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Abhorsen #The Creature in the Case
Across The Wall: A Tale Of The Abhorsen And Other Stories
If a writer tells the stories, do the stories tell the writer?
Thirteen stories from the international bestselling author, including the award-winning Old Kingdom story Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case.
Nicholas Sayre will do anything to get across the Wall. Thoughts of Lirael and Sam haunt his dreams, and he has come to realize that his destiny lies with them, in the Old Kingdom. But here in Ancelstierre, Nick faces an obstacle that is not entirely human, with a strange power that seems to come from Nicholas himself.
The rest of the collection includes two widely different takes on the Merlin myth, a gritty urban version of Hansel and Gretel, a heartbreaking story of children and war, a western, a traditional tale with a twist and a hilarious choose-your-own-adventure spoof.
Each story is introduced by Garth Nix, giving context, anecdotes and a glimpse into his creative process. This edition includes a bonus section of frequently asked questions and answers.
Thirteen stories from the international bestselling author, including the award-winning Old Kingdom story Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case.
Nicholas Sayre will do anything to get across the Wall. Thoughts of Lirael and Sam haunt his dreams, and he has come to realize that his destiny lies with them, in the Old Kingdom. But here in Ancelstierre, Nick faces an obstacle that is not entirely human, with a strange power that seems to come from Nicholas himself.
The rest of the collection includes two widely different takes on the Merlin myth, a gritty urban version of Hansel and Gretel, a heartbreaking story of children and war, a western, a traditional tale with a twist and a hilarious choose-your-own-adventure spoof.
Each story is introduced by Garth Nix, giving context, anecdotes and a glimpse into his creative process. This edition includes a bonus section of frequently asked questions and answers.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2005
424 people are currently reading
10337 people want to read
About the author
Garth Nix
236 books14.9k followersGarth Nix was born in 1963 in Melbourne, Australia, to the sound of the Salvation Army band outside playing 'Hail the Conquering Hero Comes' or possibly 'Roll Out the Barrel'. Garth left Melbourne at an early age for Canberra (the federal capital) and stayed there till he was nineteen, when he left to drive around the UK in a beat-up Austin with a boot full of books and a Silver-Reed typewriter.
Despite a wheel literally falling off the Austin, Garth survived to return to Australia and study at the University of Canberra. After finishing his degree in 1986 he worked in a bookshop, then as a book publicist, a publisher's sales representative, and editor. Along the way he was also a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve, serving in an Assault Pioneer platoon for four years. Garth left publishing to work as a public relations and marketing consultant from 1994-1997, till he became a full-time writer in 1998. He did that for a year before joining Curtis Brown Australia as a part-time literary agent in 1999. In January 2002 Garth went back to dedicated writer again, despite his belief that full-time writing explains the strange behaviour of many authors.
He now lives in Sydney with his wife, two sons and lots of books.
Despite a wheel literally falling off the Austin, Garth survived to return to Australia and study at the University of Canberra. After finishing his degree in 1986 he worked in a bookshop, then as a book publicist, a publisher's sales representative, and editor. Along the way he was also a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve, serving in an Assault Pioneer platoon for four years. Garth left publishing to work as a public relations and marketing consultant from 1994-1997, till he became a full-time writer in 1998. He did that for a year before joining Curtis Brown Australia as a part-time literary agent in 1999. In January 2002 Garth went back to dedicated writer again, despite his belief that full-time writing explains the strange behaviour of many authors.
He now lives in Sydney with his wife, two sons and lots of books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 652 reviews
October 30, 2014
The stories in this collection simply aren't very good. I think I've discovered that I'm not a huge fan of Garth Nix as a writer, but more of the Abhorsen trilogy and its world. I recently read Clariel, and was similarly disappointed - perhaps it's because I was younger when I devoured the trilogy, but the characters in Clariel were written superficially and without any real sense of motivation or purpose.
In any case, I picked this up because it contains the novella "Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case," which promised more Nick and Lirael. If the opportunity presented itself I'd probably read Nick/Lirael fanfiction and not even be all that ashamed, so I was pretty excited to read the novella and subsequently very disappointed. The plot is paper-thin and Lirael only appears briefly at the end. I did like the southern setting, though, and I'll obviously keep reading if Nix comes out with another book about the second generation of the Abhorsen series.
The only story I liked was his Arthurian retelling of the Lady of the Lake. The other stories are pretty terrible, unfocused and uninteresting. And Nix's introduction to "The Hill" goes on at length about how he's baffled that his editor told him not to appropriate Aboriginal culture to write a realistic story (since he borrows from other mythological traditions all the time), which just makes an even stronger argument for never learning anything about authors you like or their personal views. So that's that. I made it about two-thirds of the way through and then gave up.
In any case, I picked this up because it contains the novella "Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case," which promised more Nick and Lirael. If the opportunity presented itself I'd probably read Nick/Lirael fanfiction and not even be all that ashamed, so I was pretty excited to read the novella and subsequently very disappointed. The plot is paper-thin and Lirael only appears briefly at the end. I did like the southern setting, though, and I'll obviously keep reading if Nix comes out with another book about the second generation of the Abhorsen series.
The only story I liked was his Arthurian retelling of the Lady of the Lake. The other stories are pretty terrible, unfocused and uninteresting. And Nix's introduction to "The Hill" goes on at length about how he's baffled that his editor told him not to appropriate Aboriginal culture to write a realistic story (since he borrows from other mythological traditions all the time), which just makes an even stronger argument for never learning anything about authors you like or their personal views. So that's that. I made it about two-thirds of the way through and then gave up.
June 7, 2018
This is a review of just the novella in this collection, 'Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case'. It is not a review of the complete book.
It’s six months after the combined magic of the Charter defeated the Destoryer, and Nick is back in Ancelstierre, reluctantly attending a house party on behalf of his uncle, the Chief Minister. But what lurks behind the frivolous façade is Department 13, a legal entity for exploring the oddities in the Old Kingdom. There, Nick comes across a terrifying Old Kingdom creature locked in an ancient case. It should be dormant this far from the Wall, but Nick can feel that it’s alive and waiting for something…
That something is Nick’s Charter magic. When Nick is betrayed and his blood fed to the creature, it comes alive and rampages across the house, indiscriminately killing party guests and government employees alike, Nick is the only one who knows where the creature comes from and how he might stop it. But with the Abhorsen so far away in the Old Kingdom, what can Nick do to stop a hyped-up Free Magic creature driven by a madman willing to betray his own kind?
Although this is a novella, it packs a punch. It’s quite scary and thrilling to read, especially because Nick doesn’t have any magical powers or items to help him defeat a monster from across the wall. But Nick really shines in this story, his leadership skills, canny observations, cunning, and quick intelligence able to help him in his desperate quest to stop the creature returning to the Old Kingdom even as he wishes to return there himself. It doesn’t even seem that short because there’s plenty of action and even a bit of humour, but it does give more of a look at Ancelstierrans and especially the upper class who would rather stand around screaming than do something useful to save their own lives, and who don’t even believe in magic and necromancy to begin with.
I haven’t read Goldenhand yet, but I know it stars Nick and Lirael. That ship might very well have started in this novella, so I can’t quite speculate whether this is essential reading for the Old Kingdom series. I think if you can get your hands on it, you’re going to enjoy a clever, scary story about Nick and get more of a look at the so far kind of sidelined Ancelstierrans.
