Nix, Garth - Sabriel (Abhorsen #1) - Start Date January 22, 2014 [January 2014 Young Adult BOM]

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

                    




Be prepared for spoilers!

Synopsis:

Sent to a boarding school in Ancelstierre as a young child, Sabriel has had little experience with the random power of Free Magic or the Dead who refuse to stay dead in the Old Kingdom. But during her final semester, her father, the Abhorsen, goes missing, and Sabriel knows she must enter the Old Kingdom to find him. She soon finds companions in Mogget, a cat whose aloof manner barely conceals its malevolent spirit, and Touchstone, a young Charter Mage long imprisoned by magic, now free in body but still trapped by painful memories. As the three travel deep into the Old Kingdom, threats mount on all sides. And every step brings them closer to a battle that will pit them against the true forces of life and death—and bring Sabriel face-to-face with her own destiny.

With Sabriel, the first installment in the Abhorsen trilogy, Garth Nix exploded onto the fantasy scene as a rising star, in a novel that takes readers to a world where the line between the living and the dead isn't always clear—and sometimes disappears altogether

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

CHAPTER BREAKDOWN

Date		Chapters		

January 22	Chp. Prologue-iii	
January 23	Chp. iv-vii	
January 24	Chp. viii-xi	
January 25	Chp. xii-xv
***Break day / catch-up***	
January 27	Chp. xvi-xix	
January 28	Chp. xx-xxii	
January 29	Chp. xxiv-xxvi	
January 30	Chp. xxvii-end	

Breakdown is based on the Kindle version of the book which is why I have only provided chapter numbers, but it should equate to about 60 pages per day based on percentages

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Two Australian authors for BOMs in January! Seeing that Australia Day is Jan 26 that is pretty nifty.... I'm feeling a little patriotic ;)

[Yzabel]

I read that one years ago, but in French... Well, I guess this is going to be a good incentive for me to finally get the box set in English.

[Nina]

How long is this reading challenge in days?

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Hi Nadia. We will start reading on Jan 22 and closer to the date will post a suggested reading schedule for those that want to read along with the group. If you are faster/slower that is ok too!

[Nina]

Thank you! It sounds like fun!

[Ashley Marie]

I've had this one on the TBR pile for ages - I'm glad it got picked so that I have some incentive to finally get to it!

[Amanda]

I am so glad this won!! It is one of my all-time favorite books and I've read it at least four times. January will be the fifth :D.

[Christine]

I am not sure yet if I will only lurk around or if I will read it again :)

[✿Claire✿]

If I can get hold of a copy, I'll definitely join in :)

[Amanda]

This is a terrific book! Garth Nix recently announced that a 4th book in this series will be published in 2014 and I can't wait.

[Jess]

I'm so excited to re-read this!

[Valerie]

This is something I would probably never read on my own but I'll give it a try! I'm in :)

[Vicky]

A friend of mine keeps raving about this book, hoping I'll be able to join in on this one.

[Lara]

I love this book, and the audiobook too. Tim Curry does an amazing job at narrating.

[Lisa Kay]

Tim Curry! I love him. Man-oh-man! I have too many books booked for January. **sigh**

[Lara]

Lisa Kay wrote: "Tim Curry! I love him. Man-oh-man! I have too many books booked for January. **sigh**"

He narrates the trilogy and does a fantastic job. I had read before I listened, and Tim Curry brought so much more atmosphere to the story it felt like a new book.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Hmmmm I didn't know if I'd fit this one in, but it seems I can get the audio from one of my libraries so looks like I will be doing that!

[Lisa Kay]

Oh, goodness. My library has this available in several formats. Decisions, decisions.

[Lisa Kay]

Lara wrote: "...and Tim Curry brought so much more atmosphere to the story it felt like a new book."

Yes, an excellent narrator will do that to a story.

[Anni]

seeing as everybody is so excited about the book I think I'll give it a try. I'm in :)

[Ahmin]

This book sounds intriguing! I have to get my hands on a copy and read it along with you guys!

