3.5 stars

Terciel is being trained by his great aunt Tizanael to be the next Abhorsen - an unusual kind of necromancer who banishes the Dead back where there belong, instead of raising them.
The Abhorsens are well-known in the Old Kingdom, where magic is all around.
However, on the other side of the Wall in Ancelstierre, there is no magic, and the Old Kingdom is not talked about.
Elinor lives in Ancelstierre, and knows nothing of magic until her quiet life is shattered and her world turned upside down.
When Elinor and Terciel's paths cross, Elinor learns of her connection to the Old Kingdom and starts on a journey that is full of danger.

As a long-time fan of this book series, I was excited when I found out there was a new instalment that was a prequel and featured Sabriel's parents.
I found both Terciel and Elinor to be likeable and relatable protagonists. Both of them had been through hard times.
Tizanael and Mirelle were both supporting characters I liked, and I would have liked to have found out more about.
I enjoyed returning to the setting of the Old Kingdom, with the Abhorsen's House.
The plot was enjoyable and held my attention throughout. I enjoyed reading Elinor's journey as she discovered more about herself and her family history.
It's been a long time since I've read a book in this series, so I'm sure I must have missed some Easter eggs, but after reading this I am definitely planning to re-read the other books in this series soon.
The writing style was easy to follow, and I felt this a worthy addition to the series.
I very much enjoyed returning to the world of the Old Kingdom, and would recommend it to long-time fans as well as new readers.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read.

So I was very excited to meet Terciel & Elinor, the parents of Sabriel and basically see where it all started. Sort of, I guess. But I am down for diving into this world and exploring with some new characters. While this is part of the series, you do not have to have read the previous books to enjoy. However, with all the foreshadowing and hints of the future, I would read in order. Just so that you can get the full experience.

In Sabriel we have very little information about her parents, this books adds to that information and provides their backstory. We also see more of Kerrogir and see him through the eyes of those who is not aware of his true nature. Which made it more interesting. And we get an understanding as to how kerrogir and Terciel ended up in the situation that they did.

There's also lot of the Clayr and foreshadowing which made the story more interesting and feel similar to the original trilogy. 

Terciel and Elinor is billed as a more romance type story rather than the twisted plots and danger of the other books, but I would not say that it is a full romance book. There is just elements of a romantic plot in a fantasy world. 

I have to admit that this was not my favourite book in the series, I do prefer Lirael's story, however this is a book that I will pick up everything I re-read this series. If you are after something new but want nostalgia then this is the book for you. I suggest you pick it up right now. 

Now I'm wondering if another book of the series is going to come out, if so sign me up, because I cannot wait to devour this series all over again.

So I’ve more of less been reading the Abhorsen books over the span of twenty years of so (yes I am that old and these books aren’t meant for me anymore but I don’t care) and my memory of what’s gone before is a little hazy which I’m pretty sure I missed most of the Easter eggs in the this prequel. The title characters are the Abhorsens parents and this is the story of them as baby adults and how they met and came into their powers etc. It’s another solid addition to the collection, Nix rarely lets me down thank goodness and it did make me want to go back and read the whole series from the beginning again.

I love Garth Nix’s Old Kingdom series and have done since I was a teen, so I was going to love this one no matter what. That said there was a poignancy to this story and something more mature in how it unfolded. It’s not my favourite of the series but it played on my mind long afterwards. Thoroughly enjoyed.

I love this series, and Terciel & Elinor didn't disappoint! The world Garth Nix has created continues to come alive (or dead) in the very best way, and his characters are always great fun to follow. This had me on the edge of my seat and desperate for someone else to chat with about the latest developments in the story.

If you were a fan of the original Old Kingdom books, this will be a wonderful nostalgic trip for you, and if you’ve never read them then it’s a great introduction to the world.

I’m a big fan of ‘we learn about the world/magic with the character’ books, and this is a great example. If you haven’t read any of the Old Kingdom books (or if, like me, it’s been about a decade since you did) it doesn’t matter, because we learn along with Elinor about the charter, the Old Kingdom, and the role of the Abhorsen and the Clayr.

It was delightful to meet Terciel and Elinor, and see a little of their story since we don’t get to meet them in the original trilogy, only hear about them from other characters. Seeing their origins, and how they came together as a couple, was an interesting and enjoyable insight into the Old Kingdom before it was quite as fraught as it is by the time Sabriel ventures across the wall in years to come.

