Across the Wall: A Tale of the Abhorsen and Other Stories facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Across the Wall: A Tale of the Abhorsen and Other Stories

Dillon cover of US edition
Author	Garth Nix
Cover artist	Leo and Diane Dillon (US) Larry Rostant (UK, AU)
Language	English
Series	The Old Kingdom
Genre	Fantasy
Publisher	EOS (US); Allen & Unwin (AU); HarperCollins (UK)
Publication date	2005 (US, AU); 2006 (UK)
Media type	Print
Pages	305 (US); 391 (AU); 352 (UK)
ISBN	0-06-074713-7 (US); 1-74114-701-8 (AU); 0-00-722145-2 (UK)
OCLC	57316647
LC Class	PZ7.N647 Ac 2005 (US)

Across the Wall: A Tale of the Abhorsen and Other Stories is a collection of exciting short stories by Australian author Garth Nix. Many of these tales take place in the magical world of his popular Old Kingdom series. The book was first released in 2005 in the US and Australia, and in 2006 in the UK. Special UK editions included unique covers or extra notes from the author. All UK versions also featured a fun Q&A section with Garth Nix himself! Most of the stories in this collection were published before, often in magazines or other story collections.

What Stories Are Inside?

This book brings together thirteen different stories, each with its own unique adventure. Here are some of the tales you'll find:

Adventures in the Old Kingdom

• "Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case" — This story follows Nicholas Sayre as he tries to get back to the Old Kingdom. He faces a scary creature made of Free Magic along the way.

Twists on Classic Legends

• "Under the Lake" — This story reimagines the legend of Avalon and the Lady of the Lake. It shows the Lady of the Lake as a mysterious figure who gives Arthur his famous sword, Excalibur, but for reasons that might not be entirely good.
• "Heart's Desire" — This tale explains what happened to the famous wizard Merlin. It also shows the important role of Nimue in his disappearance.
• "Hansel's Eyes" — A modern take on the classic fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel.

Other Exciting Tales

• "Charlie Rabbit" — A story about two brothers who are trapped in their basement during an air raid.
• "From the Lighthouse" — This story is about a builder who travels to a tropical island he thought he bought. He soon realizes he was tricked by con artists.
• "The Hill" — A boy tries to save his great-grandfather's land from being sold by his own father.
• "Lightning Bringer" — This story is about a young couple who are struck by lightning.
• "Down to the Scum Quarter" — A funny story that makes fun of "Choose Your Own Adventure" books.
• "Hope Chest" — A fantasy western story with action and magic.
• "My Really Epic New Fantasy Series" — A humorous speech transcript from a writing convention about a new fantasy series.
• "Three Roses" — A short, meaningful fable.
• "Endings" — A very short story that explores the feelings of sadness and joy.