[Charlie]

I love this book and this series! Garth Nix was at the LA Times Book Festival in 2011 and he signed my copy :D

I may have to get my hands on the audio version, as I love Tim Curry, but I haven't had the best experience with audio before. We shall see!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Very cool Charlie!

I started the audio (to get a jump on the discussion question writing!) and Time Curry is very good

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Reading schedule posted in message 2

[Ahmin]

Can't wait to get started!

[Jen]

I've been wanting to read this book for so long but just havent had the time. I'm so in for this! Can't wait!

[Sean-michael]

I'm New here, looking forward to my first book of the month challenge. staring with this one because it coincides with my current reading schedule as in I should be just ready for a new book then! sounds fun

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Here we go!

January 22
Chapters: Prologue-iii

1. I love a book with a map and a prologue and this one was full of mystery and magic! What did you think of the prologue? Do you like the writing style so far?

2. So Abhorsen is a necromancer who generally only binds the dead or lays them back to rest. I like that concept, it is different to most other books. Thoughts?

3. Sabriel was saved from death by Abhorsen who, unsually, chose to bring someone back from the dead. Is it just because she is his daughter or is there possibly more to it?

4. The mesenger for Sabriel had a sack containing Abhorsen's sword and bells. Does that mean he is dead (like really dead, not coming back dead!), or is he possibly holding on and hoping she can save him using these items?

5. I liked the history Horyse gave about The Old Kingdom and how "corpses wouldn't stay buried". It seems like Abhorsen implementing the wind flutes has made a huge difference. I guess someone has captured him in order to have the dead start re-animating again?

6. It sounds like a pretty hard trek to Cloven Crest. "Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker"? How will this be relevant? Does it mean that Sabriel was somehow 'destined' for this journey?

[Jess]

January 22
Chapters: Prologue-iii

1. I love a book with a map and a prologue and this one was full of mystery and magic! What did you think of the prologue? Do you like the writing style so far?
Very interesting. It drew me right in. I like the concept of a wall separating a world of magic from a world of technology. I like the mechanics behind the magic system. It seems like the author has it thought out well. I also like how rich and real the world feels.

2. So Abhorsen is a necromancer who generally only binds the dead or lays them back to rest. I like that concept, it is different to most other books. Thoughts?
Well, necromancers are usually villains. There has been a trend lately to look at villains more complexly, and villain protagonists are pretty popular now. I can see how a necromancer who keeps the dead at rest would be useful, especially in a world where bad things rise from the dead.

3. Sabriel was saved from death by Abhorsen who, unsually, chose to bring someone back from the dead. Is it just because she is his daughter or is there possibly more to it?
I kind of think it was because it was his daughter. The narrative makes a point to say how despite his power and status he looked like any new father when he looked at his daughter.

4. The mesenger for Sabriel had a sack containing Abhorsen's sword and bells. Does that mean he is dead (like really dead, not coming back dead!), or is he possibly holding on and hoping she can save him using these items?
Hmmm not sure. I'd like to think she could save him, but I'm not sure how dark this book is going to be yet.

5. I liked the history Horyse gave about The Old Kingdom and how "corpses wouldn't stay buried". It seems like Abhorsen implementing the wind flutes has made a huge difference. I guess someone has captured him in order to have the dead start re-animating again?
Good theory. Possibly the monster from the prologue?

6. It sounds like a pretty hard trek to Cloven Crest. "Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker"? How will this be relevant? Does it mean that Sabriel was somehow 'destined' for this journey?
I'm getting that feeling. It seems that everything has led her to this point.

I'm really liking this book. I haven't read it in 10 years, but it's just as good as I remember.

[Yzabel]

I read this book a few years ago, but have forgotten part of it in the meantime, so I'm kind of rediscovering a lot of things. :)

January 22 — Chapters: Prologue-iii

1. I love a book with a map and a prologue and this one was full of mystery and magic! What did you think of the prologue? Do you like the writing style so far?

