Starred Review Nix's collection of richly imagined short fiction begins with the title novella set in his signature Old Kingdom, a story about a young cadet who is called upon to perform a feat of danger and daring using charter magic. Following this, the book is divided into five thematic sections: "Creatures of Darkness and Light," "Coming-of-Age Stories," "Combat and Struggle," "Lighthearted Tales," and "Science Fiction," all of which have a cross-generational appeal to both adults and young adults. Among the best of this generous 20-story collection: a story of a doctor, druids, and the popular comic character Hellboy; another about a princess, a unicorn, a witch, and justice served; still another about sweet revenge exacted against three evil bane witches manqué; and a fourth about a sword, an heir to the throne, and holly magic. All but one story (a realistic tale of a teenage boy who is a live-action role-playing gamester) in this masterfully done archive of previously published stories are fantasy, horror, or science fiction and are populated by a host of outré beings, from vampires and angels to demons. Nix knows them well, and the result is a feast for speculative fiction fans of all ages. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: Fantasy stalwart Nix will benefit from Comic-Con promotion, blogger outreach, e-mail promotions, and more.

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

To Hold the Bridge, the title of this anthology as well as the introductory novella, is a collection of Nix's stories segmented into five categories. The novella tells the story of Morghan, a poor orphan who owns one share of the Bridge Company and wishes, against the odds, to enroll as a company cadet. It guarantees him three square meals and new clothing. Morghan finds, once enlisted, however, that he cares more about his comrades and the bridge than he ever thought possible. Among the story categories are "Standing Up and Being Counted," "Check Your Faint Heart at the Door," and "A Wink and a Nod." The stories run the gamut from fantasy (witches and vampires) to mystery and science fiction. They also span time, going from the undated past through to the future. In the mystery "The Curious Case of the Moondawn Daffodils Murder," the main character is Sherlock Holmes's cousin. "The Quiet Knight," a current-day a romance, tells of a shy boy who participates in knight games. His helmet covers his entire face, which is not an issueuntil he meets Sorayah.The variety of stories ensures there are several to please all readers. The stories are well written and the characters come to life. Some have a lot of action while some are more sedate. Most stories are short, which may be a pitfall in that several needed something extra to make them more memorable. Overall, this is an enjoyable read for fantasy and science fiction fans.Ed Goldberg.This book is difficult to read in one sitting.á While the stories themselves are engaging individually, none of them satisfactorily develop characters and the reader is left without closure. Nix has a very imaginative and wild mind, and his book provides a well-written means for the reader to experience his creativity.áHis short stories cover a wide variety of genre appeals including adventure, mystery, and combat, but all are fantastical and will only attract fantasy readers.á3Q, 3P.Rachelle David, Teen Reviewer.