Goldenhand (Abhorsen #5)
By: Garth Nix
Format/Source: eARC courtesy of the publishers via Edelweiss
Lirael is no longer a shy Second Assistant Librarian. She is the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, with Dead creatures to battle and Free Magic entities to bind. She’s also a Remembrancer, wielder of the Dark Mirror. Lirael lost one of her hands in the binding of Orannis, but now she has a new hand, one of gilded steel and Charter Magic.
When Lirael finds Nicholas Sayre lying unconscious after being attacked by a hideous Free Magic creature, she uses her powers to save him. But Nicholas is deeply tainted with Free Magic. Fearing it will escape the Charter mark that seals it within his flesh and bones, Lirael seeks help for Nick at her childhood home, the Clayr’s Glacier.
But even as Lirael and Nick return to the Clayr, a young woman named Ferin from the distant North braves the elements and many enemies in a desperate attempt to deliver a message to Lirael from her long-dead mother, Arielle. Ferin brings a dire warning about the Witch with No Face. But who is the Witch, and what is she planning?
Once more a great danger threatens the Old Kingdom, and it must be forestalled not only in the living world, but also in the cold, remorseless river of Death.
Oh goodness, the fifth book is upon us! I’m so happy that it follows the events of the original Abhorsen trilogy (as Clariel (review) was IMO not a very good outing) and reacquainting with old friends (which also works out perfectly as I had just re-read the original trilogy earlier this year). I was fortunate to be approved of an eARC of this book courtesy of Harper Teen via Edelweiss. This book will be available on 14 October 2016.