I found it interesting, and the kind of prologue that easily draws me into a story: it's about characters (all the more those who'll be the main ones, at least when it comes to Sabriel and—to an extent—Abhorsen, too), it immediately introduces us to the concepts that drive magic in this world, and it doesn't wax lyrical on "the history of the world (too many fantasy prologues do that IMHO). It also offers a chilly, eerie element to mull over: after all, Sabriel comes back from the dead.

2. So Abhorsen is a necromancer who generally only binds the dead or lays them back to rest. I like that concept, it is different to most other books. Thoughts?

I love this concept. Necromancy is a type of magic I've always found fascinating, so when it's explored in a different way than "evil necromancer who raises an army of skeletons", I'm all the more interested. Necromancy can be bad magic, sure... but as with many things, it can also do good, depending on how you use it and what path you decide to tread. Here's a good example.

3. Sabriel was saved from death by Abhorsen who, unsually, chose to bring someone back from the dead. Is it just because she is his daughter or is there possibly more to it?

Her being his daughter is definitely the main reason (even though he seems to have a hard time to believe he's become a father), especially since he mentions having love Sabriel's mother. But I like to think there's also a symbolic part to it, if only on the author's part: Sabriel was marked by death from the moment she came to life, passed through the world of the dead when as an infant she should've tasted the first minutes of her life... and this can't be mere trifle for a potential necromancer.

4. The mesenger for Sabriel had a sack containing Abhorsen's sword and bells. Does that mean he is dead (like really dead, not coming back dead!), or is he possibly holding on and hoping she can save him using these items?

It could be both. A passing of powers of sorts, either to succeed him or to save him. (Well, all right, I remember how it ends, but I'm not going to spoil anyone.)

5. I liked the history Horyse gave about The Old Kingdom and how "corpses wouldn't stay buried". It seems like Abhorsen implementing the wind flutes has made a huge difference. I guess someone has captured him in order to have the dead start re-animating again?

Kerrigor could be the one behind this. In the prologue, he said he'd be back, that someone else would sooner or later call him from the world of the dead. At this point in the story, he's a likely enemy indeed. Or someone who wants to freee him has captured Abhorsen in order to weaken his magic, allow the dead to wake up again, and thus weaken the border between dead and living, allowing for Kerrigor's return?

6. It sounds like a pretty hard trek to Cloven Crest. "Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker"? How will this be relevant? Does it mean that Sabriel was somehow 'destined' for this journey?

It seems like she was. Considering the particulars of her birth, it wouldn't be surprising.

[Lisarenee]

January 22
Chapters: Prologue-iii

1. I love a book with a map and a prologue and this one was full of mystery and magic! What did you think of the prologue? Do you like the writing style so far?

Can't tell yet what I think of the writing style yet. My theory is that Abhorsen is not Sabriel's real father. I wish we knew more about the mother. Who was she? Why was she alone? It sounded like she may have been running from someone or something.

2. So Abhorsen is a necromancer who generally only binds the dead or lays them back to rest. I like that concept, it is different to most other books. Thoughts?

We'll have to see how this works and why he saved Sabriel. Obviously he doesn't always abide by that rule. I thought it interesting that Abhorsen saved Sabriel in the Prologue and Sabriel saved the bunny in the first chapter. Is there some significance to that?

3. Sabriel was saved from death by Abhorsen who, unsually, chose to bring someone back from the dead. Is it just because she is his daughter or is there possibly more to it?

I say more

4. The mesenger for Sabriel had a sack containing Abhorsen's sword and bells. Does that mean he is dead (like really dead, not coming back dead!), or is he possibly holding on and hoping she can save him using these items?

only reading onward will tell. There's no way of knowing at the moment. It could just be he knew she'd need those items to save him.

5. I liked the history Horyse gave about The Old Kingdom and how "corpses wouldn't stay buried". It seems like Abhorsen implementing the wind flutes has made a huge difference. I guess someone has captured him in order to have the dead start re-animating again?

Or maybe the guy in the prologue finally escaped?Why did that dead spirit want the baby? Could she have taken him past the first gate? Could that be the real reason Abhorsen saved her? Perhaps she wasn't supposed to die but used her gifts to try to follow her mother? Can one necromancer sense another?

