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Castle (The Seventh Tower #2)

by Garth Nix (Goodreads Author), Steve Rawlings (Illustrations)

3.82 of 5 stars 3.82 · rating details · 3,018 ratings · 43 reviews

Bestselling author Garth Nix's amazing Seventh Tower series is back--now with a great new look!

The Dark World is a place of ice, wind, and fury. A veil of black covers the sky. In all the world, only the Castle shines with light. Tal and Milla are struggling to make it to the Castle, each on a dangerous mission. For Tal, a Chosen, the Castle is home--even though he is not

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Paperback, 224 pages

Published October 1st 2000 by Scholastic Paperbacks (first published August 15th 2000)

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Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Great Young Adult Books and Preteen Books

14th out of 116 books — 24 voters

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

YA Novels of 2000

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Jan 11, 2011 Ithlilian rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

If it isn't obvious by now, each book in this series is short and ends in a cliffhanger, so I'm entitling this review chapter two. Castle, much like The Fall is mostly filler with a little plot progression. If each book in this series was cut down and put together into one big book, then it would be great. Instead, I'm left unsatisfied with each book. Will I read the entire series just to find out what eventually happens? Probably not.

I was really looking forward to Castle because my favorite pa...more

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Jul 07, 2011 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

I went into this sequel with the characters and storyline a little stale in my memory, having shoved a 650 page work of “feminist” literature into my brain between the first and the second of the series. But Nix was quite gracious in recapping everything important from the first book in a short page. I was glad to find out a little more about Uncle Ebbitt, a character whom I enjoy. However, his character seemed a bit less put together than in the first book. I am pretty sure I’ll have to have a...more

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Jul 30, 2011 Dana rated it 4 of 5 stars

On a quest to get a sunstone for Milla's ship and a Primary Sunstone for Tal, the two of them cross the ice fraught with dangerous creatures to reach the Castle. Assisted by a map drawn by another Chosen who had also been outside of the Castle, Tal and Milla barely survive and get into the Castle only to be hunted by Sushin and his people. With Tal's crazy Great Uncle Ebbitt's assistance, Tal and Milla escape the Pit and the Hall of Nightmares and go to get the Codex, which Great Uncle Ebbitt sa...more

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Apr 06, 2011 Brittany Fulton rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 21-30

After falling from the tower, Tal finds himself in a frozen waste land. He has never been out of the castle and didn't even know there was an ice world below. When Tal is captured by the ice people he has to make a dangerous deal with them or else be killed. He has to take along the ferocious Milla and capture another sunstone for her clan, but there is one problem: Milla hates Tal and would rather have him dead and Tal doesn't really have any intention of getting them a sunstone. As the two set...more

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Sep 22, 2010 Parcoast rated it 4 of 5 stars

So this series remains simplistic, so simplistic that I almost feel guilty for counting this as a separate book. And then I remember all of the Robert Jordan monsters I read this year, and I don't feel bad any more. It all averages out.

I think of Castle as the next chapter to the story more than the next book, but even when targeting a different audience Nix continues to deliver enthralling worlds, realistic characters, and fantastic plots. He keeps things moving along at a good pace, yet doesn'...more

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Nov 28, 2011 Nikki rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, children-s-and-ya

Like The Fall, Castle is a short and easy read, aimed at reasonably young children. It's quite simplistic, but that doesn't stop it being fun. It's not very complicated, but that makes it a nice read to relax into, and I do still love Nix's worldbuilding. There's more there in the background than you think, when you stop and wonder about it: for example, now I'm wondering about the Crones, about what's up with the dream stuff, about the origins of the Castle, about what exactly Aenir is, about E...more

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Jan 09, 2010 Donna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: best-bitten

Tal has bound himself to Milla, and vise versa, in order to get himself back to the castle. In exchange for his safe return, he must get Milla a Sunstone in order for her to take it back to the Icecarls. Getting back into the castle, since Tal hasn’t heard of anyone actually doing it, proves much more difficult than climbing up a mountain. He’s pushed to the physical and mental limits that even he didn’t know he had, not to mention he starts to question his own standing in life. When Tal and Mil...more Tal has bound himself to Milla, and vise versa, in order to get himself back to the castle. In exchange for his safe return, he must get Milla a Sunstone in order for her to take it back to the Icecarls. Getting back into the castle, since Tal hasn’t heard of anyone actually doing it, proves much more difficult than climbing up a mountain. He’s pushed to the physical and mental limits that even he didn’t know he had, not to mention he starts to question his own standing in life. When Tal and Milla are captured by henchmen of Sushin, Tal’s mortal enemy for unknown reasons, he has to figure a way out of the mess he’s in and help Milla because it is his fault, after all, that she ended up trapped in his world and incarcerated in the Hall of Nightmares.

I have to say, this one is much better than the first, not only in writing style but in exposition as well. I think it had a lot to do with it shifting back and forth between Tal being someplace foreign and Milla being someplace foreign so there’s a lot more explanation going on which helps to develop the story in my head a little better. That’s not to say it doesn’t have its moments of ‘what is that?’ because it just gives you a name without a basis for comparison, but it’s quelled a lot.

