Clariel is the newest addition to Garth Nix's Old Kingdom series, and a highly anticipated one at that. Set 600 years before the previous books, the story follows Clariel, a relation of the Abhorsen, who is isolated in her new home ­in Belisaere, the capital of the kingdom. However, with the appearance of a dangerous "Free Magic creature" in the city, Clariel is presented with a chance to return to her life of freedom and solitude in the Great Forest where she grew up. As events fly out of control, Clariel finds herself more trapped than she was to begin with. She finds herself questioning the motivations not just of those around her, but herself as well.

This might be my favourite book in Nix's series so far (that's right: he's said there will be another book following on from the end of third book Abhorsen). The prequel nature of the book provides a completely different look at the Old Kingdom readers have come to know and love. Clariel not only shows a more prosperous side to the city, but also a lazier side to the Abhorsen and the royal families. There is more political intrigue in this installment of the series, which in many ways is also appealing.

As a character, Clariel is fabulous. She's isolated from those around due to her own want to be alone. The overt suggestions of her being asexual makes for a refreshing read and no love interest to overshadow the story. She also provides representation for an aspect of the sexuality-spectrum that is not often portrayed in fiction. Anger is another major feature of Clariel's character, and something that not only makes her more well-rounded but also more relatable.

My only real criticism of the book is that the ending felt a little too rushed and a bit too convenient in some ways. It brushed over some of the events of the book, though all the loose ends created during this book and the other books are tied up as well.

Overall, Clariel is phenomenal and definitely worth the wait until October when it will be published!

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