Lord of the myths

It never ceases to amaze me the amount of talent Australia has with science fiction writers. Abhorsen, Garth Nix's final book in his trilogy of the Old Kingdom, following the same success as Sabriel and Lirael is a true culmination of great fantasy, realism and adventure. As he states, "a fantasy novel should be like an iceberg. The story is the visible ten percent but the reader should feel like there is another ninety per cent under the surface that they can't see: it's not in the story but they know it's there. They should feel that the novel is built upon its own unique history, myths and legends, depths that are hinted at and suggested by the author, never to be fully explored and explained." Nix's three books are a fantasy genre that read like realism. He has produced a world with the same authority and rules as our own. He has written a delightful fantasy novel but hints at a realist setting throughout.

The story so far...

It all began with Sabriel. In this first novel Nix told a gripping story of a young heroine who must battle in Death itself to defeat a powerful enemy. For a long time Sabriel lived beyond the Wall, away from the Old Kingdom and the random power of Free Magic and the Dead who lurk and fester. But now her father, the mage Abhorsen is missing and Sabriel must cross to the other side to face her own destiny and save him. Lirael the second novel introduces us to Lirael, daughter of the Clayr. She is set apart from her kin because she lacks the gift of Sight. She works alone in the Great Library perfecting her Charter magic. But still she yearns for her birthright. Prince Sameth, son of the great Abhorsen Sabriel, is trained in birth in the arts of necromancy - trained to combat the Dead. But duty weighs heavily on him and he wishes to be free of his destiny. Now an ancient evil is stirring. Lirael and Sameth with their companions, the Disreputable Dog and Moggett go on a mission to save the Royal family and the Clayr. A strange secret links their fate and they know they all have a destiny to face together.

Abhorsen thus carries us on through the plight of these four companions. As the ancient evil tests its prison willing itself to once more bring terror and death to the Old Kingdom, the people turn desperately to the Abhorsen for protection. However Sabriel is missing in Ancelstierre. Lirael, the Abhorsen in waiting is the only one with any hope of protecting the people and so with the help of her friends she travels across to the Old Kingdom to fight and prevent the young scientist Nicholas Sayre from unleashing the evil of the Destroyer. It is a huge burden for an Abhorsen, let alone a young girl not yet fully aware or confident of her power.

Garth Nix has absolutely blown me away with his descriptive imagination. The power he has to take us on a breathtaking, imaginative journey is a gift to truely behold. However his novels are not for the faint hearted or for those who do not like Sci Fi. Nix has written with an huge amount of science fiction distinctives. For those who are not familiar with this genre or new to it, try something else before hand. To Nix's credit he has used a female character to lead in all of the three Old Kingdom books. His characterisations in general are clear and destinctive with a hint or realistic life like quality. They are certainly lovable and awe inspiring. As the reader you will be absorbed into a tale of intrique, magic and a rich world all created and unfolded perfectly for you.

And proud I am to know that Abhorsen debuted at No.3 on the New York Times bestseller list and was at No. 10 on 16 February in company with the Harry Potter and Lemony Snicket books. Abhorsen has also been recognised on the US Booksense Children's Bestseller list at No. 2, 3 and is currently No. 7. And like the Harry Potter books this one is certainly not just one for the children. For all who enjoy the Science Fiction/Fantasy genre, pick this one up and enjoy the world created by Nix. He is original, imaginative, and an Australian.

Michele Perry

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