About the Book
With the novella To Hold the Bridge, Garth Nix continues to explore the magical world of the Old Kingdom series. Also included in this remarkable collection are eighteen short stories that showcase Nix’s versatility, as he adds a fantastical twist on an array of genres including science fiction, paranormal, realistic fiction, mystery, and adventure.
To Hold the Bridge – Far to the north of the Old Kingdom, the Greenwash Bridge Company has been building a bridge for almost a hundred years. It is not an easy task, for many dangers threaten the bridge builders, from nomad raiders to Free Magic sorcerers. Despite the danger, Morghan wants nothing more than to join the Bridge Company as a cadet. But the company takes only the best, the most skillful Charter mages, and trains them hard, for the night might come when only a single young cadet must hold the bridge against many foes. Will Morghan be that cadet?
A list of stories in To Hold the Bridge can be found below.
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Audiobook
This book is also available on audiobook from the following online booksellers:
Narrator: Nicola Barber, Raphael Corkhill, Roger Wayne, Christian Coulson, Steven Crossley, Michael Crouch, John Lee, Polly Lee
Format: Unabridged
Runtime: 13h 24m
What people are saying...
“Nix’s collection of richly imagined short fiction is a feast for speculative fiction fans of all ages.”
— Booklist (starred review)
“Deft characterization and virtuoso worldbuilding with tones that range from creepy dread to grisly violence to poignant heartbreak to wry humor (sometimes within the same tale!). A tasty buffet for Nix fans and a comprehensive sampler for new readers.”
— Kirkus Reviews
“Nix has a very imaginative and wild mind, and his characters come to life. An enjoyable read for fantasy and science fiction fans.”
— Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
“Invariably well-written and featuring engaging characters throughout, these stories are all a pleasure to read. Nix’s fans will treasure this collection.”
— Publishers Weekly
“Nix’s talents for characterization, description, and plotting render each story in this work a pleasure to read. Readers of speculative fiction, whether teens or adults, should find much to enjoy in this collection.”
— School Library Journal
This collection features...
- “To Hold the Bridge: An Old Kingdom Story” first published in Legends of Australian Fantasy, edited by Jack Dann and Jonathan Strahan, 2010.
- “Vampire Weather” first published in Teeth, edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, 2011.
- “Strange Fishing in the Western Highlands” first published in Hellboy: Oddest Jobs, edited by Christopher Golden, 2008.
- “Old Friends” first published in Dreaming Again, edited by Jack Dann, 2008.
- “The Quiet Knight” first published in Geektastic, edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci, 2011.
- “You Won’t Feel a Thing” first published in After, edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, 2012.
- “A Handful of Ashes” first published in Under My Hat, edited by Jonathan Strahan, 2012.
- “The Big Question” first published in, Elsewhere, Edinburgh Festival Special, 2012.
- “Stop!” first published in The Dragon Book, edited by Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois, 2009.
- “Infestation” first published in The Starry Rift, edited by Jonathan Strahan, 2008.
- “The Heart of the City” first published in Subterranean Online magazine, 2011.
- “Ambrose and the Ancient Spirits of East and West” first published in The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabinet of Curiosities, edited by Ann and Jeff Vandermeer
- “Holly and Iron” first published in Wizards, edited by Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois, 2007.
- “The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodils Murder: As Experienced by Sir Magnus Holmes and Almost-Doctor Susan Shrike” first published in Ghosts by Gaslight, edited by Jack Dann and Nick Gevers, 2011.
- “An Unwelcome Guest” first published in Troll’s-Eye View, edited by Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, 2009.
- “The Highest Justice” first published in Zombies vs. Unicorns, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier, 2010.
- “Master Haddad’s Holiday” first published as a bonus story in the Australian edition of A Confusion of Princes, 2012.
- “Sidekick of Mars” first published in Under the Moons of Mars, edited by John Joseph Adams, 2012.
- “Peace in Our Time” first published in Steampunk! edited by Kelly Link and Gavin J. Grant, 2011.
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