6. It sounds like a pretty hard trek to Cloven Crest. "Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker"? How will this be relevant? Does it mean that Sabriel was somehow 'destined' for this journey?

Can Destiny be denied? I don't know. Some say we control our destiny.

[Lisarenee]

You know with the wall, the waking dead, and the snow I keep thinking of A Game of Thrones and the phrase, "Winter is coming." Anyone else? Could this be the YA version of it?

[Sheila]

Chapters: Prologue-iii

1. I love a book with a map and a prologue and this one was full of mystery and magic! What did you think of the prologue? Do you like the writing style so far?

So far I like the writing style. I tried to read this book years ago when I first bought it, but could not get into it. I am glad that it seems so much more accessible now.

2. So Abhorsen is a necromancer who generally only binds the dead or lays them back to rest. I like that concept, it is different to most other books. Thoughts?

I am interested where the author will take the concept.

3. Sabriel was saved from death by Abhorsen who, unsually, chose to bring someone back from the dead. Is it just because she is his daughter or is there possibly more to it?

Maybe more? But I don't know at this point if he has any ability of premonition. That seems like a jump to me.

4. The mesenger for Sabriel had a sack containing Abhorsen's sword and bells. Does that mean he is dead (like really dead, not coming back dead!), or is he possibly holding on and hoping she can save him using these items?

He is definitely in a bad spot. Sabriel doesn't know which it is yet. I do not understand enough about the world to guess at this point.

5. I liked the history Horyse gave about The Old Kingdom and how "corpses wouldn't stay buried". It seems like Abhorsen implementing the wind flutes has made a huge difference. I guess someone has captured him in order to have the dead start re-animating again?

I really enjoyed the history. I want to know more. This whole world is intriguing and there is so much to learn.

6. It sounds like a pretty hard trek to Cloven Crest. "Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker"? How will this be relevant? Does it mean that Sabriel was somehow 'destined' for this journey?

A lot of fantasy novels have this sort of destiny idea. But I think it is fun to think about. I mean why does anyone do anything? I don't always outright chose what I want to do but the next logical step appears so I take it. Sabriel had no plans to go over the wall and search for her father until it needed to be done.

[Zonnah]

Lisarenee wrote: " I keep thinking of A Game of Thrones"

Lol, I have been reading the series and now when I read other books I keep thinking the plot is going to be sinister and then I am relieved when it is not.

[Zonnah]

Chapters: Prologue-iii

(view spoiler)[

1. I love a book with a map and a prologue and this one was full of mystery and magic! What did you think of the prologue? Do you like the writing style so far?

Took me a couple of chapters to get into the groove and am enjoying it. I was a little confused by the prologue at first and it only started to make since by the end of the second chapter.

2. So Abhorsen is a necromancer who generally only binds the dead or lays them back to rest. I like that concept, it is different to most other books. Thoughts?

It is different, I am interested to see how this plays into the story line and if Sabriel will be the same.

3. Sabriel was saved from death by Abhorsen who, unsually, chose to bring someone back from the dead. Is it just because she is his daughter or is there possibly more to it?

I am thinking there is more to it. I was also wondering why he was not originally with the mother at the beginning? He came into the scene when the mother was dead and the child was born.

4. The mesenger for Sabriel had a sack containing Abhorsen's sword and bells. Does that mean he is dead (like really dead, not coming back dead!), or is he possibly holding on and hoping she can save him using these items?

I am thinking he is holding on: dead on the outside but not through the last gate in the river of the dead, otherwise how would he have been able to get the sword and bells to her.

5. I liked the history Horyse gave about The Old Kingdom and how "corpses wouldn't stay buried". It seems like Abhorsen implementing the wind flutes has made a huge difference. I guess someone has captured him in order to have the dead start re-animating again?

I think it has to do with whoever Kerrigor is from the prologue.

6. It sounds like a pretty hard trek to Cloven Crest. "Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker"? How will this be relevant? Does it mean that Sabriel was somehow 'destined' for this journey?

