Reviews

Abhorsen, by Garth Nix

nicopernicus's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

linko259's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

zenalth's review against another edition

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4.0

Wow.

While I do think the ending was a little rushed, overall, this book was very well crafted. My small issue with the pacing is blown out of the water by the continued character development. Lirael continues to be a determined, unabashedly awesome character, but Sam really did grow into his shoes in this one.

I'll admit that I was quite surprised by the revelations about Mogget and the Disreputable Dog. The clues scattered throughout the trilogy were subtle but, in hindsight, glaringly obvious. Very commendable, Mr. Nix.

A solid 4-star conclusion for a solid 4-star trilogy.

vertaren's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

fairybookmother's review against another edition

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5.0

one of my all-time favorite series

whitjobo's review against another edition

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5.0

Strangely enough, I don't think I had finished this book until this read and it is excellent. This trilogy is one of my all time childhood favorites, but wasn't complete until after my Accelerated Reading days. Always recommend.

elys3's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

purrsnikitty's review against another edition

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5.0

I remember reading a preview of Sabriel when I was 11 years old and not being very interested, because it wasn't like harry Potter. I was urged to read it by someone and I am so unbelievably glad that I took their advice. Ever since then I have been absolutely captivated by this series. Abhorsen was a perfect ending to it (though I really really hope there are more to come about this era), and it was filled with heartbreaks and surprises. Garth Nix has, since the day I finally picked up Sabriel, been one of my favorite authors, and that is coming from someone who can't pick any favorites usually. :) I'd give this trilogy as a whole a 10/5 if that were possible, but as it isn't, I guess I'll just have to settle for a 5. I can't count the number of times I've re-read these books, and they're worth it every time.

missprint_'s review against another edition

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5.0

Lirael has finally found a place for herself as the Abhorsen-in-Waiting. She has even found unexpected family and friends in Sam and the Disreputable Dog. But with this new knowledge comes an immense responsibility.

A necromancer is trying to awaken Orannis the Destroyer with the help of Chlorr--a Greater Dead creature--and Sam's unwitting best friend Nick. Only one barrier keeps Orannis from unleashing its terrible power. Orannis must be stopped. Lirael does not know how, only that she has no choice but to find a way in Abhorsen (2003) by Garth Nix.

Abhorsen is the conclusion of Nix's original Old Kingdom trilogy. It is preceded by Sabriel and Lirael. The book is followed by Nix's recent prequel Clariel.

Abhorsen picks up shortly after the conclusion of Lirael. Lirael and Sam are still struggling to prevent Orannis from awakening. Everything Lirael has learned both in the Clayr's glacier and without will be put to the test as she races to find a way to bind the Destroyer.

Nix once again delivers a high action fantasy adventure here. Lirael in particular comes into her own in this story as she embraces her past and everything that her new role as Abhorsen-in-Waiting entails.

Abhorsen is a nail-biting conclusion to an excellent trilogy. While the story ends beautifully, readers will still want to see more of these characters long after the book is done.

Possible Pairings: Plain Kate by Erin Bow, Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken, The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan, Fire by Kristin Cashore, Vessel by Sarah Beth Durst, The Lost Sun by Tessa Gratton, Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, Magisterium by Jeff Hirsch, Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones, Dreamhunter by Elizabeth Knox, Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers, Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas, Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta, The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski, The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner, Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

gaiavicamini's review against another edition

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75