By the end Tal gets over his “Milla’s barely a step above Underfolk” superiority that he carried for a large enough chunk of this book that it was still annoying. The girl saved his ass time and time again yet he saw her as beneath him, in some fashion or another. Product of his upbringing, I know, but usually, when someone stops death from taking your life, you’re grateful, not expectant that that’s how it should be regardless. Granted Milla isn’t exactly a daisy to be around but at least she doesn’t have the caste mind that Tal has.

I was getting pretty annoyed with all of the conveniences that seemed to surround Tal to help him out of otherwise futile situations. The more I see and understand these Spiritshadows and shadowguards, the more I see them as deus ex machina pieces that serve to make the journey easier for the MC, to help him out of situations he’d otherwise get stuck in. A security blankie. The things just proved too useful.

As did Uncle Ebbitt. Aside from the fact that his “wacky” demeanor felt contrived, at best, he always seemed to appear at the most opportune moments to help Tal along. When he was in the Pit, that was supposed to be an illegal holding cell. You’d think it’d be under better guard and an Underfolk with a hacksaw in a cake wouldn’t be able to get by and give it to Tal. Or how Ebbitt comes in to save the day just at the moment Tal’s able to get out of the Pit.

I did like Milla’s ability to thwart Fashnek and his crystal globe of nightmares. That, to me, made sense because she’s not of that world. She holds powers that they don’t know of so to see her exhibit something that was otherwise unfamiliar was almost expected. The execution of relaying why she had that power seemed a little forced, but the power itself was pretty cool.

With Tal leveling out and doing things for the greater good instead to protect his image, not to mention the stilts of the story getting shorter, the books are getting more tolerable. It’s decent but I’m still leaning towards this kind of high type of fantasy to not really be my thing. It’s a little much, especially when the emphasis is on the world instead of the characters, the situation or the plot.(less)

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Apr 11, 2009 Lindsey rated it 2 of 5 stars

One of the elements of writing in this genre that Nix is particularly gifted at is creating original fantasies and worlds. This series is no exception. However, in comparison to some of his other works, especially The Abhorsen Trilogy, the exploration of this world and the characters within is weak at best. The story is interesting because Nix presents the audience with a new mythology, but he rushes through the plot, circumnavigating what could be some really amazing explorations of the world h...more

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Jan 12, 2008 Osho rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2007

+ Strong male and female protagonists

- In medias res--can’t stand alone; some POV shifts weaken the tension

This is the second of a 6-book series intended for younger readers. If it is an indication of the next several volumes, they really should be read more as serial installments than as related but separate narratives. I will review them with that assumption unless a different approach is warranted.

Castle continues in a seemingly picaresque style, but as protagonists Tal and Milla progress in...more + Strong male and female protagonists

- In medias res--can’t stand alone; some POV shifts weaken the tension

This is the second of a 6-book series intended for younger readers. If it is an indication of the next several volumes, they really should be read more as serial installments than as related but separate narratives. I will review them with that assumption unless a different approach is warranted.

Castle continues in a seemingly picaresque style, but as protagonists Tal and Milla progress in their quest, it becomes clear that their personal concerns are embedded in a much larger context of history, politics, and intrigue. These broader elements suggest that what appear to be unrelated plot points will be revealed later as part of a greater pattern. Certainly Tal’s adventures among the Icecarls appear to be more fate than accident from the vantage of the end of Castle. The penetrability of the Castle mirrors the vulnerability of the society of the Chosen. Presumably phenomena such as the Veil, rather than simply serving as a starting point to establish alienness, will ultimately be linked to this world’s history in ways that are not yet evident to Tal and Milla; indeed, they are only at the beginning of their realization that there are questions to be asked.

I would have liked to see more evidence of Ebbitt’s eccentricity and arcane knowledge in The Fall; in retrospect, he seems too sketchily drawn there, even considering Tal’s age and relative lack of interest. I found his role in the Hall of Nightmares completely plausible; his actions related to Tal’s ring much less so. Only another few sentences would have vastly improved this scene and underscored some of the differences between Sunstones; without it, the scene seems deflating. Why do everything Tal has done if the solution to one of his problems is so easy? If it’s so easy, why didn’t we hear from Ebbitt earlier? Alternatively, a sentence or two from Ebbitt about why he was not more forthcoming about his secret knowledge earlier in Tal’s life, or even earlier in his quest, would go a long way toward character continuity.

The mood of Castle is somewhat darker than The Fall, and the shadowguards and Spiritshadows evokes both Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy and the demons of Stroud’s Bartimaeus trilogy. Structurally, Castle is a good companion piece to Heinlein’s Orphans of the Sky (sadly, apparently out of print), mirroring many of its events and images. If I were still a high school English teacher I’d use the two as a compare/contrast activity to highlight how “story” may be similar but “plot” different in different narrative frameworks.(less)

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Dec 03, 2012 Claire-louise Tuthill rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great read perfect follow up to The fall. In this book we see Tall and Milla return to the Castle and face the trouble that awaits them. This book is second in the seventh tower series another fast paced fantasy book jam packed with twists and turns. I particularly like Garth Nix's reference to the crows, should they ever leave the castle the towers will fall. An idea borrowed from the the Tower of London and the British Monarchy perhaps?