That was an interesting quote and one that I asked myself. I would say currently in my life my path chose me but I don't think it is always that way. I think there times when you choose and there are times when life chooses for you.
As far as Sabriel is concerned we shall see :)


(hide spoiler)]

[Lisarenee]

Zonnah wrote: "Lisarenee wrote: " I keep thinking of A Game of Thrones"

Lol, I have been reading the series and now when I read other books I keep thinking the plot is going to be sinister and then I am relieved..."

Well, it's just that feeling that the first scenes gave me. We'll see if I feel that way later.

[Mirliz]

Chapters: Prologue-iii

(view spoiler)[1. I love a book with a map and a prologue and this one was full of mystery and magic! What did you think of the prologue? Do you like the writing style so far?

I really like the writing style. And the prologue just made me want to keep reading - that's a good sign eh?

2. So Abhorsen is a necromancer who generally only binds the dead or lays them back to rest. I like that concept, it is different to most other books. Thoughts?

Very interesting, I want to know more about him.

3. Sabriel was saved from death by Abhorsen who, unsually, chose to bring someone back from the dead. Is it just because she is his daughter or is there possibly more to it?

I would like to say there's probably more to it.

4. The mesenger for Sabriel had a sack containing Abhorsen's sword and bells. Does that mean he is dead (like really dead, not coming back dead!), or is he possibly holding on and hoping she can save him using these items?

My guess is that he is in a really bad spot and needs her to save him, and then she needs his things.

5. I liked the history Horyse gave about The Old Kingdom and how "corpses wouldn't stay buried". It seems like Abhorsen implementing the wind flutes has made a huge difference. I guess someone has captured him in order to have the dead start re-animating again?

Sounds plausible. And I also liked the history.

6. It sounds like a pretty hard trek to Cloven Crest. "Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker"? How will this be relevant? Does it mean that Sabriel was somehow 'destined' for this journey?

Theories about destiny are always fun to think about. I want to think that every person rules her own destiny, but at the same time I often feel like destiny is choosing a person's path. She's a necromancer, and he's her father, so it's logical that she should try and help him when he's in trouble and no-one else she knows could help him. Destiny? Who knows. (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

@Jessica

1. I agree. It is really interesting

2. Absolutely. Great twist on the "usual"

------

@Yzabel

1. That's true. It doesn't drown in detail

2. agree!

3. good point. I wonder if that path into death is necessary as a necromancer's child?

4. lol!

------

@Lisarenee

1. True. We haven't learnt much about her

2. Ah yes. Perhaps they are linked

5. All possibilities!

---------

@Sheila

1. Sometimes it takes a different mood to get into things

5. yes I agree

6. True. Destiny/quests seem to go hand in hand

-------

@Zonnah

3. yes I wonder about this too

4. I think you are probably right

6. :)

--------

@Mirliz

1. indeed!

4. I guess she needs them to help him too

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

January 23
Chapters iv-vii

7. Finding the Ancelstierran patrol dead does not bode well. Especially with their heads cut off! And then the Charter stone which was used to sacrifice a Charter Mage. Does this mean the person who captured Abhorsen brought back some greater dead who killed these men to use them as shadow hands?

8. I love how Sabriel is such a clear thinker. Able to use her necromancing skills and Charter magic and not get distracted from the task at hand. Do you agree?

9. So Sabriel's guide is her mother! I was surprised at this, and also had a little giggle when it described the situation of when she first called her. I had assumed her mother would not return to the story, but it looks like she may be quite important?

10. First Thralk and then a Mordicant. I think Sabriel needs to get some allies for her journey! And what is the significance of the "Servants of Kerrigor"?

[Yzabel]

Addendum to 1.: Re: the map, I had the same feeling yesterday as when I first read the book, years ago. Ancelstierre has a somewhat British side for me: the boarding school, school uniforms, things like "Sixth Form", the soldiers who seem to have a WWI/WWII at the most appearance... Whereas the Old Kingdom would be reminiscent of Scotland—not in looks so far, but because of its place on the map, some perceived differences, and the Wall (--> Hadrien's Wall)?

