Retro Flashback: The Abhorsen Trilogy
The Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix
Although we are enjoying a “golden age” of Young Adult novels right now, I’m part of the generation that remembers when such books didn’t have their own shelves at Barnes & Noble; in fact, they were often lumped together in the children’s section alongside the picture and middle grade books. But that didn’t diminish my enjoyment in the least: I will always fondly remember books like A Wrinkle in Time and Island of the Blue Dolphins as among my favorites growing up.
While going through a reading slump recently, I decided to revisit The Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix, which was published around the late 90s/early 2000s. It’s called a trilogy, but really the first book, Sabriel, can be read as a standalone, while the last two, Lirael and Abhorsen, can be more accurately billed as a duology. (Although in terms of chronology, Sabriel should indeed be read first.) In the books, Garth Nix introduces us to the Abhorsen, an individual who has the unique power to banish the dead and other evil spirits to the Nine Gates of the underworld. The Abhorsen is marked by a distinct set of seven bells, which form the root of their power: Each bell has a distinct purpose, but if not used correctly, can be as dangerous for the one who rings it as for its intended object.
The first Abhorsen we are introduced to, naturally, is Sabriel, the eponymous heroine of the first book. She has spent most of her life at school in the neighboring country of Ancelstierre, which is not only more modern, but also safe from magical attacks in the Old Kingdom. However, when her father mysteriously disappears, Sabriel must take up his role as the Abhorsen, and battle a malevolent necromancer who has risen up to threaten the kingdom-despite the fact that she herself has barely any idea what she’s doing. Sabriel is in many ways a classic hero’s quest, in the vein of Tolkien’s works: The heroine must overcome trials as well as her own self-doubt in order to face the forces of evil. Although the set-up is undeniably familiar, it’s well-executed: The characters are three dimensional, and the world-building is layered and complex. As a reluctant heroine, Sabriel herself is a sympathetic character, one who has to grow up in a very short amount of time.
While I enjoyed re-reading Sabriel, I unfortunately can’t say the same for Lirael and Abhorsen. Despite compelling characters in Lirael and Sam (who are the next Abhorsen and a powerful mage, respectively), I can’t say I connected with the story as much. The plot covered familiar territory-a rising threat, an unsure hero-albeit with higher stakes. At times, the story seemed padded with passages that slowed down the story’s momentum, such as the character of Nick, who is under the pernicious control of the Necromancers. There was definitely potential to develop the story more-to really make it character-driven-but that was left to the wayside in favor of the plot.
I also have to admit that my own growth as a YA reader plays a role in my indifference to the last two books. Having read the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and other beloved fantasy series, my expectations have become a lot higher: For me, it can’t just be an adventure story, with only inventive world-building; it has to pack an emotional punch, too.
Although we are enjoying a “golden age” of Young Adult novels right now, I’m part of the generation that remembers when such books didn’t have their own shelves at Barnes & Noble; in fact, they were often lumped together in the children’s section alongside the picture and middle grade books. But that didn’t diminish my enjoyment in the least: I will always fondly remember books like A Wrinkle in Time and Island of the Blue Dolphins as among my favorites growing up.
While going through a reading slump recently, I decided to revisit The Abhorsen Trilogy by Garth Nix, which was published around the late 90s/early 2000s. It’s called a trilogy, but really the first book, Sabriel, can be read as a standalone, while the last two, Lirael and Abhorsen, can be more accurately billed as a duology. (Although in terms of chronology, Sabriel should indeed be read first.) In the books, Garth Nix introduces us to the Abhorsen, an individual who has the unique power to banish the dead and other evil spirits to the Nine Gates of the underworld. The Abhorsen is marked by a distinct set of seven bells, which form the root of their power: Each bell has a distinct purpose, but if not used correctly, can be as dangerous for the one who rings it as for its intended object.
The first Abhorsen we are introduced to, naturally, is Sabriel, the eponymous heroine of the first book. She has spent most of her life at school in the neighboring country of Ancelstierre, which is not only more modern, but also safe from magical attacks in the Old Kingdom. However, when her father mysteriously disappears, Sabriel must take up his role as the Abhorsen, and battle a malevolent necromancer who has risen up to threaten the kingdom-despite the fact that she herself has barely any idea what she’s doing. Sabriel is in many ways a classic hero’s quest, in the vein of Tolkien’s works: The heroine must overcome trials as well as her own self-doubt in order to face the forces of evil. Although the set-up is undeniably familiar, it’s well-executed: The characters are three dimensional, and the world-building is layered and complex. As a reluctant heroine, Sabriel herself is a sympathetic character, one who has to grow up in a very short amount of time.
While I enjoyed re-reading Sabriel, I unfortunately can’t say the same for Lirael and Abhorsen. Despite compelling characters in Lirael and Sam (who are the next Abhorsen and a powerful mage, respectively), I can’t say I connected with the story as much. The plot covered familiar territory-a rising threat, an unsure hero-albeit with higher stakes. At times, the story seemed padded with passages that slowed down the story’s momentum, such as the character of Nick, who is under the pernicious control of the Necromancers. There was definitely potential to develop the story more-to really make it character-driven-but that was left to the wayside in favor of the plot.
I also have to admit that my own growth as a YA reader plays a role in my indifference to the last two books. Having read the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and other beloved fantasy series, my expectations have become a lot higher: For me, it can’t just be an adventure story, with only inventive world-building; it has to pack an emotional punch, too.