Clariel is a prequel of sorts to Garth Nix's popular Abhorsen series. I first read Sabriel, the first book in this series, about a decade and a half ago. Even though I loved Clariel, I admit that I may be viewing it through rose-colored glasses because Sabriel was one of the first SF/F I read and Nix was partially responsible for my lifelong love of the genre. 
 It isn't necessary to have read the previous Abhorsen books to get what's going on in this one. There's plenty of world-building too, which I can definitely appreciate (I love, love, love some good world-building) -- and maps galore! MAPS. Maps are so awesome. That said, I do think you'll enjoy it more if you're already at least a little familiar with the series. 
 Got a signed copy -- special thanks to a friend who so kindly picked one up for me when she went to an author event that I couldn't attend! 
 This is a partial review. For the full review, go to my blog Lone Star on a Lark.