The sequel to Garth Nix's extraordinary Lirael takes you deeper through the gates of Death in this terrifying and utterly absorbing adventure.

WINNER Aurealis Best Fantasy Novel

WINNER Aurealis Best YA Novel

The Ninth was strong and fought with might

But lone Orannis was put out of the light

Broken in two and buried under hill

Forever to lie there, wishing us ill.

Beneath the earth, a malignant force lies waiting, greedy for freedom from its ancient prison. As the Old Kingdom falls once more into a realm of darkness and terror, the people look desperately to the Abhorsen to save them from the Dead. Yet Abhorsen Sabriel is lost, and only Lirael has any chance of stopping the Destroyer. With her companions Sameth, Mogget and the Disreputable Dog, Lirael battles Shadow Hands and dark necromancers in a race against time - a heavy, perhaps even impossible burden for a young woman who just days ago was merely a Second Assistant Librarian.

'The reader's absorption into the intrigue, magic and dazzling richness of the worlds and characters created by Nix is irresistible pleasure .' AUSTRALIAN REVIEW OF BOOKS

'Terror, courage, bitterness, love, desperation, and sacrifice all swirl together in an apocalyptic climax. Breathtaking, bittersweet and utterly unforgettable.' KIRKUS REVIEWS