It’s six months after the combined magic of the Charter defeated the Destoryer, and Nick is back in Ancelstierre, reluctantly attending a house party on behalf of his uncle, the Chief Minister. But what lurks behind the frivolous façade is Department 13, a legal entity for exploring the oddities in the Old Kingdom. There, Nick comes across a terrifying Old Kingdom creature locked in an ancient case. It should be dormant this far from the Wall, but Nick can feel that it’s alive and waiting for something…
That something is Nick’s Charter magic. When Nick is betrayed and his blood fed to the creature, it comes alive and rampages across the house, indiscriminately killing party guests and government employees alike, Nick is the only one who knows where the creature comes from and how he might stop it. But with the Abhorsen so far away in the Old Kingdom, what can Nick do to stop a hyped-up Free Magic creature driven by a madman willing to betray his own kind?
Although this is a novella, it packs a punch. It’s quite scary and thrilling to read, especially because Nick doesn’t have any magical powers or items to help him defeat a monster from across the wall. But Nick really shines in this story, his leadership skills, canny observations, cunning, and quick intelligence able to help him in his desperate quest to stop the creature returning to the Old Kingdom even as he wishes to return there himself. It doesn’t even seem that short because there’s plenty of action and even a bit of humour, but it does give more of a look at Ancelstierrans and especially the upper class who would rather stand around screaming than do something useful to save their own lives, and who don’t even believe in magic and necromancy to begin with.
I haven’t read Goldenhand yet, but I know it stars Nick and Lirael. That ship might very well have started in this novella, so I can’t quite speculate whether this is essential reading for the Old Kingdom series. I think if you can get your hands on it, you’re going to enjoy a clever, scary story about Nick and get more of a look at the so far kind of sidelined Ancelstierrans.
August 26, 2025
A novella, Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case, and a collection of short stories: Under the Lake, Charlie Rabbit, From the Lighthouse, The Hill, Lightning Bringer, Down to the Scum Quarter, Heart's Desire, Hansel's Eyes, Hope Chest, My New Really Epic Fantasy Series, Three Roses, and Endings. The book finishes with a facsimile of the author's planned prologue for the novel Lirael.
The novella is, perhaps surprisingly, not the most satisfying story in the collection. In the Abhorsen series I think it fits in after the events in Lirael with Nicholas recovering from his injuries and being pushed into the intrigues of the ruling elite of Ancelstierre. The style is a mixture of 1920s country house murder mystery and old style movie horror of the Boris Karloff/Bela Lugosi type. In fact, following the main plot of something extremely nasty coming alive in the basement, I was tempted to think James Whale could have had a field day directing it. The monster runs riot, slashing, killing - and drinking the blood - of its victims while Nicholas and his allies have to find a way to stop it. While the horror is all good fun followers of the Old Kingdom and Ancelstierre will enjoy some of the background to Ancelstierre's manners and society.
Under the Lake is an Arthurian tale which gives a view of the Lady in the Lake as being the magical creator of both Excalibur and the Grail. She is creator and the protector, though the Grail has a life of its own and Excalibur can be a frightening weapon in the wrong hands. A nice story, Arthur Rackham-like in its imagery as it tries to bring some life to the shadowy creature that was the Lady.
Charlie Rabbit is a very effective and moving story set in a Near East city under military bombardment. Two young boys are left alone as the missiles fall and take shelter in a basement. Their only hope of rescue is Joshua's talking toy, Charlie Rabbit, as the building above them collapses.
For me From the Lighthouse is fairly lightweight and barely works. Set on another planet with serious environmental problems made worse by corporate and personal greed, Margalletta and her people live on an island surrounded by ice which has an old lighthouse as its single landmark. One day a businessman turns up claiming he has bought the island and will transform it into a tourist haven. Margalletta knows she must do something to get rid of him - and, you know, it's a long way down from the top of the lighthouse and no handrails.
The Hill is not dissimilar to From the Lighthouse. Environmentalist and conservationist at heart. The story is set in Australia and concerns the ownership of the Hill and its forest of ancient giant gum trees. Rowan's dad wants to sell it to developers; however, Rowan's grandad insists he is the real owner and perhaps the Hill has a mind of its own.
Lightning Bringer is a form of demonic fantasy. A boy knows he can see the auras of others and is fascinated in a scary way by thunderstorms and lightning bolts. Then along comes Mr. Jackson on his huge motor-bike and he is seriously scary. The boy knows Jackson can control the lightning in a malicious way - and he wants to steal the boy's girlfriend. Can he be defeated, and what cost?
Down to the Scum Quarter is a Choose Your Own Adventure style story. Not my favourite format I have to confess and I gave it a miss. The author says it is based on Dumas' The Three Musketeers, with fantasy elements.
It's back to Arthurian legend with Heart's Desire as the author looks at the story of Merlin's entrapment by Nimue in a different way. And it is bad new for Arthur's Britain when she gets what she thinks she wants.
Hansel's Eyes brings Hansel and Gretel into the modern world while the witch in the gingerbread house becomes a chain-smoking spooky lady who runs a computer games shop. She does not want to eat the children, she wants Gretel as her apprentice and Hansel for his eyes. Magical transplant surgery for one, blindness for the other is on the cards. Can the children fight back?
Hope Chest brings us back to the satanic and its evil machinations. The story is set in the American West at the end of the nineteenth century. Alice May is a strange girl, much stranger than anyone can realize, and she has a destiny. Bring on The Master and his mind controlling pseudo-religion. Things turn bloody after a while once Alice understands her inheritance includes a couple of six-guns and a repeating rifle, with ammunition and the knowledge of how to use them. It's Sam Peckinpah meets Voldemort.
My New Really Epic Fantasy Series is a tongue in cheek summary of an ultimate multi-volume fantasy guaranteed to bring in the sales.
While Three Roses is a simple fairytale of an all-powerful and avaricious king being outwitted by a simple honest gardener who grows beautiful roses, Endings is a plain vampire tale of an ageing blood-sucker desperate for death. If only someone will choose the right sword, for the wrong sword means he must kill and drink blood again.
The final prologue is interesting and, thankfully for a hand-written facsimile, easy to read. Something for the fans of Abhorsen to enjoy.
The novella is, perhaps surprisingly, not the most satisfying story in the collection. In the Abhorsen series I think it fits in after the events in Lirael with Nicholas recovering from his injuries and being pushed into the intrigues of the ruling elite of Ancelstierre. The style is a mixture of 1920s country house murder mystery and old style movie horror of the Boris Karloff/Bela Lugosi type. In fact, following the main plot of something extremely nasty coming alive in the basement, I was tempted to think James Whale could have had a field day directing it. The monster runs riot, slashing, killing - and drinking the blood - of its victims while Nicholas and his allies have to find a way to stop it. While the horror is all good fun followers of the Old Kingdom and Ancelstierre will enjoy some of the background to Ancelstierre's manners and society.
Under the Lake is an Arthurian tale which gives a view of the Lady in the Lake as being the magical creator of both Excalibur and the Grail. She is creator and the protector, though the Grail has a life of its own and Excalibur can be a frightening weapon in the wrong hands. A nice story, Arthur Rackham-like in its imagery as it tries to bring some life to the shadowy creature that was the Lady.
