systems and worldbuilding. With such high praise from my all-time favorite author, I simply couldn't pass it up. And I'm so glad I didn't.

As a young adult fantasy novel, Sabriel is masterfully crafted, containing all the elements that make fantasy so enjoyable. The Prologue immediately hooks the reader, establishing Sabriel as a special character and providing a tantalizing glimpse of the world's magic. The narrative then jumps ahead eighteen years, where Sabriel discovers her father, the Abhorsen, is in mortal danger and decides to venture into the Old Kingdom to rescue him.
The worldbuilding in Sabriel is truly remarkable. The Old Kingdom, separated from the modern world by a Wall, is a place where the Dead refuse to stay dead. It's a world filled with magic, both Free Magic and the Charter, which gets weaker the farther one is from the Wall. The modern world of Ancelstierre, on the other hand, is similar to our early twentieth century, with electricity, motor vehicles, and guns. The contrast between the two worlds is striking, and the way they interact adds an extra layer of depth to the story.
The two magic systems, Free Magic and the Charter, are expertly woven into the narrative, avoiding the dreaded info-dump. The use of music in the magic of necromancy and the Charter is a unique and fascinating touch. The characters in Sabriel are also well-developed. Sabriel is a great protagonist, acting her age, having doubts, and making mistakes. She feels authentic and relatable, and the reader can't help but root for her. The supporting characters, Mogget and Touchstone, are also engaging and add to the overall charm of the story.
While there are many positives to Sabriel, there is one issue that I must mention. The romance in the novel felt a bit forced and came out of nowhere. Fortunately, it only appears in small doses towards the end, and the book concludes with an exciting and satisfying climax. Overall, I highly recommend Sabriel to fantasy readers of all ages. It's a well-written, engaging, and original tale that will transport you to a world of magic and adventure. I can't wait to continue with the Abhorsen series and see where Sabriel's journey takes her next.

Sabriel is a must-read for any fantasy lover.