Series profile
The Old Kingdom
by Garth Nix
A dark young-adult fantasy series about necromancers who protect the living with bells and Charter Magic.
- Status
- Ongoing series
- Published
- 6
- Commitment
- Medium series
- Audience
- Young Adult / Crossover
Reading route
Start with the profiled opening volume.
1 of 6 volumes profiled
- 1Fantasy CompassSabrielBook profile
Sabriel
A young necromancer crosses into the Old Kingdom after her father disappears among the Dead.
The first three books form a strong arc, while later prequels and sequels broaden the history and cast.
Series intelligence
Before you start the series.
Where to begin, how much the complete reading path asks of you, and whether the central story has an ending.
- Linear reading order
- Still continuing
- 6 published books
Where to start
Start with Sabriel and continue in series order. The central story is designed to be read linearly.
- Sabriel
The intended starting point for the continuous central story.
6 books are published, and the central series is still continuing.
The full published path is a medium-length series spanning 6 books.
Best if you want
- A distinctive, rule-based approach to necromancy.
- Capable young protagonists and gothic adventure.
Think twice if you need
- Low peril or a soft, comforting magical world.
- One uninterrupted protagonist across every book.
Outside the score
Reader context
Series information guides suitability and commitment. Matrix scores remain attached to individual books.
Reader advisories
- Violence
- Horror elements
- Child peril
- Grief and loss
Editorial record
Sources and review
Matrix v1.0 / calibrated / high confidence / reviewed 2026-07-23