The writing in this book is clear and decisive, carefully crafting a comprehensible display of the world. I love how Lirael is described, how her emotions are conveyed, and how real and personal every part of this story feels. I will say that the sudden switch to Sameth’s POV felt a bit jarring, and took me more than a few pages to fall into pace with.

Oh, boy, do I love Lirael. I love how her emotional swings and angst feel both real and fully formed. I also enjoy how much attention is given to her backstory and characterization. I also love how interesting and developed the other characters in the story are, from Sameth and Ellesmere, to poor Nick and heinous Hedge.

The complexity of this plot – and how it bleeds over into the next book of the series – is incredibly well-done. While little points here and there definitely get in the way of me fully enjoying it, the overarching plot is interesting. 

Okay, okay. I’m very much in love with the world of the Old Kingdom, and I think I will likely always be. I love the details of the world, I love how the Abhorsens are described and fight off the dead, and I love how both of these translate into plots and characters that are great to read.

Animal death, animal cruelty, murder, death, death of parent, death of child, violence, body horror, gore, gaslighting, gun violence, injury, injury detail

I do truly love this world, and Lirael is such a stunning character.