The story was quick and the plot was rapid, allowing us to get a feel for Elinor’s understanding of the world before rapidly turning it upside down.

I loved Terciel and Elinor, and now want to reread the earlier books for more of the Old Kingdom magic.

As you would expect from an Old Kingdom novel, we have necromancy and magic aplenty in this prequel, but as I often find with Garth Nix's books, it just fell a bit flat for me. I enjoyed Elinor's storyline a lot, particularly during her time as a teaching assistant, but Terciel's plot felt repetitive and a bit meandering. Overall, if you have read the other books in this series, then I would definitely recommend reading this one too, but it doesn't do anything particularly new or different from the other installments.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Honestly, this is the kind of read that warms the soul, and I can see myself picking it up whenever I feel like a need a bit of joy.

Terciel & Elinor is the story of two people on separate and personal journeys to find out who they are and where they belong. From discovering magic exists, to blowing the lid of long hidden family secrets you’ll find yourself rooting for them not only find the answers they seek, but face down evil.

Both Terciel and Elinor are incredible characters who you see go on a journey both separately and together. But Elinor I LOVED, she is so unique and unlike anyone I’ve read about in a long time. From her love of plays and her refusal to act in a way society would expect, to her circus tricks and knife throwing. She’s a breath of fresh air. Thrown into a world of magic, upon realisation the world is bigger than her family have told her, she still has the strength to act in spite of her fear.

And Abhorsen Tizanael, well how to explain her constant grouchy moods. I LOVE HER.

If you have never ventured into the Old Kingdom before “Terciel and Elinor” is the perfect place to start. Being a prequel you’ll be introduced to the world and magic system without being overwhelmed with pages upon pages of world building. If you have read Garth Nix’s Old Kingdom works before you’ll find joy in returning to the world, magic and a new part of the story youll adore.

First of all, I read this book through the lens of being a huge admirer of The Old Kingdom series (and of Garth Nix's work in general, he is an auto-buy author for me), so nostalgia was a factor in my rating.

This book is a prequel to Sabriel, the book that started it all, and while chronologically earlier than Sabriel, I would definitely read Sabriel first, as much of this book is written with nods and references to things that happen in that book. Read first, these things foreshadow events in Sabriel (and Lirael and Abhorsen), but I really think that they're only really effective if you're 'in the know' from having read the Sabriel trilogy first.

It's no spoiler to say that this book shows how Sabriel's parents met, and that's pretty much what it's about, though they each have a journey in their own right, which I loved, particularly Elinor's.

If you have read the Sabriel trilogy first, then this goes over very little new ground: familiar settings, characters, and villains are all used to splendid effect, but I know The Old Kingdom, it has lingered with me over the years, so I find it difficult to imagine how anyone who hasn't read the original books would take to this. I definitely feel as if this is a lesser book than Sabriel, it almost feels as if it is setting the reader up for another story, rather than being the main event itself, but again, this is from the point of view of someone who has read and re-read the original books (plus listened to Tim Curry's fabulous narration of the audiobooks several times). It is a return to form, though, after the different feel of Clariel, which, while I enjoyed it less than the others, still delivered in the same way that this one does, in that, while you already know the outcome, you really hope it won't happen. As with all of the old Kingdom series, the characters stay with me, and I want to know more.

I never really questioned Sabriel's birth, or thought much about her parents, they were incidental to her story after all, but now that I know and love these characters, I want to know more, The romance in this book felt a little rushed, as did the ending, and I feel like Terciel and Elinor raised more questions than it answered, so I'll keep my fingers crossed for another instalment where we find out what happens to Elinor and follow Terciel in his journey to become the established Abhorsen we see in Sabriel. It might be that the book is just a precursor to Sabriel, but I really hope it is a prequel to more about Elinor in particular.

I can't work out how long it's been since I last read an <em>Old Kingdom</em> book, but it's been a while (2015?) However, it was a lot of fun to return to this world. It felt familiar and comforting despite the fact that there are doubtless <em>dozens upon dozens</em> of references I missed with such a reading gap. However, I still could pick out the major ones (so I could follow along why these two characters were so important!) and knowing I was missing others didn't spoil my enjoyment. It simply made the world feel larger, knowing there was a body of history behind it that could be found with time.

Naturally, I <em>loved</em> all the Shakespeare references. Elinor is a play enthusiast, so as well as her juggling and stage acting shenanigans, we get all these "Breakspeare" plays and quotes. It is marvellous, the sort of Easter Egg I can get and really appreciate. There are lots of other tongue-in-cheek jokes also scattered through the book, adding an edge of humour to balance out the threat. (I am assuming the villain/s are threats from other books? That is how much I've forgotten after ~6 years!)

