Sabriel is hardly like the other girls at her boarding school in the modern realm of Ancelstierre. She was born in the magical and mysterious Old Kingdom, where her father, the necromancer Abhorsen, still dwells. He has taught her how to use the seven bells which are the root of the craft of necromancers, journey through Death, and bind the creatures who lurk there. And when Abhorsen disappears, Sabriel finds herself in need of all these skills as she is pulled into an ancient conflict in the Old Kingdom--and discovers a plan more nefarious than she ever could have imagined.
Sabriel is an engrossing read, starring a capable, clever, and believable heroine. This book, widely acknowledged as a modern classic, is set in a well-developed fantasy world with intricate, dangerous magic and a plot with mysteries that keep you wondering at the ending. This is the first book in Garth Nix's Old Kingdom series (Sabriel, Lirael, Abhorsen, Clariel and Goldenhand), all of which are excellent. I highly recommend Sabriel and the entire Old Kingdom Series to readers ages twelve and up.
Note: This review is adapted from our original, posted on our fiction page several years ago. Sabriel remains one of our favorite books! You can read the original review here.