Charlie Rabbit is a very effective and moving story set in a Near East city under military bombardment. Two young boys are left alone as the missiles fall and take shelter in a basement. Their only hope of rescue is Joshua's talking toy, Charlie Rabbit, as the building above them collapses.
For me From the Lighthouse is fairly lightweight and barely works. Set on another planet with serious environmental problems made worse by corporate and personal greed, Margalletta and her people live on an island surrounded by ice which has an old lighthouse as its single landmark. One day a businessman turns up claiming he has bought the island and will transform it into a tourist haven. Margalletta knows she must do something to get rid of him - and, you know, it's a long way down from the top of the lighthouse and no handrails.
The Hill is not dissimilar to From the Lighthouse. Environmentalist and conservationist at heart. The story is set in Australia and concerns the ownership of the Hill and its forest of ancient giant gum trees. Rowan's dad wants to sell it to developers; however, Rowan's grandad insists he is the real owner and perhaps the Hill has a mind of its own.
Lightning Bringer is a form of demonic fantasy. A boy knows he can see the auras of others and is fascinated in a scary way by thunderstorms and lightning bolts. Then along comes Mr. Jackson on his huge motor-bike and he is seriously scary. The boy knows Jackson can control the lightning in a malicious way - and he wants to steal the boy's girlfriend. Can he be defeated, and what cost?
Down to the Scum Quarter is a Choose Your Own Adventure style story. Not my favourite format I have to confess and I gave it a miss. The author says it is based on Dumas' The Three Musketeers, with fantasy elements.
It's back to Arthurian legend with Heart's Desire as the author looks at the story of Merlin's entrapment by Nimue in a different way. And it is bad new for Arthur's Britain when she gets what she thinks she wants.
Hansel's Eyes brings Hansel and Gretel into the modern world while the witch in the gingerbread house becomes a chain-smoking spooky lady who runs a computer games shop. She does not want to eat the children, she wants Gretel as her apprentice and Hansel for his eyes. Magical transplant surgery for one, blindness for the other is on the cards. Can the children fight back?
Hope Chest brings us back to the satanic and its evil machinations. The story is set in the American West at the end of the nineteenth century. Alice May is a strange girl, much stranger than anyone can realize, and she has a destiny. Bring on The Master and his mind controlling pseudo-religion. Things turn bloody after a while once Alice understands her inheritance includes a couple of six-guns and a repeating rifle, with ammunition and the knowledge of how to use them. It's Sam Peckinpah meets Voldemort.
My New Really Epic Fantasy Series is a tongue in cheek summary of an ultimate multi-volume fantasy guaranteed to bring in the sales.
While Three Roses is a simple fairytale of an all-powerful and avaricious king being outwitted by a simple honest gardener who grows beautiful roses, Endings is a plain vampire tale of an ageing blood-sucker desperate for death. If only someone will choose the right sword, for the wrong sword means he must kill and drink blood again.
The final prologue is interesting and, thankfully for a hand-written facsimile, easy to read. Something for the fans of Abhorsen to enjoy.
September 27, 2015
Here is my video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4fQM...
On first receiving this book, I hadn't expected it to be a collection of short, random stories written by Garth Nix but had expected it to be competly about The Old Kingdom, with a book title like ''Across THe Wall'', however when I did I was super excited to see it contained Nicholas Sayre and The Creature in the Case as, after just re-reading Abhorsen, I discovered that short stories existence and was eager to read it, although I wasn't too sure I'd enjoy the rest of Garth Nix's works.
Nicholas Sayre and The Creature in the Case was a great stroy and I really enjoyed reading more about Nick, however, with the sounds of things I was really expecting more Lirael and ended up still having unanswered questions about Nick and Lirael and the world in general. I still loved it though and wanted more!
I really enjoyed that Nix kept the font that he used in The Old KIngdom trilogy as it gave me some instant familiarity and I loved that he used introductions to explain a little about the background of the story and how it came to be.
I really enjoyed all of the stories, to my surprise, as they are all incredibly different to one another and to the Garth Nix I am used to, but I loved that he always had a little element of fantasy or sci-fi running through the premises. For example, to name but a few, his re-telling of The Lady of The Lake was chilling and refershing as it took on a entirely new feel and his Charlie Rabbit story was so beautiful. Down to the Scum Quarter introduced me to a whole new genre. I had never really heard of ''Choose your own adventure''/''fighting fantasy'' before and will look out for more serious books. (It was more slow going after reading this because after I flicked through it in a way that sort of went along with how you're supposed to read it, I then went through and read the whole of the scenarios.)
I have to say, I am glad I didn't read this book when I first discovered The Old Kingdom series because, I was quite young then and some of the stories included in this, such as Hope Chest, was rather intense and gory, though wonderfully executed all the same. I Also loved My New Really Epic Fantasy Series and I should really stop now because I'll end up listing all of the stories! Haha xD
Overall, I can't see how anyone wouldn't enjoy this as it shows the diversity of Garth Nix, holds goregous chapter illustrations, shows how great his skills are and introduces new genres to you, however I can see myself having little to no interest in some of these stories if they were longer, for example From The Lighthouse.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
On first receiving this book, I hadn't expected it to be a collection of short, random stories written by Garth Nix but had expected it to be competly about The Old Kingdom, with a book title like ''Across THe Wall'', however when I did I was super excited to see it contained Nicholas Sayre and The Creature in the Case as, after just re-reading Abhorsen, I discovered that short stories existence and was eager to read it, although I wasn't too sure I'd enjoy the rest of Garth Nix's works.
Nicholas Sayre and The Creature in the Case was a great stroy and I really enjoyed reading more about Nick, however, with the sounds of things I was really expecting more Lirael and ended up still having unanswered questions about Nick and Lirael and the world in general. I still loved it though and wanted more!
I really enjoyed that Nix kept the font that he used in The Old KIngdom trilogy as it gave me some instant familiarity and I loved that he used introductions to explain a little about the background of the story and how it came to be.
I really enjoyed all of the stories, to my surprise, as they are all incredibly different to one another and to the Garth Nix I am used to, but I loved that he always had a little element of fantasy or sci-fi running through the premises. For example, to name but a few, his re-telling of The Lady of The Lake was chilling and refershing as it took on a entirely new feel and his Charlie Rabbit story was so beautiful. Down to the Scum Quarter introduced me to a whole new genre. I had never really heard of ''Choose your own adventure''/''fighting fantasy'' before and will look out for more serious books. (It was more slow going after reading this because after I flicked through it in a way that sort of went along with how you're supposed to read it, I then went through and read the whole of the scenarios.)
I have to say, I am glad I didn't read this book when I first discovered The Old Kingdom series because, I was quite young then and some of the stories included in this, such as Hope Chest, was rather intense and gory, though wonderfully executed all the same. I Also loved My New Really Epic Fantasy Series and I should really stop now because I'll end up listing all of the stories! Haha xD
Overall, I can't see how anyone wouldn't enjoy this as it shows the diversity of Garth Nix, holds goregous chapter illustrations, shows how great his skills are and introduces new genres to you, however I can see myself having little to no interest in some of these stories if they were longer, for example From The Lighthouse.
