Set in the Old Kingdom, 600 years before events related in Sabriel, Garth Nix's new novel immediately plunges readers into the same complex world of Charter Mages, Free Magic and sorcery. Here the author features 17-year-old Clariel, who wants nothing to do with politics or power, yet becomes deeply embroiled in both.
Forced to leave behind her beloved town of Estwael, encircled by the Great Forest, for the capital city of Belisaere, Clariel desperately wants to return home and become a Borderer, one of the wardens who patrols the forests. But as a member of the powerful Abhorsen family and the daughter of a High Goldsmith, Clariel must attend school with the "best people," take lessons in Charter Magic and, she later learns, marry the son of the highly ambitious Governor Kilp--so she may serve as a "puppet Queen" on the throne. Clariel grows increasingly frustrated with her options. A Free Magic creature attacks her, and she is able to subdue it--and in the process discovers her own powers. Seduced by the lure of Free Magic to get what she wants, Clariel feels compelled to look outside the safety of the Charter. A plot to overthrow the King forces her to act, but will Clariel's methods lead to her undoing?
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. --Lynn Becker, host of Book Talk, the monthly online discussion of children's books for the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators