Breathtaking novel, the first of a trilogy, from a brilliant newcomer to the Collins fiction list. Sabriel is sent as a child across the Wall to the safety of a school in Ancelstierre. Away from magic; away from the Dead. After receiving a cryptic message from her father, 18-year-old Sabriel leaves her ordinary school and returns across the Wall into the Old Kingdom. Fraught with peril and deadly trickery, her journey takes her to a world filled with parasitical spirits, Mordicants, and Shadow Hands -- for her father is ...
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Breathtaking novel, the first of a trilogy, from a brilliant newcomer to the Collins fiction list. Sabriel is sent as a child across the Wall to the safety of a school in Ancelstierre. Away from magic; away from the Dead. After receiving a cryptic message from her father, 18-year-old Sabriel leaves her ordinary school and returns across the Wall into the Old Kingdom. Fraught with peril and deadly trickery, her journey takes her to a world filled with parasitical spirits, Mordicants, and Shadow Hands -- for her father is none other than The Abhorson. His task is to lay the disturbed dead back to rest. This obliges him -- and now Sabriel, who has taken on her father's title and duties -- to slip over the border into the icy river of Death, sometimes battling the evil forces that lurk there, waiting for an opportunity to escape into the realm of the living. Desperate to find her father, and grimly determined to help save the Old Kingdom from destruction by the horrible forces of the evil undead, Sabriel endures almost impossible challenges whilst discovering her own supernatural abilities -- and her destiny.
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I ordered a signed copy of Sabriel as a gift for my husband, both him and I are huge fans of Garth Nix and this book is not only a great read, but our absolute favorite book. The description matched the product perfectly, everything was taken care of promptly, the entire process was executed beautifully and without any problems. I received the book in the condition described online, well within the amount of time allotted for delivery. Both my husband and I have read this book dozens of times and recommend it to everyone, regardless of genre preference.
LeChatBlanche
Aug 22, 2008
Can only be described as a 'must-read'!
'Sabriel' is definitely one of, if not the most favourite books of mine. It is rare that one comes across a truly intelligent, well-imagined and original fantasy book and if you are looking for one, look no further. The book focuses on a young woman named (how did you guess?!) Sabriel who is the only daughter of the Abhorsen, a good necromancer whose job it is to protect the living aginst the spirits of the dead. When her father goes missing it is up to Sabriel to take up the book and bells, the tools of the Abhorsen and venture across the Wall to the magical, dangerous lands of the Old Kingdom. Accompanied on the way by Mogget (my favourite character!), the sarcastic, inscrutable little white cat that is so much more than he seems, as well as Touchstone who too has quite another identity, the novel is filled with adventure, magic and yes, a delicate touch of romance.
The book is very well written and is sufficiently detailed when it comes to the mythology or backstory of the worlds. Charter Magic in particular is a very intriguing concept. Luckily, 'Sabriel' is the first of a trilogy of books about the Old Kingdom so if your appetite is not sated with this wonderful book, you have two more to read!
This book is a remarkable piece of fantasy, extremely realistic and believable. The characters are also fantastically well-written and endearing. The action is fast-paced and the dialogue is witty and in the case of Mogget, very dry and sarcastic which for some reason I find completely endearing.
If you have not already done so, pick up this book and read it, or even if you have, read it again - it is a book that deserves to be read over and over again! You will not regret it!
Crewter
Jan 19, 2008
Excellent!
This is def. one of the best books I've ever read. It's a thrilling tale full of suspense, horror, excitement, and just page turning goodness! I'm a big time reader and this has to be one of my favorite books of all time! Read it if you want an excellent read! You won't regret it.
KHannemann
Apr 3, 2007
Great book!!!
This is one of the most interesting and well-written books I have ever read. The story takes place in two different "countries": one which is very similar to our own, and one where magic is possible. The Old Kingdom, which is magical, has fallen into ruin, and has only a shadow of its former glory. Sabriel, the daughter of the Abhorsen (a necromancer who sends spirits into death), must take over for her father. She has various characters who help her through many challenges. This book is imaginative, and the worlds are completely believable. The reader is transported into the worlds, and practically feels as if they could step in and help Sabriel. I always recommend this book, but those who like fantasy or a good adventure will especially like it.
