Clariel

Clariel by Garth Nix, 383 pages

This book takes place many years before Sabriel, the first book in the Old Kingdom series.  It is about a young woman named Clariel, who is convinced that she knows what she wants in life.  She wants to live by herself in the Great Forest as a hunter, or to join the Borderers.  Her parents, however, wish to see her married to a good family.  Clariel doesn’t want marriage, or to be apprenticed.  Her parents move to the city, Belisaere.  As relations to both the Abhorsens and to the King, Clariel’s family is held in high esteem, especially since her mother is one of the best Goldsmiths in the land.  Unfortunately, Clariel finds that not only do her parents want her to marry, so do other people, because they want her connections to try to take over the kingdom.  Clariel must fight these new enemies and also her inclination towards Free Magic as opposed to Charter Magic.  Free Magic is wild and hard to control and highly dangerous, but Clariel finds herself drawn to it, despite her connection to the Charter Magic.  Can Clariel find a way to keep herself whole and help save the kingdom?  A good fantasy from Nix, teen fans of the series and of fantasy will enjoy this addition.