The sequel to Sabriel, Lirael picks up fourteen years after the ending of the first book in Garth Nix's 'Old Kingdom' series. Focusing on a people called the Clayr and their mysterious ability to See the future, readers are introduced to a new cast of characters, namely Lirael, ­a daughter of the Clayr who is isolated from her community due to her inability to see the future. But when tensions rise throughout the Old Kingdom and the appearance of an ancient evil threatens everyone, Lirael must leave the glacier she grew up on and rise to the challenge of following a different path than the one she believed she was destined for.

When first reading Lirael I was disappointed that there was little mention or appearance of Sabriel and Touchstone as they were my favourite characters from the first book in the series. However, the new cast of characters Nix introduces, including Sabriel's son Sam, more than make up for the lack of Sabriel and I found myself really loving this book. A major theme that runs throughout the book is feelings of isolation and difference from those around us, something that I, and I'm sure many other teenagers, can relate to. The use of this theme gives the book a human connection to readers amongst the interest and intrigue of the magic, prophecy and politics of the book.

Character-wise, I adored Lirael. Most of the book is told from her point of view, though the view point does occasionally switch, another plus of the book, and she is such a relatable character just as Sabriel was in the first book.

The book certainly ends with a cliffhanger, leaving the reader with many unanswered questions. I liked the ending; it seemed fitting given the attitudes of the characters it involved throughout the book itself.

Overall, Lirael is another brilliant addition to the Old Kingdom series and sets itself up nicely for another book that is sure to be as action and magic-packed as always.

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