A teen fantasy/horror novel and sequel to *Sabriel*, in Nix’s “Old Kingdom” series. The plot jumps about 14 years into the future. Touchstone has become the King and Sabriel has become the Abhorsen. They have two children. But the book starts with several chapters about what seems to be an unrelated character, Lirael, a teenager in “the Clayr”. The Clayr are a group of women who have “the Sight” – the ability to get incomplete visions of the future.

Lirael’s Clayr mother went on a mission when Lirael was very young and apparently died. No one knows who her father was; but Lirael seems very different from the other Clayr in appearance and talents – she does not have the Sight, but she is secretly adept at Old Kingdom magic. She becomes a librarian, acquires a sarcastic magic dog, and covertly explores ancient areas of the Clayr’s underground home.

Eventually we get to the story of Sameth, the son of Sabriel and Touchstone and being trained as the Abhorsen-on-waiting. While in school he helps fight off an invasion by the dead led by Hedge, a powerful necromancer. But Sameth discovers that he hates being the Abhorsen-in-waiting and is terrified of going into Death. Eventually Lirael’s and Sameth’s paths will merge and they will do battle against evil forces.

The action speeds up and intensifies as the book moves along until it becomes nearly heart-stopping. The book ends on a heck of a cliff hanger, so you will want to proceed quickly on to Book 3, *Abhorsen.* I listened to a spooky reading by actor Tim Curry who knows how to bring maximum creepiness to the horror elements.

Lirael is a strong willed, inquisitive girl who, through her unsanctioned excursions, effortlessly sucked me right back into the world and story. Nix means business when he infuses creepiness into this one, you will find yourself not knowing what to expect as terrible things await in the dark.

I've read this book like ten times in the past 15 years. Nuff said...

I first read Lirael in middle school, and I recently decided to dust off my old copy and see if it still holds up to my positive, nostalgic memories. Upon finishing the final pages, I can say that it exceeded my expectations and has made it near the top of my favorite book list. The story follows a teenager named Lirael, an introverted loner who has never felt like a true Daughter of the Clayr because unlike everyone else in the community, she has yet to gain the ability to see the future - known as the sight. In contrast to Sabriel, which you don't necessarily have to read before this one, Lirael is a methodical character study that further fleshes out the world of the Old Kingdom. As the story unfolds, we join Lirael in her quest for self discovery and acceptance as she comes to terms with her destiny. It is an emotional and impactful journey that will leave a lasting impression on you long after finishing the book. I love that Lireal has an ingenious magic system that is unlike anything I have read about in a fantasy series before, a fascinating cast of supporting characters that you grow to love over time, and, as an added bonus, Lirael happens to work in the world's most amazing magical library that only the wildest imagination could construct. Pro tip: the audiobook is narrated by the fabulous Tim Curry. If you aren't in the mood to read such a long book, then definitely check out the audio. You won't be disappointed.

A much slower start to this one in comparison to it's predecessor, 'Sabriel', I still very much enjoyed the dual-protagonist storyline (with one of the best fictional "library systems" out there). Nix has made a truly engaging universe in The Old Kingdom series.

Unknowingly started the Old Kingdom series with this book. I was able to begin with this book and totally understand the story. Great writing and great series. Can't wait for the prequel, Chlorr of the mask, to be released. Make sure to finish up the trilogy with Abhorsen.

Fabulous book, if a bit dry near the middle. The beginning part of the book was the best. Not as good as Sabriel, but still very good.

Good for teen readers- pick up the last entry in the series to have at the same time as this one, as it ends rather abruptly (leading directly into the third book.) No real concrete conclusion, as the story won't be finished until the third.

I wanted to hang out with Lirael more than I wanted to befriend Sabriel. I enjoyed my journey with this loner librarian a great deal. If you read Sabriel, keep reading the series, and spend some quality time in Garth Nix's Old Kingdom.