Rowan Tree and Red Thread

Over the weekend I read the second and third novels in Garth Nix's Old Kingdom series. I mentioned reading Sabriel, the first in the series, before in this blog and I was waiting for a chance to get into the sequels. Lirael, the second novel, is about the various trials etc. of two young people gradually realising the part they must play in defeating an ancient evil that threatens (as usual) the world. While the plot is relatively traditional, Nix draws you in with a well described and well imagined world of necromancy, terrifying creatures of Free Magic and an age-old Charter that binds and makes the world whole against evil and the Dead.

Abhorsen, the third and final book in the series, continues their story, reaching an impressive climax that reveals a great deal about the underpinnings of the world. The two novels are essentially one very long book, as Lirael ends very much in media res, but as I read them both in a couple of days I can't complain. They're very compelling. I very much enjoyed the setting: the Charter magic; the odd and dangerous Free Magic creatures; the descriptions of Death and the nine gates. It's all rollicking fun, but serious enough in parts too. The cost of magic and the weight of destiny are clear and the toll is great. I'd love to roleplay in this setting.

Fancy and vaguely informative publisher's website