"This sixth book in the Old Kingdom series chronicles how Sabriel’s parents met. Terciel is likable and his struggles as Abhorsen-in-Waiting are sympathetic, but it’s endearing, charismatic Elinor who steals the show in this character-driven story. In this book, Nix offers fans of the Old Kingdom a gift in the book’s return to the feel of the original trilogy; readers will be glad he chose the path that led to this story. Enjoyable, engaging, and well written." — Kirkus Reviews
"Terciel’s mix of competence and vulnerability is appealing, but Elinor’s journey—buoyed by her resilient spirit—is particularly rewarding. Fans will relish this return to a beloved world." — Booklist
" . . . All the Nix hallmarks are in place, including frightening Dead entities, multifaceted methods of wielding magic, competent women, and pragmatic attitudes toward sex. Loving callbacks to Sabriel render this installment of greatest interest to longtime fans, but Elinor’s introduction to the world of Charter and Free Magics, and chapters focused on Terciel’s childhood provide plenty of exposition for new readers." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"Well written and well paced, Nix’s original 'Old Kingdom' trilogy is considered a YA classic for a reason. VERDICT This prequel has broad appeal, but will ultimately be picked up by fans of the original series." — School Library Journal
“There is no joy like returning to the Old Kingdom.” — Leigh Bardugo
“Passionate, compelling, and teeming with the fantastic, the story of Elinor and Terciel — a prequel to Nix's beloved Old Kingdom classics — will charm new readers and thrill longtime fans.” — Cassandra Clare, author of the Mortal Instruments Series
Praise for SABRIEL: “Rich, complex, involving, hard to put down, excellent high fantasy.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Nix has created an ingenious, icy world. The action charges along at a gallop. A page-turner for sure.” — ALA Booklist (starred review)
“Sabriel is a winner, a fantasy that reads like realism. Here is a world with the same solidity and four dimensional authority as our own, created with invention, clarity, and intelligence. I congratulate Garth Nix. And I look forward to reading his next piece of work.” — Philip Pullman
Praise for LIRAEL: “Riveting.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“The action charges along at a gallop--a page turner for sure.” — ALA Booklist (starred review)
Praise for ABHORSEN: “Breathtaking, bittersweet, and utterly unforgettable.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"At once an allegory regarding war and peace and a testament to friendship, this is a thought-provoking fantasy.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Nix (The Left-Handed Booksellers of London) makes a satisfying return to his Old Kingdom series with this prequel about Sabriel’s parents, Terciel and Elinor. Elinor, inexperienced with the Old Kingdom, offers a useful introduction to the world, while sympathetic characters, a unique magical system, and frightening foes guarantee broad appeal to teen and adult fantasy readers, whether established Nix fans or new to the series." — Publishers Weekly