kell_xavi's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
4.0
A strong conclusion of Lirael’s storyline in the world of the Old Kingdom. The previous book ended on an opening, and I borrowed this one from the library at once to finish the tale. The characterization of Lirael, Sam, and their animal companions makes for an entertaining and deeply felt adventure in the war against power and destruction. Nix writes of Nick, Hedge, and the hemispheres in an exciting, suspenseful way that carries gravity and a real sense of the world that brings them about.
I do have a few minor critiques, the first being that even with all the new, fascinating information about the creation of the charter and the ancient powers that preceded and contributed to it, I'm not satisfied with the role of Death and the dead in the Old Kingdom, and magic's closeness to the dead. The prevalence of death makes sense to the plot around the Abhorsen, but less so when thinking about the interplay of magics in the broader universe.
I am always hesitant to read fantasy world with a monarchy in place, and the blood lines of the charter give the monarchy a legitimacy here that I disagree with politically. I also disagree with the pro-military sentiments and other subtle indications of a British nationalist perspective even when it isn't stated as such. Lastly, Sam's character-building in this book and the last are effected by antagonism with his family, and the way that Sabriel and Touchstone's parenting is written felt a bit odd, the harm created by their absence unresolved, leaving Ellemere's humourously meddlesome presence as a sort of (misogynistic) foil to Sam's unguided masculine adventurous spirit.
I do have a few minor critiques, the first being that even with all the new, fascinating information about the creation of the charter and the ancient powers that preceded and contributed to it, I'm not satisfied with the role of Death and the dead in the Old Kingdom, and magic's closeness to the dead. The prevalence of death makes sense to the plot around the Abhorsen, but less so when thinking about the interplay of magics in the broader universe.
I am always hesitant to read fantasy world with a monarchy in place, and the blood lines of the charter give the monarchy a legitimacy here that I disagree with politically. I also disagree with the pro-military sentiments and other subtle indications of a British nationalist perspective even when it isn't stated as such. Lastly, Sam's character-building in this book and the last are effected by antagonism with his family, and the way that Sabriel and Touchstone's parenting is written felt a bit odd, the harm created by their absence unresolved, leaving Ellemere's humourously meddlesome presence as a sort of (misogynistic) foil to Sam's unguided masculine adventurous spirit.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Murder, and Xenophobia
rriverr's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
4.5
i ADORED this book so much that i rated a book for the first time on this app 😭 however the cast is. not diverse. and i’m questioning the description of the clayr as dark-skinned and blond….seems strange to me
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, Animal death, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: Murder, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, Child death, Death of parent, and Grief
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