Abhorsen

Even though the Ninth was powerful and battled valiantly, lone Orannis was extinguished.

Broken in two and buried under a hill, where it will remain for eternity, ill-wishing us.

Thus the song says. However, Orannis—the Destroyer—is no longer concealed by a hill. Now that it is released from its underground prison, it is attempting to get beyond the silver hemispheres, which stand between it and the full expression of its terrifying abilities.

The only person who has any hope of stopping the Destroyer is Lirael, who just inherited the title of Abhorsen-in-Waiting. She must accept that risk together with Sam, Mogget, and the Disreputable Dog. Since the Destroyer is the adversary of all life, Lirael is unsure of how to stop it.

To make things worse, neither King Touchstone nor the Abhorsen Sabriel have responded, and Sam's closest friend Nick, the necromancer Hedge, or the Greater Dead Chlorr, are assisting the Destroyer.

All is dependent on Lirael. A tall order, possibly even unachievable, for a young lady who was just a Second Assistant Librarian a few days before. Lirael has to seek both Life and Death for a way to destroy the Destroyer, since her only source of guidance is a vision from the Clayr and the erratic assistance of her friends.

Prior to the last minute...