It's a pacy book that does well to juggle two characters with no shared background meeting and then splitting up without expecting to cross paths again (and then do.) That "story lines crossing early even if they then split" is one of my preferred ways for non-single POV books to be told, as it meant I was engaged to both characters as I knew how they linked to each other and thus felt like a cohesive book.

I think I might put the other books on my TBR to re-read now!

I love garth night books, and this was no exception. I love this series, and it is a long series with long books, but they keep you gripped until the end

In a world divided by a wall, where one side holds the secrets to magic and battles the dead who will not rest, two individuals grow up to face their destiny. Terciel, an orphan, has been plucked from a life of poverty by a distant Aunt. As the Abhorsen in Waiting, he must learn the ways of the Dead and take up the bells to fight unimaginable battles. Across the wall, Elinor sits behind closed walls, homeschooled and cloistered from the world outside. However, a chance encounter with the Dead, and Terciel, will open up a world of familial secrets. Will the walker choose the path, or the path the walker?

I need to preface this by saying that the Old Kingdom series is one of my all time favourites. It's a story, and a world, that I find effortless easy to fall into, and one I frequently return to as a comfort. Terciel and Elinor was therefore one of my most anticipated reads of the year, especially as it offers a prequel story to Sabriel, featuring characters and lore already known to readers of the series. We see more of Kerrigor, but through the eyes of those without the knowledge and luxury of time to understand who he is. There is foreshadowing on nearly every page, helped along by the Clayr and their Sight. But more importantly we see the burgeoning love story between Terciel and Elinor, and how they come to find each other. It builds on the scant information the reader is given in Sabriel about her parents, especially her mother, and makes the characters feel more fleshed out and relatable.

I will say that I did find find their relationship quite fast in its development, and there is no where near enough Mogget, especially given how snarky and petulent he is when we do see him (understandable given the Abhorsen's dislike of him and the offhand comment Terciel gives in Sabriel about never seeing him in a cat form - I appreciated the continuity). However, I just cannot give this anything less than 5 stars due to my inability to stop thinking about this world and magic system. We see through Elinor the complexity of Charter magic and it's connection to nature and every living thing. It's endless and all consuming and can touch every aspect of life and death, throughout time. It's limitless, and I eagerly lapped up every crumb of information about it, and will continue to do so on every reread of this series because I just love it so much.

In terms of plot, this doesn't have the world shattering and ageless complications and dangers that Lirael and Abhorsen has, instead sharing most of its plot with Sabriel, and focusing more on internal threats to the kingdom. We still see parts of the world the reader has not been to before, while reintroducing old haunting grounds that still have some hidden secrets to discover. I really would like a family tree of the Abhorsen's though. They're such a complicated and convoluted family that at times I would have liked something to show me how they all link together.

Since finishing all I've wanted to do is reread Sabriel with all this new insight I have, and quite honestly I think I will. I could read endless stories about this world.

As a lover of the Old Kingdom series - particularly the first two, Sabriel and Lirael - it was a delight to be back in this world. Nostalgia factor was super high with this one, and while the story is slow-burning, it's worth it for the hints and insights we get at the Abhorsen's world - and the origins of Sabriel.

First reactions when I closed the book:-

While this might not be my fave in the series (did I overhype this in my head? Good grief, yes!), I adore this series and think it a worthy instalment!

A few hours later:-

If you have followed me for a little while, you know that I adore this series. I reread via audiobook the series in summer 2020 (Covid 19 lockdown burnout and a terrible case of reading slump) and it was a wonderful experience - even Clariel, a book I'm not the biggest fan of, I went "This is lovely. I missed this world." Plus, I think about the lead, Clariel, quite often. So, when it was announced that we were getting another instalment in this world, you can guess how excited I was? And the fact that it was a prequel to the first book in the series, Sabriel, looking at her parents made me more excited.

Now, before I go further and explain the book, we get most of the information about Sabriel's parents in the prologue of Sabriel so we know where their story ends. But we don't know how they met and how the relationship evolved and that's what this book is about: her parents meeting.

Ok, I need to talk the story, don't I? In the Old Kingdom, where Charter Magic and Free Magic exists, 18 year old Terciel is the Abhorsen-In-Waiting. A necromancer to bind the Dead down and lay them to rest. Soon, he will be the Abhorsen and soon, he will have to face the Dead and, maybe, Greater Dead. But when he is sent south into the Ancelstierre, he doesn't realise the ploy he's walking into...