I don't know if it's just me.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Ah yes I see what you mean Yzabel. Although if I play devils advocate, the author is Australian and all those references could just as easily be relevant here. So perhaps it is just coincidence with Hadrian's Wall?

[Yzabel]

Karen, I have no idea. It's just a feeling I had. (If I'm not mistaken, the school system is similar in Australia, indeed?)

Also, I like the North/South change. I was growing accustomed to fantasy in which the Nice Ones were always west, and the Bad Ones always East. ^^; (LOTR, the Belgariad, the Sword of Truth...)

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Yes, The school system for my parents generation (which would be around the same time for Nix) referred to 6th form and rural areas rely on boarding schools.

And good point about the North/South aspect. You are so right!! (Even wizard of oz....lol)

[Mirliz]

Chapters iv-vii

(view spoiler)[7. Finding the Ancelstierran patrol dead does not bode well. Especially with their heads cut off! And then the Charter stone which was used to sacrifice a Charter Mage. Does this mean the person who captured Abhorsen brought back some greater dead who killed these men to use them as shadow hands?

I still don't have a really good understanding of this world yet, but that sounds like it would be possible?

8. I love how Sabriel is such a clear thinker. Able to use her necromancing skills and Charter magic and not get distracted from the task at hand. Do you agree?

Yes, I'm growing very fond of her and wonder what great things she will accomplish further on!

9. So Sabriel's guide is her mother! I was surprised at this, and also had a little giggle when it described the situation of when she first called her. I had assumed her mother would not return to the story, but it looks like she may be quite important?

I wasn't very surprised, but I was happy about that.

10. First Thralk and then a Mordicant. I think Sabriel needs to get some allies for her journey! And what is the significance of the "Servants of Kerrigor"?

Well, it doesn't sound very good to say the least... (hide spoiler)]

[Yzabel]

January 23 — Chapters iv-vii

7. Finding the Ancelstierran patrol dead does not bode well. Especially with their heads cut off! And then the Charter stone which was used to sacrifice a Charter Mage. Does this mean the person who captured Abhorsen brought back some greater dead who killed these men to use them as shadow hands?

It sure looks like it. At any rate, it at least looks like someone or something used some wicked ways of weakening the border between the living and the dead, and this will surely allows for the passing of more enemies.

8. I love how Sabriel is such a clear thinker. Able to use her necromancing skills and Charter magic and not get distracted from the task at hand. Do you agree?

Yes, and I'll add it's a nice change from all those YA "heroines" who don't really think at all. Sure, Sabriel's only 18, but it seems she was taught well and has learnt that allowing herself to be distracted doesn't make for a necromancer who'll live to a ripe old age. At the same time, she does make mistakes (she realises the North mark is weak, yet still proceeds), which reflects her inexperience. All in all, I'd deem her an already capable heroine with still room for growth. This is a good recipe for me.

9. So Sabriel's guide is her mother! I was surprised at this, and also had a little giggle when it described the situation of when she first called her. I had assumed her mother would not return to the story, but it looks like she may be quite important?

That situation made me smile, too. It was also pretty logic! What do you do when you're 12 or 13, have never been taught about such "woman things", are surrounded with people who have no clue (or will not talk about it because it's not proper, or whom you don't dare ask because they're your teachers), and your only known parent is, well, a man... but you have the power to call upon the dead? You ask your dead mother, of course! ;) I thought this was both a touching and funny element in Sabriel's story.

I was glad to see her mother still be part of the story. There was definitely something going on in the prologue in that regard, with Abhorsen not being far, yet still letting her die? This calls for more.

10. First Thralk and then a Mordicant. I think Sabriel needs to get some allies for her journey! And what is the significance of the "Servants of Kerrigor"?

Probably that the Kerrigor fellow has been surrounding himself with allies already, and that our heroine is a bit behind. The capital S also gives away that they may be powerful ones: maybe another necromancer, one of the wrong kind, who helped him come back?

