title: Clariel: The Lost Abhorsen (Old Kingdom)
author:  Garth Nix 
description: &#8220;Between striking characters-from the heroic if not entirely competent young Abhorsen-in-Waiting, Belatiel, to the enigmatic, catlike Mogget-and Nix&#8217;s brilliantly complex magic system, this superb tale is exactly the book fans of the series have been awaiting.&#8221; (Publishers Weekly <strong>(starred review)</strong>)<br /><br />&#8220;Clariel is a deeply sympathetic character faced with complicated choices, the consequences of which are frighteningly uncertain as she is pulled between the wild Free Magic and the disciplined Charter. A bittersweet story.&#8221; (Booklist <strong>(starred review)</strong>)<br /><br />&#8220;Nix pens a compelling character in Clariel while his skill in rendering both politics and magic is strong. This excellent work can be enjoyed independently of the other Old Kingdom novels, but will certainly draw readers to those works.&#8221; (School Library Journal <strong>(starred review)</strong>)<br /><br />&#8220;Nix&#8217;s tale provides a complete experience unto itself. But his focus on this strong character whose overriding passion is to go her own way provides a hugely satisfying background to the other Abhorsen books. A suspenseful prequel to the much-loved Abhorsen books, showcasing the independent Clariel.&#8221; (Shelf Awareness (starred review))<br /><br />&#8220;Beautifully written, magnificently imagined, and wholly original, Clariel is Garth Nix&#8217;s finest work yet.&#8221; (Holly Black, New York Times bestselling author of The Coldest Girl in Coldtown)<br /><br />&#8220;The old magic returns in this sterling prequel to one of YA&#8217;s classic series.&#8221; (Scott Westerfeld, New York Times bestselling author of the Uglies series and Afterworlds)<br /><br />&#8220;A brilliant return to the Old Kingdom--one of the most exciting and original magical worlds ever devised.&#8221; (Alison Goodman, New York Times bestselling author of Eon and Eona)<br /><br />&#8220;A thunderstorm of a tale, bitter and brutal but dazzling in its ferocity.&#8221; (Kirkus Reviews)<br /><br />&#8220;Fans will treasure this long-awaited opportunity to return to a much-loved world, built with as much originality and richness as ever.&#8221; (Horn Book Magazine)<br /><br />&#8220;Nix fans will surely rejoice at this sharp, gripping prequel to his beloved fantasy trilogy of Sabriel, Lirael and Abhorsen. The beauty of a prequel is that it will not only present unknown scenarios even to the most intense devotees but also pave a path for new fans to dive into the existing trilogy. &#8220; (Bulletin of the Center for Children&#8217;s Books)
zlib_text: GARTH NIX
  
  Abhorsen
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  To Anna and Thomas Henry Nix
  
  
  
  
  
  Contents
  
    
  
  [Prologue](Abhorsen_split_004.html#filepos6281)
  
  [Maps](Abhorsen_split_003.html#filepos6007)
  
    
  
  PART ONE
  
  [1.](Abhorsen_split_006.html#filepos23251) A House Besieged
  
  [2.](Abhorsen_split_009.html#filepos54041) Into the Deep
  
  [3.](Abhorsen_split_011.html#filepos76704) Amaranth, Rosemary, and Tears
  
  [4.](Abhorsen_split_013.html#filepos107039) Breakfast of Ravens
  
  [5.](Abhorsen_split_015.html#filepos137716) Blow Wind, Come Rain!
  
  [6.](Abhorsen_split_017.html#filepos167173) The Silver Hemispheres
  
  [7.](Abhorsen_split_019.html#filepos180947) A Last Request
  
  [8.](Abhorsen_split_021.html#filepos200754) The Testing of Sameth
  
    
  
  [First Interlude](Abhorsen_split_023.html#filepos230816)
  
    
  
  PART TWO
  
  [9.](Abhorsen_split_024.html#filepos238286) A Dream of Owls and Flying Dogs
  
  [10.](Abhorsen_split_027.html#filepos252654) Prince Sameth and Hedge
  
  [11.](Abhorsen_split_029.html#filepos271724) Hidden in the Re