The Dead Refuse to Stay Dead - Sabriel
Sabriel by Garth Nix is a young adult epic fantasy. I read it over the course of 2 days (with one being on an airplane). I would have finished it in one day if my plane ride was longer.
Our main character Sabriel has to grow up fast to navigate the old kingdom full of the dead who won’t stay dead, and find her father. She’s still a young girl taking on the responsibilities of a young woman without the awkward behavior that tends to accompany people in that stage of life. It’s both refreshing and a bit sad that she’s not afforded the luxury of carelessness.
Thankfully, there’s a snarky cat who joins Sabriel on her journey as both a foe and a guide (as all cats are by nature). [My cat is currently staring at me as I write this. Don’t worry, I gave him a treat and he has decided to let me live another day.]
I would argue this book is more adult than young adult. Be prepared to be immersed in the world through descriptions of their magic system, armor, places and more. These sections aren’t for everyone, and it may not be the book for you if you don’t enjoy little history lessons of the world. I personally am a HUGE fan of the magic system and spent thirty minutes explaining it to my mom who does not read fantasy and she enjoyed it.
Magic system: To control the dead the necromancers use bells, all which have a different function. “All necromancers had to be musical, had to be able to whistle, to hum, to sing. If they were caught in Death without bells, or other magical instruments, their vocal skills were a weapon of the last recourse.” Pretty cool huh?
I would have liked more dialogue between characters because that’s how I best connect with them. But I hear the next book in the trilogy is amazing and follows Lirael (this time a girl with a talking dog) and I’m so exited to read it!
Also yes, there is a love interest 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼. But it’s a much smaller part of the book, so I don’t recommend reading it for the romance, but for the fantasy.
Synopsis: Sent to a boarding school in Ancelstierre as a young child, Sabriel has had little experience with the random power of Free Magic or the Dead who refuse to stay dead in the Old Kingdom. But during her final semester, her father, the Abhorsen, goes missing, and Sabriel knows she must enter the Old Kingdom to find him.
Have you read this book? Or do you plan to?
#sabriel #garthnix #fantasybookreview #bookclub #fantasy #femalelead #necromancy #bookcat
You know how some book covers just grab you? For Sabriel by Garth Nix, that's absolutely the case! The artwork mentioned in the OCR truly brings it to life: a dark-haired woman, a powerful tagline, and that haunting quote – 'Death and what came after death was no great mystery to Sabriel. She just wished it was.' For me, this cover isn't just pretty art; it's a window into the book's soul. The tagline, 'ONE WARRIOR TO CHALLENGE THE DEAD,' immediately tells you what kind of journey you're in for. It sets the tone for a protagonist who faces unimaginable odds, deeply entwined with necromancy and the realm of the dead. Different editions might have slightly varied artwork, but that core imagery of Sabriel, often with bells or a sword, against a backdrop of the Old Kingdom's ethereal dangers, perfectly encapsulates her role as the Abhorsen and her fight against the Free Magic dead. Speaking of Garth Nix, if you're like me and were mesmerized by Sabriel's world, you'll want to know more about the mastermind behind it! Nix is renowned for his intricate world-building and unique magic systems, which isn't always common in fantasy. He doesn't just create a story; he crafts an entire universe with its own history, rules, and consequences. Beyond Sabriel, his Old Kingdom series branches out to other compelling characters like Lirael (a name many of you might be searching for!), offering even deeper dives into the Charter Magic versus Free Magic struggle. His writing often features protagonists who are thrust into immense responsibility, much like Sabriel, making their coming-of-age journeys both relatable and epic. If you appreciate authors who respect their readers enough to build a truly immersive world, you'll find a kindred spirit in Garth Nix's bibliography. While my main review touched on Sabriel's quest to find her father, her journey is so much more profound. She truly embodies the 'ONE WARRIOR TO CHALLENGE THE DEAD' spirit. What struck me most was her rapid personal growth. Thrust from the relative safety of Ancelstierre into the dangerous Old Kingdom, she quickly adapts to her role as the Abhorsen. It's not just about her magical abilities with the bells but also her courage, strategic thinking, and compassion. She’s a character who doesn't shy away from grim responsibilities, making tough decisions while still holding onto her humanity. This blend of strength and vulnerability makes her one of my favorite female leads in fantasy – she's not carelessly reckless, but thoughtfully brave. Let's get back to that incredible magic system! The concept of using bells to control the dead is just genius. It’s not your typical wand-waving or spell-chanting. Each of the seven bells, from Ranna to Astarael, has a specific, powerful effect, and mastering them requires not just skill but immense discipline and understanding of Death itself. It's a nuanced system where a single wrong note can have catastrophic consequences. The idea that necromancers need to be musical, even using their voices as a 'weapon of last recourse,' adds such a unique layer to the world. It makes the magic feel ancient, ritualistic, and incredibly dangerous. This is definitely one of the aspects that elevates Sabriel from a good fantasy book to a truly exceptional one, one that I could talk about for ages!