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sayshal's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
caseybones's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
taffymyametalumi's review against another edition
3.0
So, I have so pretty mixed feelings about this book. There were things I liked, but also things I just didn't. This book did not seem as well-written and put together as the other Abhorsen books did, so it was a bit of a disappointment.
Things I liked (beware spoilers):
1. Lirael and Nick were great as usual. Though I felt the romance was a little quick, I enjoyed reading about how their naturally shy and awkward personalities worked with each other. Lirael is really growing into her role as the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, and I liked that. She is still a pretty shy, introverted person, but she has learned to be confident in herself and her abilities.
2. I thought the explanation about Nick was interesting, and it made sense, based on what we learn from previous books. He's really trying hard to fit in somewhere, which is amusing to read if nothing else.
3. The magic system from the steppes. The whole shaman/keeper thing. It was kind of weird but I thought it was interesting, at least.
4. Sabriel and Lirael working together = win-win. Also, Touchstone rocks.
Things I did not enjoy:
1. Ferin. I just . . . was not enthralled by her. I found myself skimming her chapters so that I could get back to Lirael and Nick.
2. In 'Lirael' and 'Abhorsen,' I felt a sense of urgency in their quest to stop Orannis. There was a lot of tension in those books. I did not feel any of that in 'Goldenhand.' Sure, they talked a lot about how the tribesmen were going to destroy the Old Kingdom and how the Witch With No Face was SO EVIL, but I felt no connection or fear for them. I felt no sense of YOU NEED TO MOVE FASTER or YOU ARE ABOUT TO DIE or NOOOOOOOOOO. Literally the only time I felt scared was when Sam and Ferin had to get off the Bridge or drown. So, there was hardly any suspense.
3. Garth Nix really needs to explain how all these different planets got patched together like they are. Okay, so the land across the Great Rift is a world Orannis destroyed? Sure, but how did it get attached to the steppes? And why? And while we are at it, how did the Old Kingdom get attached to Ancelstierre?
4. The five-second appearances of Mogget and the Dog did not work for me. Mogget a little less so, because I guess he did SOMETHING, but there didn't seem like much point to them being in this book.
So, all in all, not as good as the other books, but not a complete waste of time. I want to re-read 'Sabriel' now . . .
Things I liked (beware spoilers):
1. Lirael and Nick were great as usual. Though I felt the romance was a little quick, I enjoyed reading about how their naturally shy and awkward personalities worked with each other. Lirael is really growing into her role as the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, and I liked that. She is still a pretty shy, introverted person, but she has learned to be confident in herself and her abilities.
2. I thought the explanation about Nick was interesting, and it made sense, based on what we learn from previous books. He's really trying hard to fit in somewhere, which is amusing to read if nothing else.
3. The magic system from the steppes. The whole shaman/keeper thing. It was kind of weird but I thought it was interesting, at least.
4. Sabriel and Lirael working together = win-win. Also, Touchstone rocks.
Things I did not enjoy:
1. Ferin. I just . . . was not enthralled by her. I found myself skimming her chapters so that I could get back to Lirael and Nick.
2. In 'Lirael' and 'Abhorsen,' I felt a sense of urgency in their quest to stop Orannis. There was a lot of tension in those books. I did not feel any of that in 'Goldenhand.' Sure, they talked a lot about how the tribesmen were going to destroy the Old Kingdom and how the Witch With No Face was SO EVIL, but I felt no connection or fear for them. I felt no sense of YOU NEED TO MOVE FASTER or YOU ARE ABOUT TO DIE or NOOOOOOOOOO. Literally the only time I felt scared was when Sam and Ferin had to get off the Bridge or drown. So, there was hardly any suspense.
3. Garth Nix really needs to explain how all these different planets got patched together like they are. Okay, so the land across the Great Rift is a world Orannis destroyed? Sure, but how did it get attached to the steppes? And why? And while we are at it, how did the Old Kingdom get attached to Ancelstierre?
4. The five-second appearances of Mogget and the Dog did not work for me. Mogget a little less so, because I guess he did SOMETHING, but there didn't seem like much point to them being in this book.
So, all in all, not as good as the other books, but not a complete waste of time. I want to re-read 'Sabriel' now . . .
crum_93's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
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? No
4.25
I really love this series. Sabriel will forever be one of my favorite books, and I’m so glad I discovered it was part of a series. Sad to leave the Old Kingdom.
narteest's review against another edition
4.0
This took me ages to read, but not for the usual reasons. It wasn't boring. Not quite. Nor was it a dense utterly ridiculous thing to read. I was busy and I could only get in a chapter at a time. If I had read this in one session, I reckon the enjoyment level would have taken off. There's nothing quite like the world of the Old Kingdom, Charter and Free Magic. It's wonderful, and a very comforting trip into nostalgia. In fact, I'm diving back into my old favourite, Sabriel now that I've read Goldenhand!
I am, without a doubt, completely biased about anything to do with Garth Nix or the Old Kingdom books. It's because as a child, Sabriel was the second, after Harry Potter, that I distinctly remember reading on my own. Lirael and Abhorsen have a smaller place in my heart, but as belonging to a favourite series, they have a semi biased place in my history of reading. So reading Goldenhand was a must, regardless.
