The long-buried secrets of the Old Kingdom and the Ninth Gate are revealed in the sequel to Sabriel and Lirael. Orannis; the Destroyer; has been freed from its subterranean prison and now seeks to unleash its terrible powers. Only Lirael; Abhorsen-in-Waiting; has any chance of stopping this enemy of all Life. As she and her companions - Sameth; the Disreputable Dog and Mogget - set out on their fated journey; Lirael has no idea of what lies ahead.Only days earlier; Lirael was merely a Second Assistant Librarian. Now; with only a vision from the Clayr to guide her and without the experience of Abhorsen Sabriel and King Touchstone; she must search both Life and Death for some means to defeat the Destroyer. Before it is too late...