Editorial Content for To Hold the Bridge

TO HOLD THE BRIDGE is an intriguing collection of short stories by Garth Nix that showcases his versatility as a writer. From vampires to modern-day alien stories to an old kingdom novella set in the world of his former novel SHADE’S CHILDREN, each short story is succinct, fascinating and over all too quickly. After finishing one story, the reader will wish for a whole novel to expand upon the world and continue the plot.

Each short story is succinct, fascinating and over all too quickly. After finishing one story, the reader will wish for a whole novel to expand upon the world.

Each novella is a great bite-sized story to read in a sitting, and each story’s drastically different content provides great contrast and interesting juxtaposition.While it might be a little disorienting to flip from a story about an ancient people to a description of jeeps and modern-day military, there is definitely a genre for everyone in this book.

My personal favorite snippet was the fascinating story of a superstitious, Amish-like community set in the modern world, but with vampires. Because they use technology, everyone outside of the village has a vampire vaccine and is immune to attacks. The community, however, lives in constant fear. The sudden intersection of an upstanding village man and someone from the outside make a suspenseful and good read.

While it will certainly entertain new readers, TO HOLD THE BRIDGE will be much more interesting to Garth Nix fans that truly know and love his other stories, and have greater background knowledge of his worlds.  Overall, Garth Nix’s newest addition is a great read with variety for everyone, and surely at least one story that every reader will enjoy.