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Title: Terciel and Elinor (Abhorsen, #6)
Author: Garth Nix
Pages: 379
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Release Date: 2nd November 2021
Blurb from Goodreads:
Garth Nix returns to the Old Kingdom for the
never-before-told love story of Sabriel’s parents, Tericel and Elinor,
and the charter magic that brought them together—and threatened to tear
them apart. A long-awaited prequel to a classic fantasy series.
In
the Old Kingdom, a land of ancient and often terrible magics, eighteen
year-old orphan Terciel learns the art of necromancy from his great-aunt
Tizanael. But not to raise the Dead, rather to lay them to rest. He is
the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, and Tizanael is the Abhorsen, the latest in a
long line of people whose task it is to make sure the Dead do not return
to Life.
Across the Wall in Ancelstierre, a steam-age country
where magic usually does not work, nineteen year-old Elinor lives a
secluded life. Her only friends an old governess and an even older groom
who was once a famous circus performer. Her mother is a tyrant, who is
feared by all despite her sickness and impending death . . . but perhaps
there is even more to fear from that.
Elinor does not know she
is deeply connected to the Old Kingdom, nor that magic can sometimes
come across the Wall, until a plot by an ancient enemy of the Abhorsens
brings Terciel and Tizanael to Ancelstierre. In a single day of fire and
death and loss, Elinor finds herself set on a path which will take her
into the Old Kingdom, into Terciel’s life, and will embroil her in the
struggle of the Abhorsens against the Dead who will not stay dead.
Goodreads | Storygraph | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Bookshop
My Review:
*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Bonnier Books and NetGalley*
Terciel is being trained by his great aunt Tizanael to be the next Abhorsen - an unusual kind of necromancer who banishes the Dead back where there belong, instead of raising them.
The Abhorsens are well-known in the Old Kingdom, where magic is all around.
However, on the other side of the Wall in Ancelstierre, there is no magic, and the Old Kingdom is not talked about.
Elinor lives in Ancelstierre, and knows nothing of magic until her quiet life is shattered and her world turned upside down.
When Elinor and Terciel's paths cross, Elinor learns of her connection to the Old Kingdom and starts on a journey that is full of danger.
As a long-time fan of this book series, I was excited when I found out there was a new instalment that was a prequel and featured Sabriel's parents.
I found both Terciel and Elinor to be likeable and relatable protagonists. Both of them had been through hard times.
Tizanael and Mirelle were both supporting characters I liked, and I would have liked to have found out more about.
I enjoyed returning to the setting of the Old Kingdom, with the Abhorsen's House.
The plot was enjoyable and held my attention throughout. I enjoyed reading Elinor's journey as she discovered more about herself and her family history.
It's been a long time since I've read a book in this series, so I'm sure I must have missed some Easter eggs, but after reading this I am definitely planning to re-read the other books in this series soon.
The writing style was easy to follow, and I felt this a worthy addition to the series.
I very much enjoyed returning to the world of the Old Kingdom, and would recommend it to long-time fans as well as new readers.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read.
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