Sonderbooks Book Review of Across the Wall

Reviewed September 13, 2005.
eos (HarperCollins), New York, 2005. 305 pages.
Available at Sembach Library (J MCN F NIX).
Sonderbooks Stand-out 2005 (#6, Young Adult Fantasy Fiction)

I was delighted to find another story by Garth Nix set in the Old Kingdom, taking place after Sabriel and Lirael and Abhorsen. The title story is more of a novella, and tells us what happens to Nick Sayre, recovered from the events of the previous book and living back at home in Ancelstierre.

He wants to get back to the Old Kingdom. He wants to see Lirael and Sam again. When his uncle invites him to a mysterious house party, to meet the head of the government’s spies, he’s told if he cooperates, he can get a pass to cross the wall. However, he isn’t prepared for the horrible thing he finds at the house.

The remaining twelve stories are all haunting, powerful and magical. The variety yet consistent quality is impressive. I often get tired of reading anthologies and have to read them slowly. This one, however, compelled me to continue on as each story was so excellent, I wanted to read another.

Reviews of other books by Garth Nix:
Sabriel
Lirael
Abhorsen
Clariel
Goldenhand
Terciel & Elinor
A Confusion of Princes
Newt's Emerald
To Hold the Bridge
The Left-Handed Booksellers of London
The Sinister Booksellers of Bath
Frogkisser!

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Book Reviews by Sondra Eklund

*****Across the Wall*

A Tale of the Abhorsen and Other Stories

by Garth Nix