Author guide

Garth Nix Books in Order

Garth Nix is an Australian author best known for fantasy and science fiction including the Old Kingdom, Seventh Tower, Keys to the Kingdom, TroubleTwisters, and Booksellers series. He also writes standalone novels, picture books, and short fiction, including co-authored books with Sean Williams.

fantasyscience fictionchildren's literatureyoung adult fictionshort fiction

Catalog record updated August 25, 2026.

Garth Nix's Newest Book

We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord

novel · First published 2024

From master storyteller Garth Nix, the chilling story of a strange object that falls into the wrong hands and has the potential to destroy the world. Perfect for fans of STRANGER THINGS, THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH, and Neil Gaiman. It's not fair. Kim's always lived in the shadow of his younger sister, Eila -- which is not how it's supposed to be. Eila is a prodigy, and everyone talks about how smart she is... but, in Kim's eyes, she has no common sense. One day Kim and Eila are walking in the woods, and Eila finds an enigmatic, otherworldly object. Kim thinks it's bad news... but Eila begins to commune with it. Kim has every reason to be worried, because soon Eila is able to control the minds of everyone around her... in ways she says is the best for everyone. Kim's problem-solving must go into high gear. He has to not only save his sister, but save the world from his sister and the forces she's unleashed.

Not sure where to begin?

Start with one of these

Very Clever Baby's First Reader

First book in the Very Clever Baby series.

Sabriel

The first novel in the Old Kingdom series.

The Fall

The first book in The Seventh Tower.

Mister Monday

The first book in The Keys to the Kingdom.

TroubleTwisters

The first book in the TroubleTwisters series.

Spirit Animals #3: Blood Ties

Garth Nix's contribution to the Spirit Animals series.

Have Sword, Will Travel

The first book in the Have Sword, Will Travel series.

The Left-Handed Booksellers of London

The first book in the Booksellers series.

The Ragwitch

An early standalone children's fantasy novel.

Shade's Children

A standalone young adult science-fiction novel.

Read in order

Books by series

picture-book-series · complete

Very Clever Baby

A series of humorous early readers featuring Freddy the Fish.

Series guide →

1
Very Clever Baby's First Reader
Book 1 · picture-book · 1988
2
Very Clever Baby's Ben Hur
Book 2 · picture-book · 1988
3
Very Clever Baby's Guide to the Greenhouse Effect
Book 3 · picture-book · 1992
4
Very Clever Baby's First Christmas
Book 4 · picture-book · 1998

fantasy-series · ongoing

The Old Kingdom

A fantasy series set in the Old Kingdom, involving the Abhorsen, Charter magic, and the realm of Death.

Series guide →

1
Sabriel
Book 1 · novel · 1995

For many years Sabriel has lived outside the walls of the Old Kingdom, away from the random power of Free Magic, and away from the Dead who won't stay dead. But now her father, the Mage Abhorsen, is missing, and to find him Sabriel must…
2
Lirael
Book 2 · novel · 2001

When a dangerous necromancer threatens to unleash a long-buried evil, Lirael and Prince Sameth are drawn into a battle to save the Old Kingdom and reveal their true destinies.
3
Abhorsen
Book 3 · novel · 2003

Book three in Garth Nix's internationally acclaimed Old Kingdom fantasy trilogy that began with Sabriel and Lirael.Beneath the earth, a malignant force lies waiting, greedy for freedom from its ancient prison. As the Old Kingdom falls…
4
The Creature in the Case
Book 3.5 · novella · 2005 Optional

"An Old Kingdom story, set approimately six months after the events in Abhorsen."
5
Clariel
Book 4 · novel · 2014

4th in the Abhorsen series. Sixteen-year-old Clariel is not adjusting well to her new life in the city of Belisaere, the capital of the Old Kingdom. She misses roaming freely within the forests of Estwael, and she feels trapped within the…
6
Goldenhand
Book 5 · novel · 2016

Following the events of Garth Nix's award-winning Abhorsen, Lirael must rely on new allies to finally defeat an ancient enemy. For everything and everyone, there is a time to die ... Lirael is no longer a shy Second Assistant Librarian -…
7
Terciel & Elinor
Book 6 · novel · 2021

Be swept away by the magic of the Old Kingdom in this standalone novel by Garth Nix which tells the story of Sabriel's parents, Terciel and Elinor, and the charter magic that brings them together - and threatens to tear them apart.

fantasy-series · complete

The Seventh Tower

A six-book children's fantasy series about Tal and Milla in a world of eternal darkness.

