When Garth Nix released Goldenhand, I thought the Abhorsen series had probably reached its end. That being said, I was still interested when I found we were returning to this world; this time with a prequel. Admittedly it's been a while since I've read the series so some of the nuance bypassed me but I can appreciate how good Garth Nix is at writing fantasy. I think this book will be even better after a reread of the other books.

I was sent this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review for a full review see my Amazon and Goodreads pages.

I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the rest in the series!!!!!

This was pure brilliance. So great to get back into Garth Nix - made me remember why I loved him and his worlds in the first place.

The world building is very good and ensures you, the reader is submerged into it, rather than just looking in from the perimeter. Not all fantasy books engage like that, but Garth Nix has managed to do it.

Elinor is an interesting character. She has a mysterious mark on her head and ends up on a journey of discovery as she is no ordinary girl as she increasingly finds out she can do magic.

Her mother is also ailing, which is hard on her, but Terciel comes to her aid. She then ends up on an adventure of a lifetime, that she wasn’t expecting from her secluded life.

Throughout the book, there are sprinkles of humour here and there, which lifts the mood from the darkness of the dead, who are determined not to remain dead. It also has its poignant moments through the magic realms, that keeps it just a bit grounded, which works in its favour.
It is a book teens can settle into, be intrigued by and be transported into a different world, but also find something familiar within, making it relatable as well as adventurous in the realms of fantastical magical powers. It’s a book they can relax into and allow its escapism qualities to wash over them as they soak up the immersive story.

I love Garth Nix and enjoy his Old Kingdom series, the first of which I read about 10 years ago. It has been lovely to be reintroduced into the Kingdom, and this was a very satisfying read.

I had never read any of Garth Nix's books or anything set in this world previously, but I really enjoyed this book, and will definitely be on the lookout for any future ones!

The world-building and the magic system was really interesting, and I liked seeing how Terciel and Elinor's relationship developed. The side characters also all had distinct personalities, which helped this world feel very lived-in.

This is a fantastic addition to the Old Kingdom series. It was great to find out how Sabriel’s parents got together. Made me love her as character even more and I now have a greater understanding of her dad and the trials he went through.

I've never read any of Nix's Old Kingdom books before, but Terciel and Elinor has turned me into a convert! I think I have someone to add to my list of favourite authors.

This is the prequel to the rest of the series. Terciel is the Abhorsen in waiting, a role in which he sends the dead back to where they came from. He is sent South from the wall where he aids Elinor who's mother is ill in bed and totally unaware that the mark on her head means she is able to do magic. Elinor goes on a journey of discovery where she gets to experience all the adventure she's ever hoped for.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I went into this book but it was just wonderful! The characters of both Terciel and Elinor are both fantastic! So warm and lovely. They're joined by a varied and rich cast of side characters, some of whom make you laugh or set the hairs on the back on your neck on edge. I loved the little touches of humour in this novel.

The worldbuilding and magic system is so meticulously rent. I loved how original it all felt and was totally engrossed in the narrative. It was a perfect mix of warm crumpet toast fantasy with the dark macabre thrown in. Now I'm off to purchase the rest of the series!

Thank you so much to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an arc.

Terciel has grown up in the Old Kingdom, a land where magic exists, and the dead do not always stay dead. At an early age he was adopted by the Abhorsen, and his future mapped out for him as her successor, trained in her skills of necromancy to protect the living and keep the Dead where they belong.

Meanwhile on the other side of the Wall, in Ancelstierre where magic doesn't belong, lives Elinor. Her life has been isolated, but quiet. All that is about to change when her mother's illness takes a turn for the worse, and brings magic, danger, and Terciel to her door. Although the life she's known so far is threatened, Elinor finds a previously-unknown sense of belonging among her new 'Charter' acquaintances from north of the Wall.

I've loved Garth Nix's Old Kingdom stories since I borrowed my daughter's copy of Sabriel, and to return there is always a delight, even if, at times, a nail-biting one.
This latest book is a prequel to Sabriel, and so some readers (me among them) will be aware of how the story must end. It doesn't detract from it at all though, but is as full of Charter Magic, re-awakened Dead, perils on almost every side, and a smattering of romance as anyone could want.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC of 'Terciel and Elinor' by Garth Nix.

'Terciel and Elinor' is a beautiful prequel to the 'Old Kingdom' series (aka: Sabriel)

Terciel and Elinor are the parents of our future Sabriel and seeing the way these two were happy and living their lives just as Sabriel has is a beautiful sight. You can see traits of these two in the future Abhorsen and it touches my heart. But I must say, I love Elinor. Elinor is one of the most beautiful characters Garth Nix has ever written.

It has been wonderful to return to the world of the Old Kingdom and learn more about Sabriel's parents, Terciel and Elinor.

Reading from two different viewpoints of Terciel that grew up in the Old Kingdom and Elinor raised south of the Wall it was really interesting to read about what it seemed like to each of them.

I really liked reading more about Hedge, a protagonist in the original trilogy as well as the cool story of one of the Greater Dead getting a full foothold into the world needing the power of two Abhorsen's to defeat him.

Terciel and Elinors' relationship is also very sweet in this, just perfect for a YA book.

thank you netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. i was exited to read this, but didn’t know what to expect as i hadn’t read any of this authors work before, however i was pleasantly surprised. it was an enjoyable read, and i really enjoyed the plot and characters and how everything developed leading up to the ending. taking all of this into consideration, i give this book 4/5 stars, and would definitely recommend.