There will be a more comprehensive review later on, however, in short Goldenhand feels like the introduction of a greater plot at hand (like the way Lirael led to Abhorsen). It brings back old favourites and continues on where Abhorsen left off. Granted, I didn't like Lirael as much as I did Sabriel and Touchstone, so I was super ecstatic when those two played more than a minor role! I am mildly disappointed that the ending was rushed. However, I look forward to the next books published.
(December 2021)
Reread and thoroughly enjoyed it! Read it much quicker this time because I had time to do so.
I am, without a doubt, completely biased about anything to do with Garth Nix or the Old Kingdom books. It's because as a child, Sabriel was the second, after Harry Potter, that I distinctly remember reading on my own. Lirael and Abhorsen have a smaller place in my heart, but as belonging to a favourite series, they have a semi biased place in my history of reading. So reading Goldenhand was a must, regardless.
There will be a more comprehensive review later on, however, in short Goldenhand feels like the introduction of a greater plot at hand (like the way Lirael led to Abhorsen). It brings back old favourites and continues on where Abhorsen left off. Granted, I didn't like Lirael as much as I did Sabriel and Touchstone, so I was super ecstatic when those two played more than a minor role! I am mildly disappointed that the ending was rushed. However, I look forward to the next books published.
(December 2021)
Reread and thoroughly enjoyed it! Read it much quicker this time because I had time to do so.
kerrycat's review against another edition
5.0
Book Six Book Six
When do we get Book Six?
Also - why can't I give this ten stars?
(Romantic Times Book Reviews, October 2016 - five star GOLD rating)
Longtime Old Kingdom fans will be both thrilled and devastated by the emotional intensity of Lirael’s journey in the fifth book of this series, and newer readers will be moved to return to the beginning to discover the highly detailed and engaging fantasy within. Lirael’s awakening to her purpose as she struggles to overcome her lingering shyness will have readers cheering. As Lirael finds the strength to put her life on the line for the sake of the Kingdom, the plotline is sweetly balanced with the romance readers have been waiting for years to awaken. Nix is known for a clarity of prose that allows his stories to speak for themselves, and Lirael’s tale, charged with tension, doubt and finally, hope, is his best yet.
Only months after losing her hand and still mourning the loss of her beloved Disreputable Dog, Lirael longs to stay busy while adjusting to her role as Abhorsen-in-Waiting. A cry for help from Nick kickstarts a chain of events that pulls Lirael and her half-sister Sabriel into a dangerous battle against the Witch with No Face. Ultimately, only Lirael is destined to save the Old Kingdom from this terrifying threat — or die trying.
When do we get Book Six?
Also - why can't I give this ten stars?
(Romantic Times Book Reviews, October 2016 - five star GOLD rating)
Longtime Old Kingdom fans will be both thrilled and devastated by the emotional intensity of Lirael’s journey in the fifth book of this series, and newer readers will be moved to return to the beginning to discover the highly detailed and engaging fantasy within. Lirael’s awakening to her purpose as she struggles to overcome her lingering shyness will have readers cheering. As Lirael finds the strength to put her life on the line for the sake of the Kingdom, the plotline is sweetly balanced with the romance readers have been waiting for years to awaken. Nix is known for a clarity of prose that allows his stories to speak for themselves, and Lirael’s tale, charged with tension, doubt and finally, hope, is his best yet.
Only months after losing her hand and still mourning the loss of her beloved Disreputable Dog, Lirael longs to stay busy while adjusting to her role as Abhorsen-in-Waiting. A cry for help from Nick kickstarts a chain of events that pulls Lirael and her half-sister Sabriel into a dangerous battle against the Witch with No Face. Ultimately, only Lirael is destined to save the Old Kingdom from this terrifying threat — or die trying.
megamelificent's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
desertlover's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 STARS
I liked this installment, but just not as much as the first three books. (Yes, I skipped #4 after seeing reviews and having no desire to read a prequel.)
The beginning of the book is slowly paced and the ending is way too fast. I adore this world and characters, so I have no regrets. This has been a wonderful, old school fantasy series.
I liked this installment, but just not as much as the first three books. (Yes, I skipped #4 after seeing reviews and having no desire to read a prequel.)
The beginning of the book is slowly paced and the ending is way too fast. I adore this world and characters, so I have no regrets. This has been a wonderful, old school fantasy series.
katieconrad's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
trudake's review against another edition
4.0
The Abhorsen series were some of my favorite books as a kid, so I was very excited to be in this world again. The world was still amazing- we get to revisit the Clayr's glacier and death, but also explore new terrain north of the Old Kingdom. Goldenhand continues with some loose ends from the other books and keeps their spirit.
*maybe spoiler*
I took one star off for the awful romances. Characters as strong as Lirael and Ferrin shouldn't have to be "paired off" with partners as it felt like they were. On top of that, I felt like Aunt Kirith got some unnecessarily mean treatment- she seemed well-intentioned but misguided in Lirael, but is just a bad person in Goldenhand.
*maybe spoiler*
I took one star off for the awful romances. Characters as strong as Lirael and Ferrin shouldn't have to be "paired off" with partners as it felt like they were. On top of that, I felt like Aunt Kirith got some unnecessarily mean treatment- she seemed well-intentioned but misguided in Lirael, but is just a bad person in Goldenhand.