Pick it up, give it a go and enjoy! >(^_^)<
Gén
March 8, 2011
I was initially hesitant to jump into this collection of short stories as the first is set in Nix's Old Kingdom. It's been quite some time since I read "Sabriel," "Lirael," and "Abhorsen" and I was nervous that I would not remember enough of the details of those stories to enjoy "Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case" without spending most of the time while reading it trying to remember what/who was being referenced. If that started happening, I would be forced to re-read the entire 1,744 page saga in order to enjoy this book. I do intend to re-read those books someday, but as I'm trying to do 200 books this year, that would really set me back. I was pleased to find that I could quite enjoy the story as Nix provided enough reminders and backstory that I was able to jump right back in.
I was also quite enamoured of the other stories in the book. These are an excellent sampling of the Author's work over the years. I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite, and, as with almost no short story collection I have ever read before, I did not dislike any of them.
The best thing about the anthology is the author's introductions to each of them. These paragraphs gave insight into both the origin of the story and the writing process of the author himself, information I always find fascinating. I find, also, that it gives the reader a much richer reading experience.
I was also quite enamoured of the other stories in the book. These are an excellent sampling of the Author's work over the years. I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite, and, as with almost no short story collection I have ever read before, I did not dislike any of them.
The best thing about the anthology is the author's introductions to each of them. These paragraphs gave insight into both the origin of the story and the writing process of the author himself, information I always find fascinating. I find, also, that it gives the reader a much richer reading experience.
April 19, 2018
ok first of all why do Garth Nix's books all have THE WORST COVERS, like is his publisher MAD AT HIM or what
anyway I mostly picked this up for the first story, a novella about Nicholas Sayre from Lirael, which I loved. the other stories were good? It's kind of a mixed bag of stuff that has been published elsewhere; nothing else in here is related to the Old Kingdom series. A fun but inessential read.
anyway I mostly picked this up for the first story, a novella about Nicholas Sayre from Lirael, which I loved. the other stories were good? It's kind of a mixed bag of stuff that has been published elsewhere; nothing else in here is related to the Old Kingdom series. A fun but inessential read.
December 22, 2021
I don't remember reading any of the stories in this collection. At all. Granted, the last read date here is 5/12/2003, and that's a very long time to carry any memories, but I'm tempted to think Past Me didn't remember correctly.
This review is just for the novella "Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case," which I decided to read after finishing Abhorsen. It's an excellent interlude, and a strong story to establish Nick as someone strong and capable after the events of the previous books left him looking kind of weak (in his mind; my daughter and I both agreed he was fairly tough to keep on trying to break free of his compulsion and make things right). I like the elements Nix is playing with in his own invented world, with Nick being both Charter-marked and filled with Free Magic, and I hope to see more of him in Goldenhand, assuming I ever get around to reading it...
This review is just for the novella "Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case," which I decided to read after finishing Abhorsen. It's an excellent interlude, and a strong story to establish Nick as someone strong and capable after the events of the previous books left him looking kind of weak (in his mind; my daughter and I both agreed he was fairly tough to keep on trying to break free of his compulsion and make things right). I like the elements Nix is playing with in his own invented world, with Nick being both Charter-marked and filled with Free Magic, and I hope to see more of him in Goldenhand, assuming I ever get around to reading it...
June 14, 2015
Short story collections are always hit and miss for me, because of how much variety is in them. In Nix's case, that works well in his favor - I loved his novels, and I liked seeing the scraps of the other worlds he might have made. I wasn't thrilled with the titular novella, but the most of the other stories were very effective (especially Three Roses). An enjoyable collection. (Thanks, Anna!)
February 3, 2023
This book is a collection of shart random stories written by the author, and here are my rating for each story ( except for the Nicholas story since I rated it already)
Under the Lake
its basically a prequel for Lady of The Lake and how come she chose to live this way .. nothing happened it was just her describing her life after she made the deal with Merlin to help Arthur 2/5
Charlie Rabbit
Two friends Joshua and Abbas are stuck underground during an air bombing in a war, and in order to survive they tel each other stories about a fictional character named Charlie Rabbit 1.5/5
From the lighthouse
A guy comes to an island and claims he owns it .. but a woman named margulatta from this island decides she will get rid of his 1/5
The Hill
Rowan and his great grandfather try to say a hill that belonged to thier family from being sold by his father ..3/5
The Lightning Bringer
A guy who has some super power falls in love with a girl and teies to save her from another man who has the ability to summon lightning 1/5
Down to the Scum Quarter
its a type of do it yourself adventure where you want to rescue your beloved lady, each reader will get a different story .. I didn't bother completing the story it was so boring ..1/5
Hearts Desire
The Story of Merlin and Nemu and their love story that made a lot of impact on Camelot 2/5
Hansel’s Eyes
its a retelling of Hansel and Grettle's story but in modern times, where both siblings get trapped in a witches house, and how they get out stronger than before 3/5
Hope Chest
Alice May was found on a train station as a baby with a mysterious box, as she grew up she discovers that her legacy is to save her town from an evil master, but the price is too high 2/4
My New Epic Fantasy Series
A traveller tells a story about an"overlord" who is seeking to destroy anything to do with his last name -its Pcharming btw, the P is silent- but there will be a boy who can destroy him and there is a prophecy about him, its a very short story but I like the prologue 3/5
Three Roses
The story of a gardner who planted roses out of love for his wife, only to have these roses taken by the king 2/5
Endings
A Vampire who was desperate to die tells the tale of his last moments 2/5
I liked how the author seems approachable and relatable, but that waa really boring it gave me a reading slump
Under the Lake
its basically a prequel for Lady of The Lake and how come she chose to live this way .. nothing happened it was just her describing her life after she made the deal with Merlin to help Arthur 2/5
Charlie Rabbit
Two friends Joshua and Abbas are stuck underground during an air bombing in a war, and in order to survive they tel each other stories about a fictional character named Charlie Rabbit 1.5/5
From the lighthouse
A guy comes to an island and claims he owns it .. but a woman named margulatta from this island decides she will get rid of his 1/5
The Hill
Rowan and his great grandfather try to say a hill that belonged to thier family from being sold by his father ..3/5
The Lightning Bringer
A guy who has some super power falls in love with a girl and teies to save her from another man who has the ability to summon lightning 1/5
Down to the Scum Quarter
its a type of do it yourself adventure where you want to rescue your beloved lady, each reader will get a different story .. I didn't bother completing the story it was so boring ..1/5
Hearts Desire
The Story of Merlin and Nemu and their love story that made a lot of impact on Camelot 2/5
Hansel’s Eyes
its a retelling of Hansel and Grettle's story but in modern times, where both siblings get trapped in a witches house, and how they get out stronger than before 3/5
Hope Chest
Alice May was found on a train station as a baby with a mysterious box, as she grew up she discovers that her legacy is to save her town from an evil master, but the price is too high 2/4
My New Epic Fantasy Series
A traveller tells a story about an"overlord" who is seeking to destroy anything to do with his last name -its Pcharming btw, the P is silent- but there will be a boy who can destroy him and there is a prophecy about him, its a very short story but I like the prologue 3/5
Three Roses
The story of a gardner who planted roses out of love for his wife, only to have these roses taken by the king 2/5
Endings
A Vampire who was desperate to die tells the tale of his last moments 2/5
I liked how the author seems approachable and relatable, but that waa really boring it gave me a reading slump
November 18, 2015
Disclaimer: This is a collection of short stories and I have a history of not enjoying short stories all that much. Often, I am too frustrated by an extremely lopsided ratio of questions raised to questions answered to appreciate any craft in the writing.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by how many of the stories here I did like. I picked up Across the Wall because I was missing the Old Kingdom, and while only the first story in the collection relates to that, I found it satisfying. Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case is more of a novella, at 90 pages long, and supplies enough action and suspense to be a page turner. It also begins to answer questions of what some characters did following the end of Nix's last novel of the Old Kingdom, Abhorsen.
