The Abhorsen Chronicles: Sabriel/Lirael/Abhorsen (Old Kingdom)

I can read this story again and again, and my teenage son is currently reading and enjoying them. A delight to all ages, a rich detailed world to rival that of Tolkein, and a story at a pace that is irresistible. The characters are people that you want to follow and see succeed, the villains are frightening and the threat is compelling. Anyone who loves Fantasy fiction and hasn't read these needs to.

I'm a secondary English teacher, so I often 'check out' children's literature to make recommendations for my pupils who don't like to read. The first Garth Nix book I read was Mister Monday, which although thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable is clearly written for pre-teens. So, I was wonderfully surprised when a librarian recommended Sabriel to me as this novel is definitely meant for late teens and/or adults.The Abhorsen Chronicles is a trilogy of three novels. Sabriel is a dark, rites of passage masterpiece that rivals Lord of the Rings. It is a stand-alone novel, but as Nix created such a believable world, it is no surprise that he then created the sequels: Lirael and Abhorsen - these two books need to be read one after the other to truly appreciate the writer's craft. Not only is Nix blessed with a wonderful way with words, he is also very skilful in creating a complex web of intriguing storylines that have real meaning by the end.I would recommend this to young adults who enjoy Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. I am sure you will also struggle to put the book down, fall in love with the characters and dream of the Old Kingdom existing somewhere out of sight in our world, just waiting to be discovered.

I am not reviewing the content of these books, which is good. I am on Book 2 and enjoying it even more than Book 1. I am reviewing the box set. The design is nice – attractive cover design. This must be what they mean when they say 'features the original art'. There is no artwork inside, apart from the obligatory map. However, although the typesetting is pretty, there was no effort to remove widows/orphans. Also, the covers seem thin, not the sort of quality you would expect from a presentation box set. By all means buy the books but perhaps not in this format.

I read these as a child, I read these as an adult and both times I was drawn into an immaculately crafted world with characters you are absorbed by and care for. A series of enjoyable tales from start to finish. I simply wish there were more set in this unique and involved fantasy world.

Knowing nothing about the book or author I delved into Sabriel, I found it different to my usual choice of book and a bit slow to start, but the book gets better as you move through it and get into the fantasy world of The Old Kingdom. By the end I wanted to get into the next book which with the stage already set by the first book was more enjoyable. Likewise after this I was keen to start with the third of the trilogy, Abhorsen. A good series if you are into or can get into the fantasy world.

I's been searching for these ever since I read them at my primary school, but I hadn't had the opportunity to actually buy them! I chose Wordery because they offered the three main books from the series at a great price (cheaper than buying them individually) and with their own little box. They're now proudly displayed on my bookshelf!And with regards to the story (and if you've never read Garth Nix before), it's a thrilling read! I mean, it's been years since I first read them and I'm still going back for seconds. Garth Nix's style is truly great :)

Wonderfully imaginative trilogy. Highly recommended for young adults (and old adults).

This trilogy is brilliant, especially if you like Phillips pullman's dark materials trilogy and harry potter. Set in a mix of old world and new world, wizards and royalty, dead and the living. Brilliant read for all ages. The film will be good if that comes to fruition, however Garth is working on a new book at present. BUY this booklet.