This was an incredibly enjoyable and refreshing book centered around 18-year-old Sabriel and her adventure through the land of her birth.

If more young adult literature was crafted in this manner, I would most definitely read a great deal more of it. It's important to note that this book was published in 1995, long before the genre was influenced by the likes of Twilight. Thankfully, there were no overly emo teenagers fretting about their overly dramatic love triangles. Instead, we are introduced to a sensible and slightly awkward young heroine. Sabriel is afraid of the dark currents that swirl around her and is anxious about her abilities to face the upcoming challenges. However, she is determined to handle any obstacles that come her way. Along her journey, she encounters both help and opposition in equal measure, but the focus始终 remains on her path. She may be young and inexperienced, but she is intelligent enough to ask questions and accept help when it is genuinely offered. There is no obnoxious false bravado from this young lady.

The story took a little while to gain momentum, but the writing style was so smooth and comfortable that it didn't bother me. The magic system was fascinating, as was the entire concept of dealing with the Dead. The description of the Nine Gates painted a vivid picture. Additionally, it presents a reality where a more traditional fantasy land, the Old Kingdom, shares a border with a more modern world, Ancelstierre, which even has cars. I still have some questions regarding how this entire situation developed, and I'm hopeful that the answers will be revealed in the remaining books of the trilogy. And speaking of that, now that I'm aware that these books are narrated by Tim Curry, I'm planning to complete the trilogy in audiobook format.

P.S. I absolutely LOVED Moggett!!

5/5 stars
“[the dead] were chanting and clapping, decayed hands meeting together in a steady, slow rhythm…a ghastly noise, hard sounds of bone on bone, or the liquid thumpings of decomposed, jellying flesh.”

I have an intense love for this book. As I delved into its pages, I experienced the same emotions that wash over me when I read Harry Potter. It's as if I'm intuitively aware that I'm holding and perusing a classic. To be clear, the plot and characters bear no resemblance to those in Harry Potter. However, when I engage with this book, the same feelings are kindled within me as when I immerse myself in the world of Harry Potter.

Why do I have these similar feelings? I believe it has something to do with the nature of the writing and the ebb and flow of the plot. The writing is both complex and yet not. Some of the concepts are a bit involved, but the way they are expressed makes them easily understandable and vividly imaginable. The plot is fascinating as it transitions from being like that of a middle-grade book to incorporating more serious and, at times, eerie events. In my view, this book harks back to other older middle grade/young adult fantasy novels. I think that's what truly made me relish it. When I regarded it through the lens of a classic-fantasy, I was better able to appreciate the sometimes-sluggish plot and the sometimes overly virtuous characters.

Overall, I think if you can perceive this book as more of a classic-type fantasy, you will derive greater enjoyment from it. I believe that the more "modern day fantasy" leans more towards adventure/romance/shock-value (twists) based. I am in no way criticizing the newer fantasy, as I generally adore it. But there is something special about the feel of the older style.

A collection that I have been waiting for years! To read it!

And unfortunately, now that I have read it. I should have read it earlier. When I was younger and could go into this space and it would have made logical sense to me. But I couldn't fall in love with Magt (or Mogt). One day I was doing some research on the role of the cat in literature. =))

+ Three and a half.

This person has been anticipating a particular collection for a long time. Finally, they got to read it, but they regret not having read it sooner. When they were younger, they had a different perspective and thought it would have been more understandable and perhaps even more enjoyable at that time. However, they couldn't develop a deep affection for something called Magt or Mogt. Additionally, they mention that one day they were conducting research on the role of the cat in literature, which seems to be an interesting and perhaps unexpected topic. The addition of "Three and a half" at the end is a bit of a mystery and could potentially add an element of intrigue or perhaps be a reference to something specific that is not further explained in this text. Overall, it gives a sense of the person's thoughts and experiences related to the collection and their research.

**Title: A Mixed Review of Sabriel**

Protip: Don't google image search this book unless you're looking for Sam Winchester + Gabriel shipping.



Now that this warning is out of the way, I was truly conflicted about rating this book. Honestly, it hovered between a high 3 and a low 4. But then I thought that a younger me would probably have adored it. My younger self, who hadn't read as many fantasy novels as my current self, would have been in absolute awe.



What's not to love? There's magic, zombies, set in a Victorian-England-esque setting, and a female protagonist you can get behind. However, the fault lies solely with me. I've been reading fantasy (and not romantasy) since I was five. Before you challenge me on that, let me assure you I was an early reader. While my classmates were learning their A-B-Cs, I was quietly reading Enid Blyton in a corner. So by the time I read Sabriel, it was just meh.