[Kelly]

January 22
Chapters: Prologue-iii

1. I love a book with a map and a prologue and this one was full of mystery and magic! What did you think of the prologue? Do you like the writing style so far?
I like it. YA books are usually easy to read as far as writing style goes. I'm not sure I quite understand what's going on between the two regions but that's probably on purpose.

2. So Abhorsen is a necromancer who generally only binds the dead or lays them back to rest. I like that concept, it is different to most other books. Thoughts?
I think most books use priests for that function. But it's nice to think that no matter what your magic is you can walk on the good or evil side. Rather cruel to say someone's born and they have to be evil.

3. Sabriel was saved from death by Abhorsen who, unsually, chose to bring someone back from the dead. Is it just because she is his daughter or is there possibly more to it?
Hrm. She probably will be more but I'm guessing it was because she is his daughter. It seemed like the evil thing was trying to take her for a specific reason so maybe she hadn't died naturally?

4. The mesenger for Sabriel had a sack containing Abhorsen's sword and bells. Does that mean he is dead (like really dead, not coming back dead!), or is he possibly holding on and hoping she can save him using these items?
I'm guessing he's still alive because of the wind flute things still being active.

5. I liked the history Horyse gave about The Old Kingdom and how "corpses wouldn't stay buried". It seems like Abhorsen implementing the wind flutes has made a huge difference. I guess someone has captured him in order to have the dead start re-animating again?
Maybe. But if you wanted to re-animate wouldn't you kill him to end the magic immediately? I'm guessing it was a trap for Sabriel since she's turning out to be pretty powerful.

6. It sounds like a pretty hard trek to Cloven Crest. "Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker"? How will this be relevant? Does it mean that Sabriel was somehow 'destined' for this journey?
Seems similar to "God only gives you what you can handle" types of sentiment. A way of bolstering courage.

[Zonnah]

Chapters iv-vii

(view spoiler)[

7. Finding the Ancelstierran patrol dead does not bode well. Especially with their heads cut off! And then the Charter stone which was used to sacrifice a Charter Mage. Does this mean the person who captured Abhorsen brought back some greater dead who killed these men to use them as shadow hands?

There is some sort of army brewing.

8. I love how Sabriel is such a clear thinker. Able to use her necromancing skills and Charter magic and not get distracted from the task at hand. Do you agree?

It does seem like that so far. I do think this will not always be the case: she is so young and young are impulsive usually. The fact that her charter on her forehead is uncorrupted and has been mentioned a couple of times, I am wondering if hers is going to get corrupted at some point in the story.

9. So Sabriel's guide is her mother! I was surprised at this, and also had a little giggle when it described the situation of when she first called her. I had assumed her mother would not return to the story, but it looks like she may be quite important?

Since she can only summon her three times in seven years, the next time she summons her I think there will be some import to it.

10. First Thralk and then a Mordicant. I think Sabriel needs to get some allies for her journey! And what is the significance of the "Servants of Kerrigor"?

Not sure.

(hide spoiler)]

[Lisarenee]

January 23
Chapters iv-vii

7. Finding the Ancelstierran patrol dead does not bode well. Especially with their heads cut off! And then the Charter stone which was used to sacrifice a Charter Mage. Does this mean the person who captured Abhorsen brought back some greater dead who killed these men to use them as shadow hands?

Again this reminds me of the Game of Thrones. I know it won't be like it, but I kind of like that it has that feel.

8. I love how Sabriel is such a clear thinker. Able to use her necromancing skills and Charter magic and not get distracted from the task at hand. Do you agree?

Well, she kind of got distracted talking to the guide, but I loved how she was warned that all was not right. I did enjoy how she quickly refocused.

9. So Sabriel's guide is her mother! I was surprised at this, and also had a little giggle when it described the situation of when she first called her. I had assumed her mother would not return to the story, but it looks like she may be quite important?

I'm curious about this. Who was her mother?

10. First Thralk and then a Mordicant. I think Sabriel needs to get some allies for her journey! And what is the significance of the "Servants of Kerrigor"?

Other than Sabriel's father's enemy, who is Kerrigor? Why can he or anyone else pass back through the death gates?