The novel is set in two neighbouring fictional countries: To the south lies Ancelstierre, which is similar to that of early-20th century England, and to the north lies the Old Kingdom, where magic works and dangerous spirits roam the land — a fact officially denied by the government of Ancelstierre.
Living Dead are raised by Necromancers to do their bidding. To remedy the problem there is a sorcerer with the title of Abhorsen who puts the dead to rest.When the current Abhorsen is overcome by one such evil, he sends his bells and sword to his daughter Sabriel. She must return to the Old Kingdom to rescue her father and prevent the evil's return.
~adapted from wikipedia
Sabriel is a trilogy by Garth Nix. It has a solid, fast-paced plot with a unique world. The storyline is a much used premise of a girl with a family pet looking for her parents but the author has made it into something entirely original, different and intriguing. The concept of bells is also new idea never seen before.
Sabriel, the titular character and Touchstone is one of the best heroine & hero I've come across. Often the heroine are either damsels or warior woman and the hero falling into the melodramatic "emo" pits - which I'm proud to say that Sabriel & Touchstone is neither.
As for the theme, this book deals with Life and Death and coming to terms with oneself and one's responsibilities. Abhorsen's final words to Sabriel, "Everyone and everything has a time to die," refer to the idea of sacrifice that is both intriguing and heart wrenching scene where the father sacrifices for his daughter.
This book also deals with one's destiny as the underlying theme and the often repeated phrase "Does the Walker choose the Path, or the Path the Walker?" questions the reader.
This book is an amazing fantasy-esque book and I would recomend this for those who loves a mix of romance and action. But be forewarned that this is a type of book that you either like or dislike.
Ratings: B+