Oh, I still recommend this book, though. As long as you're not looking for something groundbreaking or if you're new to the fantasy genre. Sabriel is one of the more quality protagonists I've read so far. She's good at what she does but has room for self-improvement and benefits from the aid of her friends. It's nice to have a more realistic heroine who reminds us that as humans, we need others.



Moving on to Mogget, aside from the unfortunate name that sounds too close to "maggot," I adored this kitty. Cat sidekicks might be a bit cliché at this stage of my fantasy-reading life, but Moggsy (can I call you that?) was a darling, even with all that anger and vengeance hidden deep inside.



Beyond those two, I found things to be slightly lacking. I could have done without the romantic turn of events between Sabriel and Touchstone. It seemed sudden and forced. There was also not much time spent on character development. Sabriel and the others were constantly on the move, and we never really had the chance to get to know them on a more personal level.



But give this book a fair try. You might enjoy it. As for the sequels, I might give them a shot. I do have one thing to be thankful for: Sabriel was the first book I've read in a long time, successfully breaking my three-month reading hiatus. So, that must count for something.



***
more reviews are available at my blog.

Wow, that was really tough to get through. I almost DNFed it about 80,000 times and I was just listening to it while I worked.

Now, my one-star reviews are typically reserved for books that fall into one of the following categories: (1) They piss me off due to being sexist, racist, homophobic, etc. (2) They are based on a ridiculous premise that is embarrassing and makes no sense. (3) They are completely unoriginal and poorly done knockoffs of something else. (4) They are completely amateur in their writing or construction.

This book, however, is none of those things. In fact, it does a lot of things quite well.

(1) The world and the magic within it are extremely imaginative, original, and intricate.

(2) The writing at a word level is excellent - smooth, pleasant, and evocative.

(3) The premise is intriguing and has a great deal of potential.

(4) Actually, that's all I can think of right now. I probably forgot a couple of things.

With so many good aspects, does it really deserve to have only one measly star? The answer I arrived at was yes. Firstly, I was so bored that I don't even know why I bothered finishing it (I think I did it just so I could write this review. You're welcome). Secondly, there are plenty of books on my one-star shelf that are amateur knockoffs with ridiculous premises that I still enjoyed more than this one. Thirdly, it was filled with so many grand info dumps that I felt like I was frantically studying for my Necromancy 102 final after skipping Necromancy 101. (I'm reading this book for fun, not because I'm trying to graduate!)

But the absolute number-one problem with this book is that it lacks the most important aspect that I look for when I read: the human element.

I just read an entire (long) book and I barely know anything about the main character or the two other characters who are even mentioned. (Okay, that was an exaggeration. If we count one-time name-drop mentions, there may have been close to ten.) And the only character that kindled any sort of feelings in me - positive or negative - was a magic demon cat thing. Sabriel was just there all the time. We didn't delve into her thoughts and feelings. We didn't get to see her be vulnerable or anxious or afraid. We just saw her run around a world we barely understand all by herself, not talking to anyone for literally half the book until she finally makes friends with the cat. She has a life that she's leaving behind and a background, but I barely know what it is. There is minimal dialogue, and the dialogue that is there is almost all strictly related to the plot and thus does not serve to characterize at all (with the exception of the cat. Sorry. Too lazy to look up his name). And then Sabriel has a "romance" that is possibly the most emotionless relationship I have ever read.

So, yeah. One star. The author completely failed to get me invested in his world (despite how original it was and how well he knew it), the premise (despite how much potential it had), the plot (despite how cool a story like this should be), and, most importantly, the characters. No matter how creative the author was and how nice his writing style is, if I'm not invested, what's the point?

Coming up next in my Young Adult (YA) reread challenge. In fact, I have only read the first book so far. However, while I was cleaning out my collection, I discovered that I own not only the first three books in the series but also the bonus collection of short stories titled "ACROSS THE WALL".

Have any of you read this book? To be honest, I can hardly remember much about it, but I do know that I loved it when I first read it. It's strange how memories can fade over time. I'm looking forward to rereading it and rediscovering all the details and emotions that made me love it in the first place.

I wonder if the reread will bring back the same feelings or if I'll see the story in a different light. Maybe I'll notice things that I missed before. Either way, I'm excited to embark on this rereading journey and explore this book once again.

Sabriel (The Old Kingdom #1), Garth Nix

First published in 1995, "Sabriel" is the first installment in Garth Nix's Abhorsen (Old Kingdom) series, which is followed by "Lirael", "Abhorsen", and "Goldenhand".

