Book Review: Lirael : Daughter of the Clayr

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Lirael : Daughter of the Clayr     Amazon US PB Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada TPB
Garth Nix
Class/Genre:   Fantasy
Series: Abhorsen Trilogy # 2
HarperCollins, Apr 2001, $16.95, 496 pp.
Trade Paperback

In the Old Kingdom, Lirael feels like a freak as the only person among the Clayr sisterhood who cannot see into the future. Being "blind" shames the teenager making her wonder just who she. By her nineteenth birthday, Lirael knows she has no one to help her except her Disreputable Dog. However, her time of hiding in the library ends, when the Clayr foresees her involvement in a war against evil with a world at stake. She is sent forth to do great things despite her own fear of shortcomings.

Feeling incompetent, Prince Sameth can no longer handle his role as the heir apparent to his mother Queen Sabriel. Rather then continue his education and preparation, Sameth decides he is no hero and will not be the key focus of the fight against the Dead. Sameth meets Lirael and her canine meets his acerbic cat Mogget as they journey together to save the world.

LIRAEL, the sequel to the fabulous SABRIEL is as good as the first novel. The prime theme centers on the Good vs. Evil epic fantasy. However, the deep lead couple with their flaws, fears, and lack of confidence turns the story line into an exciting adventure where the malevolent forces seem ready to win. Though many threads remain loose for hopefully the next novel to tie up, fans of epic fantasy, especially the Potter crowd, will fully enjoy Garth Nix's fantastic spin

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.