Questions About Sabriel (Abhorsen, #1)

by Garth Nix (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (21)

Just finished reading the book but I'm still utterly confused about the difference between Carter magic and Free magic? Why is it that carter mages feel sick when they are near Free magic? I dont think there was a clear explanation of free magic and carter magic in the book but I might have missed it so if there's any kind soul that can explain it to me, it would be greatly appreciated!

Maya Well, the history behind this explained more in the sequels, but essentially Free Magic in and of itself isn't necessarily "good" or "evil", it's just…moreWell, the history behind this explained more in the sequels, but essentially Free Magic in and of itself isn't necessarily "good" or "evil", it's just pure power-and it's wielded by necromancers because I guess it's stronger, but also more unpredictable. Charter magic was created as a way to harness Free Magic into a more usable and safe method of performing magic--through symbols. I'm not necessarily sure if there's a ~reason~ per say that Free Magic makes mages sick, but it's likely to do with the fact that it's so strong that it has an adverse effect on the body. It's supposed to be almost corrosive, and that wielding it is detrimental to a person's health. Which is why necromancers resort to more and more extreme measures to stay alive. Hope I helped!(less)

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Can this book stand alone, or will I really want to read the rest of the series?

Stefanie Pfoutz Sabriel has a firm ending, and, while its a really cool world, there really aren’t loose ends. You may still WANT to read more, but you won’t HAVE to …moreSabriel has a firm ending, and, while its a really cool world, there really aren’t loose ends. You may still WANT to read more, but you won’t HAVE to for closure. If you continue and read Lirael, you’ll have to read Abhorsen, since the story spans both books. (less)

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This book jumped straight into the plot without explaining the world so I am so confused. Can someone please explain the basics?

Cassandra Yes it does jump straight in, but if you just keep going the world-building happens as you go. In case you still want some info, basically the world i…moreYes it does jump straight in, but if you just keep going the world-building happens as you go. In case you still want some info, basically the world is two parts - Ancelstierre, where Sabriel grows up, is like a late 19th century Britain - early electricity, guns, some cars, etc. The Old Kingdom, separated by a wall, is more mediævil and has magic and necromancy and cool stuff like that. Most of this book happens in the Old Kingdom. Hope that helps!(less)

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is there any romance???????????????

pulihara

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This is an odd question but do any of the characters/beings in this book have the power to induce fear?

Daniel I'm not really sure what you are asking. If you are asking, do some characters induce fear in other characters, the answer is definitely yes. If you a…moreI'm not really sure what you are asking. If you are asking, do some characters induce fear in other characters, the answer is definitely yes. If you are asking do they have the explicit power of "inducing fear," I'd still say that yeah, the main villain does that. If you are asking if some characters could induce fear in readers, well that probably depends more on the reader than the character. But...yes. The book has some intense scenes, and a lot of dead things coming to life and walking around trying to kill everyone, so it could be frightening to younger or more sensitive readers.(less)

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Unanswered Questions (1)

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