I also especially liked Under the Lake, Hansel's Eyes, and the two final very, very short entries: Three Roses and Endings.
The only story I really disliked was, for the reason cited above as well as for a dearth of likable characters, From the Lighthouse. And, I must confess, Down to the Scum Quarter was wasted on me as I have read very few "choose your own adventures". But I can see how it would be very funny to fans of that genre.
Overall, a book to encourage me in reading more short fiction. And a reminder that I will want to read the next Old Kingdom novel when it finally arrives.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by how many of the stories here I did like. I picked up Across the Wall because I was missing the Old Kingdom, and while only the first story in the collection relates to that, I found it satisfying. Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case is more of a novella, at 90 pages long, and supplies enough action and suspense to be a page turner. It also begins to answer questions of what some characters did following the end of Nix's last novel of the Old Kingdom, Abhorsen.
I also especially liked Under the Lake, Hansel's Eyes, and the two final very, very short entries: Three Roses and Endings.
The only story I really disliked was, for the reason cited above as well as for a dearth of likable characters, From the Lighthouse. And, I must confess, Down to the Scum Quarter was wasted on me as I have read very few "choose your own adventures". But I can see how it would be very funny to fans of that genre.
Overall, a book to encourage me in reading more short fiction. And a reminder that I will want to read the next Old Kingdom novel when it finally arrives.
March 7, 2015
Very quick to read and really fun. I loved the little sort of introduction before each story to tell you a little something more about the story and how it came about,some nice insight into how a writer's life sometimes runs.
The stories are great fun and not connected making it easier(not easy, just very slightly less impossible) to put down the book between stories!
Another book by Garth Nix that did all but disappoint me! Brilliant!
The stories are great fun and not connected making it easier(not easy, just very slightly less impossible) to put down the book between stories!
Another book by Garth Nix that did all but disappoint me! Brilliant!
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January 8, 2016
[Short review from memory until I re-read it at a later date (2016? If I have time):
Little is remember of this! I re-read the Abhorsen trilogy this year and really wasn't in to it much, but Garth Nix is not a terrible writer: I think it was mostly that I had outgrown the story a little. Surprisingly high rating considering my dislike of short stories?]
Little is remember of this! I re-read the Abhorsen trilogy this year and really wasn't in to it much, but Garth Nix is not a terrible writer: I think it was mostly that I had outgrown the story a little. Surprisingly high rating considering my dislike of short stories?]
June 27, 2014
A fun collection of short stories. Some were more enjoyable than others, but that's par for the course. The main attraction here was the Abhorsen novella, which features Nicholas Sayre, a house party, and a free magic monster on the loose. It was a good return to the Abhorsen world, but mostly it made me realize that I still want more closure with those characters.
June 28, 2021
A book of short stories by Garth Nix, many of which have also been published elsewhere. Nix has written better work though and I don't think the introductions to each piece were entirely necessary.
In my opinion, the best of this collection are:
* Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case - A fantastic novella set in the Abhorsen 'verse. Only read this if you've read at least Books 1-3 of that series because spoilers. More detailed thoughts can be found here
* Under the Lake - a very interesting take on the Lady of the Lake from Arthurian legend
* Hansel's Eyes - a deliciously dark modern retelling of Hansel and Gretel that left me wishing for more
The rest of the stories were rather mediocre.
The worst for me was Down to the Slum Quarter which was a choose your own adventure. A good idea in principle but not well executed as I kept going round in circles.
In my opinion, the best of this collection are:
* Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case - A fantastic novella set in the Abhorsen 'verse. Only read this if you've read at least Books 1-3 of that series because spoilers. More detailed thoughts can be found here
* Under the Lake - a very interesting take on the Lady of the Lake from Arthurian legend
* Hansel's Eyes - a deliciously dark modern retelling of Hansel and Gretel that left me wishing for more
The rest of the stories were rather mediocre.
The worst for me was Down to the Slum Quarter which was a choose your own adventure. A good idea in principle but not well executed as I kept going round in circles.
August 18, 2019
Ich habe einige Geschichten entdeckt, die mir sehr gut gefielen. Jedoch auch andere, die ich nur ok fand. Bei Hope Chest hatte ich dann sogar ein schlechtes Gefühl, weil ich es unsensibel der echten Vergangenheit gegenüber empfinde, so eine Erklärung für einen "Master" zu haben.
August 10, 2019
3.5 stars
I enjoyed a lot of the stories in this! Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case was great and a few others like Charlie Rabbit, The Hill, and Down to the Scum Quarter, Hope Chest, and Three Roses were also memorable and enjoyable. A few I didn't connect with or didn't care for.
I enjoyed a lot of the stories in this! Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case was great and a few others like Charlie Rabbit, The Hill, and Down to the Scum Quarter, Hope Chest, and Three Roses were also memorable and enjoyable. A few I didn't connect with or didn't care for.
December 6, 2012
A re-read - due to my somehow forgetting to mark down that I'd read the book, and finding another copy at the thrift store for $1. The stories are good enough that I didn't mind re-reading.
Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case — This story features characters from the 'Abhorsen' series, but relates a stand-alone adventure. Nicholas gets involved with secret agents and has to save the aristocratic attendees of an annoying party from a vicious and magical creature from Across the Wall. Very action-oriented.
Under the Lake — What if the Lady of The Lake, of Arthurian legend, was an amoral, inhuman creature, interacting with Merlin for her own purposes?
Charlie Rabbit — A very sentimental, but effective story. Two boys are trapped in a bomb shelter after an air raid. The older boy tells his brother a story starring his toy rabbit to keep from panicking...
From the Lighthouse — I really like this one. A boorish developer arrives at a remote island that he has (possibly) purchased, with all kinds of plans to change it utterly. But a clever woman does not intend on letting her home be stolen from her community.
The Hill — Apparently, there was an objection to this story featuring Aboriginal Australian characters, and it got bowdlerized. I'd like to read the original. Still, it's good. Thematically similar to the previous selection: a boy and his grandfather team up to prevent the boy's father from selling the family land to developers.
Lightning Bringer — This one reminds me a bit of Charles deLint. A young man sees a girl he knows killed by lightning summoned by a strange drifter... There's nothing he can do, but when the man arrives in town for the second time, and sets his sights on his girlfriend, he knows he has to somehow prevent a second crime.
Down to the Scum Quarter — A 'Choose Your Own Adventure' story. If you remember the series, you'll find this hilarious. If you don't, you'll probably be mystified.
