How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Sabriel met his gaze, and her eyes were not the uncertain, flickering beacons of adolescence.
"I am only eighteen years old on the outside," she said, touching her palm against her breast in an almost wistful motion. "But I first walked in Death when I was twelve. I encountered a Fifth Gate Rester when I was fourteen, and banished it beyond the Ninth Gate. When I was sixteen I stalked and banished a Mordicant that came near the school. A weakened Mordicant, but still […] A year ago, I turned the final page of the Book of the Dead. I don't feel young anymore." (3.27-28)
When Sabriel first meets Colonel Horyse, he compares her to his own daughter, who's the same age. This is the first time we hear Sabriel talk about how her training in necromancy has forced her to grow up too much, too soon.
Quote #2
There was minimal sex education at Wyverley College—none at all till you were fifteen. The older girls' stories about menstruation were many, varied and often meant to scare. None of Sabriel's friends had reached puberty before her, so in fear and desperation she had entered Death. Her father had told her that the one the paper boat summoned would answer any questions and would protect her—and so it had. The glowing spirit had answered all her questions and many more besides, till Sabriel was forced to return to Life. (5.10)
Here's another example of how Sabriel has to grow up too fast, without any parents nearby to help out. When she got her period for the first time, she had to walk into Death and summon a spirit version of her mom so she could ask questions. And you thought buying tampons was awkward.
Quote #3
[Sabriel:] "So what can I do? What would Father—Abhorsen… or any Abhorsen, do in my place?"
[…]
The last question seemed to make her duty clear. Sabriel felt sure her father would free the man. That's what he did, that was what he lived for. The duty of an Abhorsen was to remedy unnatural necromancy and Free Magic sorcery. (13.40-42)
When Sabriel begins her adventure, she immediately looks to her dad's example for guidance. She's accepting that she needs to step into his shoes, even though she might not be ready.