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naomi_k's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
megglettep's review against another edition
In actuality, I DNF most of this book. I was hear for the abhorsen novella, and I finished that so I feel alright counting this as read, even if I haven't finished it completely.
The story was nice. It was interesting to follow Nick on his madcap adventure. I'm ready for Goldenhand!
The story was nice. It was interesting to follow Nick on his madcap adventure. I'm ready for Goldenhand!
captainjemima's review against another edition
3.0
This book of short stories was a real insight into Garth Nix's literary brain. Each story is prefaced with a couple of pages where he talks about his motivations behind the text. There is also an interesting Q&A section at the end of the book to answer his fans' FAQs.
I especially enjoyed 'Down To The Scum Quarter', which is a parody on "Choose your own adventure" books, where each numbered paragraph tells you which number to follow next. Nix has a laugh at the fantasy genre which is refreshing and an insight into his sense of humour.
The main story of 'Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case' is best read soon after finishing the 'Sabriel', 'Lirael' and 'Abhorsen' trilogy. In fact, DON'T read the story unless you've read the trilogy, or you won't know what's going on. In my case, I read the short story approximately ten months after finishing 'Abhorsen'. Unfortunately I was lost as to the references to the end of the story, which I couldn't quite remember and had to guess at.
I especially enjoyed 'Down To The Scum Quarter', which is a parody on "Choose your own adventure" books, where each numbered paragraph tells you which number to follow next. Nix has a laugh at the fantasy genre which is refreshing and an insight into his sense of humour.
The main story of 'Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case' is best read soon after finishing the 'Sabriel', 'Lirael' and 'Abhorsen' trilogy. In fact, DON'T read the story unless you've read the trilogy, or you won't know what's going on. In my case, I read the short story approximately ten months after finishing 'Abhorsen'. Unfortunately I was lost as to the references to the end of the story, which I couldn't quite remember and had to guess at.
nightskiesdark's review against another edition
4.0
I don't think the myriad of short stories are as strong as the other collection, but they are all still very good.
cmbohn's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
whisper88's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
ephermeyal's review against another edition
2.0
I guess it was interesting to see some of Garth Nix' previous writing.
//Not including Nicholas Sayre and the cage chuchuchu
//Not including Nicholas Sayre and the cage chuchuchu
lost_luna's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this collection of short stories. Some were brilliant and I want more from them. There wasn't a bad or disappointing story in this collection.
crowyhead's review against another edition
3.0
The long Old Kingdom story in this collection, "Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Cabinet," is really well-written and a lot of fun. The other stories vary in quality and are by and large kind of forgettable.