Series guide →

1
The Fall
Book 1 · novel · 2000

First of a thrilling fantasy adventure series set on the Dark World, where society is ranked according to its colour clan and the most precious commodity is light. In all the world there is only one place that ever sees the sun. A…
2
Castle
Book 2 · novel · 2000

"The Dark World is a place of ice, wind, and fury. A veil of black covers the sky. In all the world, only the Castle shines with light..."
3
Aenir
Book 3 · novel · 2001

The dream world, Aenir, is not a safe place. Tal and Millie must fight their way through the shifting landscape in order to find the Codex. The Codex is a strange and magical object that will decide the fate of their worlds.
4
Above the Veil
Book 4 · novel · 2001

"Tal and Milla are no longer alone in their quest for the truth about their world. They have been joined by Crow, a rebel Underfolk, and his band of conspirators. They know many secrets about the Castle -- and are on the verge of…
5
Into Battle
Book 5 · novel · 2001

"The Dark World is in danger, for the Veil is vulnerable. War is soon to come. On one side are Tal and the Underfolk rebels, struggling valiantly for freedom. On another side are Milla and the Icecarls, preparing to assault the Castle in…
6
The Violet Keystone
Book 6 · novel · 2001

Tal and Milla are only one step from death and evil is only one step from triumph. An old war is revived and the key to everything is the Seventh Tower.

fantasy-series · complete

The Keys to the Kingdom

A seven-book fantasy series in which Arthur must claim the seven Trustees' keys and restore the House.

Series guide →

1
Mister Monday
Book 1 · novel · 2003

Book one in a blockbuster series, The Keys to the Kingdom, by the internationally acclaimed Garth Nix. Moving between our familiar world and bizarre other realms where nothing is predictable, Nix delivers a thrilling adventure-fantasy of…
2
Grim Tuesday
Book 2 · novel · 2004

Arthur must retrieve the Second Key from his enemy Grim Tuesday in order to save the world. Arthur doesn't think he will ever have to return to the strange house that nearly killed him on Monday -- the house that contains an entire world.…
3
Drowned Wednesday
Book 3 · novel · 2005

Everyone is after Arthur Penhaligon including strange pirates, shadowy creatures, and Drowned Wednesday, whose gluttony threatens both her world and Arthur's.
4
Sir Thursday
Book 4 · novel · 2006

Following their adventure on the Border Sea, Arthur and Leaf are set on heading home. But only if Leaf can make it through the front door. Arthur is blocked because someone--or something--has assumed his identity and is taking over his…
5
Lady Friday
Book 5 · novel · 2007

Young Arthur Penhaligon must weigh an offer from Lady Friday that is either a cunning trap for the Rightful Heir or a golden opportunity that he must seize.
6
Superior Saturday
Book 6 · novel · 2008

Arthur has wrested the Sixth Key from Superior Saturday, but has fallen from the Incomparable Gardens; fallen not to the Upper House but to somewhere completely unexpected. Alone in enemy territory, as his mind and body are further…
7
Lord Sunday
Book 7 · novel · 2010

As Arthur Penhaligon seeks to find the seventh key, complete his quest to save the Kingdom to which he is heir, and learn his true identity, he discovers that he has a greater purpose than he could have imagined.

multi-author-series · complete

Aussie Bites

An Australian children's fiction series featuring short novels by different authors.

Series guide →

1
Serena and the Sea Serpent
Book un-numbered · picture-book · 2000

Novel in the Aussie Bites series for early primary school-age readers. A fierce sea serpent is scaring the people of Blubber Point and it's up to super-smart Serena Smith to scare him off. Illustrations throughout and large print.

fantasy-series · complete

TroubleTwisters

A four-book children's fantasy series co-written with Sean Williams about twins with magical Gifts battling the Evil.

Series guide →

1
TroubleTwisters
Book 1 · novel · 2011

Jaide and Jack learn that their father and grandmother are "wardens," defending portals and humanity from evil, and their lives change when they learn they share the same powers. The plot contains violence. The coauthor is Sean Williams.…
2
The Monster
Book 2 · novel · 2012

New York Times–Bestselling Authors: “This gripping fantasy for the middle-grade set delivers magic and delightful dollops of ick.” —Kirkus Reviews Ever since they moved to the town of Portland, many bizarre things have happened to Jaide…
3
Mystery of the Golden Card
Book 3 · novel · 2013
4
Missing, Presumed Evil
Book 4 · novel · 2014

Magical twins, mystery and danger, unexplained events, and an Evil that refuses to be contained. Trouble is looming over the quiet coastal town of Portland. A door has been opened to the Evil Dimension, and twins Jack and Jaide are about…

multi-author-series · ongoing

Spirit Animals

A multi-author children's fantasy series in which children bond with spirit animals.

Series guide →

3
Spirit Animals #3: Blood Ties
Book 3 · novel · 2014

fantasy-series · complete

Have Sword, Will Travel

A children's fantasy adventure series co-written with Sean Williams about unlikely knights and a talking sword.

Series guide →

1
Have Sword, Will Travel
Book 1 · novel · 2017

From New York Times bestselling authors Garth Nix and Sean Williams, comes this hilarious, action-packed adventure featuring a very unlikely knight, an admirably stubborn girl, and a sword with attitude.
2
Let Sleeping Dragons Lie
Book 2 · novel · 2018

fantasy-series · ongoing

The Left-Handed Booksellers of London

A fantasy mystery series about magical booksellers operating in an alternate modern Britain.

