Across the Wall: A Tale of the Abhorsen and Other Stories
A collection of short stories.
ACROSS THE WALL brings together an eclectic mix of Garth Nix’s writing spanning several years.
The
opening story is the 2005 World Book Day novella and Old Kingdom story
NICHOLAS SAYRE AND THE CREATURE IN THE CASE, winner of two prestigious
Aurealis Awards.
The rest of the collection includes two tales
inspired by Arthurian legend, a war story, a western, a traditional
tale with a twist and a hilarious choose-your-own-adventure spoof.
The
volume is introduced by the author himself and, even better, so is each
story – giving context, anecdotes and a generous dollop of Nix’s own
wry humour.
Plus! A final bonus section of frequently asked questions for which Garth Nix supplies vital answers.
Garth Nix
In Garth Nix’s worlds, the dead rarely stay quiet, magic obeys ancient and perilous rules, and courage often looks like a teenager holding a bell, a sword, and the weight of two realms. Best known for the Old Kingdom series, Nix has carved out a space in fantasy literature that hums with mythic resonance and emotional depth—where necromancers clash with free magic creatures and heroines face destiny with grit rather than grandeur.
Born in Melbourne, Australia, Nix grew up in Canberra, absorbing stories that blurred the line between the ordinary and the extraordinary. He worked in bookstores, publishing, and even the Australian Army Reserve before turning his attention fully to fiction. That eclectic journey quietly shaped his writing—there’s a sense in his stories that the fantastical doesn’t sit apart from reality, but seeps into it through forgotten doorways and ancient bloodlines.
The Old Kingdom
Also known as the Abhorsen Trilogy (only in the USA).
The Old Kingdom consists of six primary books, and includes three additional books that complement the series but are not considered mandatory reads — considered a complete series. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
