Hmm. Middle book syndrome, big time.

The first book, Sabriel, was more of a short introduction to the world of the Old Kingdom. It was perhaps a bit sketchy, but enough to intrigue me. Lirael picks up some 14 years later, relegating the original characters to supporting roles – the first problem in losing my attention.

The second major problem was that I just didn’t really like the two main characters, Lirael or Sameth. They were too full of drippy teenage angst – which only made me feel old :(

However, my main problem with the book is that it doesn’t go anywhere – it’s just the first bit of a story that (I hope!) finishes in Abhorsen. So far I’m enjoying the final installment a lot more, but it only shows up how slow and uninvolving I found Lirael.

On the plus side, it was free!