In Ancelstierre, where magic usually doesn't work (unless close to the Old Kingdom or the winds blowing from the north), 19 year old Elinor lives a seduced life. Her closest friends are her governess and a former circus performer. Her mother lies in bed, close to death. But in a space of a night, everything she knows is burnt, killed or ripped away from her as a ploy from an ancient enemy brings Terciel into her life and the truth of her connection to the Old Kingdom is revealed.

And still, the enemy is waiting, buying their time...

Now, I love this series. Don't get me wrong. This is one of my favourite fantasy series and, normally, I can devour each instalment quite quickly. But this... this took me a month to read. Mainly because of time (some days, I could only spare about five minutes before rushing to work), but also because this wasn't what I was expecting. Now, I like when books take me in directions I'm not expecting. It's just... how can I explain this in a way that makes sense?

Ok, I think I got it. This is a book about how the series's main hero's parents met, correct? And how the Big Bad of this book (and of Sabriel, FYI) is delayed, yes? So... why does the majority of this book have our main leads apart with no interaction? I mean, the character first meet on page 50(ish) then apart way on part 82. Then they don't meet up again till around page 288. That is 206 pages of them apart (remember, this book is around 409 pages long, minus Author's Note and Acknowledgement, so over half the book is these two characters apart) and I get why this had to happen, but boy, there were moments when it dragged.

Some chapters needed to be longer and others needed to be much shorter.

I think my main issue with this is the same as I have with Clariel on my first reading. Which is that it feels slightly disjointed from the rest of the Old Kingdom series. You know it fits the series and it does, but at the same time, it feels even-so-slightly off kilter, as if the story of these two teens finding themselves and their place in the world isn't strong enough to hold the story.

Maybe this is me overhyping this book in my head (which I know I have up to a point as this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2021!). Maybe, once things are more settled and I reread this (which I will do next year or in 2022), I will read it and I will click with it.

I'm still a huge lover of this series and if Garth Nix writes another instalment, I will preorder it so fast. I would be hugely curious to see where he goes (I would love to know who the first Abhorsen is and how they became the Abhorsen), but I would be happy if this is the last instalment in the Old Kingdom as I don't want this series I love to outstay its welcome.

Being an avid fan of The Old Kingdom series, it was such a delight to be back in the world, wit ha new story to devour. I had great fun reading about Terciel & Elinor, and there were a lot of things that make me squeak out loud with delight, either characters I recognised or references to places, such as insides Abhorsen's House, which we got to explore so much more of. A read that any fan of The Old Kingdom will enjoy.

Oh where to start with this!

The Old Kingdom series is one of my all time favourites and I was so excited to be back in this world!

This book did not disappoint and I fell straight back into Nix's wonderful writing style! I loved all of the characters and this book made me both laugh and cry!

Thanks to #NetGalley & #HotKeyBooks for providing me with an eARC in exchange for a fair review.

Terciel and Elinor is a prequel to Sabriel, the first book in The Old Kingdom series. Please don't be fooled by the slightly inaccurate marketing which promises the love story of Sabriel's parents. This is a lovely & well told story, but I would not describe it as a romance. Instead it sets up the story of how her parents met, rather than the story of their relationship.

The novel would be more accurately described as a coming of age story for young Terciel, the Abhorsen in Waiting and young Elinor, a daughter of the Clayr raised outside the Old Kingdom in Ancelstierre with no knowledge of her heritage or the Charter.

I loved Elinor, she is an interesting young woman with a love of theatre and circus skills who has been mostly raised by her governess Mrs Watkins and the elderly performed Ham in a fading stately home with a cold & distant mother refusing to recognise their impoverished circumstances.

Elinor rises to face the unexpected dangers brought to her doorstep by the necromancer Hedge. Once she learns of the Charter and her distant relatives in the Old Kingdom she becomes determined to learn Charter magic and travel to meet them.

Terciel is apprenticed to the Abhorsen Tizanael, an aged distant relative who swept him away from an orphage as a young child. There is little softness or affection in the relationship, with Tizanael consumed by her duty to protect the Old Kingdom from the encroachment of the Dead. Terciel is worried that he will never be as proficient with the Charter magic as Tizanael and sets himself to studying spells in every free moment.

