Abhorsen by Garth Nix

This is the last in the original Abhorsen trilogy by Garth Nix and follows very closely the events in Lirael. Actually, this is sort of a weird series. Sabriel, the first book, feels like a stand alone. Lirael and Abhorsen really feel like one book chopped in two which was probably done to keep the page count down. Generally, each book in a trilogy should have a complete plot arc and a common through line that links the books together. Think J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings." The Abhorsen trilogy reads more like an open-ended series which tends to feature discrete plot arcs with shared characters but where to main character can shift from book to book. This is more similar to Mercedes Lackey's "Valdemar" series or Terry Pratchett's "Discworld."

Anyway, Abhorsen concludes the events started in Lirael. Lirael and Sam continue their journey with Mogget and the Disreputable Dog to Red Lake in an effort on rescue Sam's friend Nick and stop an ancient evil from being unearthed. Things in Ancelstierre have completely destabilized and the book begins with an assassination attempt on King Touchstone and Queen/Abhorsen Sabriel.

This book features a more extensive description of nine precincts of death as well as a return of the enigmatic Wall Builder bloodline. The mystery surrounding both Mogget and the Disreputable Dog is finally resolved. The end reads as final as though Nix didn't envision writing any more in the world. While it was a pretty excellent way to close out the trilogy, I'm glad he decided to write more.