Review: Abhorsen (Old Kingdom Book 3)

Introduction

Abhorsen, the third book in Garth Nix’s Old Kingdom series, is the thrilling conclusion to the duology that began with Lirael. First published in 2003, the novel picks up immediately where Lirael left off, following Lirael and Prince Sameth as they race to prevent the return of an ancient and malevolent entity known as Orannis, the Destroyer.

Unlike Sabriel, which functioned as a largely standalone novel, Abhorsen is a direct continuation of Lirael, making it imperative for readers to have read the previous book. With a seamless blend of intense action, emotional depth, and high-stakes adventure, Abhorsen delivers a gripping finale that expands the lore of the Old Kingdom while providing satisfying conclusions to its characters' arcs.

評論：Abhorsen（舊王國系列第三本書）

簡介

Abhorsen 是 Garth Nix 所著的《舊王國》系列的第三本書，也是接續《Lirael》故事的驚心動魄的結局。這本書首次於2003年出版，故事直接延續了《Lirael》的情節，跟隨Lirael 和 Prince Sameth 一起奮力阻止一個古老而邪惡的存在——Orannis，毀滅者 的重生。

與《Sabriel》這本書主要作為獨立故事不同，Abhorsen 是《Lirael》的直接延續，因此讀者必須先讀過前一本書才能更好地理解故事。這本書無縫地融合了激烈的動作場面、情感的深度和高風險的冒險，為讀者呈現了一個引人入勝的結局，擴展了舊王國的傳說，同時也對角色的故事線提供了滿意的結局。

Plot Overview

The novel begins with Lirael, now revealed to be the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, and Prince Sameth escaping a deadly encounter with necromancer Hedge. They are racing against time to stop Orannis, a being of immense destructive power, from breaking free and annihilating the world. With the Disreputable Dog and Mogget by their sides, they venture deeper into the Old Kingdom, uncovering ancient secrets, mastering new powers, and confronting overwhelming darkness.

Lirael struggles with her newfound identity, stepping into the role of an Abhorsen, even though she was raised believing she was meant to be a Clayr. Meanwhile, Sameth continues to grapple with his failures and fears, trying to find his place in a world that expects him to be something he is not.

As the final battle approaches, the fate of the entire Old Kingdom—and Ancelstierre—hangs in the balance. Lirael must harness the full extent of her necromantic abilities, journeying into Death itself to stop Orannis, while Sameth must prove his worth in his own way. The novel builds toward a climactic confrontation that tests their courage, sacrifices, and ultimate destinies.

情節概述

這本小說一開始，Lirael（現在被揭示為等待中的Abhorsen）和Prince Sameth成功逃脫了與死靈法師Hedge的致命遭遇。他們與時間賽跑，為了阻止Orannis，一個擁有巨大毀滅力量的存在，免於被釋放並摧毀整個世界。在Disreputable Dog和Mogget的陪伴下，他們深入舊王國，揭開古老的秘密，掌握新的力量，並面對無法抗拒的黑暗。

Lirael在面對她新身份時掙扎，雖然她一直被告知自己應該是Clayr，但她的命運卻讓她走上了成為Abhorsen的道路。與此同時，Sameth繼續與自己的失敗和恐懼作鬥爭，試圖在一個要求他成為他並非所願的樣子的世界中找到自己的位置。

隨著最終戰鬥的臨近，整個舊王國甚至Ancelstierre的命運懸而未決。Lirael必須發揮她的死靈能力，甚至深入死亡的領域，來阻止Orannis；而Sameth則必須以自己的方式證明自己的價值。小說朝著高潮的對決發展，這將考驗他們的勇氣、犧牲以及最終的命運。

Themes

The Burden of Destiny and Self-Acceptance

Both Lirael and Sameth struggle with preconceived notions of who they are supposed to be. Lirael spent her life feeling like a failure among the Clayr, only to learn that her true destiny lay elsewhere. Similarly, Sameth, originally believed to be the Abhorsen-in-Waiting, must come to terms with the fact that his strengths lie outside that role. Their journeys emphasize that identity is not dictated by birthright, but by personal choice and growth.

Life, Death, and Sacrifice

As an Abhorsen, Lirael must confront the delicate balance between life and death. The novel explores the weight of responsibility that comes with power—especially the power over life itself. This theme is reinforced by the novel’s poignant sacrifices, reminding readers that true heroism often comes at a cost.

