This book is like a cold clear day in the mountains, calm and refreshing. (Not like a mint! I know what you were thinking!). There is a stillness that stays, even when dead scary monsters are chasing the main character, as they tend to do. But thankfully Sabriel not only has charter magic, she is a trained necromancer. (She is the kind that makes the walking dead go back to being just plain dead). Unfortunately, she doesn't have much experience. But when the top job of the Abhorsen opens up suddenly its time for her to shine. Well only if she wants to save the citizens of the magic filled Old Kingdom and the mostly normal country of Ancelstierre (which are separated by a wall). Although the wall which separates these two places is guarded like the former
Berlin Wall, trouble is spilling out, threatening both places. This setup reminds me of the movie/book
Stardust by Neil Gaiman, where a magical world Stormhold, is separated by a wall from the village called, surprise, Wall. (Score 1 for Nix on creativity).
Its up to Sabriel to fix the entire dilemma, so she must test her untried magic against the dark powers that stand against her. Nix includes a host of memorable characters, my favorite being Mogget, the cat with a secret. Bring a blanket because this book has just enough ice to make you feel chilly!
There are many books that Nix writes about this world, with a rotating host of characters that overlap. But this is the only one I like, maybe it’s because it feels like he loved writing this book. It’s full of little details that bring this book to life and feels unrushed –despite the frantic pace of the plot.
For Tweens?
This is a great book for Tweens. Not only is Sabriel’s life in transition, but she must face her fears, and most of all..have confidence in herself.
Final Word:
Classic. Keeper.
Nix, G. (2008). Sabriel (Abhorsen). New York: HarperTeen. ISBN# 0061474355
