Review
------
“Between striking characters-from the heroic if not
entirely competent young Abhorsen-in-Waiting, Belatiel, to the
enigmatic, catlike Mogget-and Nix’s brilliantly complex magic
system, this superb tale is exactly the book fans of the series
have been awaiting.” (Publishers Weekly (starred review))
“Clariel is a deeply sympathetic character faced with complicated
choices, the consequences of which are frighteningly uncertain as
she is pulled between the wild Free Magic and the disciplined
Charter. A bittersweet story.” (Booklist (starred review))
“Nix pens a compelling character in Clariel while his skill in
rendering both politics and magic is strong. This excellent work
can be enjoyed independently of the other Old Kingdom novels, but
will certainly draw readers to those works.” (School Library
Journal (starred review))
“Nix’s tale provides a complete experience unto itself. But his
focus on this strong character whose overriding passion is to go
her own way provides a hugely satisfying background to the other
Abhorsen books. A suspenseful prequel to the much-loved Abhorsen
books, showcasing the independent Clariel.” (Shelf Awareness
(starred review))
“Beautifully written, magnificently imagined, and wholly
original, Clariel is Garth Nix’s finest work yet.” (Holly Black,
New York Times bestselling author of The Coldest Girl in
Coldtown)
“The old magic returns in this sterling prequel to one of YA’s
classic series.” (Scott Westerfeld, New York Times bestselling
author of the Uglies series and Afterworlds)
“A brilliant return to the Old Kingdom--one of the most exciting
and original magical worlds ever devised.” (Alison Goodman, New
York Times bestselling author of Eon and Eona)
“A thunderstorm of a tale, bitter and brutal but dazzling in its
ferocity.” (Kirkus Reviews)
“Fans will treasure this long-awaited rtunity to return to a
much-loved world, built with as much originality and richness as
ever.” (Horn Book Magazine)
“Nix fans will surely rejoice at this sharp, gripping prequel to
his beloved fantasy trilogy of Sabriel, Lirael and Abhorsen. The
beauty of a prequel is that it will not only present unknown
scenarios even to the most intense devotees but also pave a path
for new fans to dive into the existing trilogy. “ (Bulletin of
the Center for Children’s Books)
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From the Back Cover
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Clariel is the daughter of one of the most notable families in
the Old Kingdom, with blood relations to the Abhorsen and, most
importantly, to the King. When her family moves to the city of
Belisaere, there are rumors that her mother is next in line for
the throne. However, Clariel wants no part of it—a natural
hunter, all she ever thinks about is escaping the city's
confining walls and journeying back to the quiet, green world of
the Great Forest.
But many forces conspire against Clariel's dream. A dangerous
Free Magic creature is loose in the city, her parents want to
marry her off to a killer, and there is a plot brewing against
the old and withdrawn King Orrikan. When Clariel is drawn into
the efforts to find and capture the creature, she finds hidden
sorcery within herself, yet it is magic that carries great
dangers. Can she rise above the temptation of power, escape the
unwanted marriage, and save the King?
In Clariel, New York Times bestselling author Garth Nix weaves a
story that is as rich and compelling as the original Abhorsen
novels. Clariel, prelude to the Abhorsen trilogy, is set
approximately six hundred years before the birth of Sabriel.
Devoted Old Kingdom fans and new readers alike will clamor for
this epic fantasy adventure.
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About the Author
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Garth Nix is a New York Times bestselling novelist and has been a
full-time writer since 2001, but has also worked as a literary
agent, marketing consultant, book editor, book publicist, book
sales representative, bookseller, and as a part-time soldier in
the Australian Army Reserve.
Garth’s many books include the Old Kingdom fantasy series,
beginning with Sabriel and continuing to Goldenhand; the sci-fi
novels Shade’s Children and A Confusion of Princes; the Regency
romance with magic Newt’s Emerald; and novels for children
including The Ragwitch, the Seventh Tower series, the Keys to the
Kingdom series, and Frogkisser!, which is now in development as a
feature film with Fox Animation/Blue Sky Studios. Garth has
written numerous short stories, some of which are collected in
Across the Wall and To Hold the Bridge. He has also cowritten
several children’s book series with Sean Williams, including
TroubleTwisters and Have , Will Travel.
More than six million copies of his books have been sold around
the world and his work has been translated into forty-two
languages. You can find him online at www.garthnix.com.
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