Anyone else read Garth Nix's old kingdom series? They're good book, I like them a lot, but at the same time I can't help but feel they could have been so much better. In particular, the books make use of all sorts of symbolism regarding order, freedom, duty, stability, progress, conservation (That is to say, the conservation of institutions - kingdom, abhorsens, clay, etc.), etc. But it doesn't really go anywhere with it, or make a very strong, clear message. It's kind of like he's recycling these cause he saw other people using them, without having a strong grasp on what they mean or what he wants to communicate with them. :/