Series guide →

1
The Left-Handed Booksellers of London
Book 1 · novel · 2020

A girl's quest to find her father leads her to an extended family of magical fighting booksellers who police the mythical Old World of England when it intrudes on the modern world. From the bestselling master of teen fantasy, Garth Nix.…
2
The Sinister Booksellers of Bath
Book 2 · novel · 2023

Return to the enchanting world of The Left-Handed Booksellers of London in this sequel by Garth Nix, bestselling master of teen fantasy, where once again a team of booksellers must fight to keep dangerous magic under cover before the…

Outside the series

Bibliography by category

Sort works

Novels (8)

The Ragwitch
novel · 1990

From the author of Abhorsen comes classic fantasy set in a world dominated by the Ragwitch, a being of sinister, destructive intent.Quiet, easygoing Paul never expected to be cast in the role of savior. But his strong-willed sister,…
Shade's Children
novel · 1997

The Key to Survival Rests in the Hands of Shade's Children In a futuristic urban wasteland, evil Overlords have decreed that no child shall live a day past his fourteenth birthday. On that Sad Birthday, the child is the object of an…
The Calusari
novel · 1997
A Confusion of Princes
novel · 2012

"Battling aliens, space pirates, and competitors, Prince Khemri meets a young woman, named Raine, and learns more than he expected about the hidden workings of a vast, intergalactic Empire, and about himself"--
Newt's Emerald
novel · 2015

After Lady Truthful's magical Newington Emerald is stolen from her she devises a simple plan: go to London to recover the missing jewel. She quickly learns, however, that a woman cannot wander the city streets alone without damaging her…
Frogkisser!
novel · 2017

Princess Anya has a big problem: Duke Rikard, her step-stepfather is an evil wizard who wants to rule the kingdom and has a habit of changing people into frogs, and her older sister Morven, the heir, is a wimp--so with the help of the…
Angel Mage
novel · 2019

**M**ore than a century has passed since Liliath crept into the empty sarcophagus of Saint Marguerite, fleeing the Fall of Ystara. But she emerges from her magical sleep still beautiful, looking no more than nineteen, and once again…
We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord
novel · 2024

From master storyteller Garth Nix, the chilling story of a strange object that falls into the wrong hands and has the potential to destroy the world. Perfect for fans of STRANGER THINGS, THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH, and Neil Gaiman. It's not…

Short fiction (5)

Across the Wall: A Tale of the Abhorsen and Other Stories
short-story-collection · 2005

A collection of fantasy short stories plus a novella that is set in the world of the Abhorsen trilogy.
One Beastly Beast: Two Aliens, Three Inventors, Four Fantastic Tales
short-story-collection · 2007

A collection of four fantasy tales in which a boy joins a strange navy in pursuit of video pirates, a neglected princess seeks adventure, an orphaned inventor seeks the perfect parents, and a genius girl faces a sea serpent.
Sir Hereward and Mister Fitz: Three Adventures
short-story-collection · 2011

Two novellas and a short story featuring knight and swordsman, Sir Hereward along with Mister Fitz, puppet and sorcerer, gathered in one volume.
To Hold the Bridge
short-story-collection · 2015

A collection of short stories from the author of the Old Kingdom Trilogy. The fist story is set in the world of Sabriel, and focuses on a young man named Morghan, who joins The Bridge Company. Other stories in the collection are about his…
Sir Hereward and Mister Fitz: Stories of the Witch Knight and the Puppet Sorcerer
short-story-collection · 2023

"I loved making the acquaintance of Sir Hereward and Mister Fitz. If you haven't met them yet, you are in for a treat. They are the best partnership in the world of fantasy since Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser." -- George R.R. Martin,…

Children's books (2)

Bill the Inventor
picture-book · 1998
Blackbread the Pirate
picture-book · 1999

Frequently asked questions about Garth Nix

Is Garth Nix his real name?

Yes. Garth Nix has confirmed that it is his real name, not a pseudonym.

Source: garthnix.com (opens in a new tab)

What did Garth Nix do before becoming a full-time writer?

He became a full-time writer in 2001 after working as a literary agent, marketing consultant, editor, publicist, sales representative, bookseller, and part-time Australian Army Reserve soldier.

Source: garthnix.com (opens in a new tab)

What influenced Garth Nix’s writing?

He draws ideas from observation, experience, history, biography, myths, legends, science, and fiction. He has also cited exorcism folklore and Dorothy Sayers’s The Nine Tailors as inspirations for the named bells in his fantasy writing.

Source: garthnix.com (opens in a new tab)

What awards has Garth Nix won?

His honors include multiple Aurealis Awards, an ABIA Award, a Ditmar Award, the Mythopoeic Award, and a CBCA Honour Book designation. In 2025, he received Australia’s Medal of the Order of Australia for services to literature.

Sources: garthnix.com (opens in a new tab)gg.gov.au (opens in a new tab)

What is Garth Nix’s legacy in children’s and young-adult fantasy?

His work has sold more than seven million copies worldwide, been translated into 42 languages, and appeared on major bestseller lists. Australia’s Governor-General describes him as a multi-award-winning author with more than 40 published novels.

Sources: garthnix.com (opens in a new tab)gg.gov.au (opens in a new tab)