I read Lirael when it first came out -- I bought in hardback. Arghh! I was so peeved by the abrupt "to be continued" ending. I hadn't seen it coming until it was too late, wah. I told my friend not to bother reading it until the third book came out because the frustration takes away so much of the enjoyment. But I do love the whole beginning section before Lirael leaves the Clayr, that was really cool.

Sam annoyed me a lot. I thought he was whiny. But by the end of the second book I didn't hate him anymore.