danaran's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
philly37898's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
3.0
And then the book just ends. Doesn't build to an ending, just says - welp combat will be in the next book - and perhaps a quick training montage.
This book had two pov characters and both were hard to take, though Sam worse than Lirael. Basically you had two youngsters, out of place, without a useful support system. They both had destiny's there were clearly unsuited for. And no chance of it ever getting better.
Lirael at least found something like an alternative path. Sam not so much.
Very readable (except for those times when we were in Sam's head too long and considered throwing the book against the wall, but it being on kindle and all).
There were bits that didn't make as much sense as it should have. One bit of note was Lirael having to figure out what a monster was - and later in the book that monster apparently being well known and common.
Well this could have been a romance. I was happier when I figured out where this was going.
This book had two pov characters and both were hard to take, though Sam worse than Lirael. Basically you had two youngsters, out of place, without a useful support system. They both had destiny's there were clearly unsuited for. And no chance of it ever getting better.
Lirael at least found something like an alternative path. Sam not so much.
Very readable (except for those times when we were in Sam's head too long and considered throwing the book against the wall, but it being on kindle and all).
There were bits that didn't make as much sense as it should have. One bit of note was Lirael having to figure out what a monster was - and later in the book that monster apparently being well known and common.
Well this could have been a romance. I was happier when I figured out where this was going.
janeofalltrades's review against another edition
5.0
It’s hard to review a book that's been one of my absolute favorites for many years.
In many ways Lirael is like my spirit character, which is like a spirit animal but for character's from books. This book has meant a lot to me over the years, and I’m grateful that Garth Nix wrote about a character who is brave and battles depression and shyness everyday.
In many ways Lirael is like my spirit character, which is like a spirit animal but for character's from books. This book has meant a lot to me over the years, and I’m grateful that Garth Nix wrote about a character who is brave and battles depression and shyness everyday.
jacalata's review against another edition
3.0
I quite liked Lirael as the doesn't-fit-in one, but somehow this book seemed to both rely on you having read others in the series, and explain things like you hadn't.
kell_xavi's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Panic attacks/disorders, Xenophobia, and Murder
_hex_libris's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kimtastic9's review against another edition
5.0
***Mild Spoilers***
Reading this book the second time as an adult made me notice many small things I hadn't before, as happens on re-reads. Love the Disreputable Dog, and I love her interactions with the incorrigible Mogget. Sam clearly suffers from severe PTSD after his episode with Hedge, and I love that Lirael is less confident in her skills than Sabriel. It makes them very distinct characters. I also love that she and Sam are both such gifted Charter mages- I think Charter magic in the Old Kingdom is so unique and interesting. Love these books, as always.
Reading this book the second time as an adult made me notice many small things I hadn't before, as happens on re-reads. Love the Disreputable Dog, and I love her interactions with the incorrigible Mogget. Sam clearly suffers from severe PTSD after his episode with Hedge, and I love that Lirael is less confident in her skills than Sabriel. It makes them very distinct characters. I also love that she and Sam are both such gifted Charter mages- I think Charter magic in the Old Kingdom is so unique and interesting. Love these books, as always.
zenalth's review against another edition
4.0
The first half of this book was definitely much stronger than the latter half. I strongly suspect it is due to the increased presence of Sam--whom I found irritating, childish and naive.
Lirael, on the other hand, was an absolute delight to follow. Her struggles, doubts and quiet strengths felt realistic, and they made her a character that I fell head over heels in love with. Needless to say, Mogget was as sassy as ever. Paired with the Disreputable Dog... Now that's some character interaction I'd eat right up.
Overall, I found this book a good sequel to the unique world that Nix created in Sabriel. I'm definitely keen to find out how everything pans out and to see both Lirael and Sam grow to fill their shoes.
Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker?
Lirael, on the other hand, was an absolute delight to follow. Her struggles, doubts and quiet strengths felt realistic, and they made her a character that I fell head over heels in love with. Needless to say, Mogget was as sassy as ever. Paired with the Disreputable Dog... Now that's some character interaction I'd eat right up.
Overall, I found this book a good sequel to the unique world that Nix created in Sabriel. I'm definitely keen to find out how everything pans out and to see both Lirael and Sam grow to fill their shoes.
Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker?
blueberrytrees's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-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? Yes
4.75
I love the world building and character work in this book so much. One I've reread often over the years.