We see glimpses of familiar places - Wyverley College and the Border guards, and even Mogget makes an appearance although wearing a different guise than the catlike form we are used to.

#Fantasy #Magic #TheOldKingdom #TercielElinorTheOldKingdom1

I have been a huge fan of The Old Kingdom Series, ever since I discovered a well read copy of Sabriel at my local library around 15 years ago! I remember starting it, and sitting on one of the old leather reading sofas in the library. I remember
Thank you to NetGalley & Bonnier Books for providing me with an ebook arc.

This book is a prequel to Sabriel, so, if you’re new to the series, you could start with it – but personally I prefer to read in order of publication for the full reader experience.

It’s going to be hard for me to review this book without comparing to the rest of the series, but I will keep it spoiler free!

For me, Terciel & Elinor was much slower than the rest of the series. Nix takes his time setting the foundations for the climax. I had hoped to read more of Sabriel’s parents time together, and although the story isn’t quite how I imagined – it had the perfect balance of new beginnings, romance, fantasy and of course death.

The magic system (Charter Marks / free magic) is explained again, and yet, it still felt new to me. It is a very complex system, so I welcomed the deeper insight.

The luxury of knowing the back story, for me, it was easy to pick out the foreshadowing of what was to come. So much so, half way through I started listening to Sabriel on Audible (Tim Curry narrating is simply magical). There are bittersweet moments in T&E and without spoiling, it created a burning hope in me that I knew would turn to ash:

“She wouldn’t be the main character herself,  Elinor thought. But an important supporting one.”

***

“You delay me, annoy me, that is all. And one day you will pay the price.”

The foreshadowing gave me goosebumps.

Elinor is very likeable, she’s naive but embraces her new life, she isn’t foolish enough to not be afraid but she shows plenty of courage. One thing Nix never let’s me down on, is a great female lead.

Terciel is more studious than I imagined him to be. He’s gentle but defiant and much more cautious – which brings out a protective side of him towards Elinor. It’s an interesting contrast to how he appears in Sabriel (initially).

Their romance isn’t subtle. They’re thrown together and then separated, but it’s clear they have chemistry from their very first meeting. I would love to know more of their tale from the ending of T&E to the beginning of Sabriel. This is the prequel of how they came to be and although the ending is the same, there is still so much to tell!

One of the things I love about this series is how believable it is. It is a wonderful fantasy, with magic and necromancy, but it feels like it could be the norm. It’s not something I feel I can explain very well, but the way Nix writes, I can really emerse myself into the story. T & E was no exception. It’s all in the detail, as they say, and I could picture everything so vividly!

T&E compliments the series, and over all I feel like it has brought back that spark from the original trilogy.

It was incredibly nostalgic being back in the Old Kingdom. The Abhorsen’s house is always a fascinating location, Mogget’s cameo, the journey through the Gates of death, the hints of what’s to come left me feeling fulfilled. I’m certainly going to complete my reread this year.

This will be a comfort read for previous readers of The Old Kingdom… especially if you started it way back when. Sabriel just had its 25th Anniversary!  I also hope it brings more readers to the series!

Full review on my blog (link below)

Thank you to NetGalley, Hot Key Books and Garth Nix for my arc of Terciel and Elinor in exchange for an honest review.

Out now!

Like many others The Old Kingdom series was one of my all time favourite fantasy books growing up. I remember reading it again and again. It was my first introduction to the idea of death being anything different than the average story of heaven and hell. Teaming that with a teenage girl saving the world by going into Death itself, well frankly it fascinated me.

Terciel and Elinor is the story of Sabriel’s parents so how could I resist it? I don’t want to include spoilers for the series as a whole here because I highly recommend you read it if you haven’t already but let’s just say that it involves the couple’s origin story and facing down an old enemy who is actually kind of a new enemy in this book but an old enemy elsewhere in the series.

The beauty of this book and actually this applies to many of the books outside of the central trilogy in this series, is that you get to find out some information that makes you go ‘aha!’ Because it explains something that happened in the original trilogy. Just little things like maybe a character reveal or an explanation for how something happened. They’re just enjoyable moments for the reader.

I really do hope we get more of The Old Kingdom series, I know for one that I’m not ready to give it up yet!

I love Garth Nix and was so excited to read this, I wasn’t disappointed at all. This book is gripping, just so addictive to read I couldn’t put it down. Terciel and Elinor are fabulous characters, the world building is brilliant and I love the magic system. This is an outright fantastic read, one I thoroughly recommend

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for free copy for an honest opinion