A review by mattiedancer
Clariel by Garth Nix

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*
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*
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

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