Scan barcode
mattiedancer's review against another edition
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Writing: 4⭐️/5
In contrast to the other books in the series, I found Clariel lacking a bit something. The start of this novel is a bit lackluster, taking a while to get started. In contrast, the ending wrapped up a little quickly.
Characters: 3.75⭐️/5
*Some Spoilers*
*Some Spoilers*
Clariel, unlike Lirael, Sameth, and Sabriel, lacks a bit of depth. While the Clariel we see as the novel progresses does get deeper and more interesting, she never gets to a point where I believe her fully. For her motives, she’s relatively one-dimensional, searching for a way to escape the city without giving up her lifestyle. At nearly every interval we are reminded of this as a core of her being and, while I appreciate this motive, it makes her feel less real that she rarely thinks of anything else. I did enjoy Bel and the character shift we see in Mogget when left alone for too long.
Plot: 4⭐️/5
*Some Spoilers*
*Some Spoilers*
I do find the plot interesting, though I wonder at the initial plan to trap a Free Magic creature using two children. I did like following Clariel and watching her sanity slip away as she craves more and more Free Magic. As a backstory for Chlorr of the Mask, it served its purpose, creating an interesting backdrop in an already well-established world. I wonder what might have been gained if the attention was split or focused more on Bel, and how that might have helped the pacing and the characters.
World 5⭐️/5
Here’s the thing: the Old Kingdom and the world in which it resides is fascinating, well-developed, and always interesting.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of The Old Kingdom
- Fans of Garth Nix
Content Warnings?
Gaslighting, Emotional Abuse, Murder, Death, Death of Parent, Animal Death, Animal Cruelty
Post-Reading Rating: 4.25⭐️/5
It’s always a good adventure into The Old Kingdom.
Final Rating: 4⭐️/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Animal death, Death, Death of parent, Animal cruelty, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
More...