Nix tells the story almost solely through the point of view of Sabriel. Her thoughts, her fears, her triumphs are foremost. The only change in point of view occurs near the end when Touchstone begins to awaken from his melancholy state and begins to let go of his guilt and self-recrimination.

Water appears as a recurring motif. It is a source of life when it falls as rain, and it stands as a barrier to the undead preventing their passage. The undead cannot cross the rivers or ocean waters without a bridge.

At the same time, each Gate of Death is represented by some form of water, whether the seductively, gentle danger hidden in the fast-flowing stream of the First Gate or the crashing waves, hidden eddies, and rampaging rivers of the later gates.

Keys also appear as a motif. The Abhorsen's surcoat is woven in...