The novel is set in two neighboring fictional countries. To the south lies Ancelstierre, which has a technology level and society similar to that of early-20th century Australia. To the north lies the Old Kingdom, where both Free magic and Charter Magic exist, a fact officially denied by the government of Ancelstierre and disbelieved by most of its inhabitants.

A wall separates the two countries. Near the border, some magic crosses the Wall, especially on days when the wind is blowing out of the Old Kingdom. Since the fall of the Royal Family, dangerous entities roam the Old Kingdom, ranging from the immortal to powerful sorcerers and Free Magic elementals.

The story follows Sabriel, the daughter of the Abhorsen, who has lived away from the Old Kingdom, away from Free magic and the undead. Her school is like her home, but in the Old Kingdom, there is enmity that threatens her life and that of her people. As quoted from The Times: "The story of Sabriel is full of interesting characters, exciting scenes, and thrills. Reading the book is sheer pleasure."

The second book in the series is "Lirael", the third is "Abhorsen", and the fourth is "Clariel: The Lost Abhorsen". The book was first read in March 2006. It has been translated into Persian by several translators and published by different publishers.

The translation dates are 10/11/1399 and 29/09/1400 in the Iranian calendar. a. Sharbiani

Sabriel was likely the oldest (in terms of number) fantasy book sitting on my Goodreads shelf. When I first encountered it, I was in one of those strange phases where I only preferred to read about female protagonists. Yeah, don't ask. And from the cover, I had assumed that Sabriel was a boy. Then it just wasn't the right time, and it remained there until I mentioned to my friend that I wanted to read it this year. We ended up buddy reading it last week and basically shared the same opinion. Both of us have read a lot of fantasy, so this book simply wasn't on the same level. However, it had a great deal of potential. I was prepared to love it. I was ready to give it 5 stars, and it's one of the rare cases where I expected to love the book but didn't. And I would have... if I had read it 6 years ago when I was still new to this genre.

I understand why many who grew up reading Sabriel enjoyed it because it was for its time. But now? Not so much anymore. This genre has evolved significantly since 1995.

This book tells the story of Sabriel, the daughter of Abhorson. Her father sent her their necromancing kit, basically meaning he was either dead or between life and death. Sabriel then leaves school hoping to find her father. What follows is her adventure as the new Abhorson (it turns out this is a title) against one of the evil greater dead.

This was a nice book that can be read as a standalone because Lirael, the sequel, is a story about different characters. Which I will read. One day.

Okay, now to the story itself. My main issue was that the whole Charter thing was underdeveloped. I couldn't understand if he was a god or just a magic entity or what? It was almost like a religion. Almost. Thankfully, we discovered more about the world and the Old Kingdom in the second part of the book, but I wanted more understanding about the magic and how it works. Some background about Charter Mages or anything.

The romance was very abrupt and there was no buildup whatsoever beyond a few passing words. Again, that was perhaps acceptable in the 90s but not by today's standards. Also, Touchstone? Seriously? What on earth is this name? I would have liked this book much better if the chemistry between Sabriel and Touchstone had been better developed.

The writing was decent, of course. I don't think anything back then without good writing would have seen the light of day. But I found myself getting distracted all the time and making little to no progress. I kept checking my social media instead of reading because I simply wasn't feeling it. I mean the characters and the story were nice and interesting, but something about the writing didn't click with me. I wasn't in a reading slump (if anything, I'm on a roll), so the issue wasn't "me".

I wanted to love Sabriel so much that I feel bad about writing these things. I'm even annoyed at myself for not liking it more. I really wish I had read this one when I first came across it, but I also believe great books should be enjoyed regardless of how old you are when you read them. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed this book, and I want that half star so badly that I'm ready to organize a petition to demand Goodreads a half star rating already. The characters were likable, and Sabriel was nice to read about. But at the same time, I would be unfair to the other fantasies that I've rated 4 stars because I liked them better. Yes, we should sign a petition for the damn half star.

Garth Nix's first novel is truly a remarkable work, perhaps one of the greatest fantasy adventures of our era.

It begins with a thrilling flashback where a special necromancer, Abhorsen, saves his baby daughter Sabriel from a terrifying creature named Kerrigor in the spiritual river of death.

Years later, at an English-like boarding school, Sabriel is compelled to take up her father's magical sword and bells and embark on a quest to discover what has become of him. To achieve this, she must leave her relatively high-tech home and venture into the Old Kingdom, a place where magic reigns supreme and evil lurks around every corner, stalking her.

