The Nine Gates of Death: An Extract of the Journal of Idrach the Lesser Necromancer

Abhorsen

by Garth Nix

From the copy made safe, deciphered and written plain by Jalerel, First Assistant Librarian of the Clayr.

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories, Fiction, Young Adult

32 pages, ebook

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

Garth Nix was born in 1963 in Melbourne, Australia, to the sound of the Salvation Army band outside playing 'Hail the Conquering Hero Comes' or possibly 'Roll Out the Barrel'. Garth left Melbourne at an early age for Canberra (the federal capital) and stayed there till he was nineteen, when he left to drive around the UK in a beat-up Austin with a boot full of books and a Silver-Reed typewriter.

Despite a wheel literally falling off the Austin, Garth survived to return to Australia and study at the University of Canberra. After finishing his degree in 1986 he worked in a bookshop, then as a book publicist, a publisher's sales representative, and editor. Along the way he was also a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve, serving in an Assault Pioneer platoon for four years. Garth left publishing to work as a public relations and marketing consultant from 1994-1997, till he became a full-time writer in 1998. He did that for a year before joining Curtis Brown Australia as a part-time literary agent in 1999. In January 2002 Garth went back to dedicated writer again, despite his belief that full-time writing explains the strange behaviour of many authors.

He now lives in Sydney with his wife, two sons and lots of books.

Reviews

[Jerecho · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story, a journal rather, about the nine gates of death accounted by someone who will (or may not) affect the history of the old kingdom.

[Mitticus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story in the Abhorsen 'verse. Fragment of a journal about a self-taught necromancer reading a book of Necromancy found by chance. He describes his advances in magic and the Gates of Death.

There are only seven bells, or so the book says, though there are nine precincts and nine gates of Death. As I write this, I have not yet found in the book where my next bell must be quenched. I have three.

[kashiichan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read via the Old Kingdom website: http://oldkingdom.com.au/extras_nineg...

Decent little annotation, but not really a story. Still, it was interesting and helped to flesh out the world a little more.

[Louisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read of an excerpt from a journal, and I'm wondering if this guy is a threat either in Goldenhand, or more likely, Terciel and Elinor!

[Roslyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing - frustratingly short but would love to read more snippets like this ....

[Nighteye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fashinating story, I wonder whom this is about, I got a clue about whom but I will wait until Ive read all of the books.

[Cammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thing is SWEET. The very best ofNix’s Old Kingdom style including SUCH fun w/ more from the library of the Clayr!! SUCH GREAT FUN.

[Lisa Tollefson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fills in a few gaps. I like the description of the gates and how this necromancer finds his way through. It isn't as well written as the main books - Lirael is a favorite - but its an interesting read for one who knows the world. I wouldn't recommend it for someone new to the Old Kingdom, though.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another short entry to expand on the Old Kingdom series - I like that this one is written in the style of a fragmented manuscript!

[Kathryn Baron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short little extra. A lovely teaser rather than a full story.

[Jacob Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but good recap of the Old Kingdom magic, potential teasing of a new character but nothing significant

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun entry in the Old Kingdom series that leaves me wanting more.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gives us an interesting look into the creation of the bells. This story, and a handful of others, are posted on Nix's website.

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0/5

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

ted the cave diver with necromancy

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A journal that is mentioned in Terciel and Elinor, a formerly lost journal with information of the making and of the bells but the story of a necromancer finding his path. It is the growth of this necromancer and the corruption of his mind over time. Many parts are lost due to the fire so you see extracts of different years in his life but interesting and a good read for those who want to see a different side of the world.