I agree pretty much completely with the person who reviewed this before me: The entire thing was an excruciating build-up to what I hope is the conclusion in the final book. There wasn’t really a climax of any kind nor any conclusion; just build up. My second major beef with the book was the aggravating realism instilled in the characters. In most books this would be a huge plus… unfortunately, the characters are teenagers. Can you say “Poor me syndrome”? Even if you weren’t that way as a teenager, the main characters will no doubt remind you painfully of someone you knew/know which can be an annoying distraction. On the plus side, I enjoyed the interesting magic and extra insight into the world. Plus animal companions are awesome, I can’t help but think of Mogget as Salem’s white twin (Sabrina the Teenage Witch’s cat). And who doesn’t love that cat?

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!

This installment is much larger than the first in the series, “Sabriel”. Here the focus is on two main characters: Lirael-a Daughter of the Clayr who, at age 14, is still without the Sight, and Prince Sameth, 2nd child of the King and Queen of the Old Kingdom, and the Abhorsen-in-Waiting.

The plot still progresses at a quick pace, with danger again present from almost the very beginning, but not at neck-bracking pace of “Sabriel”. This produces better character development, as well as a chance for the reader to learn more about the lore of the Old Kingdom.