About the Author

Garth Nix has been a full-time writer since 2001, but has also worked as a literary agent, marketing consultant, book editor, book publicist, book sales representative, bookseller, and as a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve.

Garth's books include: the YA fantasy Old Kingdom series, including Sabriel, Lirael, Abhorsen, Clariel and Goldenhand; SF novels Shade's Children and A Confusion of Princes; and a Regency romance with magic, Newt's Emerald. His fantasy novels for children include The Ragwitch, the six books of The Seventh Tower sequence, The Keys to the Kingdom series and others. He has co-written several books with Sean Williams, including the Troubletwisters series and the forthcoming Have Sword, Will Travel.

More than five million copies of his books have been sold around the world, they have appeared on the bestseller lists of The New York Times, Publishers Weekly and USA Today and his work has been translated into 42 languages. His most recent book, Frogkisser!, is now being developed as a film by Twentieth Century Fox/Blue Sky Animation.

www.garthnix.com
facebook.com/garthnix
Twitter @garthnix

Reviews

'This novel is great for any fan of fantasy, it is definitely a must buy for an Garth Nix fan. I personally give it 12 out of 10, and yes it's that good!'Chris, Year 10 Canberra student on YARA: www.goldcreek.act.edu.au/yara' a rare treat- short stories which really grab you, and ideas which echo in your mind long after you have finished reading.' MagpiesVol 20 ' engrossing and breathless'. SAETA NewsletterSummer 2006'Wicked stuff indeed In a word: mesmerising' weekend Gold Coast Bulletin24/09/05'richly imaginative' Reading TimeVol 50 No 1 Feb 2006

Gr 8 Up-Twelve short stories and one novella are stitched together with the popular Australian author's commentary on his writing life. Nix includes one choose-your-own-adventure type story, "Down to the Scum Quarter." A spoof on the genre, it takes place primarily in a bordello and is rife with literary and role-play allusions, but lacks a satisfying story arc. Other selections, more traditional in format, include a disturbingly gory and unforgettable "Hansel and Gretel" set in a dark cityscape, two spin-offs from Arthurian legend, and a Western fantasy that owes more to the movies than to history. In the novella, "Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case," the scion of a political family wants nothing more than to cross the forbidden Wall and be reunited with his friends in the Old Kingdom, where magic is practiced and understood. To that end, Nicholas agrees to engage in espionage for his powerful uncle, only to be swept up in a terrifying scenario as a mummified monster is brought to life with his blood. Readers of the author's bestselling "Abhorsen" trilogy (Morrow/Avon) will find themselves right at home in this horror/fantasy/mystery but those new to this world will find the first pages slow going as they try to piece together the nature of the alternative reality and to identify offstage characters and events. At times self-indulgent (the text of the author's first book, written at age six, is included in his notes), this collection will nonetheless delight true fans.-Carolyn Lehman, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.