Goldenhand - (Old Kingdom) by Garth Nix (Hardcover)

Number of Pages: 368
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Sub-Genre: Fantasy
Series Title: Old Kingdom
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: HarperCollins
Age Range: Teen
Book theme: Epic
Author: Garth Nix
Language: English

About the Book

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 bone, Lirael seeks help for Nick at her childhood home, the Clayr's Glacier. Even as Lirael and Nick return to the Clayr, a young woman from the distant north braves the elements and many enemies in a desperate attempt to bring 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.

Book Synopsis

The long-awaited fifth installment in Garth Nix's New York Times bestselling Old Kingdom series, for readers who enjoy series by Rae Carson, Kristin Cashore, Scott Westerfeld, and Cassandra Clare.

Goldenhand takes place six months after the events of Abhorsen and follows the novella Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case, which is featured in Across the Wall.

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.

On a dangerous journey, Lirael returns to her childhood home, the Clayr's Glacier, where she was once a Second Assistant Librarian. There, a young woman from the distant North brings her a message from her long-dead mother, Arielle.

It is a warning about the Witch with No Face. But who is the Witch, and what is she planning? Lirael must use her new powers to save the Old Kingdom from this great danger--and it must be forestalled not only in the living world but also in the cold, remorseless river of Death.

Review Quotes

"At once an allegory regarding war and peace and a testament to friendship, this is thought-provoking fantasy."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Riveting."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Themes of freedom and destiny underpin Clariel's harrowing, bittersweet story, and readers will delight in the telling (and in fan favorite Mogget's return)."--Booklist (starred review)

Praise for the Old Kingdom series: Praise for Clariel: "Between striking characters-from the heroic if not entirely competent young Abhorsen-in-Waiting, Belatiel, to the enigmatic, catlike Mogget-and Nix's brilliantly complex magic system, this superb tale is exactly the book fans of the series have been awaiting."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Praise for ABHORSEN: "Breathtaking, bittersweet, and utterly unforgettable."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Praise for Goldenhand: "A masterfully spun tale well worth the years long wait."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Praise for LIRAEL: "What makes Lirael a delight is the magic that Nix brings to his story and to his characters."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Clariel is a deeply sympathetic character faced with complicated choices, the consequences of which are frighteningly uncertain as she is pulled between the wild Free Magic and the disciplined Charter."--School Library Journal (starred review)

"Fans will cheer this latest volume- tightly paced with a satisfying resolution, capable and relatable female characters, plenty of action, and reappearances by beloved characters-and fervently hope for more to come."--Horn Book Magazine

"For fantasy lovers, teens and adults alike."--School Library Journal

"Garth Nix is one of the best worldbuilders in fantasy, and this book is merely further proof. I love the Old Kingdom series, and Goldenhand is an excellent continuation, packed with the excitement and passion of a storytelling virtuoso at the height of his abilities."--Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author of the Mistborn trilogy, Warbreaker, The Alloy of Law, The Way of Kings, Rithmatist, and Steelheart.

"Goldenhand delivers the bleak, beautiful magic only Garth Nix can create-impeccable in its details, harrowing in its action."--Leigh Bardugo, New York Times bestselling author of Six of Crows and The Grisha Trilogy

"Goldenhand reaffirms why Nix is a master of the genre: his exquisitely detailed world-building is unparalleled, and his characters are so tremendously alive and compelling that I'm convinced there's Charter Magic in every word."--Sarah J. Maas, New York Times bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses and Throne of Glass series

"Nix's tale provides a complete experience unto itself. But his focus on this strong character whose overriding passion is to go her own way provides a hugely satisfying background to the other Abhorsen books. A suspenseful prequel to the much-loved Abhorsen books, showcasing the independent Clariel."--Shelf Awareness (starred review)

Praise for SABRIEL: "Sabriel is a winner, a fantasy that reads like realism. Here is a world with the same solidity and four dimensional authority as our own, created with invention, clarity, and intelligence. I congratulate Garth Nix. And I look forward to reading his next piece of work."--Philip Pullman