The first story in this book of short fiction is about Nicholas Sayre, a character from the Abhorsen series, it’s a really fun and exciting adventure story with a terrifying monster that really makes for a good read. But that really is the only great story. Others are ok, one or two may be good, but they really don't grip the reader that much, and just leave you wanting more from the world of the Abhorsen.

The introductions at the beginning of each story is the only thing that saves the book from being a complete let down, and it served as a nice window into Garth Nix's life.

Worth a look, but don’t expect too much from Across The Wall. ( )

The title novella is a good coda to the happenings in the Abhorsen trilogy. I'm glad to see the implied happy ending for Nick and Lirael. ( )

An anthology of fantasy stories by Garth Nix, most well known for his Abhorsen Trilogy. There is quite a mixture of different stories included in the collection which includes a story set around the Abhorsen stories. Instead of reviewing all the stories I will just mention some of the ones that really stood out.

Nicholas Sayre and the Creature in the Case
A tale of Nicholas from the Abhorsen series who lives in Ancelstierre. His ambition is to return to the Old Kingdom and see Lirael. His uncle will help him if he answers some questions for the mysterious Department Thirteen. Dorrance runs the Department and is an eccentric who owns a strange free magic creature in a case form the Old Kingdom and Nicholas is convinced it is still alive.

Lightening Bringer
This was my favourite in the collection. It mixed controlling minds, seeing auras, lightening, sex and love. It reminded me of The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman which is another story I love.

Down to Scum Quarter
A fun "choose your own adventure" story that plays with Zoro and the Three Muskateers. Very silly but a lot of fun.

Hearts Desire
A re-telling of the Merlin/Nimue myth from Arthurian legends. To gain power one must catch a star and give up their heart's desire. Merlin caught his star years ago and knows his future and now it is the turn of Nimue.

Hope Chest
A fantasy Western tale about a baby girl who is found on a train with a note saying her name is Alice May Susan and she will bring good luck. She is adopted along with a mysterious trunk which none can open until she turns 16. What she finds inside helps her go after a dangerous cult leader called The Master.

Three Roses
A sad and poignant tale about a man who growa beautiful roses for the love of his dead wife.

One thing I really enjoyed about this collection was the introduction to each story by Nix. They give you an idea of what the story is about and why he wrote it and what it was written for. I really look forward to reading more of his writing. ( )

This is a set of short stories based on the Abhorsen Trilogy. Unfortunately, they lack flow and continuation like the long stories Garth Nix is used to writing. Disappointing in their dis-jointedness, and some stories are intentionally left unfinished, which is not satisfying to the fan of the Abhorsen Trilogy who would like more background information on the characters/situations. ( )

My only complaint about this companion book is that it’s too short. It’s sad that after having invested so much into the world Nix has created, we will never have any more stories about The Old Kingdom and the Abhorsen. Personally, I want to see many more smaller stories like this one about the exploits of all the characters and the people and creatures they’re fighting against to make their world safe and secure for their people. I want to see more about the blossoming relationship between Nick and Lirael. Otherwise, the story is fun to follow, and the other little short stories about various worlds and other things Nix has created are interesting as well.-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com ( )