Tolog Review: Sabriel

Sabriel
by Garth Nix
reviewed by Samantha Martinez

Garth Nix dramatically introduces baby Sabriel, in Sabriel, with her immediately dying after birth. Fortunately her father, Abhorsen, is able to bring her back from death since he is a necromancer. He ventures into Death and takes Sabriel from the hands of Kerrigor. Kerrigor attempts to take Sabriel further into Death with him but Abhorsen is able to retrieve Sabriel from him. Sabriel grows up to be a necromancer as well. As a necromancer, Sabriel is able to travel to Death and help animals or people escape death. Sabriel is finishing her last term at Wyverley College and is skilled is the art of Death. She has been educated in scholarly subjects as well as Magic. 

One day, Sabriel is waiting for a visit from her father, but when Abhorsen does not arrive she starts to worry. Abhorsen has never missed one of their sessions before. When a creature of Death comes and gives Sabriel Abhorsen’s most prized possessions, she knows something is wrong. Sabriel ventures out in search of her father. In her quest for her missing father, Sabriel is lead back to the Old Kingdom. The Old Kingdom, guarded by the Wall and soldiers, is a mysterious and magical district, where on cannot enter without the proper papers. In a lucky twist of fate, the commanding officer knows Abhorsen and allows her to pass. First he is told a terrifying story of how the risen dead came crept closer and closer to the Old Kingdom. Fortunately, they were not able to pass because Abhorsen had stopped them. 

On Sabriel’s journey through the Wall she notices that the Charter Stones are broken. Since the Stones are broken there are some creatures of Death roaming around. Sabriel is then pursued by one of the Greater Dead. Luckily, she is able to find Abhorsen’s house has is surrounded by a rushing river. Creatures of Death cannot cross running water. Inside she meets an unlikely companion in an unusual form. Across the river slaves of the undead are forming a bridge to cross. Sabriel is fortunately able to escape but this will not be the only complication she will face. She finds another companion but can she trust him? When the one person she thought she could trust try’s to kill her, Sabriel learns to be wary. Who can she trust? How can she tell who is going to help or hinder her? Read Sabriel to find out.