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Garth Nix
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To Hold the Bridge Kindle Edition

by Garth Nix (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 602 ratings
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An entertaining short-story collection from bestselling fantasy author Garth Nix, including an Old Kingdom novella, a short story set in the same world as Shade's Children, and another story set in the world of A Confusion of Princes.

Garth Nix is renowned for his legendary fantasy works, but To Hold the Bridge showcases his versatility as the collection offers nineteen short stories from every genre of literature including science fiction, paranormal, realistic fiction, mystery, and adventure. Whether writing about vampires, detectives, ancient spirits, or odd jobs, Garth Nix's ability to pull his readers into new worlds is extraordinary.

Previous page
  1. Print length
    416 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    HarperCollins
  5. Publication date
    June 9, 2015
  6. Reading age
    13 - 17 years
  7. Grade level
    8 - 9
  8. File size
    981 KB
  9. Page Flip
    Enabled
  10. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  11. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  12. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 9 Up—In this excellent collection with crossover appeal, Nix truly displays his storytelling chops. He begins with an Old Kingdom novella that lends the collection its name, in which a penniless youth takes his place as a cadet in the The Worshipful Company of the Greenwash & Field Market Bridge. Nix also includes stories set in the worlds of his Shade's Children (1997) and A Confusion of Princes (2012, both HarperCollins). Other familiar names appear here, including Holmes, John Carter of Mars, and even Hellboy. Many of these tales reside in the murky borderlands between fantasy and horror while others embrace science fiction tropes. There are deadly serious stories and others that are offbeat. One entire section is devoted to coming-of-age tales that feature characters as diverse as a shy LARPer to two young ladies working their way through a college for witches. Another highlights tales of conflict including Nix's take on the sword in the stone and Richelieu-era Paris. Nix's talents for characterization, description, and plotting render each story in this work a pleasure to read. VERDICT Readers of speculative fiction, whether teens or adults, should find much to enjoy in this collection.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Review

“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

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00NLM1BKC
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins (June 9, 2015)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 9, 2015
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 981 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 416 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 602 ratings

About the author

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Garth Nix

Garth Nix

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Garth Nix has worked as a bookseller, book sales representative, publicist, editor, marketing consultant and literary agent. He also spent five years as a part-time soldier in the Australian Army Reserve. A full-time writer since 2001, more than five million copies of his books have been sold around the world and his work has been translated into 40 languages. Garth's books have appeared on the bestseller lists of The New York Times, Publishers Weekly (US), The Bookseller(UK), The Australian and The Sunday Times (UK). He lives in Sydney, Australia, with his wife and two children.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
602 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

N. Armstrong
5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite Garth Nix Story …
Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2024
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… To Hold the Bridge , I have read it a dozen times and enjoy a new each time. A great use of the Old Kingdom for an inspirational short story.
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sf reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful addition to the old kingdom series.
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2017
Verified Purchase
This is a novel of several short stories by Garth Nix. To hold the bridge is the longest and best of the short stories. It takes place in the old kingdom from his Sabriel series. It is a stand alone short story but it really places a full story of a destitute young man achieving greatness far beyond his dreams. For this story alone it was worth reading the book. It also reignited my interest in the old kingdom series which I understand the author is continuing. The other books covered a huge range of topics of which some are related to his other series and other people's series.
2 people found this helpful
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MJS
4.0 out of 5 stars True to Garth Nix
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2016
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For me the story To Hold the Bridge, was one that was true to Garth Nix. The story may have been about a coming of age, or even a redefining of who you are and what you can achieve. Even though the story was way to short for me; I was not ready for it to be completed, it was a great tail. I have a feeling we will see this bridge again and I would not mind in it in the least. The only reason I did not give it 5 stars was there was only one old kingdom story in the book. I am picky on what I read and if I do not get interested into the story right away then it is a waste of time for me.
One person found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2017
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This author has been my favorite for the past 15 years. He created an amazing fantasy with an enticing twist on necromancy and an enthralling new world with a complete and elegant magic system, round and compelling character, beautiful and strong leading ladies, and two distinct worlds that I have happily got lost in time and time again. I cannot praise the Author enough. If you love Fantasy, you will love his books!
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Voracious Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun to read.
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2015
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I enjoy Garth NIx's work very much. There was a great Old Kingdom novella ("To Hold The Bridge") which was interesting in that it was told from the POV of a common citizen (or subject?) of the Old Kingdom, not from the POV of someone like Sabriel or Lirael who are the Abhorsen or who have royal blood or are similarly advantaged.