Heart's Desire — A story of doomed love between Merlin and his apprentice Nimue.
Hansel's Eyes — A cyberpunk-ish, dystopian & futuristic Hansel and Gretel story, where the witch's cabin is a video game store in a ghetto. Really quite creepy and disturbing.
Hope Chest — In a Old West town, a foundling girl has a mysterious legacy - that will help her to defeat evil, but lose her the ones that she loved.
My Really Epic New Fantasy Series — A brief, humorous speech given at a con. Not really necessary. But it's only two pages.
Three Roses — A short-short with an authentic fairy-tale feel. A king high-handeldly demands ownership of a gardener's roses, but they always fail to thrive...
Endings — Another short-short - but possibly the most powerful piece in the book. Love it.
Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case — This story features characters from the 'Abhorsen' series, but relates a stand-alone adventure. Nicholas gets involved with secret agents and has to save the aristocratic attendees of an annoying party from a vicious and magical creature from Across the Wall. Very action-oriented.
Under the Lake — What if the Lady of The Lake, of Arthurian legend, was an amoral, inhuman creature, interacting with Merlin for her own purposes?
Charlie Rabbit — A very sentimental, but effective story. Two boys are trapped in a bomb shelter after an air raid. The older boy tells his brother a story starring his toy rabbit to keep from panicking...
From the Lighthouse — I really like this one. A boorish developer arrives at a remote island that he has (possibly) purchased, with all kinds of plans to change it utterly. But a clever woman does not intend on letting her home be stolen from her community.
The Hill — Apparently, there was an objection to this story featuring Aboriginal Australian characters, and it got bowdlerized. I'd like to read the original. Still, it's good. Thematically similar to the previous selection: a boy and his grandfather team up to prevent the boy's father from selling the family land to developers.
Lightning Bringer — This one reminds me a bit of Charles deLint. A young man sees a girl he knows killed by lightning summoned by a strange drifter... There's nothing he can do, but when the man arrives in town for the second time, and sets his sights on his girlfriend, he knows he has to somehow prevent a second crime.
Down to the Scum Quarter — A 'Choose Your Own Adventure' story. If you remember the series, you'll find this hilarious. If you don't, you'll probably be mystified.
Heart's Desire — A story of doomed love between Merlin and his apprentice Nimue.
Hansel's Eyes — A cyberpunk-ish, dystopian & futuristic Hansel and Gretel story, where the witch's cabin is a video game store in a ghetto. Really quite creepy and disturbing.
Hope Chest — In a Old West town, a foundling girl has a mysterious legacy - that will help her to defeat evil, but lose her the ones that she loved.
My Really Epic New Fantasy Series — A brief, humorous speech given at a con. Not really necessary. But it's only two pages.
Three Roses — A short-short with an authentic fairy-tale feel. A king high-handeldly demands ownership of a gardener's roses, but they always fail to thrive...
Endings — Another short-short - but possibly the most powerful piece in the book. Love it.
February 4, 2022
I loved this book! I like that Garth Nix released random short stories and ideas that he had, Charlie Rabbit was my top favourite, as well as the creature in the case, lightning bringer, Hansel's eyes and down to scum quarter! Xxx
August 6, 2008
Garth Nix is a wonderful writer. I haven't read his Abhorsen series so I skipped over the Abhorsen story in this collection, but I read all the others and thoroughly enjoyed them all. "Under the Lake" was weird but brilliant, and "Down to the Scum Quarter" was incredibly fun. The latter story is written in 100 paragraphs and the reader sort of makes his own story by being directed to certain paragraphs depending on what objects he has chosen to carry with him and/or what he wants his character do. For example, this is in paragraph 3: "Descending to the next floor, you find yourself in a barbershop...There are four doors, sixteen reflections, and a trapdoor.
Do you go through the door marked with a tiger? Go to 85 Or the door marked with a lady? go to 39." Etc. The numerous stories are all very comic, as it is a mock-Three Musketeers style theme. I spent a couple hours in great enjoyment of this story (or Stories!).
Anyway: My favorite stories were "My New Really Epic Fantasy Series" (An absolutely hilarious "Prologue" to a fake fantasy series, poking fun at the fantasy genre) "Three Roses", and "Hope Chest", and "Endings" (which is unbelievablly brilliant and thought provoking). "Heart's Desire" overturned all my previous thoughts about Vivien and Merlin.
So! I'm going to read more Garth Nix!
Do you go through the door marked with a tiger? Go to 85 Or the door marked with a lady? go to 39." Etc. The numerous stories are all very comic, as it is a mock-Three Musketeers style theme. I spent a couple hours in great enjoyment of this story (or Stories!).
Anyway: My favorite stories were "My New Really Epic Fantasy Series" (An absolutely hilarious "Prologue" to a fake fantasy series, poking fun at the fantasy genre) "Three Roses", and "Hope Chest", and "Endings" (which is unbelievablly brilliant and thought provoking). "Heart's Desire" overturned all my previous thoughts about Vivien and Merlin.
So! I'm going to read more Garth Nix!
September 13, 2017
OK, when I started this book I thought I was about to read an unexpected fourth book in the Abhorsen Trilogy. It's NOT an unexpected fourth book in the Abhorsen Trilogy, just for the record, although the first "story" (actually a novella) is a continuation of that world via Nick Sayers, a primary character from the trilogy.
It's ACTUALLY a collection of various Nix short stories from here, there, and everywhere. Some of them I really enjoyed. Some were just OK. I think, overall, that one of the things I most love about Nix is his ability to delve you into a totally unknown world but make you feel like you know it - and that works much better in the novel format than in the short story format.
So I still like Garth Nix. This isn't my fave of his works. I'm looking forward to reading another full-length novel.
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Second reading 9/12/17
Across the Wall is a collection of short stories and I've read it before although I didn't recall all of the stories. They are fine stories, most of them (a few are a touch silly and I really dislike "Down to the Scum Quarter") but I must be craving novels right now, overall I just wanted to be done. I have one more book of stories to read, these I haven't read before, and then I'm out of Abhorsen stuff to read and will move on to a different author. Finally.
It's ACTUALLY a collection of various Nix short stories from here, there, and everywhere. Some of them I really enjoyed. Some were just OK. I think, overall, that one of the things I most love about Nix is his ability to delve you into a totally unknown world but make you feel like you know it - and that works much better in the novel format than in the short story format.
So I still like Garth Nix. This isn't my fave of his works. I'm looking forward to reading another full-length novel.
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Second reading 9/12/17
Across the Wall is a collection of short stories and I've read it before although I didn't recall all of the stories. They are fine stories, most of them (a few are a touch silly and I really dislike "Down to the Scum Quarter") but I must be craving novels right now, overall I just wanted to be done. I have one more book of stories to read, these I haven't read before, and then I'm out of Abhorsen stuff to read and will move on to a different author. Finally.
August 28, 2017
I've been working my way through rereading these so I can then read the two new ones, and they're both more and less than I remember.
On the one hand, all the Mogget, forever. On the other hand, a lot of this tripe. This was honestly the book I was looking forward to rereading the least. That's at least partially bias - I'm not a huge fan of short stories.
