This isn't the greatest of plots--if I'm being honest, the fact that the book ended about three-quarters of the way through the story arc really annoyed me--but the way the gender roles are reversed in this book is just so wonderful that I almost don't care. I have a lot of opinions about what kind of female characters the world needs more and less of. Fewer insecure females (which Lirael was at the beginning of the book--big time). I'm neutral about physically powerful, ass-kicking heroines. MORE females whose feminine qualities ARE their strength, PLEASE. Lirael is physically strong and pretty ass-kicking, so she isn't my ideal heroine, but I absolutely love how brave and sensitive she is. I love that she's the one rescuing the males in the story. I love that romance is not what motivates her at all. I wasn't sure about her right off the bat, but she really grew on me. Sam was the opposite; I loved him at first and then quickly started to dislike him. 
 I love the Disreputable Dog. What's better than a powerful, playful talking dog? I want one. I also loved the Glacier and the mysterious library within it. I enjoyed the mystery surrounding Lirael, as well. I like the magic system of the Abhorsen world, even though it doesn't make a lot of sense to me. There's just something pretty about magical bells and pipes and mirrors and marks, and the creepy dead creatures and the ever-present river of Death. It's all very different, yet very familiar, which is a perfect combination. I loved the magical boat and the interesting Clayr. 
 Many good elements in this one. If only the story itself had been stronger and self-contained instead of being delayed for the next book.