Abhorsen

When I read the first book in this series I was apprehensive about continuing it when I didn't really connect with the characters, but I decided to continue and I am so glad that I did! Lirael caught me much more in her adventures and as a character and her continuing journey in this third volume culminates the strands of the previous books in a showdown that is tense and strange and satisfying. The acceptance of her destiny puts her on a path of self discovery and also makes her an imperative part to saving her world and those she loves. Again Garth Nix unique world of magic, talking animals, dual worlds and mythic world-shattering nemesis is one I was happy to get lost in. There are no love triangles, there are no angsty entitled characters and the series manages to avoid almost all of the tropes I dislike about a lot of YA fantasy. This one truly stands on its own. It's fantasy, but not bogged down by its world-building, but still manages to build a world that is unique, imaginative and that you want to continue to visit. The characters are maybe not quite a fleshed out as I usually like, but I did still come to connect with them. A really worthwhile series and one I'm happy to say doesn't actually end here. I look forward to continuing the series!