Reviews

Clariel: The Lost Abhorsen by Garth Nix

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reenzbeanz's review

5.0

This book has an important story to tell. A story that broke my heart so good. While the previous books in the Old Kingdom series left me with a feeling of awe of the epicness of the world and the heroism of the main characters, Clariel left me thinking deeply about the situations and choices that can lead people to paths that their younger selves would never have taken. I highly recommend this book as both an emotional journey and a deeper understanding of the non-Charter mage parts of the Old Kingdom.

SPOILERS BELOW

I think this book is amazing because the reasons behind each choice that Clariel makes are so believable as we get a glimpse into her mind and her day to day life. It make perfect sense that this strong-willed, independent woman who was used to having control over her life in the woods would grasp at anything to gain back some sense of control in a world where she is voiceless and powerless to protect both her loved ones and her own freedom. It makes sense, though it is painful to see, how she would get addicted to this type of power and control. This is a sad story. It’s very different from the other books but it is so valuable to the series because it prompts the reader think about the origins of many of the biggest villains in the other books, Free Magic sorcerers. Were these villains always so evil? Under different circumstances, would they have grown up to be the heroes? We can only wonder.

the_sunken_library's review against another edition

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2.0

Returning to a world I fell in love with as a child. Alas, I was so disappointed. I hated Clariel. I found her wilfully dense and selfish. I found the story a little loose and it hasn't answered many of the questions I had about the world before Sabriel, that I had as a young teenager. It just wasn't engaging and that really disappointed me.

m00plays's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this and it made me want to read the rest of the series! I definitely recommend this if you're unsure about the Fantasy genre. This will change your mind definitely!