Terciel and Elinor by Garth Nix

I love The Old Kingdom series and reread all the books in the series in 2021 when the 25th anniversary edition of Sabriel came out. I was thrilled to see that Nix has written the story of Sabriel’s parents, Terciel and Elinor, and eagerly followed their story. Readers will have known about Terciel as Sabriel and Lireal’s father, and it was wonderful to learn about him as a young Abhorsen-in-Waiting, and about Elinor and her connections to Charter Magic.

Elinor has led a solitary life in Ancelstierre, with only an elderly governess and ex-circus performer to shield her from the tyranny of her mother. When the wind from the North brings danger from the Dead, Terciel appears to fight it with Tizanael, the Abhorsen. Elinor is left to struggle with what the Charter Magic means for her, and she goes to Wyverley College to learn about it. Eventually she meets up again with Terciel and together they must fight the Dead.

Elinor is a wonderful character, agile with throwing knives, loving theatre and putting on productions. The love between Terciel and her is beautifully described, while many background details will flesh out the characters in the Old Kingdom. Readers of the series will love to gain insights into Mogget’s character, the Clayr and their paperwings and the work of the Abhorsen. The book will also be a good introduction for readers new to the series.

I hope that Nix returns to the Old Kingdom, because this series has it all – wonderful characters, a unique world and plenty of action.

Themes: Fantasy, Good and evil, Love, Courage.

Pat Pledger