There were many other good stories in there. Garth Nix never disappoints.
One person found this helpful
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Patricija
3.0 out of 5 stars Not exactly swept off my feet
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2016
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The only story I truly liked is "To Hold the Bridge". Admittedly, I am Old Kingdom fan but that story is still by far the most original and elaborate. World building is fascinating and characters captivating. The only thing about "To Hold the Bridge" story is that feels like excellent first chapter of a novel and not standalone short story. Ending is too abrupt to feel like well-rounded short story. Other short stories, though mildly entertaining at time, are hardly mind-blowing. Should Mr. Nix ever turn "To Hold the Bridge" into full length novel I will be the first to buy it without a second thought. The rest of collection is easily forgettable.
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Bookwyrm
5.0 out of 5 stars Bought for Old Kingdom story, loved the other stories also
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2016
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I bought this for the Old Kingdom story, looking for something to hold me over until the next book. The Old Kingdom story was very good, as were all the other stories in this collection. I was pleasantly surprised, having the experience that short story collections by my favorite authors are often a mish-mash of angst-ridden strangeness that I usually don't enjoy.

Very glad I purchased this enjoyable collection. I also purchased Across the Wall and enjoyed that thoroughly also.
2 people found this helpful
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Square Eyes
5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent collection
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2016
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This is a fantastic collection of short stories. I feel that those reviewers complaining that it is not all Old Kingdom fare are missing out - in my opinion that one wasn't even the best tale here, good though it was. These are varied, well told and gripping. There's even a short Shade's Children spin-off. The only one that left me cold was the John Carter one, but I think maybe I needed to actually know something about the character/world to fully appreciate it and I did not!
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Iris
5.0 out of 5 stars wow this book is fantastic!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 3, 2023
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Couldn’t put it down. So many stories and worlds and characters you really care about even if you don’t agree with them. Mr Nix’s mind is incredible. Really enjoyed this book.
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Marisol Mendoza
4.0 out of 5 stars Great quality!
Reviewed in Mexico on August 14, 2019
Verified Purchase
It came in quite fast. As always, a little damaged in the corners but generally in good condition. Great quality and actually very cheap. Thank you a lot I can't wait to read it when I finish my current lecture!!
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Marisol Mendoza
4.0 out of 5 stars Great quality!
Reviewed in Mexico on August 14, 2019
It came in quite fast. As always, a little damaged in the corners but generally in good condition. Great quality and actually very cheap. Thank you a lot I can't wait to read it when I finish my current lecture!!
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Sean
5.0 out of 5 stars Stories too short.
Reviewed in Canada on July 22, 2018
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Amazing author teasing us with world that should be full books.
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Leonard Hall
5.0 out of 5 stars Otra gran colección
Reviewed in Spain on April 13, 2017
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De nuevo una colección buenísima de relatos. Sinceramente, no me ha disgustado ninguno.Algunos, como "Infestation", "The Heart of the city" "Ambrose and .........." o "The curious case..." tienen la semilla de poder convertirse en novelas o colecciones de relatos cortos con las mismas protagonistas. Hay relatos que abarcan todos los genres: fantasy, sci - fi, steampunk, misterio con guiños a Lovecraft, Conan Doyle entre otros.
Tardé un par de días en leerlo.
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Franzi
5.0 out of 5 stars Zauberhaft!
Reviewed in Germany on January 10, 2016
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Ich war bisher kein Fan von Kurzgeschichten, aber diese hier habe mich in ihren Bann geschlagen!
Garth Nix versteht es, in kürzester Zeit eine Beziehung zwischen dem Leser und den Hauptcharakteren aufzubauen. Die Geschichten sind fesselnd und kurzweilig.
Man wünscht sich zwar manchmal, dass er aus diesen kurzen Erzählungen ein ganzen Buch machen würde, aber das tut dem Lesevergnügen wirklich keinen Abbruch.
Nix hat einen wundervollen Erzählstil und braucht auch keine ständigen Füllfloskeln und Wortwiederholungen. Da ich sehr schnell lese, merke ich es sofort, wenn ein Autor sich oft wiederholt! Das hat er zum Glück nicht nötig.
Als Info für Fans von Sabriel und dem "Old Kingdom": es gibt hier allerdings nur eine weiter Geschichte, die in dieser Welt spielt.
Trotzdem gebe ich für dieses Buch eine absolute Kaufempfehlung!
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