Sabriel - Book Review

Kliatt, Nov, 2002 by Jodi L. Israel

SABRIEL. Garth Nix. 1995/2002. Read by Tim Curry. 7 tapes. 10.40 hrs. Listening Lib., Random House Audio. 0-8072-0556-7. $33.00. Vinyl; author, reader, plot notes. JSA*

LIRAEL. Garth Nix. 2001/2002. Read by Tim Curry. 9 tapes. 14 hrs. Listening Lib., Random House Audio. 0-8072-0558-3. $40.00. Vinyl; author, reader, plot notes. JSA*

Sabriel, the first volume of a top-notch fantasy series, is an intriguing mixture of the familiar and exotic. When she is 18, Sabriel's plans to ease into adulthood are abruptly thrown into disarray when her father is mortally wounded by an old enemy. Sabriel must assume the mantle of his responsibility, though she has no idea what that means. She only knows that failure on her part will bring about the end of the world as she knows it. Curry brings his dry, witty delivery to a bevy of characters including Sabriel's guide, the feline-shaped Moggett, who is particularly sarcastic when he is not otherwise bored. Curry shows his sensitive side as well in Touchstone, released from a 200-year imprisonment, who is full of guilt for his part in the events that rent the kingdom. Sabriel herself is a rich canvas. Her confusion, fear, strength and power are heard in abundance.

Lirael begins 14 years after the end of Sabriel. Lirael is a daughter of the Clayr, whose visions are known throughout the kingdom. Unfortunately, the Sight has not been awakened in 14-year-old Lirael; instead she throws herself into working in the great library of the Clayr. Though her hopes of being a true Daughter never completely fade, she begins to understand that she has a higher role to play, one even the Clayr has not foreseen.

In addition to all the familiar characters, Curry has the Disreputable Dog, a voluntary servant of the Charter, femininely sarcastic but also comforting. Curry must also age Lirael from 14 to 20, from childish, self-absorbed teen to vulnerable adult, something he does with both aplomb and believability. Most of the important and cliffhanging revelations are revealed in the final cassette, but the process of getting there is well worth the effort. The third book, Abhorsen, is expected in January. Highly recommended for all collections. Jodi L. Israel, MIS, Jamaica Plain, MA