Accompanying Sabriel on her journey are the guard Touchstone and the menacing yet funny cat-spirit Mogget. Together, they must strive to defeat the evil Kerrigor, who aims to shatter the Charter that prevents all things from succumbing to evil.

Sabriel is an outstanding fantasy hero. Unlike many other fantasy heroines who are either damsels in distress or overly warrior-like, Sabriel is a unique blend. She behaves and thinks exactly as a young woman in her situation would. Strong, captivating, and highly capable with a sword in perilous circumstances, she serves as an excellent role model.

Touchstone is charming, but Mogget is truly one-of-a-kind. Is he evil, good, or a strange combination? This ancient spirit, forced to live as a cat and enslaved to the Abhorsen family for the greater good (as we catch a glimpse of his dangerous nature), adds an element of mystery and intrigue.

The world that Garth Nix has imagined, a fascinating mix of Tolkien's influence and WW2 England, is unrivaled in the fantasy genre. It is populated with animated ghouls, ghastly Mordicants, almost-human sendings, Charter ghosts, the inhabitants of the river of Death where only Abhorsens dare to go, and much more.

Nix's writing style is lush and hypnotic, allowing readers to vividly envision the events unfolding before their eyes in this wintry yet inviting world.

WHY WASN'T THIS ON MY TBR
I'M SO DISAPPOINTED IN ME

This simple yet powerful statement reflects the regret and self-reproach one feels when they discover a book that they should have read long ago. It makes one wonder how such a gem could have slipped through the cracks of their reading radar.

Perhaps it was due to the overwhelming number of books available, or maybe it was a case of not being in the right frame of mind at the time. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that this book has now become a source of disappointment.

It serves as a reminder that there are always more great books out there waiting to be discovered, and that we should constantly be on the lookout for them. It also highlights the importance of being open-minded and willing to explore new genres and authors, as we never know when we might stumble upon a literary masterpiece.

In conclusion, while the disappointment of not having this book on our TBR may sting for a while, it should also inspire us to be more proactive in our reading and to make sure that we don't miss out on any future literary treasures.

This was one of my first steps into the captivating realm of fantasy/paranormal series when I initially read it during my middle school days. It has left such a profound impression on me over the years that I recently revisited it. It is truly one of my all-time favorite books, and unfortunately, the series itself is severely under-rated and not given nearly enough discussion.

First and foremost, the world构建 in this series is truly remarkable. In fact, it is a combination of two worlds. There is our familiar world, and then there is the enchanting magical world that is separated from ours by a mysterious wall. The people in our world are largely ignorant of magic, except for those who reside in close proximity to the wall. The closer one gets to the wall, the more palpable the magical effects become. For instance, technology malfunctions as you approach it, and more individuals are born near the wall with inherent magical abilities. This borderland near the wall is a perilous place, as its inhabitants are the first to bear the brunt if anything crosses over from the magical world.

Secondly, the magic system in this book is outstanding. The story revolves around a unique form of necromancy. Believe me, I too am weary of the overdone zombie theme. However, this is far from that. The main character is what the series refers to as an Abhorsen. She ventures into Death (essentially the equivalent of the River Styx) to ensure that the spirits there are properly contained. She wields a set of bells, each with a distinct purpose, and requires an expert understanding to control. Otherwise, she could find herself adrift in the river of Death. The spirits range from the neutral to the cunning and the terrifying.

Lastly, the supporting characters are equally excellent. Her companion is a talking cat, and that alone speaks volumes.

(Also, the villain in this novel is every bit as formidable as Voldemort.)

Overall, this story is a masterpiece. The heroine is strong and relatable, not an unrealistic caricature. The world is fantastical, filled with a sense of foreboding and countless surprises. It truly deserves a perfect 5/5 stars.

I'm a huge fan of high fantasy, so I was completely certain that I would love this series. However, although I have nothing bad to say about Sabriel, it isn't a novel that I would highly recommend either.

At least, not to those who are experienced readers of fantasy. If you have read a significant amount of adult fantasy, then the plot of Sabriel is straightforward and far too verbose considering its predictability. It offers nothing new, and for some reason, I'm the only person on this planet who isn't overly excited about a talking cat.

So, if you're a fan of YA fantasy and are seeking something more substantial, with less emphasis on romance and more focus on magic, then this might very well be a success for you. Otherwise, you might find yourself having read more than half of this book and being reluctant to waste even a single minute more on it. It's a pity because I truly would have liked to have fallen in love with it.