Across the Wall
A Tale of the Abhorsen and Other Stories
by Garth Nix
Across the Wall is an anthology of stories by Garth Nix, one of Australia's premier
sci-fi/fantasy authors. The first story, Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case,
is a tale of the Abhorsen. It is a continuation of the Abhorsen trilogy, and is filled with
magic and violence. But it is an absorbing story, one I thoroughly enjoyed. However, for
the young adult readers for whom this book was intended, it is important to keep it in
perspective. It is, after all, a work of fiction.
The remainder of the works in this anthology cover a wide variety of science fiction
and fantasy, more fantasy than science fiction. There are two Arthurian stories, extensions
of the King Arthur legend. Though Mr. Nix claims to not like Arthurian legend, he's still
interested enough to write about it. The stories, Under the Lake and Heart's
Desire are both quite good and deserving of publication.
There are ten more offerings on a wide variety of subjects. One, Hansel's Eyes,
is a retelling of the old Grimm's fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel, with a modern
and magical twist. Charlie Rabbit is a story of children caught in a war and the
damage that is done. Down to the Scum Quarter is one of those interactive stories
where the reader chooses the path of the story. Skipping around from paragraph to paragraph
to find your way can get confusing, but it is a fun sort of confusion.
The remaining stories are not just stories but are entertaining in their own right. I
enjoyed each of them equally well. If you are a fan of Garth Nix, this will be a special
book. If you're not already a fan, this book will make you one. Pick up a copy and enjoy
a fun read. |
The Book |
Eos / HarperCollins |
July 1, 2005 |
Hardcover |
0-06-074713-7 |
Science Fiction/Fantasy |
More
at Amazon.com |
Excerpt |
NOTE: Contains violence |
The Reviewer |
Jo Rogers |
Reviewed 2005 |
NOTE: |
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