9-3-05
Garth Nix, Across the Wall
Eos (2005) ISBN: 0-06-074713-7
Collection of unrelated short stories.
"Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case" Score: 2
This novella is the reason I picked up this volume. Nick was a main charater in Lirael and Abhorsen and this won't make much sense if you haven't read those.
"Under the Lake" Score: 0.5
The Lady of the Lake reflects on her life while Merlin bargains with her.
"Charlie Rabbit" Score: -1
A modern non-SF story about kids in a city that's being bombed.
"From the Lighthouse" Score: 0.5
Science fiction story about a millionaire who buys an island with the intent of being its ruler.
"The Hill" Score: -1
A story about selling land in Australia. I'd much rather read the author's original version (he removed the fantasy elements after some Aboriginal people complained that he was stealing their myths).
"Lightning Bringer" Score: -1
A story about a guy who can harness lightning and use it to control people's minds.
"Down to the Scum Quarter" Score: 2
A parody Choose Your Own Adventure story (actually it parodies stuff like Crossroads that mix in RPG elements; and at least Nix admits everyone cheats at those) with a Three Musketeers type plot.
"Heart's Desire" Score: 0.5
Another Arthurian story, this one explains why Merlin let himself be entrapped by Nimue (Viviane).
"Hansel's Eyes" Score: 0.5
Modern retelling of "Hansel and Gretel".
"Hope Chest" Score: -1
Contrived alt-hist pseudo-western fantasy.
"My New Really Epic Fantasy Series" Score: 2
A parody prologue for a never ending fantasy novel.
"Three Roses" Score: 0.5
A short short about a gardener who grows remarkable roses out of his love for his dead wife.
"Endings" Score: -1
Another short short about a vampire tired of his existence.
Next Book: Lawrence Watt-Evans, The Spell of the Black Dagger
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