Reviews

Across the Wall: A Tale of the Old Kingdom and Beyond by Garth Nix

alyshadeshae's review against another edition

5.0

My full review is here on my personal website. I'll post a few excerpts here, though:

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

readingjag's review against another edition

3.0

A collection of short stories, including one that serves as a sequel to Abhorsen. A well balanced collection and a fast read.

annir's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

pebbajebbas's review against another edition

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

jenmulholland's review against another edition

adventurous dark medium-paced

2.0

emilyplun's review against another edition

The Old Kingdom novella in this collection is set after the initial trilogy-- will return when I finish the trilogy

mythie's review against another edition

3.0

The first story in this collection, Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case, is a delightful addition to the Old Kingdom books.

crum_93's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

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. 

annieharhar's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I love Garth Nix's Old Kingdom series. I didn't know there was a short story out there about Nicholas. Definitely buying this one!

basbleu_dans_labiblioteque's review against another edition

adventurous funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

Favorites:
Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case
Down to the Scum Quarter
Hansel’s Eyes
Hope Chest
My New Really Epic Fantasy Series