Sabriel by Garth Nix

I frigging love Sabriel. From first to last, Sabriel picks you up and sweeps you along a wonderful adventure. Garth Nix is very, very good a building and keeping tension as well as building some really memorable moments in between. I think of Sabriel and am immediately transported to Holehallow, the Reservoir, and Wyverly College at the end.

My only really big gripe: WTF is up with Sabriel’s weird belt buckle on the cover? What is the point of the face? Who is that supposed to be? Why is that the most prominent feature? Why is it so important to be on the spine? Pretty sure it’s not important at all in the book.

It’s interesting to see how the Abhorsen mythology has changed from this first book to the later and prequel books. Abhorsen is described as a necromancer, only the opposite, and apparently not well known as The Abhorsen was earlier in the timeline… assuming you read it chronologically.

I really like this iteration of Magical World Butting Up Against “Real World.” There’s a nice kind of blend that happens for a bit, without much bleed-through. I do kind of wonder if the Old Kingdom or Ancelstierre would have encroached more on each other had The Wall not been built. And which one would “win” ultimately… or if they’d just kind of mix or something. This is a little bit explained, but only a little bit.

I know Mogget is ultimately an “evil” creature, but boy is he entertaining. Reminds me of Spike from Buffy, if Spike were a cat. Oh, and he gets high off catbalm for a hot minute there. I think this is the first time I’ve ever encountered a cat companion getting high “on screen.” I’m not even sure that he is evil, exactly, just really, really intent on getting revenge on the Abhorsens for binding him… maybe.

I do still feel like the Sabriel/Touchstone romance is rushed. I’d forgotten they spent at least a week together at sea on the way to Belisare, but… still feels rushed and kind of blah, to be honest.

Anyway, Sabriel is pretty awesome. I highly recommend checking it out for yourself.

My 2017 Review - it's short

Favorite Lines

"Fear and realization of ignorance were strong medicines against stupid pride." - Narration

"Feeling like a shambling, blanket-shrouded excuse for a human being," - Just a vibe

Reviews Batch 14 - Final Batch

Smoke: A Novel by Dan Vyleta
Originally Posted to GoodReads: December 1, 2017

Dense, mysterious, but really slow in parts. Still not quite sure what's actually going on with Thomas, but i'm also not quite sure it's altogether relevant.

It's interesting to see a story like this unfold from the perspective of relative outsiders. Usually it's those attempting to bring about change that get the spotlight. But Smoke turns those characters into antagonists, which I thought was interesting.

I did find the society built in this world to be really messed up. I would say something else about it, but spoilers... so I won't.

Bloodkin by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Originally Posted to GoodReads: December 17, 2015

A quick but wonderfully paced read, Bloodkin continues to delve into Midnight's past, placing players where they need to be for Midnight's eventual downfall.

I enjoyed the looks behind the scenes of Midnight's slave trade, the Shantel, and how Pet came to be in the hands of Midnight's trainers.

The Enchantment Emporium by Tanya Huff
Originally Posted to GoodReads: December 23, 2020

I honestly have to say, I did not remember as much of this book as I thought I did. Got some of it mixed up with some Kelley Armstrong stuff.

Anyway, I very much love The Enchantment Emporium. I love the characters. I love the world building. I love the yoyos. I’m honestly not sure what else to say. If you liked The Keeper Chronicles, you’ll definitely love this. Not quite on the same vein with all the mythological references, but still super enjoyable. 

 

Sabriel by Garth Nix
Originally Posted to GoodReads: December 28, 2017

Every bit as good as I remember, even if the Sabriel/Touchstone thing is way rushed. I've been looking forward to rereading these books all year and I was not disappointed.