Lirael: Daughter of the Clayr (Abhorsen Trilogy, Bk. 2) Paperback – 5 April 2004

The sequel to Sabriel, Lirael continues the story with more development of this very well built fantasy world. In particular, this book introduces us to the Clayr, who we only meet briefly in Sabriel, and in particular their fascinating Library.A lot more of the world's ancient history is revealed in this, and it's a tribute to Nix's world-building skills that the whole thing fits together very neatly. On the down side, he continues his annoying habit of putting in comments about how he wrote the book at the end of chapters. But I'm getting better at skipping over these.Generally speaking, I don't like books that end on a cliffhanger. But, to be fair, it has achieved its purpose - I've gone ahead and downloaded no. 3 in the series. The story's good enough to swallow my pride and keep going!

While I loved Sabriel and was sure I couldn't find another character as interesting as her, within the same world, Lirael is interesting in her own way, with a completely different personality, and you get to learn more about the Clayr from quite an interesting perspective. The Disreputable Dog is also interesting in a completely different way to Mogget, and exploring the Clayr's home is completely fascinating.

I really enjoy all of Garth nix,s books and this was no exception. I‘Ve read them out of sequence but that hasn’t spoilt the pleasure much - this was the last I think most have been via my local library. DON’T neglect your library if you have one book access is even cheaper than amazon but amazon for me fills the gaps and is super portable. Nix is supposed to be YA and I’m only 5 years off OAP (66.25 is the current moving target) and I don’t think you can ever be too old for his books. Love the disreputable dog and the humans convince. Read and enjoy.

My favourite of this series. Set in an interesting world, where magic is restrained behind a wall, beyond which, the dead can be bought to life and controlled by necromancers (uncannily similar to George RR Martin's Game of Thrones series - but apparently written in parallel, entirely independently - but aimed at young adults, rather than adults).

When I started this volume, it seemed as if it was not going to be a gripping as Book 1 but I am pleased to say that is picked up pace very quickly. Another excellent book by Mr Nix - thank you - and I am off to read Book 3.

I first read this aged about 14 (now ten years older!) and started the series with Lirael, not knowing there was Sabriel before it. I went on to finish the series in order and then read Sabriel last as a prologue. I remember at the time wishing I'd read Sabriel first although Lirael is by far the better book, perhaps because I identify more with Lirael as a character than Sabriel. I would recommend this book to anyone aged 10 and above, although perhaps the odd word will require a dictionary for young readers. However this book is equally suitable and recommended to adults, as long as they remember what it was like to go through puberty and not know what your role in life would be :)

After I read Sabriel I was hungry for more and disappointed that the main character had changed. I needn't have worried, Lirael is a vast improvement and one of my all time favourite characters, in particular the chapters that deal with the library of the Clayr are some of the most gripping I have ever read! In short Lirael is awesome!

Love these books so much!Lirael wasn't my favourite to start with (her being so whiny annoyed me no end!) but the linking with Sabriel and Abhorsen was very clever, and didn't feel like the story was being spun out unnecessarily.I'd happily read many more volumes about the Old Kingdom, and Sabriel and Lirael's descendants etc!