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Mar 15, 2011 Yenny rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, fantasy

I didn't think I would like the series but I did. It was amazing and kept my thinking for a long time even after I put down the book to sleep. It was so good that I dreamed about it and put myself in the feet of the protagonist's. :D

I apologize if this review isn't all that good, I read the books a while ago and have only just realised I hadn't rated and added this book to my Goodreads Shelf.

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Sep 05, 2012 Keita-Eiri Uesugi rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I will not lie... I do believe Ebbitt is absolutely amazing. However, if you want to know what else I think of the second book in "The Seventh Tower" series, be sure to check out my blog post about it!

Castle - Garth Nix [[REVIEW]]

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Nov 21, 2008 Robert rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

The second volume of the Seventh Tower sequence sees the mysteries of the first volume deepen if anything. Short and easily read, imaginative but without the true originality of Nix' Old Kingdom series, this offers entertainment but also frustration, knowing that there are at least three more volumes to go and they are all available in the USA...how long do we have to wait, just for the third volume?

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Mar 17, 2012 Dexter/Persy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, adventure, magic, surreal, own

After being pleasantly surprised by the first Seventh Tower book, I had slightly higher expectations for Castle, and they were met. While Tal and Milla aren't exactly the smartest or coolest characters ever, their adventure certainly is interesting and Uncle Ebbitt makes another appearance, and he probably -is- the coolest character ever.

I'm really liking the world of Seventh Tower, and I hope there's more information about what's really going on in the next books.

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May 11, 2011 Luciano Santos rated it 3 of 5 stars

No final, gostei um pouco menos deste livro que de seu antecessor, A Queda. Por mais que o mundo explorado em A Sétima Torre comece a ser mostrado pelo autor, as coisas ainda não acontecem de fato, e os maiores segredos da série até então – onde estão Rerem e Graile – continuam sem resposta, isso quando não se tornam ainda mais sombrios. Não que isso faça do livro um título ruim, ao contrário, os segredos são tão bem guardados que ansiamos pela página seguinte. O que de fato ocorre é que, de uma...more

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May 15, 2013 Preston rated it 4 of 5 stars

Second book in the series, just as entertaining as the first. I especially like that the author keeps the story moving quickly without a lot of time spent on trivial details.

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Feb 20, 2010 Cheryl rated it 3 of 5 stars

Tal and Milla make it to the castle only to be captured. Tal's uncle Ebbitt help them to escape and assists them to leave their bodies and go to Aenir.

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Jan 20, 2009 Angélica rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fantasy/Sci-fi fans

Shelves: fantasy, young-adult, favorites, childrens, reviewed

This was one of my favorite book series when I was younger, and it introduced me to fan fiction. It is also one of my (nearly) complete series. The concept of a world without the sun is very interesting and refreshing. The main characters act as they, in their established backgrounds/societies, should. They also have very good character development. Though a little dark for a children's/middle grade book series, the vocabulary used and the qualities of the characters are still appropriate. The p...more

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Feb 21, 2009 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Story line has developed by the end of book one and book two is much more interesting. I really enjoyed it quite a bit. Very fast read!

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Aug 23, 2012 Derrick Bjorklund rated it 4 of 5 stars

the plot dives deeper as the duo head to the castle. will they make it in? or will they fail? find out in this epic tale by Garth Nix

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Oct 12, 2011 Denise rated it 3 of 5 stars

Entertaining, but I still don't find the characters interesting and likable enough... 2.5/5

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Aug 30, 2009 Larry Childs added it

i learned never to let other people control me and never let anyone get in the way of my goal.

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Dec 23, 2008 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read2007, childrens

Tal returns to the casle with Milla to get sunstones for both of them.

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Feb 16, 2009 Alexis rated it 4 of 5 stars

This book was amazingly written! I loved every minute of it.

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Jul 16, 2011 Alan Mathews rated it 3 of 5 stars

It was okay. I'm still not sure how Mr. Nix gets his awards.

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Feb 25, 2009 Jenn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Castle (The Seventh Tower, Book 2) by Garth Nix (2000)

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Dec 16, 2012 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

This one was a lot better than the first one.

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Jun 08, 2012 AmyLyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kids, ry-s-books-reviews

Loved it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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Oct 17, 2012 Krissy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is just as good as the first and it is about when Tal and Milla have to go to the castle and get a sunstone.

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Nov 13, 2010 Meredith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: garth-nix, seventh-tower

Wow! What's going to happen next?

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About Garth Nix

Garth Nix was born in 1963 in Melbourne, Australia, to the sound of the Salvation Army band outside playing 'Hail the Conquering Hero Comes' or possibly 'Roll Out the Barrel'. Garth left Melbourne at an early age for Canberra (the federal capital) and stayed there till he was nineteen, when he left to drive around the UK in a beat-up Austin with a boot full of books and a Silver-Reed typewriter.

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Books by Garth Nix

Mister Monday (The Keys to the Kingdom, #1)

Drowned Wednesday (The Keys to the Kingdom, #3)

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Castle (The Seventh Tower #2)

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