Title: Across the Wall: A Tale of the Abhorsen and Other Stories
Author: Garth Nix
Pages: 305
Grade: A -
Summary: (Book Description)
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.
With "Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case," Garth Nix continues to explore the magical world of the Abhorsen Trilogy. In additional short stories that range from two widely different takes on the Merlin myth to a gritty urban version of Hansel and Gretel and a heartbreaking story of children and war, Garth Nix displays the range and versatility that has made him one of today's leading writers of fantasy for readers of all ages.
My thoughts: The Abhorsen Trilogy is possibly my all time favorite childhood fantasy series. So you know what...Garth Nix can go back to this world anytime he likes and I will follow. That is much how I came into contact with this collection, and I really enjoyed not just the novella but all the tales.
Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case - It was really just a pleasure to go back into this world that I've always so enjoyed. And the appearance of Lirael at the end certainly didn't hurt. It was a quick read, as are all things Garth Nix writes, but a fulfilling one, an enjoyable one.
Under the Lake - The first of two Arthurian tales. I adored it. The lady of the lake is possibly my all time favorite character from the myths....and I loved this new take on things.
Charlie Rabbit - It broke my heart. The short tale gives you just a brief glimpse into the lives of children facing like in the middle of a war zone. And sometimes the faith of a small child...isn't always for naught. You may not see it that way. Or even afterward view it the same way the small child did. But he was right. Charlie Rabbit did save them.From the Lighthouse - Nix took a bit of a step into the Sci-Fi realm... and while I like the concept and the setting... due to its length...I think I just feel like I'm missing out on more of a story. But nice nonetheless.
The Hill - I adored this. The setting, the young boy, the old man, the cab driver, the young boy's father....everything seemed so fleshed out...though the short story is just that short. I didn't feel like I was just glimpsing this story. I understood this story. A love of a land and how it should be. Longing to the simplicity of the past before everything became all about money and greed and what you can get from something rather than just enjoying something.
Lightning Bringer - I appreciated it...and the lightning concept reminded me a bit of Something Wicked This Way Comes. But not one of my favorites.
Down to the Scum Quarter - Brilliant! I laughed. Choose Your Own Adventures...shall always be grand.. especially with the humor of well Nix.
Heart's Desire - The second of the two Arthurian tales, and once again I adored it. Because he picked up on my other favorite part of the myth. The twisted tale of Merlin and Nimue. I love this take how well why everything fell apart. Why a great man such as Merlin fell for Nimue to begin with. Loved it.
Hansel's Eyes - I love modern day takes on fairy tales. I always have and always will. Because the tales that were creepy when we were young...remain creepy to our older selves when they are taken from a hidden faraway fantastical world. And put into our own modern day one.
Hope Chest - Brilliant! I wish there was more. Or that it could be lengthened to an actual novel. There is so much here. And so much I am left wondering out. Plus...I have a soft spots for tales about ordinary women who suddenly come into powers and kick major ass.
My New Really Epic Fantasy Series - Just a riot! I laughed all the way through.
Three Roses - Just really short, simple, and sweet.
Endings - Another tale that I wish I had been given more of. Simply because it was so well awesome really. Because within three pages...there was so much story there. So much woven into that short amount of words. Love!
Thus endeth my Garth Nix love fest.
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