Good YA series. I liked Lirael, the Clayr, the necromancy, little touches like the city on a bridge. (Very sensible in a world with undead who can't cross running water.) Sam I liked less, and his bossy sister. Sabriel and Touchstone struck me as rather ineffective parents - Sabriel certainly should have seen something was wrong with Sam's necromancy. I suppose they did need to see that their children would have a world to grow up in, but still, she could have managed a half-hour conversation with her son.The Clayr made rather poor parents for Lirael also. The twins were watching over her, her aunt did in the end love her, but well-intentioned as they were, they didn't do much. I liked the Clayr library. Nix didn't seem to have much idea what librarians do, though. There were no patrons, and who was it that said they could rarely find books in that library? They seemed more like archivists - custodians of physical books and other artifacts.I liked the library in that Volsky book better; librarian-scholars, debates over footnoting, and necromancy in the cellar. I wonder if there's some general link between librarians and necromancy? This is the second place I've encountered it, and there really aren't that many fantasy librarians - the Orangutang, I guess, he isn't a necromancer, but he is a wizard. Must read that Edghill series some day.

Another excellent book by Garth Nix, writer of the Abhorsen Trilogy. Similar in storyline to Sabriel, this story is about a new character Lirael, who does not realize she has many unusual and potential talents waiting for her. The book plays up her unqiueness, while introducing the reader to her amazing skills and unknown legacy. A definate read for the fan of the Abhorsen Trilogy. ( )

This is a great trilogy and the second book is no exception. Nix conveys real empathy with Lirael as well as Sam, and it’s nice to see other characters emerge like Nick and Ellimere as well as Sabriel and Touchstone from time to time. Unlike some trilogies, the first book of the three is a story by itself, and the other two are a collective story between them. Having the opportunity to see more into the world of the Old Kingdom and the unique type of magic that is displayed, my appetite is definitely whetted for the final book.Nix has a keen ability to convey a fantasy story in a realistic way, making the characters seem like normal people despite their special abilities. His language and aesthetics are engaging, and although this will probably never be considered true literature in the classic term, it’s a great book that will keep the reader moving along at a fast and enjoyable pace. I recommend this book to readers 12 and up.-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com ( )

Great series! ( )

I've just read a few other members' reviews & have noticed a certain amount of complaining (whining, even - ironically) about the emotional challenges and struggles with sense of self that Lirael & Sam go through in this book (& its sequel). I love the fact that Lirael & Sam experience real emotions; it makes them believable and interesting. Many, many people today in Australia & elsewhere suffer from depression, and by creating a lovable, ultimately victorious fantasy hero character who goes on that kind of emotional journey, Nix has taken a risk and done something truly unique. I'm sorry to see that some readers see this as a drawback to the book, as that would suggest that these readers wouldn't be able to deal with emotions like sadness or grief in a friend or even in themselves. And not being able to honestly face one's own difficult emotions (which are inevitable in life, unfortunately) tends to lead to much more serious psychological problems. ( )