The Nature of Evil and Corruption

Hedge, Chlorr of the Mask, and ultimately Orannis represent different shades of evil—from personal ambition and greed to an overwhelming force of annihilation. The book explores how power can corrupt, but also how it can be wielded responsibly. The contrast between Charter Magic and Free Magic further highlights this struggle.

主題

命運的負擔與自我接納

Lirael和Sameth都在與對自己應該成為何種人的先入為主的觀念作鬥爭。Lirael一生都覺得自己在Clayr中是個失敗者，但最終她發現自己真正的命運並不在那裡。同樣，Sameth原本被認為是Abhorsen-in-Waiting，他必須接受自己真正的力量並不在這個角色中。他們的旅程強調了身份並不是由出生背景所決定，而是通過個人選擇和成長來塑造的。

生命、死亡與犧牲

作為Abhorsen，Lirael必須面對生命與死亡之間微妙的平衡。小說探索了與擁有這種力量相關的責任，尤其是掌控生命本身的力量。這一主題通過小說中的感人犧牲得以強化，提醒讀者真正的英雄主義常常伴隨著代價。

邪惡與腐化的本質

Hedge、Chlorr of the Mask，以及最終的Orannis代表了不同層次的邪惡——從個人的野心與貪婪，到摧毀一切的無情力量。這本書探索了權力如何腐化人心，然而同時也展現了如何負責任地運用權力。Charter Magic與Free Magic之間的對比，進一步強調了這場鬥爭的複雜性。

Character Analysis

Lirael

Lirael’s transformation from a lonely, self-doubting librarian to a powerful and confident Abhorsen-in-Waiting is one of the strongest aspects of the novel. While she initially struggles with her responsibilities, she proves to be a capable leader, wielding both intellect and magical prowess. Her growth is both emotional and physical, as she learns to accept her fate, make difficult choices, and embrace her own strengths.

Prince Sameth

Sameth’s journey is less about heroics and more about self-discovery. While many expected him to take up the mantle of the next Abhorsen, he instead carves out his own path, finding his talents in mechanical constructs and Charter Magic rather than necromancy. His arc is a subversion of the typical fantasy prince trope, proving that courage takes many forms.

The Disreputable Dog

A fan-favorite character, the Disreputable Dog is both a source of wisdom and comic relief. As Lirael’s constant companion, she offers cryptic but meaningful guidance. Her true nature is partially revealed in this book, linking her existence to the Charter itself, making her one of the most powerful beings in the series.

Mogget

Mogget, as always, is a mysterious and morally ambiguous figure. His complicated past and connection to Free Magic play a crucial role in the climax. His interactions with the Disreputable Dog add layers of intrigue and humor, but his ultimate loyalties remain unpredictable until the very end.

Orannis, the Destroyer

Unlike traditional fantasy villains, Orannis is not an evil mastermind but a cosmic force of destruction. It does not seek power or control—it seeks complete annihilation. This makes it a truly terrifying antagonist, as it cannot be reasoned with or deterred. The battle against Orannis is not just a physical confrontation, but a philosophical struggle against absolute ruin.

角色分析

Lirael

Lirael從一位孤獨、充滿自我懷疑的圖書館員轉變為一位強大且自信的Abhorsen-in-Waiting，這是本書中最強大的亮點之一。雖然她最初對自己所肩負的責任感到掙扎，但她最終證明自己是一位能幹的領袖，兼具智慧和魔法實力。她的成長既是情感上的，也是在身體和心靈上的，因為她學會接受自己的命運，做出艱難的選擇，並擁抱自己的優勢。

Prince Sameth

Sameth的旅程更多是關於自我發現，而非英雄事跡。儘管許多人期待他承擔成為下一任Abhorsen的重任，他卻選擇走出一條屬於自己的路，並發現自己在機械構造和Charter Magic中的才能，而非死靈術。他的成長曲線顛覆了典型的奇幻王子角色，證明了勇氣可以有多種形式。

The Disreputable Dog

作為書迷最愛的角色之一，The Disreputable Dog既是智慧的源泉，也提供了不少幽默的調劑。作為Lirael的忠實夥伴，她提供了充滿深意且難以解讀的指引。在這本書中，她的真實身份部分被揭示，並將她的存在與Charter本身聯繫起來，使她成為本系列中最強大的存在之一。