However, I really liked Garth Nix when I was a teenager, and as I read these books over a decade later, I'm acutely aware in a way I wasn't then of how he writes teenage girls with the not very discerning eye of an old dude.
Sex is this fascinating, foreign thing to his lady protags, even those who are about to edge out of their teens, where his boys are consistently aware of it. And the girls are willing to get with significantly older men, which is squicky as hell.
All of that only comes out in glimpses in the first three Abhorsen books, but it's uber apparent in this short story collection. I'm fully ready to get back to my long form old kingdom, which has way more going for it imho.
On the one hand, all the Mogget, forever. On the other hand, a lot of this tripe. This was honestly the book I was looking forward to rereading the least. That's at least partially bias - I'm not a huge fan of short stories.
However, I really liked Garth Nix when I was a teenager, and as I read these books over a decade later, I'm acutely aware in a way I wasn't then of how he writes teenage girls with the not very discerning eye of an old dude.
Sex is this fascinating, foreign thing to his lady protags, even those who are about to edge out of their teens, where his boys are consistently aware of it. And the girls are willing to get with significantly older men, which is squicky as hell.
All of that only comes out in glimpses in the first three Abhorsen books, but it's uber apparent in this short story collection. I'm fully ready to get back to my long form old kingdom, which has way more going for it imho.
January 12, 2009
A collection of short stories by the author of Sabriel and the Seventh Tower series. Nix has compiled a bunch of short things he’s published in magazines and other collections into his own collection. The first story is the longest, and it is a short tale of the Abhorsen, so fans of Sabriel will pick this up for that aspect alone. The other stories cover a variety of genres, as he’s been asked to write certain things for various magazines, but they all have a touch of fantasy to them. Each story has an introduction from Nix, setting the background and giving some hints to what he was thinking when he wrote the story. I enjoyed all of the stories, some more than others, and have to warn you that one is a bit more sexual in nature than the others, so this would need to go in a young adult collection.
March 7, 2015
Garth Nix je podle mě mnohem, mnohem lepší, když píše delší věci. Tohle bylo zvláštní.
První povídka o Nickovi mě zklamala, a to jsem vlastně po knize sáhla hlavně díky ní. Pořád si ale myslím, že za to hodně mohl překlad a ne děj, protože žádná tak špatně čitelná povídka už v knize nebyla a ty ostatní překládali jiní překladatelé.
Potom už to bylo tak půl na půl - něco se mi líbilo více, něco méně. Mým favoritem je Výprava do Špatné čtvrti, tahleta interaktivní povídka byla geniálně vtipná a moc se mi líbila. Dále jsem si celkem užila čtení Králíka Karlíka, Truhly naděje a Po čem srdce touží.
Žádná povídka nebyla vyloženě špatná, na to je Garth Nix moc dobrý spisovatel. Prostě to jako celek nebyl úplně můj šálek čaje.
První povídka o Nickovi mě zklamala, a to jsem vlastně po knize sáhla hlavně díky ní. Pořád si ale myslím, že za to hodně mohl překlad a ne děj, protože žádná tak špatně čitelná povídka už v knize nebyla a ty ostatní překládali jiní překladatelé.
Potom už to bylo tak půl na půl - něco se mi líbilo více, něco méně. Mým favoritem je Výprava do Špatné čtvrti, tahleta interaktivní povídka byla geniálně vtipná a moc se mi líbila. Dále jsem si celkem užila čtení Králíka Karlíka, Truhly naděje a Po čem srdce touží.
Žádná povídka nebyla vyloženě špatná, na to je Garth Nix moc dobrý spisovatel. Prostě to jako celek nebyl úplně můj šálek čaje.
September 14, 2024
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
The very worst thing about this book is that Garth Nix dares to tell us that he doesn’t want to hear if our favorite story is “The Coin Shower.” What was he thinking?!
The very best thing about this book is the variety of stories. They aren’t all Old Kingdom tales, and the one that is wasn’t my favorite – I’m not big on mysteries. My favorites were probably “The Hill” and “Heart’s Desire.” “Lightning Bringer” was interesting, if not a little disturbing and kind of out of place, I think. They’re all great, though! Even “The Coin Shower” in it’s eight-word glory. :-D
The very worst thing about this book is that Garth Nix dares to tell us that he doesn’t want to hear if our favorite story is “The Coin Shower.” What was he thinking?!
The very best thing about this book is the variety of stories. They aren’t all Old Kingdom tales, and the one that is wasn’t my favorite – I’m not big on mysteries. My favorites were probably “The Hill” and “Heart’s Desire.” “Lightning Bringer” was interesting, if not a little disturbing and kind of out of place, I think. They’re all great, though! Even “The Coin Shower” in it’s eight-word glory. :-D
April 22, 2016
It's been a while since I read any Garth Nix. I picked it up expecting it to be the next book in the Abhorsen series, but quickly discovered that it's a series of short stories. While only the first and the last related to the world of the Abhorsen series, this was a thoroughly enjoyable collection of Nix's work, spanning almost 20 years of his writing career. It's a great opportunity to see how a writer's style can develop over time.
November 16, 2015
I never used to like short stories, but Garth Nix always seems to collect a variety of stories that make his collections more interesting. He's now one of my favorite authors, but I feel like it's about time I move on and read some other authors' works. Maybe I'll read one or two more by him, but I never like to get too focused on one author. This collection was a good one to end my Nix binge on, and I'm looking forward to reading the next Abhorsen book, whenever that comes out.
April 15, 2020
I'm marking this book as "read", but it's really more of a DNF since I quit after the Abhorsen-related story and the next. I always forget that this is a mixed bag of stories, not a collection of stories about the Old Kingdom. I don't really like short stories, so I'm only here for more Abhorsen stuff...and even that was pretty flimsy here.
May 18, 2021
A mixed bag of goods, not all fit for publishing.
Picked this up because the title indicated it was stories set in the Abhorsen universe, but that's only the first story, the remaining stories are bit and pieces from Nix's career as a writer, with small introductions explaining when and why they were written.
Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case — An action filled follow up, interesting and well written. (4 Stars)
Under the Lake — One of two Arthurian stories, this one about the Lady of the Lake as a truly alien creature - captivating (4 Stars).
Charlie Rabbit — Children caught in a war zone, not really my thing (2 stars)
From the Lighthouse — Old school sci-fi in Bradbury style about a would-be conquer who meets his match (3 stars)
The Hill —Another old school "sci-fi" story about family relations and belonging to the land. (3 stars)
Lightning Bringer — Urban fantasy about a man who controls lightning (2 stars)
Down to the Scum Quarter — A multible choice story (DNF)
Heart's Desire — The second Arthurian story about Merlin's and Ninianes relation - sweet and touching (4 stars)
Hansel's Eyes — A remake of Hansel and Grethel - a little too constructed (2. stars)
Hope Chest — A western sci-fi (4 stars)
My Really Epic New Fantasy Series — A made up story (DNF)
Three Roses — Another fairy tale/fable (2. stars)
Endings — Some kind of allegory - not sure i got it fully (DNF)
Picked this up because the title indicated it was stories set in the Abhorsen universe, but that's only the first story, the remaining stories are bit and pieces from Nix's career as a writer, with small introductions explaining when and why they were written.
Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case — An action filled follow up, interesting and well written. (4 Stars)
Under the Lake — One of two Arthurian stories, this one about the Lady of the Lake as a truly alien creature - captivating (4 Stars).
Charlie Rabbit — Children caught in a war zone, not really my thing (2 stars)
From the Lighthouse — Old school sci-fi in Bradbury style about a would-be conquer who meets his match (3 stars)
The Hill —Another old school "sci-fi" story about family relations and belonging to the land. (3 stars)
Lightning Bringer — Urban fantasy about a man who controls lightning (2 stars)
Down to the Scum Quarter — A multible choice story (DNF)
Heart's Desire — The second Arthurian story about Merlin's and Ninianes relation - sweet and touching (4 stars)
Hansel's Eyes — A remake of Hansel and Grethel - a little too constructed (2. stars)
Hope Chest — A western sci-fi (4 stars)
My Really Epic New Fantasy Series — A made up story (DNF)
Three Roses — Another fairy tale/fable (2. stars)
Endings — Some kind of allegory - not sure i got it fully (DNF)
February 4, 2024
I started this for the Old Kingdom story and generally enjoyed this book of short stories. The middle stories were less interesting for me, but the Old Kingdom story and the stories at the end were excellent. The Hope Chest is possibly one of my new favorite short stories. It has serious historical fantasy Annie Oakley energy and gave me serious nostalgia for one of my favorite early/first chapter books as a kid about her. The ending of that story also left me in a similar energy as The Lottery (one of my other favorite short stories).
The satire article at the end about his new epic fantasy series had me cackling.
I was a little disappointed at his misguided approach/feelings toward feedback that he should not write about (real) cultures not his own, but hope that maybe he has grown in his perspective since this was published almost 20 years ago.
The satire article at the end about his new epic fantasy series had me cackling.
I was a little disappointed at his misguided approach/feelings toward feedback that he should not write about (real) cultures not his own, but hope that maybe he has grown in his perspective since this was published almost 20 years ago.
May 9, 2023
This book is a collection of short stories, with only one about the Old Kingdom. As all short story collections seem to be, it is a mixed bag of the good, the bad, and the meh. I will give a short summary of each story below without spoilers. The stories (other than the Old Kingdom story) were written by Nix to be published in different fantasy journals or alongside those of other authors in anthologies addressing the same concept.
Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case: This story takes place shortly after the events of Abhorsen and includes (as you expect from the title) both Nicholas Sayre and a creature. The creature is of the Old Kingdom and Nicholas must find a way to handle an Old Kingdom problem in the New Kingdom in order to save both.
Under the Lake: Nix wrote this story for a collection about the Arthurian mythos. He focuses upon the Lady of the Lake and tries to provide a new interpretation of the character. The treatment of bargaining and how great magic demands a great price is certainly in keeping with much of the mythos.
Charlie Rabbit: Two children are caught in their shelter after a bombardment of their town and an unexpected ally must help save their lives. This one was difficult to read as it was part of a collection of stories about children affected by war.
From the Lighthouse: A man arrives at an oasis island with an idea that he is the savior and protector of the inhabitants. The inhabitants see him very differently.
The Hill: Nix was asked to write a story set in Australia for a collection. This is not a story set in the fantasy genre. Oddly enough, I think this is my favorite from the book. The main character is a young man trying to help his great-great-grandfather preserve their family legacy against the wishes (and plans) of his own father.
Lightning Bringer: A 10-year-old boy meets a man he calls the Lightning Bringer and is horrified to recognize the possibilities of a darker side to himself he didn't expect. Nix wrote this story for a collection called "Love & Sex". He combines that theme along with a fantastical element involving lightning and comes up with a story that I find somewhat reminiscent of parts of The Dark Tower series by Stephen King.
Down to the Scum Quarter: Choose Your Own Adventure meets a 6-sided die and the Three Musketeers.
Heart's Desire: This is a second Arthurian tale by Nix written for an anthology called "The Road to Camelot". Nix chose Nimue as his character and explored her relationship with Merlin from a different angle and with different motivations.
Hansel's Eyes: Nix retells Hansel and Gretel in an urban fantasy setting. This story has some really well-written action and is seriously creepy in parts.
Hope Chest: I would call this a Western meets the Nazis story with a twist of magical powers. This is another story with some seriously creepy parts, but unfortunately these parts are based in reality rather than fantasy like in Hansel's Eyes.
My New Really Epic Fantasy Series: Nix spoofs any number of fantasy series all at once to describe his fictional plans for a new series of forty-seven novels.
Three Roses: Nix wrote this tale to read aloud at an event called "An Enchanted Evening", which is the night he met his wife Anna. This quick fable is sweet and probably helped Nix catch her eye.
Endings: This quick story was the coda for an anthology called "Gothic!" There is no good way to describe it. You'll have to read it for yourself.
Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case: This story takes place shortly after the events of Abhorsen and includes (as you expect from the title) both Nicholas Sayre and a creature. The creature is of the Old Kingdom and Nicholas must find a way to handle an Old Kingdom problem in the New Kingdom in order to save both.
Under the Lake: Nix wrote this story for a collection about the Arthurian mythos. He focuses upon the Lady of the Lake and tries to provide a new interpretation of the character. The treatment of bargaining and how great magic demands a great price is certainly in keeping with much of the mythos.
Charlie Rabbit: Two children are caught in their shelter after a bombardment of their town and an unexpected ally must help save their lives. This one was difficult to read as it was part of a collection of stories about children affected by war.
From the Lighthouse: A man arrives at an oasis island with an idea that he is the savior and protector of the inhabitants. The inhabitants see him very differently.
The Hill: Nix was asked to write a story set in Australia for a collection. This is not a story set in the fantasy genre. Oddly enough, I think this is my favorite from the book. The main character is a young man trying to help his great-great-grandfather preserve their family legacy against the wishes (and plans) of his own father.
Lightning Bringer: A 10-year-old boy meets a man he calls the Lightning Bringer and is horrified to recognize the possibilities of a darker side to himself he didn't expect. Nix wrote this story for a collection called "Love & Sex". He combines that theme along with a fantastical element involving lightning and comes up with a story that I find somewhat reminiscent of parts of The Dark Tower series by Stephen King.
Down to the Scum Quarter: Choose Your Own Adventure meets a 6-sided die and the Three Musketeers.
Heart's Desire: This is a second Arthurian tale by Nix written for an anthology called "The Road to Camelot". Nix chose Nimue as his character and explored her relationship with Merlin from a different angle and with different motivations.
Hansel's Eyes: Nix retells Hansel and Gretel in an urban fantasy setting. This story has some really well-written action and is seriously creepy in parts.
Hope Chest: I would call this a Western meets the Nazis story with a twist of magical powers. This is another story with some seriously creepy parts, but unfortunately these parts are based in reality rather than fantasy like in Hansel's Eyes.
My New Really Epic Fantasy Series: Nix spoofs any number of fantasy series all at once to describe his fictional plans for a new series of forty-seven novels.
Three Roses: Nix wrote this tale to read aloud at an event called "An Enchanted Evening", which is the night he met his wife Anna. This quick fable is sweet and probably helped Nix catch her eye.
Endings: This quick story was the coda for an anthology called "Gothic!" There is no good way to describe it. You'll have to read it for yourself.
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