Sabriel by Garth Nix
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
I’m so happy to be back in the Old Kingdom! Which is weird, since it’s populated by free magic creatures, dead hands controlled by necromancers, and all manner of scary creatures. The narration by Tim Curry is *amazing*, and audiobook is a perfect format for a re-read. I’d highly recommend this series for older teenage / adult fans of Harry Potter.
Lirael by Garth Nix
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 3/4
I have to deduct 1/4 star for Sam and Nick both being dumb and annoying occasionally (of course, they’re teenage boys, so maybe Nix was just being realistic). I LOVE Lirael, Mogget, and especially the Disreputable Dog!
Abhorsen by Garth Nix
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
That climax! I’m so stoked to get to Goldenhand now! I just need to re-read Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case first.
Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case from Across the Wall: A Tale of the Abhorsen and Other Stories by Garth Nix
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
I love to development of Nick’s character! His sense of responsibility and courage are wonderful. The end made me even more excited to read Goldenhand!
Goldenhand by Garth Nix
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
I’m torn. I loved the parts that focused on Lirael and Nick (especially Lirael’s POV of the events of Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case) and their developing relationship. I also enjoyed the new character, Ferin. But I missed the Disreputable Dog and Mogget. 😦 Overall, I didn’t feel this was quite as strong as the original trilogy of books, but I’m thrilled that Nix is still writing about these characters!
To Hold the Bridge by Garth Nix
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
I would’ve preferred a story about an already established Old Kingdom character, but just being back in the world was great! As it turns out, the bridge itself is featured heavily in Goldenhand, but the people are only in this story.
Clariel by Garth Nix
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
I haven’t read this one since it first came out in October, 2014. Honestly, I’m not sure where it belongs in the lineup. It’s a prequel to all of the other books, taking place hundreds of years prior to Sabriel, yet it was published in between Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case and Goldenhand (which are directly linked together plotwise). I guess, for new readers, I’d suggest reading this one first.
A BIBLIOPHILE'S STYLE 
Excellent mini reviews! So you’re telling me if I wanted to revisit the original trilogy after YEARS of being gone, you recommend I start with Clariel? And then proceed with the rest as listed above?
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I honestly don’t know! Until Goldenhand came out, I’d have said just read them in publication order. But Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case and Goldenhand actually cover some of the same events from different POVs, so they should really be read back to back. So, either read Clariel first, or read it between Abhorsen and Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case. Yes, that second idea sounds best!
Sabriel
Lirael
Abhorsen
Clariel
Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case
Goldenhand
And just throw To Hold the Bridge in wherever you feel like it. It takes place in the Old Kingdom, but has nothing to do with the story arc.
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Woot! That’s a sound plan! Thanks muchly. Now, when my historical fiction well runs dry, I won’t be so bereft. Just have to purchase the latter three books now. ;p I know, I know…I’m lagging.
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Ahh, the disreputable dog is one of my all time favourite characters!! Plus Mogget of course 🙂
I haven’t read Goldenhand yet as it’s been a while since I’ve visited the Old Kingdom and I wanted to re-read the series as a whole, thanks for the non-spoilery reviews 🙂
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I ❤️ The Disreputable Dog so much! I even did a post about her 2 years ago:
https://abibliophilesstyle.wordpress.com/2014/12/18/thoughtful-third-thursday-december-2014/
I always strive to keep my reviews spoiler free (or place very clear spoiler warnings). I don’t mind reading spoilers sometimes, but I want to know I’m reading spoilers, not be blindsided by them. 😀
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