Mogget

Mogget一如既往地是一個神秘且道德模糊的角色。他複雜的過去以及與Free Magic的聯繫在高潮部分起到了至關重要的作用。他與The Disreputable Dog之間的互動增添了層次感和幽默感，但他的最終忠誠度直到最後一刻才揭曉，這使得他依然保持著不可預測的特質。

Orannis, the Destroyer

與傳統奇幻中的反派角色不同，Orannis不是一個邪惡的主謀，而是一個具有毀滅性力量的宇宙存在。它並不尋求權力或控制，而是追求完全的毀滅。這使得它成為一個真正令人恐懼的反派角色，因為無法與其談判，也無法被阻止。與Orannis的戰鬥不僅是一次物理上的對抗，更是一場關於絕對毀滅的哲學鬥爭。

Style and World-Building

Expanding the Old Kingdom

Nix takes readers deeper into the mystical landscapes of the Old Kingdom, from the undead-infested lands of the north to the ghostly realm of Death itself. The rules of Death, divided into Nine Precincts, are explored more thoroughly, giving readers a chilling yet fascinating look into the afterlife.

Magic System and Necromancy

The Charter Magic vs. Free Magic conflict remains central to the story. Lirael’s use of the Dark Mirror and the Abhorsen’s Bells adds depth to the novel’s intricate necromantic system. The concept of binding Orannis using Charter Marks ties into the broader theme of order vs. chaos.

Pacing and Narrative Structure

Unlike Lirael, which was more introspective, Abhorsen is fast-paced and action-driven. The tension builds throughout, leading to a climactic final battle that is both epic and emotionally charged. However, Nix still finds time for quiet character moments, ensuring that the emotional weight of the story is never lost amid the action.

風格與世界觀建構

擴展舊王國

Nix將讀者帶入了舊王國更深層的神秘景觀，從北方被不死生物侵襲的土地，到死亡本身的鬼魂領域。關於死亡的規則，劃分為九個區域（Precincts），在本書中進一步深入探討，為讀者提供了對來世既令人寒心又引人入勝的視角。

魔法系統與死靈術

Charter Magic與Free Magic之間的衝突仍然是故事的核心。Lirael使用Dark Mirror（黑暗鏡）以及Abhorsen的鐘聲，為小說複雜的死靈魔法系統增添了深度。利用Charter Marks來束縛Orannis的概念，與秩序與混亂的更廣泛主題緊密相連。

節奏與敘事結構

與較為內省的《Lirael》不同，《Abhorsen》節奏更快，動作導向強烈。整個故事的張力逐步上升，最終帶來了一場史詩般的高潮對決，情感充沛。然而，Nix依然找到了時間去塑造角色間靜謐的時刻，確保在激烈的動作之中，故事的情感深度始終未曾失落。

Conclusion

Abhorsen is a powerful and satisfying conclusion to the Lirael duology, cementing the Old Kingdom series as one of the most unique and well-crafted fantasy sagas of its time. With its rich world-building, deep character arcs, and a thrilling final confrontation, it delivers a perfect balance of action, emotion, and dark fantasy themes.

The novel’s exploration of identity, sacrifice, and destiny makes it more than just a fantasy adventure—it’s a deeply resonant coming-of-age story. By the end, both Lirael and Sameth find their true paths, proving that heroism is not about fulfilling expectations but about forging one’s own destiny.

結論

《Abhorsen》是對《Lirael》二部曲的強力且令人滿意的結局，將舊王國系列確立為其時代最具獨特性和精心製作的奇幻史詩之一。擁有豐富的世界建構、深入的角色發展，以及一場驚心動魄的最終對決，完美地平衡了動作、情感和黑暗奇幻主題。

小說對身份、犧牲和命運的探索，使其不僅僅是一次奇幻冒險，而是一個深刻共鳴的成長故事。最終，Lirael和Sameth都找到了屬於自己的道路，證明了英雄主義並不在於滿足外界的期望，而是在於開創屬於自己的命運。

Final Verdict:

A must-read for fans of dark fantasy, intricate magic systems, and character-driven storytelling. Abhorsen is an unforgettable finale that solidifies the Old Kingdom as a timeless classic in the genre.

最終評價：

對於黑暗奇幻愛好者、複雜魔法系統的迷，以及以角色為驅動的故事愛好者而言，這是一本必讀之作。《Abhorsen》是一部無法忘懷的終章，它鞏固了舊王國系列作為該類型的經典之作。