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Title: Lirael
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Second in YA fantasy trilogy
Thingummies: 4
Synopsis: Having never inherited the Sight of her clan, Lirael contented herself with working in the Great Library. She's a little more active with her magic than her fellow librarians realize, though. Prince Sameth, on the other hand, is not as active as he should be. After a disastrous encounter with a necromancer, he finds himself unable to take up the responsibilities that have been his since birth. Lirael and Sameth each feel like they were born in the wrong place, unable to do the tasks they're supposed to. But when a necromancer threatens the safety of the Old Kingdom, they will each need to make do with the gifts they have, not the ones they want.
Thoughts: I adored Sabriel, the first book in the Abhorsen trilogy. Lirael lives up to the promise of its predecessor. Unfortunately, it pretty much ends on a cliff-hanger, making it difficult to evaluate, when very little is tied up within in the book.
I have to say, if I'd read this when I was thirteen, this would have been crack in paper form. Even at my age, it's a seriously guilty pleasure. Oh, the teenage angst. Oh, you are so alone and no one understands you. Oh, you will never fit in and no one will ever appreciate your true gifts. WOE!!11! Yeah, I totally eat this stuff up. And it's very well done, walking the edge of pathos without falling into ridiculousness.
There are certain cliches, of course--animal companions and well-meaning relatives who blunder terribly because they don't understand the pressures of being the speciallest snowflake. But they're cliches because they work. Furthermore, the mythology and magic system of the world is both creative and fascinating. Within the confines of the Old Kingdom, the Charter binds most magic. Outside, magic fades the farther you get from the Wall. Necromancy is bad, naturally, but the Abhorsen (a family name and a handed-down title) is able to wield the power for good through use of a series of bells. There's clearly additional detail linking bloodlines, bells, and the Charter together that has yet to be revealed. It's compelling without being frustrating--you understand enough so that the limitations are clearly drawn, but there's clearly room for expansion.
Definitely frustrated by the end, though. It's a Back to the Future kind of set-up. The first book stood alone just fine, but left you wanting more. The second, on the other hand, is only the first half of a complete story. Guess I'll just have to buy the last one. Unfortunately, I have a big pile of books left to read before I should consider acquiring new ones. Sigh.
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Second in YA fantasy trilogy
Thingummies: 4
Synopsis: Having never inherited the Sight of her clan, Lirael contented herself with working in the Great Library. She's a little more active with her magic than her fellow librarians realize, though. Prince Sameth, on the other hand, is not as active as he should be. After a disastrous encounter with a necromancer, he finds himself unable to take up the responsibilities that have been his since birth. Lirael and Sameth each feel like they were born in the wrong place, unable to do the tasks they're supposed to. But when a necromancer threatens the safety of the Old Kingdom, they will each need to make do with the gifts they have, not the ones they want.
Thoughts: I adored Sabriel, the first book in the Abhorsen trilogy. Lirael lives up to the promise of its predecessor. Unfortunately, it pretty much ends on a cliff-hanger, making it difficult to evaluate, when very little is tied up within in the book.
I have to say, if I'd read this when I was thirteen, this would have been crack in paper form. Even at my age, it's a seriously guilty pleasure. Oh, the teenage angst. Oh, you are so alone and no one understands you. Oh, you will never fit in and no one will ever appreciate your true gifts. WOE!!11! Yeah, I totally eat this stuff up. And it's very well done, walking the edge of pathos without falling into ridiculousness.
There are certain cliches, of course--animal companions and well-meaning relatives who blunder terribly because they don't understand the pressures of being the speciallest snowflake. But they're cliches because they work. Furthermore, the mythology and magic system of the world is both creative and fascinating. Within the confines of the Old Kingdom, the Charter binds most magic. Outside, magic fades the farther you get from the Wall. Necromancy is bad, naturally, but the Abhorsen (a family name and a handed-down title) is able to wield the power for good through use of a series of bells. There's clearly additional detail linking bloodlines, bells, and the Charter together that has yet to be revealed. It's compelling without being frustrating--you understand enough so that the limitations are clearly drawn, but there's clearly room for expansion.
Definitely frustrated by the end, though. It's a Back to the Future kind of set-up. The first book stood alone just fine, but left you wanting more. The second, on the other hand, is only the first half of a complete story. Guess I'll just have to buy the last one. Unfortunately, I have a big pile of books left to read before I should consider acquiring new ones. Sigh.
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Date: 2011-01-17 03:45 am (UTC)From: